Fluid Transfer System for Stabilizing Biological Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote and contact-free blood sample collection is challenging due to resource intensity, discomfort, and limitations in sample volume and quality, particularly for applications requiring larger quantities of high-quality liquid biological samples like genomics and rare analyte detection, where traditional methods like dried blood spots are inadequate and self-sampling is complicated by the need for pipettes and phlebotomist-assisted procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a stabilizer tube that connects with a sample tube via a cone-shaped fluid channel, allowing mixing of biological samples with stabilizers without transfer tools, enabling self-collection and stabilization of whole blood RNA and proteins in a no-spill format, suitable for remote sampling kits that prevent leakage and degradation, using commercially available stabilizers like RNAlater™.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If dried blood spot sampling is used for remote blood collection, then convenience and ease of self-sampling are improved, but sample volume and sample quality (RNA yield) deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluid transfer system as an intermediary device between the blood collection tube and the stabilizer tube. This system includes a transfer channel and valve mechanism that automatically transfers liquid blood from the collection tube to the stabilizer tube, eliminating the need for manual pipetting while enabling adequate sample volumes for RNA analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by providing all necessary components (collection tube, transfer system, stabilizer tube) in a remote sampling kit that patients can use independently. The automated fluid transfer mechanism eliminates the need for specialized equipment like pipettes, allowing patients to perform sample collection and stabilization without laboratory assistance.
2Reliability
If traditional venipuncture with vacutainers is used, then sample quality and RNA stabilization are improved, but device complexity and requirement for specialized equipment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated system: blood collection, automated fluid transfer, and RNA stabilization are combined in one kit. The collection tube is directly coupled to the stabilizer tube through a fluid transfer system, eliminating the need for separate vacutainers, pipettes, and manual transfer steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical manual operations (pipetting, syringe transfer) with an automated fluid transfer system based on pressure differential and valve control. This mechanical substitution enables reliable sample transfer without requiring skilled laboratory technicians or specialized equipment.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual pipetting is required for sample stabilization, then sample stabilization accuracy is improved, but ease of operation and self-sampling capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by providing all necessary components (collection tube, transfer system, stabilizer tube) in a remote sampling kit that patients can use independently. The automated fluid transfer mechanism eliminates the need for pipettes, allowing patients to perform sample collection and stabilization without laboratory assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid transfer system as an intermediary device between the blood collection tube and the stabilizer tube. This system includes a transfer channel and valve mechanism that automatically transfers liquid blood from the collection tube to the stabilizer tube, eliminating the need for manual pipetting while enabling adequate sample volumes for RNA analysis.
4Quantity of substance
If large volume liquid blood collection is implemented, then RNA yield and analyte detection quality are improved, but loss of substance and sample degradation deteriorate during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by immediately stabilizing the blood sample with RNA stabilization reagents (such as RNAlater) directly in the stabilizer tube at the time of collection. This preliminary stabilization prevents RNA degradation during transport, allowing large volume samples to be maintained without loss of quality even after extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical and chemical parameters of the blood sample by adding stabilization reagents that alter the molecular environment. This parameter change preserves RNA integrity and prevents degradation, enabling the transport of large volume samples without loss of analyte quality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the remote collection and stabilization of biological samples with improved sample quality and quantity, facilitating the analysis of RNA and other biomarkers, suitable for various clinical and research applications, including longitudinal studies and rural medicine, by allowing patients to collect and stabilize samples independently without specialized equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid channel can be configured to cause fluid that enters the fluid channel from the first opening to move toward the second opening based on surface tension forces
Data Source
AI summary
A sample vessel includes a biological sample container and a sample stabilizer container. The biological sample container is configured to receive a biological sample and to store the biological sample. The sample stabilizer container is configured to contain a stabilizer associated with the biological sample. The sample stabilizer container is assembled from a stabilizer vial, an adaptor, and a fluid channel. The stabilizer vial is configured to store an amount of the stabilizer. The adaptor is configured to secure the biological sample container and the stabilizer vial such that the biological sample container and the stabilizer vial form the sample vessel. The fluid channel extends through the adaptor from the stabilizer vial to the biological sample container, the biological sample moving from the biological sample container into the stabilizer vial through the fluid channel.