Pierceable Silicone Membrane for Sterile Specimen Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for withdrawing and transporting biological specimens are prone to contamination during specimen collection and analysis due to potential contact with non-sterile environments or operators, despite efforts to maintain sterility.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a test tube with a cap featuring a liquid-impermeable, pierceable membrane made of soft material, such as silicone rubber, which allows sealed closure and safe access for specimen retrieval using a micropipette, minimizing contact risks and preventing uncontrolled spillage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the test tube is opened to access the specimen for analysis, then the operator can perform the analysis, but the specimen is at risk of contamination from non-sterile environments or operator contact
Solution Approach 1:
A membrane seal is introduced as an intermediary barrier between the specimen and the external environment. The membrane allows controlled access through a puncture point while maintaining sterility, enabling the operator to access the specimen without direct contact with the swab or test tube interior, thus eliminating contamination risk while preserving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible membrane seal that can be punctured to allow access while maintaining the sterile barrier. This thin film structure enables the test tube to remain sealed during transport and storage, then allows controlled access when needed, resolving the contradiction between maintaining sterility and enabling operator access
2Ease of operation
If the swab is inserted directly into the test tube for analysis, then the specimen can be accessed, but the swab may contact non-sterile surfaces or operator hands during withdrawal and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane seal acts as an intermediary that isolates the swab from the external environment. The swab remains inside the sealed test tube throughout handling and transport, contacting only the sterile membrane interior surface. When access is needed, the membrane is punctured and the swab can be retrieved through the puncture point without contacting non-sterile surfaces, thus maintaining reliability while enabling ease of operation
3Reliability
If the test tube is sealed hermetically with a cap, then sterility is guaranteed during transport, but access to the specimen requires opening the seal which creates contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane seal provides a flexible sealing solution that maintains hermetic closure during transport, then allows controlled access when needed. The membrane can be punctured with a needle or pipette to create an access point without compromising the sterile barrier, enabling easy access to the specimen while preserving the sterility guarantee throughout the entire process
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
The solution effectively reduces contamination risks by allowing sterile access to the specimen within the test tube, ensuring the integrity of the specimen during transport and analysis while preventing accidental contact with non-sterile surfaces or operators.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane constructed of a soft material impermeable to liquids and pierceable by a suitable specimen withdrawal means
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for the withdrawal, collection and transport of biological specimens, characterised by comprising a test tube (11) equipped with a cap (12) comprising a membrane (18) constructed of a soft material impermeable to liquids and pierceable by a suitable specimen withdrawal means.