Plasma Separation Membrane Kit with Flexure Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for separating and collecting cell-free plasma from finger stick blood samples often result in genomic DNA contamination and require complex manufacturing processes, making them inefficient and costly for small-scale production.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a substrate with inner and outer flexures to accurately position and apply uniform pressure to separation and collection membranes, combined with a tourniquet to minimize genomic DNA release, facilitating efficient plasma separation and collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate membranes are used for plasma separation and collection, then plasma separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate membranes (separation membrane and collection membrane) into a single integrated membrane assembly. The separation membrane and collection membrane are positioned adjacent to each other within a single well, forming a unified structure that performs both separation and collection functions simultaneously, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining plasma separation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the collection membrane is positioned within the well that also contains the separation membrane. The membranes are arranged in a layered configuration where the distal end of the separation membrane overlaps with the proximal end of the collection membrane, creating a compact nested arrangement that simplifies the overall device structure.
2Measurement precision
If minimal overlap between membranes is required, then plasma transfer accuracy is improved, but manufacturing tolerance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the membranes in a nested arrangement within the well before use. The separation membrane and collection membrane are positioned in advance with their distal and proximal ends overlapping within the same well, establishing the correct spatial relationship and minimal overlap distance beforehand. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate plasma transfer while accommodating standard manufacturing tolerances.
3Stability of the object's composition
If uniform pressure is applied at membrane contact area, then plasma transfer consistency is improved, but risk of membrane damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent flexibility of the thin film membranes to achieve uniform pressure distribution. The flexible nature of the membranes allows them to conform to the well structure and distribute applied pressure evenly across the contact area, ensuring consistent plasma transfer while preventing localized stress concentrations that could cause membrane damage.
4Device complexity
If single filtration membrane is used, then device simplicity is improved, but plasma collection completeness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the separation function and collection function into a single integrated membrane system. The separation membrane filters blood cells from plasma, while the adjacent collection membrane simultaneously captures the filtered plasma within the same well, ensuring complete plasma collection without requiring multiple separate devices.
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 genomic DNA contamination and simplifies the manufacturing process, enabling reliable cell-free plasma collection for genomic testing while maintaining membrane integrity.
Implementation Method 1
placing a tourniquet on one of the digits of the donor's finger to apply pressure
Implementation Method 2
blood samples may be applied to one end of the filtration membrane and as the blood sample flows through, blood cells may be separated from the plasma based on the size of the membranes pores
Implementation Method 3
a distal end of the first membrane contacts a proximal end of the second membrane to facilitate the separation of blood cells via the first membrane and the collection of plasma via the second membrane by capillary flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for separating and collecting cell-free plasma by finger stick that minimizes contamination with genomic DNA from a donor. The method comprising placing a tourniquet on one of the digits of the donor's finger to apply pressure, lancing the digit to create an incision in the digit, and collecting blood from the incision from the incision site. The collected blood is placed on a separation membrane (152) wherein the separation membrane is in contact with a collection membrane (154) and both the separation and collection membrane are inserted into a substrate (100) configured to provide overlap (168) between the membranes. A kit and instructions for carrying out the method is also provided.