Pressure-Driven Liquid Extraction from Piercable Blood Tubes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for extracting liquid from blood collection tubes are inefficient, requiring manual de-capping and additional handling steps, and do not allow for the use of remaining samples during diagnostic tests, while also risking sample degradation due to improper storage conditions.
Innovation Solution
A liquid extraction device that provides a fluidic connection to the blood collection tube without de-capping, using a mechanism to create a pressure difference for extracting liquid, minimizing manual handling and enabling sample use during tests, while incorporating features to reduce haemolysis and sample degradation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual de-capping and handling steps are used to transfer liquid from blood collection tubes, then the liquid can be transferred to diagnostic devices, but the handling time increases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service operation where the diagnostic device automatically performs liquid extraction from the blood collection tube without requiring manual de-capping or transfer steps by the user. The device integrates the extraction mechanism that directly accesses the tube contents through the cap structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the blood collection tube cap with the diagnostic device interface, combining functions that were previously separate (manual de-capping, liquid transfer, and device insertion) into a single integrated operation where the cap serves as both closure and access mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If manual de-capping and adapter fitting are required before sample transfer, then liquid can be extracted from blood collection tubes, but device complexity and handling steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the adapter function into the diagnostic device itself, eliminating the need for separate adapter components. The device incorporates integrated interfaces that directly engage with the blood collection tube cap, removing the intermediate adapter step from the workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the adapter requirement from the overall system architecture, removing this intermediate component entirely. The diagnostic device is designed to interface directly with the blood collection tube through integrated mechanical and fluidic connections.
3Reliability
If the diagnostic device remains inserted in the analyser device during diagnostic tests, then measurements can be conducted, but remaining biological sample cannot be utilized until device removal
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary extraction of multiple liquid samples from the blood collection tube before the diagnostic test begins. This allows subsequent tests to be prepared and queued without requiring device removal, enabling continuous operation and better sample utilization throughout the diagnostic process.
4Productivity
If blood collection tubes are kept at room temperature for extended periods, then sample availability increases, but solution degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary extraction and allocation of required liquid samples from the blood collection tube before diagnostic testing begins. This allows the main sample volume to remain in controlled storage conditions while smaller aliquots are prepared for testing, reducing the time the main sample is exposed to suboptimal conditions.
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 efficient and easy extraction of liquid from blood collection tubes, allowing for sample use during tests and reducing manual handling, while minimizing haemolysis and ensuring proper storage conditions, thus improving the usability and reliability of the extraction process.
Implementation Method 1
the liquid extraction mechanism is configured to provide a pressure difference between a volume of gas in the liquid storage container and the liquid extraction outlet
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to a liquid extraction device for extracting liquid from a pierceable liquid storage container, the liquid extraction device comprising: a liquid storage container interface configured to provide a fluidic connection to a volume of liquid within the liquid storage container, the liquid storage container interface comprising a liquid extraction outlet configured to allow liquid to be extracted from the liquid storage container; and a liquid extraction mechanism actuatable from a first configuration to a second configuration; wherein the liquid extraction mechanism is configured to provide a pressure difference between a volume of gas in the liquid storage container and the liquid extraction outlet, when the liquid extraction mechanism is actuated from the first configuration to the second configuration.