Removable Flash Chamber for Integrated Blood Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood sampling techniques are device-intensive, time-consuming, and costly, often requiring multiple devices for blood collection and testing, which limits the immediacy of blood diagnosis, especially in point-of-care settings where rapid results are critical.
Innovation Solution
A catheter assembly with a removable flash chamber that is coupled to the introducer needle, allowing blood collection and storage within the chamber, which can then be easily dispensed for point-of-care testing, reducing the need for additional sampling devices and enabling quicker access to time-sensitive health information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional blood sampling methods using hypodermic needles and vacuum tubes are used, then blood collection is achieved, but the process becomes device-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blood collection needle and sampling chamber into a single integrated flash chamber assembly. The flash chamber is directly coupled to the needle hub, eliminating the need for separate vacuum tubes and syringes. This merging of functions allows blood to be collected and stored in one device, significantly reducing the number of components and steps required for blood sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The flash chamber serves multiple functions: it acts as both the collection vessel and the storage container for blood samples. The chamber can be used for immediate point-of-care testing or for transporting samples to remote laboratories. This multi-functionality replaces several specialized devices with a single versatile component, improving productivity while reducing device complexity.
2Loss of time
If multiple devices are used for blood collection and testing, then comprehensive blood sampling is achieved, but the cost and time of blood diagnosis increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flash chamber is pre-assembled with the needle hub before patient contact, with the collection chamber already in place and ready for blood collection. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to assemble multiple devices during the procedure, reducing the time required for blood sampling. The chamber is designed to be immediately usable upon needle insertion, streamlining the entire diagnostic process.
3Ease of operation
If a removable flash chamber is coupled to the needle hub, then blood sampling is streamlined and costs decrease, but the chamber must be securely attached to prevent loss
Solution Approach 1:
The flash chamber is designed as a removable module that can be easily detached from the needle hub after blood collection. This segmentation allows the chamber to be securely attached during collection through friction fit or mechanical engagement, then easily removed for testing or transport. The modular design maintains both secure attachment during use and ease of removal afterward, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A needle hub (36) and catheter assembly are (20) disclosed herein. The needle hub includes an introducer needle (30) having a lumen extending therethrough. A needle hub is coupled to a proximal end of the introducer needle. A flash chamber (34) is removably coupled to the needle hub or the introducer needle. An interior of the flash chamber is in fluid communication with the lumen of the introducer needle when the flash chamber is coupled to the needle hub or the introducer needle. As such, the flash chamber can collect a sample of blood that can be accessed when the flash chamber is removed. In some instances, the blood can also be dispensed from the flash chamber into a test strip (70) or other testing device.