Rotatable Capillary Blood Collector for Hemolysis Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current capillary blood collection processes are complex, prone to workflow variabilities that lead to low sample quality issues such as hemolysis and micro-clots, and require multiple steps that can cause patient discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained, integrated capillary blood collection device with a retractable lancing mechanism and a holder that can lance, collect, and stabilize high volume samples, featuring a holder that can be cyclically squeezed to stimulate blood flow and includes anticoagulant in the flow path to stabilize the sample.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a multi-step capillary blood collection process is used, then blood samples can be collected, but workflow variabilities cause low sample quality issues such as hemolysis and micro-clots

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample qualityVSAvoidworkflow complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate collection steps into a single integrated device that performs lancing, blood collection, and sample stabilization simultaneously. The device integrates a lancet mechanism, collection chamber, and anticoagulant reservoir into one unit, eliminating the need for separate manual操作步骤 and reducing workflow variability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically performs blood collection and stabilization without requiring manual intervention for each step. The spring-loaded lancet automatically punctures the finger, the collection chamber automatically receives and contains the blood sample, and anticoagulant is automatically dispensed to prevent clotting, eliminating human error in the collection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If manual finger pricking and blood collection is performed, then blood samples can be obtained, but patient discomfort and psychological difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood sample volumeVSAvoidpatient comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable lancet that is used once and then discarded, eliminating the need for sterilization and reducing patient anxiety about contamination. The single-use nature of the lancet ensures hygiene while minimizing patient discomfort through consistent, pre-sterilized conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The device pre-loads the collection chamber and anticoagulant before use, and the lancet is pre-positioned and spring-loaded ready to puncture. This preliminary preparation eliminates delays during the collection process and reduces patient anxiety by having everything ready before contact with the patient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If multiple collection steps are required, then blood samples can be gathered, but the process time and patient discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesample qualityVSAvoidcollection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device maintains continuous blood flow from the puncture site through the collection chamber without interruption. The anticoagulant is continuously present in the collection chamber to prevent clotting throughout the collection process, ensuring uninterrupted blood flow and eliminating delays associated with manual transfer between containers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 device simplifies and streamlines the blood collection process, eliminating workflow variabilities, reducing patient discomfort, and ensuring high-quality, uniformly mixed samples by eliminating hemolysis and micro-clots.

Implementation Method 1

a capillary tube in fluid communication with the lancet outlet and the collection cavity inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

stabilize the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAnticoagulation:

Data Source

PatentEP4725444A2Capillary collector with rotatable connection
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 BECTON DICKINSON & CO
  • EP4725444A2 patent drawingFigure 1~4B
  • EP4725444A2 patent drawingFigure 5~7B
  • EP4725444A2 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

A device for obtaining a blood sample, the device including a holder for receiving a sample source, the holder having an actuation portion and a port, a container engagement portion connected to the holder, and a collection container removably connectable to the container engagement portion, the container defining a collection cavity, wherein the container engagement portion allows the collection container to rotate between a first position in which the collection container is spaced from the port and a second position in which the collection container is in fluid communication with the port.