Sample Collection Apparatus for Bubble-Free Microfluidic Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for handling small volumes of biological fluids, particularly for point-of-care testing, face challenges in ensuring accurate and bubble-free fluid injection into microsyringes, which affects the accuracy and reproducibility of quantitative tests.
Innovation Solution
A sample collection apparatus with a filling assembly and fluid conducting element that directs biological fluid into a receiving syringe with a pressure release structure, ensuring air-free fluid delivery and precise volume control, including a filter to separate plasma from whole blood without centrifugation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If small volumes of biological fluid are handled for point-of-care testing, then the exposure and technical requirement for phlebotomy are reduced, but the accuracy and reproducibility of quantitative tests deteriorate due to difficulty in standardizing small aliquot volumes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual phlebotomy and manual fluid handling with an automated injection device that mechanically aspirates and injects standardized aliquots of biological fluid. The automated device includes a syringe with plunger mechanisms that precisely control fluid aspiration and injection, eliminating the variability associated with manual techniques and ensuring reproducible small volume handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of fluid volume standardization by incorporating pre-calibrated syringes and injection mechanisms designed specifically for small volumes (0.1-50 microlitre range). The device includes features such as scaled syringes with precise volume markings and mechanical stoppers that ensure consistent aspiration and injection of standardized aliquots, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining small sample volumes.
2Productivity
If automated injection devices are used for small volume fluid handling, then productivity and reproducibility are improved, but the device complexity increases requiring precise control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The automated injection device is segmented into distinct functional modules: a syringe assembly for fluid containment, a plunger mechanism for aspiration, an injection mechanism for delivery, and a control system. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the complex overall system to be managed through modular components that can be independently calibrated and maintained, thereby reducing operational complexity despite high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates self-priming and self-calibrating features where the syringe and injection mechanisms are designed to automatically establish proper fluid pathways and volume measurements without requiring complex external calibration procedures. The standardized syringe designs include built-in reference marks and mechanical features that guide proper assembly and operation, reducing the complexity burden on the user.
3Measurement precision
If fluid is injected into automated analyzers, then quantitative testing is enabled, but bubbles and air pockets cause volume injection inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates preliminary air removal actions through design features such as downward orientation of the syringe during fluid aspiration, allowing air bubbles to rise and escape before injection. The injection mechanism is designed to deliver fluid in a controlled manner that minimizes air entrapment, and the system includes features to ensure the fluid pathway is primed and free of air pockets before quantitative measurement begins.
4Quantity of substance
If minimal volume of blood is collected for testing, then patient exposure to phlebotomy is reduced, but standardization of measured aliquot becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of volume standardization by incorporating pre-calibrated syringes and injection mechanisms designed specifically for small volumes (0.1-50 microlitre range). The device includes features such as scaled syringes with precise volume markings and mechanical stoppers that ensure consistent aspiration and injection of standardized aliquots, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining small sample volumes.
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 apparatus enables accurate and reproducible injection of small volumes of fluid into automated analyzers, improving the quality and reliability of point-of-care testing by minimizing bubbles and ensuring standardized fluid samples.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure release structure in the receiving syringe to release pressure in the receiving syringe as sample fluid flows via the fluid conducting element
Implementation Method 2
including a filter to separate plasma from whole blood without centrifugation
Data Source
AI summary
A sample collection apparatus for fluid handling of small amounts of sample fluid and loading of a syringe. The present sample collection apparatus can be utilized as a precise dispense device within an accompanying instrument, such as an input to an analytical instrument, point-of-care device, or automated analyzer. The present apparatus can also be used for preparing whole blood samples and for separating plasma from the cellular components of whole blood without centrifugation, as well as for providing filtered samples of biological materials.