Sample Collection Housing With Oxygen Absorption for Oxidation Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting small biological samples, such as blood, face challenges in preserving sample integrity, particularly preventing oxidation, especially when transport to remote labs is required without immediate analysis.
Innovation Solution
A portable sample collection apparatus with a housing that moves from an open to a closed position, featuring capillaries, plungers, and an oxygen absorber or antioxidant to prevent oxidation, along with a membrane for sample storage and potential reagents, forming an airtight seal to maintain sample integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a finger stick is used to collect small blood samples, then the sample volume is sufficient for testing, but the sample cannot be easily transported to a remote lab
Solution Approach 1:
The capillaries are disposed within the housing, and the membrane is disposed within the housing, creating a nested structure where the sampling and analysis components are integrated within the portable device housing, enabling transport of the entire system to remote locations
Solution Approach 2:
The device serves as an intermediary between sample collection and remote lab analysis, providing portable processing capabilities including oxidation prevention and separation functions that bridge the gap between field collection and laboratory analysis
2Reliability
If the device is sealed to prevent oxidation, then sample integrity is maintained, but air must be removed from the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen absorber automatically removes oxygen from the housing interior without requiring external intervention or complex active pumping systems, maintaining sample integrity through passive chemical absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen absorber creates an inert atmosphere within the housing by chemically removing oxygen, preventing oxidation of the sample without requiring active vacuum systems or complex sealing mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If capillaries are used to draw fluid, then precise metering is achieved, but oxidation of the sample may occur during storage
Solution Approach 1:
The oxygen absorber creates an oxygen-free environment within the housing, preventing oxidation of the metered sample in the capillaries during storage and transport
Solution Approach 2:
The oxygen absorber extracts and removes oxygen from the housing interior, eliminating the harmful oxidizing agent that would otherwise degrade the precision-metered sample
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 effectively prevents oxidation, allowing samples to be stored for extended periods before analysis, ensuring the integrity of assays like EMFA, lipid panels, and other tests.
Implementation Method 1
The device may comprise an oxygen absorber or a plurality of oxygen absorbers and an optional antioxidant or reducing agent disposed within the housing
Implementation Method 2
one or more capillaries arranged to draw in fluid from the sample collection well
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods of collecting a biological sample. Samples may be collected using a sample collection apparatus configured to prevent oxidation of the sample within the apparatus. The sample collection apparatus may comprise a component for absorbing oxygen within the device. The sample collection apparatus may be used to store samples for shipping. The sample collection apparatus may be used to store samples for later analysis. The sample collection apparatus may comprise a membrane having one or more test regions for detecting one or more target analytes within the sample.