Specimen Collection Tip with Capillary Venting for Trace Quantitative Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for collecting and diluting trace amounts of specimens are labor-intensive, prone to human error, and lack precision, especially when large dilution factors are involved, making it difficult to achieve quantitative collection and preparation.
Innovation Solution
A specimen collection tip with a specimen holding region of predetermined volume, connected to a support part and featuring a specimen collection hole and air vent holes, utilizes capillary phenomenon for precise collection and a superhydrophobic surface to prevent specimen adhesion, allowing for easy handling and visualization of the collection process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cotton swab is used to collect and dilute a specimen, then the dilution and dispensing work is simplified, but quantitative collection of the specimen becomes almost impossible due to specimen penetration into fiber pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the specimen collection function from the cotton swab by providing a separate specimen collection tip that quantitatively collects the specimen before it is transferred to the container with diluting solution. This separation allows quantitative collection to be achieved independently from the dilution process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the specimen processing into distinct steps: quantitative collection by the specimen collection tip, transfer to the container, and dilution by immersion. This segmentation allows each function to be optimized independently, with the specimen collection tip specifically designed for quantitative collection.
2Device complexity
If a simple tubular body is used to collect a small amount of specimen by capillary phenomenon, then the collection process is simplified, but quantitative collection becomes difficult and the liquid surface position cannot be confirmed
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies a visual indicator (color change or marking) to indicate the liquid surface position and maximum collection volume in the specimen holding region. This allows the user to visually confirm quantitative collection without increasing the basic tubular structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a visual dimension (color/mark) to the collection process to indicate liquid level, transforming an invisible parameter (liquid surface position) into a visible one without complicating the basic capillary collection mechanism.
3Quantity of substance
If the specimen collection tip has a small diameter through hole for capillary collection, then trace specimen collection is enabled, but the opening part is difficult to bring into contact with the specimen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides a support part that preliminarily positions the specimen collection tip, bringing the opening part into contact with the specimen before the user grasps the tip. This preliminary positioning action facilitates trace specimen collection by ensuring proper contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The support part acts as an intermediary between the user's fingers and the specimen collection tip, facilitating the contact between the opening part and the specimen. The support part is designed to be grasped while the opening part remains accessible for specimen contact.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a specimen collection tip having a novel structure, with which it is possible to collect a trace amount of a specimen with good quantitative precision. Also provided is a specimen preparation container having a novel structure, with which it is possible to dilute and prepare the specimen collected with the specimen collection tip with good quantitative precision. A specimen collection tip 10, wherein a specimen holding region 12 having a predetermined volume is provided inside the specimen collection tip 10, and in a distal end portion extending from a support part 15, there is formed a specimen collection hole 22 and an air vent hole 24 placing the specimen holding region 12 in communication with a surface 23. Also, a specimen preparation container 26 with a cap 30, wherein the specimen collection tip 10 is attached to the cap 30 at the support part 15.