Specimen Collector Dividing Biological Samples
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for collecting and dividing biological specimens, such as saliva, pose risks of contamination and exposure for technicians and can lead to sample degradation during separation for multiple tests or storage.
Innovation Solution
A specimen collector device with a collection receptacle divided into separate chambers, tubes, and conduits allows a single sample to be simultaneously divided into multiple portions, reducing the need for repeated sampling and minimizing handling risks by enabling direct flow into separate containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the sample is separated into different portions by a technician using prior art methods, then multiple tests can be performed on separate portions, but the technician is exposed to contamination and disease risks, and the sample may degrade during transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The collection receptacle is divided into multiple separate chambers, each capable of holding a portion of the sample. This segmentation allows the sample to be automatically divided into separate portions for different tests without requiring technician intervention, thereby eliminating exposure risks while maintaining sample integrity through simultaneous division.
2Productivity
If a single sample is collected for multiple tests, then sampling efficiency is improved, but the sample must be manually separated into portions which risks degradation and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The collection receptacle is pre-configured with multiple chambers and connected tubing systems before sample collection. When the sample is deposited, it automatically flows through the pre-arranged channels into separate containers, eliminating manual handling steps that could cause degradation or contamination while maintaining high sampling efficiency.
3Quantity of substance
If the sample is manually transferred to separate containers, then portions can be obtained for storage and testing, but the process is time-consuming and risks sample degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service sample division where the sample automatically flows through connected tubing into multiple separate containers without requiring technician intervention. This automated process simultaneously produces multiple sample portions for storage and testing, eliminating time-consuming manual transfer operations while ensuring sample integrity through controlled, contamination-free flow paths.
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
This method ensures safe and efficient division of biological specimens into separate portions for testing and storage, reducing contamination and exposure risks while maintaining sample integrity.
Implementation Method 1
allowing the bodily fluid to flow through the specimen collector and into the separate specimen containers
Data Source
AI summary
A method of collecting a specimen sample and simultaneously dividing the sample into separate portions is presented. The method of the instant invention is comprised of providing a specimen collector comprised of a collection receptacle attached by a connector to at least 2 tubes which lead to at least 2 conduits which in turn empty into separate collection containers; expelling a biological specimen into the collection receptacle of the specimen collection device; and allowing the biological specimen to flow downward through the device and into separate specimen containers.