Vacuum-Triggered Filtered Specimen Transfer for Closed Sample Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen collection and delivery systems fail to ensure the integrity of clinical samples, prevent cross-sample contamination, and protect healthcare professionals from hazardous biological materials during handling and analysis.
Innovation Solution
A specimen collection and delivery apparatus with a closure housing and a filter matrix that is air permeable and liquid impermeable at atmospheric pressure, allowing for the integration of a filter matrix in the system to block liquid flow until vacuum is applied, thereby preventing exposure and ensuring sample integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a filter matrix is used to block liquid flow at atmospheric pressure, then sample leakage and contamination are prevented, but sample delivery to the microfluidic device is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The filter matrix transitions from a static blocking state at atmospheric pressure to a dynamic permeable state under vacuum pressure. The filter's liquid permeability is activated only when negative pressure is applied, allowing the system to automatically switch between protection mode and delivery mode based on pressure conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter matrix's permeability parameter changes in response to pressure differential. At atmospheric pressure (0 psi), the filter blocks liquid flow. When vacuum pressure is applied (e.g., -5 to -20 inches of mercury), the pressure differential exceeds the filter's breakthrough pressure, causing the filter to become permeable and allow sample flow.
2Ease of operation
If the system remains open for sample collection, then ease of sampling is improved, but exposure to hazardous biological materials increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter matrix is pre-installed in the closure housing before sample collection begins. This preliminary placement ensures that as soon as the sample tube is sealed and inverted, the filter is already in position to prevent any liquid flow, immediately protecting the operator while allowing easy sample access during the collection phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter matrix acts as an intermediary barrier between the sample and the operator/environment. It allows the system to maintain an open state for easy sampling while the filter provides the protective function, mediating between the need for accessibility and the need for protection.
3Reliability
If the filter matrix is made more restrictive to better block sample flow, then contamination prevention is improved, but controlled sample delivery becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pressure application (vacuum cycles) to control sample delivery. The filter blocks sample during the first period (atmospheric pressure), then allows controlled delivery during the second period (vacuum application). This periodic switching between blocking and delivering states optimizes both contamination prevention and delivery efficiency.
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 sample leakage and contamination while ensuring safe handling by blocking liquid flow at atmospheric pressure and allowing controlled sample delivery under vacuum, integrating sample preparation and analysis in a closed system.
Implementation Method 1
the filter matrix is comprised of a porous material selected from the group consisting of a hydrophobic porous material, a hydrophilic porous material, an oleophobic porous material, and an oleophilic porous material
Implementation Method 2
the filter matrix is air permeable and liquid impermeable at atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 3
the filter matrix is air permeable and liquid permeable under reduced atmospheric pressure and configured to enable the flow of sample though the open luer end
Implementation Method 4
the reduced atmospheric pressure is around one pound per square inch
Data Source
AI summary
A specimen collection and delivery apparatus for collecting clinical specimens and delivery of samples thereof to, e.g., microfluidic testing devices for diagnostic analysis is disclosed. The specimen collection and delivery apparatus includes a closure housing for coupling with a sample tube at one end, an open luer for coupling with a complementary luer on a microfluidic device at the other end, and a filter matrix disposed in the interior. The filter matrix is air permeable and liquid impermeable at atmospheric pressure and prevents sample from flowing through the open luer end when coupled to a sample tube containing a specimen. Under vacuum, the liquid sample fraction of the specimen can be drawn through the filter matrix and into the microfluidic testing device through the luer connection for diagnostic analysis.