Cartridge assemblies for storing biological samples
Inventors
JORDAN, Brett L. • Drexel, Masao • Beyerlein, Dagmar • Jackson, Alicia • Juneau, Kara
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10888259-B2
Publication Date
2021-01-12
Expiration Date
Abstract
Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a cartridge assembly for receiving a blood sample of a subject from a blood collection device. The cartridge includes a port configured to receive the blood sample and supports one or more porous matrices for storing and stabilizing the blood sample. The cartridge assembly is configured to releasably couple to a deposition chamber of the blood collection device.
The cartridge assembly further includes a cartridge holder configured to releasably couple to and support the cartridge. The porous matrices enable storage and stabilization of the blood sample, and in some described implementations the sample is transported along a flow path from a proximal end to a distal end of two or more porous matrices by wicking and capillarity, and optionally gravity.
The cartridge architecture is described as modular and removable relative to the blood collection device. The described implementations also include spacers defining gaps between matrices and flow-channel features that arrange a flow path for the blood sample along the matrices.
Claims Coverage
The content includes one independent claim covering the cartridge assembly, with dependent features refining the porous-matrix subsystem and the cartridge coupling and handling mechanics.
Cartridge assembly with deposition-chamber releasable coupling
A cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge with a port configured to receive a blood sample, one or more porous matrices for storing and stabilizing the blood sample, and a cartridge holder configured to releasably couple to and support the cartridge, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to releasably couple to a deposition chamber of the blood collection device.
Porous matrices made of paper
The cartridge assembly is characterized in that the one or more porous matrices are made of paper.
Transport along a flow path by wicking and capillarity
The cartridge assembly allows a blood sample to be transported along a flow path from a proximal end to a distal end of two or more porous matrices by wicking and capillarity and optionally gravity.
Porous matrices spaced by about 0.5 mm
The cartridge assembly includes two or more porous matrices spaced apart by a gap of about 0.5 mm.
Porous matrices storing at least 50 μL
The cartridge assembly includes porous matrices configured to store at least 50 μL of a blood sample.
Tool-free releasable coupling to deposition chamber
A cartridge assembly is configured to be releasably coupled to and decoupled from a deposition chamber without using tools.
Overall, the claimed coverage centers on a cartridge assembly that releasably couples to a deposition chamber and uses one or more porous matrices to store and stabilize blood, with dependent refinements addressing matrix material, sample transport along matrix flow paths, matrix spacing, storage capacity, and tool-free coupling and decoupling.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
No documented applications found
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