Carriers for storage and transport of biological samples
Inventors
JORDAN, Brett L. • Drexel, Masao • Beyerlein, Dagmar • Jackson, Alicia • Juneau, Kara
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10932710-B2
Publication Date
2021-03-02
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 relates to a carrier for storing a blood sample during transportation. The carrier includes a cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge and a cartridge holder releasably coupled to the cartridge, and the cartridge comprises one or more porous matrices on which the blood sample is collected.
The carrier further includes a chamber having an opening configured to receive the cartridge assembly. A release mechanism is configured to release the cartridge from the cartridge holder to provide a released cartridge, and the chamber is configured to store the released cartridge in a secured position.
The described system includes porous matrices that receive and hold collected blood sample using capillary transport features. The carrier includes elements for safely decoupling and securing the cartridge during transportation, including retention and release mechanisms and a secured position inside the chamber. A transportation sleeve and moisture/contamination protection are also described, including a peel foil and use of a desiccant.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is directed to a transportation carrier for a blood sample that combines a releasably coupled cartridge assembly with a release mechanism and a chamber that stores the released cartridge in a secured position. The key inventive features are implemented through a cartridge with porous matrices, a cartridge holder releasably coupled to the cartridge, a chamber opening for receiving the cartridge assembly, and a release mechanism that provides a released cartridge that is stored securely in the chamber.
Releasably coupled cartridge assembly for porous-matrix blood collection
A cartridge assembly comprising a cartridge and a cartridge holder releasably coupled to the cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises one or more porous matrices on which the blood sample is collected.
Chamber with opening configured to receive the cartridge assembly
A chamber having an opening configured to receive the cartridge assembly.
Release mechanism releasing the cartridge for secured storage
A release mechanism configured to release the cartridge from the cartridge holder to provide a released cartridge.
Secured storage of the released cartridge in the chamber
The chamber is configured to store the released cartridge in a secured position.
Spring-clip partial release and first-set post interaction
The cartridge holder is releasably coupled to the cartridge via spring clips, and the release mechanism partially releases the cartridge from the cartridge holder by acting on the spring clips; the release mechanism comprises a first set of posts that pushes apart the spring clips to partially release the cartridge when the cartridge assembly is coupled to the carrier.
Two-set post retention constraining secured position
The retention mechanism comprises the first set of posts and a second set of posts, wherein the first and second sets of posts contact different portions of the cartridge to constrain the cartridge in the secured position.
Non-coplanar cartridge portions for retention geometry
At least two of the different portions of the cartridge are non-coplanar with each other.
Peelable foil protecting chamber from moisture and contamination
The peelable foil is configured to protect the chamber of the carrier from moisture and contamination prior to use of the carrier for storing and transporting the blood sample.
Overall claim coverage centers on a blood-sample transportation carrier that uses a porous-matrix cartridge assembly releasably coupled to a cartridge holder, and a chamber that receives the cartridge assembly and then stores the released cartridge in a secured position via a release mechanism. Additional refinements specify spring-clip partial release implemented by first-set posts, retention using first and second sets of posts constraining secured position, and a peelable foil configured to protect the chamber from moisture and contamination prior to use.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Storing and transporting a blood sample during transportation using the described carrier.
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