Methods and systems to collect a biological sample
Inventors
Johnson, Brandon T. • Christian, Kate E. • Verner, Glenn H. • Morgan, Daniel
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11360076-B2
Publication Date
2022-06-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
Sample processing methods and systems to collect a biological sample. A device may be configured collect a predetermined volume of a sample in sample chamber, and seal the chamber upon activation. The device may be further configured to mix the mix the sample with a predetermined volume of a reagent and/or mix the sample and the reagent in a pre-determined ration.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a device for collecting a biological sample, including a housing with a collection well configured to receive the biological sample and a conduit disposed within the housing. The conduit includes a capillary tube with openings at a first end and a second end, such that the opening at the first end receives the biological sample from the collection well and draws the biological sample into the conduit via capillary action. The device further includes a sample storage chamber disposed within the housing and arranged to receive the biological sample from the conduit.
The housing is configurable in a first position and a second position, where the first position provides an opening to the collection well and the second position restricts access to the collection well. A mechanical actuator is configured to dispense a predetermined amount of the biological sample from the second end of the conduit into the sample storage chamber when the housing is moved from the first position to the second position. In described embodiments, the sample storage chamber includes a membrane.
In additional described configurations, a test region is disposed within the housing and is configured for testing the biological sample. The test region can be associated with a lateral flow strip and can be disposed in fluid communication with the conduit, including via a fluid passage region, and may include a wicking material to wick a fluid containing the biological sample to the test region. Further embodiments include housing formed from first and second portions configured to be pressed towards one another and locked in position when the device is moved to the second position.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims are clm-00001, clm-00013, and clm-00016, each built around a common set of inventive features: a capillary-tube conduit for drawing a biological sample into a sample storage chamber, and a housing move from an open first position to a restricted second position actuating a mechanical dispensing of a predetermined sample amount. Additional inventive features in the independent claims include a membrane in the sample storage chamber and a test region configured for testing the biological sample, with further dependent refinements specifying lateral flow and wicking arrangements and housing locking behavior.
Capillary-tube conduit for drawing biological sample by capillary action
A conduit disposed within the housing comprising a capillary tube having openings at a first end and a second end, where the opening at the first end receives the biological sample from the collection well and thereby draws the biological sample from the collection well into the conduit via capillary action.
Mechanical actuator dispensing predetermined sample when housing moves to restricted position
A mechanical actuator configured to dispense a predetermined amount of the biological sample from the second end of the conduit into the sample storage chamber when the housing is moved from the first position to the second position, wherein the first position provides an opening to the collection well and the second position restricts access to the collection well.
Membrane in the sample storage chamber
The sample storage chamber disposed within the housing arranged to receive the biological sample from the conduit, wherein the sample storage chamber includes a membrane.
Test region disposed within the housing for testing the biological sample
The device further comprising a test region disposed within the housing and configured for testing the biological sample.
Housing pressable portions and locking in second position
The housing is formed from first and second portions configured to be pressed towards one another to configure the device from the first position to the second position, wherein the first and second portions of the housing are locked in position when the device is moved to the second position.
Across the independent claims, the coverage centers on capillary action using a capillary tube to draw the biological sample into a conduit, followed by mechanical dispensing of a predetermined amount into a sample storage chamber when the housing shifts from an open to a restricted configuration. Additional coverage includes embodiments where the sample storage chamber includes a membrane and embodiments where a test region within the housing is configured for testing the biological sample, along with housing structures that are pressable and lockable in the second position.
Stated Advantages
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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