Biologic fluid analysis cartridge with sample handling portion and analysis chamber portion
Inventors
Verrant, John A. • Lalpuria, Niten V. • Nikonorov, Igor • Unfricht, Darryn W. • Ports, Benjamin • Wardlaw, Stephen C. • Levine, Robert A. • Holt, Robert • Hukari, Kyle
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11583851-B2
Publication Date
2023-02-21
Expiration Date
Abstract
A biological fluid analysis cartridge is provided. In certain embodiments, the cartridge includes a base plate extending between a sample handling portion and an analysis chamber portion. A handling upper panel is attached to the base plate within the sample handling portion. A collection port is at least partially formed with the handling upper panel. An initial channel and a secondary channel are formed between the handling upper panel and the base plate. The collection port and initial and secondary channels are in fluid communication with one another. A chamber upper panel is attached to the base plate within the analysis chamber portion. At least one analysis chamber is formed between the chamber upper panel and the base plate. The secondary channel and the analysis chamber are in fluid communication with one another.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a biological fluid sample analysis cartridge that includes a fluid channel and a fluid passage extending between an entry end and an exit end. The entry end is in fluid communication with the fluid channel, and the cartridge further includes an analysis chamber defined by an upper panel and a base panel facing each other with interior surfaces, wherein a lateral edge of the upper panel and a lateral edge of the base panel define a fill edge of the analysis chamber.
A key feature is that the fill edge of the analysis chamber is separated from the fluid passage exit end by an air gap that defines a separation distance. The fill edge is not connected to the fluid passage exit end, and the separation distance is configured such that a self-contained body of the biological fluid sample extends across the air gap while maintaining contact between the fluid passage exit end and the fill edge of the analysis chamber.
The analysis chamber architecture can manage capillary action with lateral boundary features, including hydrophobic coatings, beads, or adhesives, and can support multiple analysis chambers for different assays and quality assurance. The system can use height control and separators with flexible panel or dot adhesives, and fill edge and chamber geometry can be configured to improve controlled filling and reduce settling or adsorption during analysis.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim set centers on one independent claim (clm-00001). The independent claim defines a cartridge architecture that links a fluid passage to a separated analysis-chamber fill edge via an air gap sized to allow the sample to span the gap, while dependent claims refine sample entry and the geometry and relative dimensional relationships of the fluid passage and chamber interfaces.
Air-gap separated analysis-chamber fill edge spanning the sample
A biological fluid sample analysis cartridge includes a fluid channel and a fluid passage extending between an entry end and an exit end, wherein the entry end is in fluid communication with the fluid channel, and an analysis chamber defined by an upper panel and a base panel, wherein a lateral edge of the upper panel and a lateral edge of the base panel define a fill edge; wherein the fill edge is separated from the fluid passage exit end by an air gap that defines a separation distance, the fill edge not connected to the fluid passage exit end, and the separation distance configured such that a self-contained body of the biological fluid sample extends across the air gap and maintains contact between the fluid passage exit end and the fill edge.
Capillary-action entry at the analysis-chamber fill edge
In the cartridge, the fill edge of the analysis chamber is configured such that a biological fluid sample enters the analysis chamber through the fill edge by capillary action.
Lateral-distance relationship between fill edge and fluid passage exit end
In the cartridge, the fill edge of the analysis chamber and the exit end of the fluid passage extend lateral distances, with the fill edge lateral distance greater than the fluid passage exit end lateral distance.
Ante-chamber draws sample from the fluid channel by capillary action
In the cartridge, the ante-chamber draws the biological fluid sample from the fluid channel by capillary action.
Relative volume relationship between ante-chamber and analysis chamber
In the cartridge, the ante-chamber and an analysis chamber have defined volumes, wherein the analysis chamber volume is less than the ante-chamber volume.
Lateral-side fluid communication between fluid passage and fluid channel
In the cartridge, the fluid passage communicates with a lateral side of the fluid channel.
Overall, the claim coverage focuses on maintaining contact between a fluid passage exit end and an analysis-chamber fill edge across a separation distance defined by an air gap, with dependent features refining capillary-action entry, lateral-distance and volume relationships, the use of an ante-chamber, and the location of fluid communication between the fluid passage and the fluid channel.
Stated Advantages
Accurate analysis without dilution.
Controlled filling to reduce settling/adsorption.
Simplify controls.
Documented Applications
Biological fluid sample analysis in an analysis-chamber architecture that can include multiple analysis chambers for different assays and quality assurance.
Interested in licensing this patent?