Self-contained sampling device for processing whole blood

Inventors

Nelson, William M. • Almassian, David R. • Fecteau, Tracy Calvin • Kuserk, Colin

Assignees

Tetracore Inc

Abstract

A collection device is disclosed having a tubular housing detachably receiving a valved bulb reservoir at a first end thereof, the housing having a second end for dispensing fluids. The valved bulb reservoir has a sample capillary tube attached at one end thereof. The bore of the capillary is fluidically coupled to the valved bulb reservoir. The capillary is removed from the tubular housing to collect a sample in its bore, and is then replaced into the tubular housing. The contents of the valved tubular reservoir, which can be a buffer solution, a reagent, or other analytic fluid, or a gas, are then passed through the capillary bore to expel the sample and mix therewith in the housing. The sample product can then be dispensed from the tubular housing.

Core Innovation

A sample collection device includes a tubular housing having a first end and a second end. A valved bulb reservoir is detachably fitted to the first end of the tubular housing, and a capillary having a longitudinal bore is attached and fluidically coupled to the valved bulb reservoir at the first end. The second end includes a capillary tip configured to directly receive a liquid sample into the longitudinal bore by capillary action.

The device further includes a capillary adapter for fluidically coupling the capillary to the valved bulb reservoir. The capillary adapter is attached to the valved bulb reservoir and comprises a bore configured to receive the first end of the capillary, and a vent hole for allowing air in the longitudinal bore to be displaced out of the longitudinal bore by the liquid sample. In additional described embodiments, the valved bulb reservoir contains analytic fluid or gas and is configured for releasing the analytic fluid into the capillary and mixing in an internal chamber.

In additional described embodiments, the device incorporates vent features to vent displaced air and includes a chamber for mixing followed by dispensing of the processed sample via a spout, optionally with a filter. The partial content also describes embodiments using a valved bulb reservoir actuated by a toggle to rupture frangible seals for reagent release, and an optional second processing element incorporated in the bulb neck.

Claims Coverage

Independent claim coverage centers on three inventive features: a tubular housing with a detachable valved bulb reservoir and fluidically coupled capillary that directly receives liquid by capillary action, a capillary adapter with a vent hole to permit displacement of air from the capillary longitudinal bore by the incoming liquid sample, and a capillary adapter bore that sealingly receives the capillary. Dependent claims further specify frangible seal isolation and toggle-actuated rupture.

Overall, the claim set’s core coverage is the fluid-coupled capillary sampling structure that directly receives liquid by capillary action, combined with a capillary adapter vent hole to displace air from the capillary longitudinal bore, with dependent refinements adding sealing-fit coupling and rupturable frangible-seal activation, including a toggle-actuated rupturing mechanism.

Stated Advantages

Documented Applications