Self-contained sampling device for processing whole blood
Inventors
Nelson, William M. • Almassian, David R. • Fecteau, Tracy Calvin • Kuserk, Colin
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12527555-B2
Publication Date
2026-01-20
Expiration Date
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
The disclosed method uses a collection device comprising a tubular housing, a detachable valved bulb reservoir, a capillary, and a capillary adapter. The capillary tip receives a liquid sample into its longitudinal bore by capillary action. The adapter is fluidically coupled to the reservoir and includes a vent hole that allows air in the bore to be displaced by the liquid sample.
The method involves returning the capillary and reservoir to the housing and using reservoir contents to expel the sample for mixing and dispensing. The system enables point-of-care whole-blood processing for PCR and lateral-flow assays. The background section is not included in the provided content, so the problem being solved is not explicitly described in patent.
Claims Coverage
The claims identify one independent claim comprising one inventive feature directed to a method for collecting a sample.
Sample collection using a vented capillary assembly
The method provides a collection device with a tubular housing and a valved bulb reservoir detachably fitted to the housing. A capillary is attached and fluidically coupled to the reservoir through an adapter whose bore receives the capillary and whose vent hole allows air in the longitudinal bore to be displaced by the liquid sample. The method removes the reservoir and capillary from the housing and applies the capillary tip to a fluid to draw a sample into the bore.
The claim elements collectively recite collecting a liquid sample using a capillary coupled to a detachable valved bulb reservoir and a vented capillary adapter.
Stated Advantages
Reported examples show successful PCR and improved lateral-flow background compared with comparator approaches.
Documented Applications
Point-of-care whole-blood processing for PCR and lateral-flow assays.
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