Fluid sample collection system
Inventors
Gallagher, Timothy Joseph • Steiger, Jeffrey H. • Hanne, Robert
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-7850922-B2
Publication Date
2010-12-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
A fluid sample collection system includes a vial, a plunger and a fluid sample collection device having an absorbent for absorbing and retaining a fluid sample therein. The plunger includes an elongated handle portion and a plunger head portion detachably connected to the handle portion. The plunger also includes a splash guard supported on the handle portion. During the sample collection process, the saturated absorbent from the sample collection device is placed into the vial and the plunger is then advanced toward a closed end of the vial to express the fluid sample from the absorbent. The plunger head portion is retained within the vial with the absorbent in a generally compressed state and the handle portion is detached and removed from the vial.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an apparatus for containing a fluid sample that is collected on an absorbent. A vial has a wall defining a closed end and an open end, and a cap selectively seals with the open end of the vial. An absorbent is placed into the vial, and a plunger having an elongated handle portion and a plunger head portion compresses the absorbent into contact with the closed end of the vial to express the fluid sample into the vial.
A central structural feature is a splash guard supported by the handle portion of the plunger and extending adjacent the wall of the vial. The splash guard is positioned to minimize fluid movement into a space defined between the splash guard and the open end of the vial while the absorbent is being compressed against the closed end of the vial. The splash guard includes openings configured to allow air migration and reduce pressure buildup during compression.
After compression, the handle portion can be detached or removed while the plunger head remains in the vial in a compressed state, and the vial is sealed for shipment to a remote analysis site. The disclosure emphasizes structural features that support containment and handling, including sealing with a cap and features of the absorbent such as an observation window, and optional detachment structures such as a frangible member or related connection features.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claims, one directed to an apparatus including the vial, cap, plunger, absorbent, and splash guard, and one directed to a plunger for use with a vial and an absorbent. Across these independent claims, the main inventive coverage centers on a plunger-supported splash guard adjacent the vial open end to minimize fluid movement during compression, with the splash guard positioned relative to the plunger head or relative to the handle mid-point.
Plunger-supported splash guard adjacent the vial open end
A splash guard supported by the handle portion of the plunger and extending adjacent the wall of the vial to minimize fluid movement into a space defined between the splash guard and the open end of the vial while the absorbent is being compressed.
Vial sealing with a cap to contain the expressed fluid sample
A vial having a wall defining a closed end and an open end, and a cap configured to selectively seal with the open end of the vial.
Compressing absorbent with a plunger head to express fluid sample into the sealed vial
A plunger having an elongated handle portion and a plunger head portion connected to the handle portion, with the plunger head portion configured to compress the absorbent, when placed into the vial, into contact with the closed end of the vial to thereby express the fluid sample from the absorbent into the vial.
Splash guard location on the handle closer to the handle mid-point than to the plunger head
The splash guard being located on the handle portion of the plunger closer to a mid-point of the handle portion than to the plunger head portion.
Overall, the independent claims cover a containment system where a plunger compresses an absorbent to express a fluid sample into a cap-sealed vial, and where a plunger-supported splash guard adjacent the vial open end minimizes fluid movement during compression. For the plunger claim, the placement of the splash guard on the handle closer to the mid-point than the plunger head is a defining feature.
Stated Advantages
Minimizes fluid movement into a space defined between the splash guard and the open end of the vial while the absorbent is being compressed.
Supports containment by sealing the vial with a cap after expression of the fluid sample.
Documented Applications
Vial shipment to a remote analysis site where a pipette extracts the mixture.
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