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Publication Number
US-9066698-B2
Publication Date
2015-06-30
Expiration Date
Abstract
A tube assembly, system and method for biological sample collection. In one embodiment, the tube assembly of the present disclosure includes a first tube, a second tube, a mechanism for securing the first and second tubes. The securing mechanism orients the first ends of the first and second tubes in a manner such that the first end of the second tube extends beyond the first end of the first tube to create an interstitial space between the outer diameter of the first tube and the inner diameter of the second tube.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention provides a tube assembly for sample collection in which a first tube has first and second ends and a first tube opening therein. A second tube has a first end and a second end, with a second tube opening in the first end and a third tube opening in the second end, and the second tube opening has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the first end of the first tube.
The first tube and second tube are secured so that the first end of the second tube extends beyond the first end of the first tube, and the first end of the first tube is inside the first end of the second tube. This arrangement creates an interstitial space about the first tube at the first end of the second tube, and a seal is disposed against the first end of the second tube to form a barrier.
In a system context, a sample source is fluidly coupled to the second end of the first tube, and a collection vessel includes a collection medium capable of binding biological samples. The tube assembly is positioned so that the collection vessel receives fluid from the tube assembly, and a biological sample passes from the first tube opening by way of the interstitial space into the third tube opening of the second tube.
A method deposits the biological sample on the collection media such that the biological sample deposited on the collection media is undiluted.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover 5 inventive features: a secured interstitial-space tube configuration, a seal forming a barrier, a sample source fluidly coupled to the tube assembly, a binding-capable collection vessel positioned to receive sample, and depositing an undiluted biological sample on the collection media.
Interstitial-space tube assembly permitting sample passage
A first tube and a second tube are secured such that the first end of the second tube extends beyond the first end of the first tube, creating an interstitial space about the first tube at the first end of the second tube, and a biological sample passes from the first tube opening by way of the interstitial space into the third tube opening of the second tube.
Seal forming barrier at the second tube first end
A seal is disposed against the first end of the second tube to form a barrier.
Sample source fluidly coupled to the tube assembly
A sample source is fluidly coupled to the second end of the first tube.
Binding-capable collection vessel positioned to receive sample
A collection vessel comprises a collection medium capable of binding biological samples and is positioned to receive a fluid from the tube assembly.
Depositing an undiluted biological sample on the collection medium
The biological sample is deposited on the collection media such that the biological sample deposited on the collection media is undiluted.
Overall, the independent claims center on the secured first tube and second tube geometry that forms an interstitial space, a seal disposed to form a barrier, a sample source fluidly coupled to the assembly, and a collection vessel with binding-capable media positioned to receive the sample. The method claim further requires depositing the biological sample on the collection medium such that the deposited sample is undiluted.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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