WO2026020106A1 - Tubes à échantillon pour fluides biologiques - Google Patents

Tubes à échantillon pour fluides biologiques

Info

Publication number
WO2026020106A1
WO2026020106A1 PCT/US2025/038261 US2025038261W WO2026020106A1 WO 2026020106 A1 WO2026020106 A1 WO 2026020106A1 US 2025038261 W US2025038261 W US 2025038261W WO 2026020106 A1 WO2026020106 A1 WO 2026020106A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
chamber
tube
sample
sample tube
coupled
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2025/038261
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Timothy Pletcher
Frederic Arbogast
Craig A. JEFFREY
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Abbott Laboratories
Original Assignee
Abbott Laboratories
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Abbott Laboratories filed Critical Abbott Laboratories
Publication of WO2026020106A1 publication Critical patent/WO2026020106A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150015—Source of blood
    • A61B5/150022—Source of blood for capillary blood or interstitial fluid
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150221—Valves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150229—Pumps for assisting the blood sampling
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150236—Pistons, i.e. cylindrical bodies that sit inside the syringe barrel, typically with an air tight seal, and slide in the barrel to create a vacuum or to expel blood
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150244—Rods for actuating or driving the piston, i.e. the cylindrical body that sits inside the syringe barrel, typically with an air tight seal, and slides in the barrel to create a vacuum or to expel blood
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150251—Collection chamber divided into at least two compartments, e.g. for division of samples
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150343—Collection vessels for collecting blood samples from the skin surface, e.g. test tubes, cuvettes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150351—Caps, stoppers or lids for sealing or closing a blood collection vessel or container, e.g. a test-tube or syringe barrel
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150801—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision; means for indicating when used correctly or incorrectly; means for alarming
    • A61B5/150809—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision; means for indicating when used correctly or incorrectly; means for alarming by audible feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150801—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision; means for indicating when used correctly or incorrectly; means for alarming
    • A61B5/150824—Means for facilitating use, e.g. by people with impaired vision; means for indicating when used correctly or incorrectly; means for alarming by visual feedback
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/151—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of capillary blood, e.g. by lancets, needles or blades
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150755—Blood sample preparation for further analysis, e.g. by separating blood components or by mixing

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates generally to biological sampling and, more particularly, to sample tubes for biological fluids.
  • Bodily fluids such as capillary blood
  • Bodily fluids can be sampled from patients and analyzed to monitor blood sugar levels, test for bloodborne pathogens, and/or test for other blood-related health metrics.
  • Bodily fluid can be extracted via a sampling device, a needle, and/or another medical device. After extraction, the bodily fluid can be stored in a sample tube until tested.
  • FIG. 1 A is a schematic front view of an example sample tube implemented in accordance with teachings of this disclosure, the sample tube being in a first position.
  • FIG. IB is a schematic front view of the sample tube of FIG. 1 A in a second position.
  • FIG. 2A is a schematic front view of an example first cap that can be used in conjunction with the sample tube of FIG. 1A.
  • FIG. 2C is a schematic front view of an example third cap that can be used in conjunction with the sample tube of FIG. 1A.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the example sample tube of FIGS. 1 A and IB dispensing a sample onto a linear flow assay.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the example sample tube of FIGS. 1 A and IB dispensing a sample onto a cartridge of a portable diagnostic analyzer.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example sample tube and an example plurality of adapters implemented in accordance with teachings of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional side view of an example adjustable adapter implemented in accordance with teachings of this disclosure in a first position.
  • FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional side view of the adjustable adapter of FIG. 6A in a second position.
  • FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram depicting movement of a portion of an example iris assembly of the adjustable adapter of FIGS. 6A and 6B.
  • FIG. 6D is a plurality of front views of the adapter of FIGS. 6A-6C in a plurality of positions.
  • Sample tubes to collect biological fluid samples from sampling devices are disclosed herein.
  • An example sample tube disclosed herein includes a one-way valve that separates a first chamber of the sample tube from a second chamber of the sample tube.
  • Some such example sample tubes disclosed herein include a flexible and/or compressible portion, which enables a user to open the one-way valve by apply ing pressure to the compressible portion.
  • Some example sample tubes disclosed herein include an outlet disposed in the tip of the sample tubes, which enables samples to be directly dispensed into assays and/or medical diagnostic devices.
  • Some example sample tubes disclosed herein include mixing features that mix collected samples with additives (e.g., anticoagulants, preservatives, stabilizers, etc.) during the storing and/or dispensing thereof.
  • additives e.g., anticoagulants, preservatives, stabilizers, etc.
  • Example caps disclosed herein include metering features to regulate a volume of sample dispensed by the sample tubes disclosed herein.
  • An example system disclosed herein includes a sample tube that can receive a plurality of adapters that enable the sample tube to be used with a variety of different commercially available sampling devices.
  • FIG. 1 A is a schematic front view of an example sample tube 100 in an example first position 101.
  • the sample tube 100 is also referred to herein as a “universal collection tube” because the sample tube 100 can be fit to the outlet of different sampling devices of different sizes as disclosed in more detail below.
  • the sample tube 100 is an all-in-one draw and dispense tube (e g., an all-in-one draw and dispense vial, etc.) because the sample tube 100 accepts and holds a sample as the sample is drawn from a body and the sample tube 100 can dispense the sample like a pipette.
  • an all-in-one draw and dispense tube e g., an all-in-one draw and dispense vial, etc.
  • the sample tube 100 includes an example body 102, an example inlet 104, and an example outlet 106.
  • the interior of the body 102 includes an example first chamber 108, an example first wall portion 109A, an example second wall portion 109B, an example second chamber 110, and an example one-way valve 112.
  • the body 102 of the sample tube 100 includes an example interior surface 114 and an example exterior surface 116.
  • the body 102 of the sample tube 100 is composed of plastic (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), another type of plastic, etc.).
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • PP polypropylene
  • PS polystyrene
  • the sample tube 100 is composed of glass.
  • the body 102 can be composed of any other suitable material or combination of materials.
  • the body 102 can be manufactured via molding (e.g., injection molding, blow molding, vacuum molding, etc.), casting, extrusion, additive manufacturing, another suitable manufacturing process, and/or a combination thereof.
  • the inlet 104 is an opening in the sample tube 100 that facilitates the deposition of a sample therein.
  • the inlet 104 is adjacent to the first chamber 108. That is, bodily fluid input into the inlet 104 enters the first chamber 108.
  • the sample tube 100 can be coupled to a fluid sampling device (e.g., a capillary blood microsampling device, a venous blood sampling device, another biological sampling device, etc.) via the inlet 104.
  • a fluid sampling device e.g., a capillary blood microsampling device, a venous blood sampling device, another biological sampling device, etc.
  • the sample tube 100 can include threads on the exterior surface 116 (e.g., external threads, etc.) and/or threads on the interior surface 114 adjacent to the inlet 104 to facilitate the coupling of the sample tube 100 to a fluid sampling device.
  • the sample tube 100 can be coupled to a fluid sampling device via another suitable means (e.g., an interference fit, in compression, via a bayonet interface, etc.).
  • a cap e.g., a lid, etc.
  • Example lids that can be used with the sample tube 100 are described below in conjunction with FIGS. 2A-2C.
  • the inlet 104 includes an example inlet flange 118.
  • the inlet flange 118 extends from the exterior surface 116 of the sample tube 100.
  • the inlet flange 118 facilitates the handling of the sample tube 100.
  • the inlet flange 118 is absent.
  • the outer surface of the inlet 104 is flush with the exterior surface 116 of the sample tube 100.
  • the outlet 106 is an opening in the sample tube 100 that facilitates the expulsion or dispensation of a sample therefrom.
  • the outlet 106 is formed in an example tip 120 of the sample tube 100.
  • the second chamber 110 converges (e.g., tapers, etc.) to the tip 120.
  • the tip 120 is opposite the inlet 104 of the sample tube 100.
  • the bottom of the second chamber 110 is rounded.
  • the outlet 106 and/or the tip 120 is shaped and sized to interface with a cartridge and/or interface of a diagnostic analyzer. Additionally or alternatively, the outlet 106 can be sized and/or shaped to cause samples to be dispensed in drops.
  • the outlet 106 includes a stopper, cap, and/or other feature that prevents the flow of a sample from the second chamber 110. In some such examples, the feature can be removed from the outlet 106 to enable the flow of the sample from the outlet 106.
  • the first chamber 108 is also referred to herein interchangeably as a “sample chamber” and an “upper chamber.”
  • the first chamber 108 stores a sample received by the sample tube.
  • the first chamber 108 is filled with air and/or another gas.
  • the sample tube 100 is a vacuum tube
  • the first chamber 108 is maintained at a vacuum (e.g., a pressure substantially below ambient pressure, etc.).
  • the inlet 104 can include a sealed cap (e.g., a rubber stopper, etc.) to prevent leakage of the ambient environment into the first chamber 108.
  • the portion of the body 102 enclosing first chamber 108 is defined by the first wall portion 109A and the second wall portion 109B.
  • the first wall portion 109 A is adjacent to the inlet 104 and the second wall portion 109B is adjacent to the second chamber 110 and the one-way valve 112.
  • the first wall portion 109A includes a grip to facilitate the handling of the sample tube 100 by a user of the sample tube 100 (e.g., to prevent the inadvertent expulsion of a sample from the sample tube 100 during the removal of the sample tube 100 from a sampling device, to facilitate shaking of the sample tube 100, etc.).
  • the first wall portion 109A can include finger grooves, a textured finish, and/or a high friction material coating (e.g., a rubber coating, a silicon coating, etc.).
  • the first wall portion 109A is configured to be rigid (e.g., nonelastic, etc.) and the second wall portion 109B is configured to be flexible (e.g., elastic, compressible, etc.).
  • the first wall portion 109A is referred to herein as “a rigid wall portion” and the second wall portion 109B is referred to herein as a “flexible wall portion.”
  • the flexibility of the second wall portion 109B enables the compression of the body 102 by a user of the sample tube 100, which increases the pressure within the first chamber 108 and causes the one-way valve 112 to open. The compression of the second wall portion 109B is described below in conjunction with FIG. IB.
  • first wall portion 109A and the second wall portion 109B are composed of different materials (e.g., different densities of polyethylene, different types of plastics, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the first wall portion 109A is thicker than the second wall portion 109B. Additionally or alternatively, the first wall portion 109A is reinforced with a rigid doubler and/or backer.
  • the second chamber 110 is also referred to herein interchangeably as a “dispensing chamber” and a “lower chamber.”
  • the second chamber 110 is generally cone-shaped (e.g., the second chamber 110 converges to the tip 120 at the outlet 106, etc.).
  • the second chamber 110 can have any other suitable shape.
  • the sample tube 100 can include an example additive 111 disposed in the first chamber 108.
  • the additive 111 can include an anticoagulant (e.g., sodium polyanethol sulfonate, sodium citrate, sodium heparin, lithium heparin, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), acid-citrate-dextrose, etc.), a clot activator, a plasma separation gel, a serum separator gel, a glycolytic inhibiter (e.g., sodium fluoride, potassium oxalate, etc ), etc.
  • an anticoagulant e.g., sodium polyanethol sulfonate, sodium citrate, sodium heparin, lithium heparin, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), acid-citrate-dextrose, etc.
  • EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid
  • a clot activator e.g., sodium plasma separation gel, a serum separator gel,
  • the composition of the additive 111 can depend on the type of sample to be stored in the sample tube 100 (e.g., blood, urine, etc.) and/or the assays the sample is to be subjected thereto.
  • the sample tube 100 can include a label and/or colored-coded cap based on the composition of the additive 111, and/or the type of sample included therein, and/or a type of assay.
  • the additive 111 is in a reservoir in the first chamber 108.
  • the additive 111 can be disposed as a coating on the interior surface 114 of the first chamber 108.
  • the additive 111 is disposed in the second chamber 110.
  • the additive 111 is absent (e.g., the first chamber 108 is empty and/or filled with air, etc.).
  • the inclusion of the additive 111 in the sample tube 100 eliminates the need for a user of the sample tube 100 to add the additives after the deposition of a sample within the sample tube 100.
  • the one-way valve 112 is a flow control device that regulates the flow of samples betw een the first chamber 108 and the second chamber 110.
  • the one-way valve 112 is disposed between the first chamber 108 and the second chamber 110 and is disposed between the inlet 104 and the outlet 106.
  • the one-way valve 112 In the first position 101 of the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the one-way valve 112 is closed, which fluidly seals the first chamber 108 and the second chamber 110 (e.g., fluid cannot flow between the chambers 108, 110, etc.).
  • the one-way valve 112 can be configured to open under particular conditions.
  • the one-way valve 112 can be configured to move from a closed position (e.g., the position of FIG. 1A, etc.) to an open position when the first chamber 108 reaches a threshold pressure.
  • the one-way valve 112 can be opened via another mechanism (e.g., a volume of a sample in the first chamber 108 reaching a volume threshold, a user interface the exterior surface 116 of the sample tube 100, etc.). The opening of the one-way valve 112 is described in additional detail below in conjunction with FIG. IB.
  • the one-way valve 112 includes an example first flap 122A and an example second flap 122B.
  • the flaps 122A, 122B are flexible members that are coupled to the interior surface 114 (e.g., cantilevered relative to the interior surface 114, etc ).
  • the flaps 122A, 122B extend radially inward from the interior surface 114 of the sample tube 100.
  • the first flap 122A and the second flap 122B abut in the interior of the sample tube 100 to form an example interface 124.
  • the interface 124 fluidly seals the second chamber 110 from the first chamber 108.
  • the one-way valve 112 includes two flaps (e.g., the flaps 122A, 122B, etc.). In other examples, the one-way valve 112 can include a different quantity of flaps (e.g., one flap, three flaps, etc.).
  • the one-way valve 112 can be implemented by another type of one-way valve (e.g., a Reed valve, a ball check valve, a diaphragm check valve, a swing valve, a butterfly check valve, etc.).
  • the interface 124 is a valve seat, on which a flow control member (e.g., a diaphragm, a valve ball, a valve disk, a valve plug, etc.) while the one-way valve 112 is closed.
  • the flaps 122A, 122B and/or the interface 124 are absent.
  • the sample tube 100 includes an example plasma separation filter 126.
  • the plasma separation filter 126 is absent.
  • the additive 111 can include a plasma separation gel (e.g., a gel with a density between plasma and blood cells, etc.), which can be used to separate plasma and blood cells when the sample tube 100 is processed by a centnfuge.
  • a plasma separation gel e.g., a gel with a density between plasma and blood cells, etc.
  • the sample tube 100 includes an example mixing feature 128.
  • the mixing feature 128 encourages (e.g., facilitates, etc.) the mixing of a sample and the additive 111 prior to the dispensing thereof via the outlet 106.
  • the mixing features 128 is in the second chamber 110. Additionally or alternatively, the mixing features 128 can be disposed in the first chamber 108.
  • the mixing feature 128 includes one or more grooves and/or edges formed in the interior surface 114 of the body 102 in the second chamber 110.
  • the mixing feature 128 can include one or more helical grooves that extend along the interior surface 114 between the one-way valve 112 and the outlet 106. In other examples, the grooves can have any other suitable shape and/or configuration.
  • the mixing features 128 can include one or more mixing blades that extend from the interior surface 114 of the body 102 into the second chamber 110.
  • the mixing features 128 can be deployable (e.g., moveable between a deployed position and undeployed position, etc.). For example, in the deployed position, the mixing features 128 extend into the second chamber 110 and encourage the mixing of the sample and the additive 111. In some such examples, in the undeployed position, the mixing features 128 are flush with the interior surface 114 and do not encourage the mixing of the sample and the additive 111.
  • the mixing features 128 can be moved between a deployed position and an undeployed position via a user interface on an exterior surface 116 of the sample tube 100 (e.g., a switch, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, if the mixing features 128 include (e.g., are composed of, etc.) a ferrous (e.g., ferromagnetic, etc.) or otherwise magnetically reactive material, the mixing features 128 can be deployed by moving a magnet (e.g., a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, etc.) near the exterior of the second chamber 110. In the illustrated example of FIG. 1A, the exterior surface 116 of the body 102 includes an example magnet interface 130 near the mixing features 128.
  • a magnet e.g., a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, etc.
  • the magnet interface 130 includes a groove and/or flange to facilitate the positioning of a magnet near the mixing features 128. Additionally or alternatively, the sample tube 100 can be positioned in a holder, which indexes the mixing feature 128 into alignment with a magnet of the holder.
  • the sample tube 100 includes an example user interface 131.
  • the user interface 131 provides feedback when the first chamber 108 includes a threshold volume of fluid.
  • the user interface 131 is a fill line that provides visual feedback when the first chamber 108 includes a threshold volume of fluid.
  • the user interface 131 can be implemented by a different system and/or structure. In some such examples, the user interface 131 can generate audio and/or tactile feedback.
  • FIG. IB is a schematic front view of an example sample tube 100 of FIG. 1 A in an example second position 132. In the illustrated example of FIG.
  • the one-way valve 112 can be opened in other manners.
  • the flaps 122A, 122B can be configured (e.g., the material of the flaps 122A, 122B, the size of the flaps 122 A, 122B, the thickness of the flaps 122A, 122B, the orientation of the flaps 122 A, 122B, etc.) to deflect down when a threshold weight of fluid is in the first chamber 108.
  • the pressure in the first chamber 108 can be increased by displacing additional fluid in the first chamber 108.
  • a cap coupled to the inlet 104 can be used to displace air into the first chamber 108.
  • the displacement of a fixed volume of air into the first chamber 108 can be used to displace a corresponding volume of a sample through the one-way valve 112, through the second chamber 110, and out of the sample tube 100 via the outlet 106.
  • Example caps that can displace air into the first chamber 108 are described below in conjunction with FIGS. 2B and 2C.
  • the opening 136 enables fluid to flow from the first chamber 108 into the second chamber 110.
  • the fluid is mixed by the mixing features 128.
  • the mixing features 128 can cause the sample disposed in the first chamber 108 to evenly mix with the additive 111 of FIG. 1.
  • the mixed fluid flows to the tip 120.
  • the mixing features 128 are undeployed and/or absent, the fluid flows directly through the second chamber 110 into the tip 120.
  • the outlet 106 is open (e.g., a stopper is not disposed therein, etc.), the sample is expelled from the sample tube 100 via the outlet 106.
  • FIG. 2A is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example first cap 200 that can be used in conjunction with the sample tube 100 of FIG. 1.
  • the first cap 208 keeps the sample tube 100 closed, which prevents contamination of the samples within the sample tube 100 and/or exposure of a user of the sample tube 100 to the sample stored therein.
  • the first cap 200 includes an example first portion 202, and an example second portion 204.
  • the second portion 204 includes an example flange 206.
  • the first cap 200 can be coupled to the inlet 104 of the sample tube 100 of FIG. 1A by disposing the first portion 202 in the inlet 104 such that the first portion 202 abuts the interior surface 114 of FIG. 1 A of the sample tube 100 and the flange 206 abuts the inlet flange 118.
  • the first cap 200 can be coupled to the body 102 of FIGS. 1 A and IB via a flexible member extending from the second portion 204 and the exterior surface 116 of FIGS.
  • the first cap 200 is composed of a same material as the body 102 of the sample tube 100. In other examples, the first cap 200 can be composed of a different material as the body 102 (e.g., a plastic, a rubber, a natural material, etc.).
  • FIG. 2B is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example second cap 208 that can be used in conjunction with the sample tube 100 of FIG. 1.
  • the second cap 208 is an integrated transfer device, which enables a metered volume of sample to be dispensed from the sample tube 100.
  • the second cap 208 keeps the sample tube 100 closed, which prevents contamination of the samples within the sample tube 100 and/or exposure of a user of the sample tube 100 to the sample stored therein.
  • the second cap 208 includes the first portion 202 of FIG. 2A, the flange 206 of FIG. 2A, and an example ejection button 210.
  • the ejection button 210 includes an example interior volume 212 and is disposed over an example cavity 214.
  • the second cap 208 of FIG. 2B can be coupled in the inlet 104 of FIGS. 1A and IB by disposing the first portion 202 in the inlet 104 such that the first portion 202 abuts the interior surface 114 of FIG. 1A of the sample tube 100 and the flange 206 abuts the inlet flange 118.
  • the second cap 208 is composed of a same material as the body 102 of the sample tube 100. In other examples, the second cap 208 can be composed of a different material as the body 102 (e.g., a plastic, a rubber, a natural material, etc.). In some examples, the ejection button 210 can be composed of a semi-rigid material (e.g., a plastic, silicone, etc.) and/or any other suitable material.
  • a semi-rigid material e.g., a plastic, silicone, etc.
  • a user of the sample tube 100 can depress the ejection button 210 from an example first position 216A to an example second position 216B.
  • the depression of the ejection button 210 can cause the ejection button 210 to invert (e.g., move from the first position 216A to the second position 216B, etc.) and displace the volume 212 of the ejection button 210 into the first chamber 108 of the sample tube 100. That is, pressing the ejection button 210 can cause the ejection button 210 to elastically deform until the dome of the ejection button 210 reaches the second position 216B.
  • the displacement of the volume 212 into the first chamber 108 causes the pressure in the first chamber 108 to increase and a corresponding volume (e.g., an equal volume, etc.) of fluid to be expelled from the first chamber 108 into the second chamber 110 via the oneway valve 112.
  • the ejection button 210 is a metering feature (e.g., a device that enables a metered amount of sample to be expelled from a sample tube, etc.).
  • the second cap 208 can be removed from the sample tube 100 and the ejection button 210 can be returned from the second position 216B to the first position 216A (e.g., by pressing the ejection button 210 from the cavity 214, etc.).
  • FIG. 2C is a schematic cross-sectional view of an example third cap 218 that can be used in conjunction with the sample tube 100 of FIG. 1.
  • the third cap 218 is an integrated transfer device, which enables a metered volume of sample to be dispensed from the sample tube 100.
  • the third cap 218 is also referred to herein as a “pipette” and a “pipette cap.”
  • the third cap 218 keeps the sample tube 100 closed, which prevents contamination of the samples within the sample tube 100 and/or exposure of a user of the sample tube 100 to the sample stored therein.
  • the third cap 218 includes the first portion 202 of FIG. 2A, the flange 206 of FIG. 2A, the cavity 214 of FIG. 2B, an example piston block 220, an example piston 222, an example plunger 224, and an example retention flange 226.
  • the third cap 218 of FIG. 2C can be coupled in the inlet 104 of FIGS. 1 A and IB by disposing the first portion 202 in the inlet 104 such that the first portion 202 abuts the interior surface 114 of FIG. 1 A of the sample tube 100 and the flange 206 abuts the inlet flange 118.
  • the piston block 220, the piston 222, and the plunger 224 is composed of a same material as the body 102 of the sample tube 100.
  • the piston block 220, the piston 222, and the plunger 224 can be composed of a different material as the body 102 (e.g., a plastic, a metal, etc.).
  • the piston 222 can include a flexible seal that abuts the interior of the piston block 220 to facilitate a fluid seal between the piston 222 and the piston block 220.
  • a user of the sample tube 100 can depress the plunger 224, which causes the piston 222 to move toward the retention flange 226.
  • the depression of the plunger 224 displaces air in the cavity 214 into the first chamber 108 of the sample tube 100.
  • the displacement of air from the cavity 214 into first chamber 108 via the action of the piston 222 causes the pressure in the first chamber 108 to increase and a corresponding volume (e.g., an equal volume, etc.) of fluid to be expelled from the first chamber 108 into the second chamber 110 via the one-way valve 112.
  • the piston 222 and the plunger 224 is a metering feature (e.g., a device that enables a metered amount of sample to be expelled from the sample tube 100, etc.).
  • the plunger 224 can include features (e.g., visual markers, grooves, etc.) that provide feedback (e.g., visual feedback, tactile feedback, etc.) to a user of the third cap 218 to determine an amount of air displaced by the third cap 218 and the corresponding amount of sample fluid from the sample tube 100.
  • the second cap 208 can be removed from the sample tube 100 and the piston 222 can be moved back to a position distal to the retention flange 226.
  • the third cap 218 can be coupled to another sample tube (e.g., another sample tube similar to the sample tube 100 of FIG. 1, etc ).
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the example sample tube 100 of FIGS. 1A and IB dispensing a sample onto an example lateral flow assay 300.
  • the sample tube 100 includes an example sample 302, which is being expelled from the outlet 106 of FIGS. 1A and IB as example droplets 304.
  • the lateral flow assay 300 includes an example pad 306.
  • the lateral flow assay 300 is an assay that can identify the presence of a particular substance and/or compound in a liquid sample, i.e., a target analyte.
  • the sample 302 includes a biological fluid sample, such as blood, urine, saliva, sweat, serum, and/or another biological fluid.
  • the sample 302 can be any other type of fluid (e.g., a potable fluid, an environmental sample, etc.).
  • the lateral flow assay 300 can be used to detect the presence of antigen(s), hormone(s), pathogen(s), etc. in the sample 302.
  • the sample 302 is being dispensed from outlet 106 as the droplets 304.
  • the dispensation of the sample 302 is caused by the application of the compressive force 134 on the body 102 of the sample tube 100.
  • the sample 302 can be dispensed from the sample tube 100 by another means (e.g., via the action of the second cap 208 of FIG. 2B, via the action of the third cap 218 of FIG. 2C, etc.).
  • the outlet 106 can be sized and/or shaped such that sample 302 is expelled as droplets.
  • the outlet 106 can be sized and/or shaped to expel the sample 302 as a stream.
  • the outlet 106 and the configuration of the sample tube 100 e.g., the arrangement of the chambers 108, 110, etc.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the example sample tube 100 of FIGS. 1A and IB dispensing the sample 302 of FIG. 3 into an example cartridge 400 of an example portable diagnostic analyzer 402.
  • the cartridge 400 includes an example port 404.
  • the portable diagnostic analyzer 402 includes an example slot 406.
  • the portable diagnostic analyzer 402 is an electronic device that can perform a variety of diagnostic tests based on blood or other fluids disposed on the cartridge 400.
  • the portable diagnostic analyzer 402 can detect a variety of substances in the sample 302 (e.g., lactate, blood gases, electrolytes, cardiac markers, etc.), perform a variety of hematology assays, perform a variety of endocrinology assays, etc.
  • the cartridge 400 can be inserted into the slot 406, which enables the portable diagnostic analyzer 402 to analyze the inserted sample.
  • the portable diagnostic analyzer 402 is an i-STAT® analyzer from Abbott Laboratories.
  • the tip 120 of the sample tube 100 is configured (e.g., sized and shaped, etc.) to fit within the port 404 of the cartridge 400. That is, the tip 120 can be directly inserted into the port 404 of the cartridge 400 and the sample 302 can be directly expelled via the outlet 106 into the cartridge 400 (e.g., compressive force 134, etc.).
  • the configuration of the sample tube 100 enables the direct deposition of a sample into the cartridge 400 from the sample tube 100.
  • the sample tube 100 can include a metering feature (e.g., the second cap 208 of FIG. 2B, the third cap 218 of FIG. 2C, etc.) to enable a metered volume of sample to be dispensed into the cartridge 400 and prevent the overfilling thereof.
  • a portable diagnostic analyzer 402 is shown in FIG. 4, the examples disclosed herein also may be used to dispense a sample into a non-portable diagnostic analyzer and/or a cartridge associated therewith.
  • the examples disclosed herein can be used to dispense a sample into a reaction vessel for use in a laboratory diagnostic analyzer such as the Alinity® analyzers by Abbott Laboratories.
  • the sample tube 100 can dispense a collected sample into multiple assays and/or testing devices so that multiple diagnostic tests can be run on the same sample (e.g., a complete blood count (CBC) panel, a comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP) panel, an infectious disease test, etc.).
  • CBC complete blood count
  • CMP metabolic panel
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example kit or system 500 including an example sample tube 502 and an example first plurality of adapters 503 implemented in accordance with teachings of this disclosure.
  • the sample tube 502 can be coupled to an example sampling device 504 via one or more of the plurality of adapters 503.
  • the plurality of adapters 503 includes an example first reducer adapter 506A, an example second reducer adapter 506B, an example third reduce adapter 506C, an example first expander adapter 508A, an example second expander adapter 508B, and an example third expander adapter 508C.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an example kit or system 500 including an example sample tube 502 and an example first plurality of adapters 503 implemented in accordance with teachings of this disclosure.
  • the sample tube 502 can be coupled to an example sampling device 504 via one or more of the plurality of adapters 503.
  • the plurality of adapters 503 includes an example first reducer adapter 506A, an example second reducer
  • the sample tube 502 includes an example inlet flange 510 and an example interior surface 512.
  • the sample tube 513 has an example inlet diameter 513.
  • the sampling device 504 includes an example outlet 514, which has an example outlet diameter 515.
  • the reducer adapters 506A, 506B, 506C include an example first body 516A, an example second body 516B, and an example third body 516C, respectively, and an example first adapter flange 518A, an example second adapter flange 518B, an example third adapter flange 518C, respectively.
  • the reducer adapters 506A, 506B, 506C include an example first opening 520A, an example second opening 520B, and an example third opening 520C, respectively, which define corresponding an example first adapter diameter 522A, an example second adapter diameter 522B, and an example third adapter diameter 522C, respectively.
  • the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C include an example first tube-side end 524A, an example second tube-side end 524B, and an example third tube-side end 524C, respectively, and an example first device-side end 526A, an example second device-side end 526B, and an example third device-side end 526C, respectively.
  • the device-side ends 526A, 526B, 526C include an example first body 528A, an example second body 528B, and an example third body 528C.
  • the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C includes an example first flange 530A, an example second flange 530B, and an example third flange 530C.
  • the reducer adapters 506 A, 506B, 506C include an example first opening 532A, an example second opening 532B, and an example third opening 532C, respectively, which define corresponding an example first adapter diameter 534A, an example second adapter diameter 534B, and an example third adapter diameter 534C, respectively.
  • the sample tube 502 is a vessel to store a sample (e.g. , a bodily fluid sample, etc.) extracted by the sampling device 504.
  • the sample tube 502 is implemented by the sample tube 100 of FIGS. 1A-4.
  • the sample tube 502 can be implemented by another suitable type of sample tube (e.g., a flat-bottomed test tube, a roundbottom test tube, a screw tube test tube, etc.).
  • the sample tube 502 includes the inlet flange 510 and interior surface 512, which are similar to the inlet flange 118 of FIGS. 1A and IB and the interior surface 114 of FIGS. 1A and IB, respectively, unless noted otherwise.
  • the sampling device 504 is a device that extracts a bodily fluid sample from a patient.
  • the sampling device 504 includes a skin-piercing device, such as a lancet, a needle, a microneedle, an array of needles or microneedles, etc. to create a small wound in a patient’s skin.
  • the sampling device 504 draws bodily fluid from the patient and directs the bodily fluid to the outlet 514 of the sampling device 504.
  • the outlet 514 can include a needle or cannula extending therefrom, which directs blood out of the outlet 514.
  • the sample tube 502 is a vacuum tube
  • the needle of the outlet 514 can pierce a diaphragm of the sample tube 502, which draws blood from the interior of the sample device 504 into the sample tub 502.
  • the sampling device 504 can be coupled to the sample tube 502 by positioning the outlet 514 within the sample tube 502.
  • the outlet diameter 515 of the outlet 514 and the inlet diameter 513 must be similarly sized (e.g., approximately equal to, etc.) to the inlet diameter 513.
  • the outlet diameter 515 of the outlet 514 and the inlet diameter 513 are sized to form an interference fit between the outlet 514 and the interior surface 512 of the sample tube 100.
  • different sampling devices may have differently sized outlets.
  • the system 500 includes the plurality of adapters 503 to enable the sample tube 502 to be coupled to sampling devices with outlets of different sizes.
  • the sample tube 502 and/or the plurality of adapters 503 can include a mechanical release to uncouple the sample tube 502 from the sample device 504 after a sample has been drawn into the sample tube 502.
  • the reducer adapters 506A, 506B, 506C enable the sample tube 502 to be coupled to the outlets of sampling devices with diameters that are smaller than the inlet diameter 513.
  • the reducer adapters 506A, 506B, 506C can be coupled to the sample tube 502 by disposing the bodies 516A, 516B, 516C into the inlet 511 of the sample tube 502, such that the bodies 516A, 516B, 516C abut the interior surface 512 and the flanges 518A, 518B, 518C abut the inlet flange 510.
  • the bodies 516A, 516B, 516C can be coupled to the sample tube 502 via an interference fit.
  • the bodies 516A, 516B, 516C and the interior diameter can include threads, which enable the reducer adapters 506A, 506B, 506C to be coupled to the sample tube 502 via a threaded coupling.
  • the openings 520 A, 520B, 520C can be disposed around the outlet of a sampling device (e.g., the outlet 514 of the sampling device 504, etc.).
  • the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C enable the sample tube 502 to be coupled to the outlets of sampling devices with diameters that are larger than the inlet diameter 513.
  • the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C are sized to fit within the inlet 511 of the sample tube 502 (e.g., the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C are slightly smaller than the inlet diameter 513, etc.).
  • the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C can be coupled to the sample tube 502 by disposing the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C into the inlet 511 of the sample tube 502, such that the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C abut the interior surface 512 and the flanges 530A, 530B, 530C abut the inlet flange 510.
  • the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C are larger than the inlet diameter 513.
  • the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C of the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C can be coupled to an exterior surface of the sample tube 502.
  • the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C can be coupled to the sample tube 502 via an interference fit.
  • the tube-side ends 524A, 524B, 524C and the interior surface 512 can include threads, which enable the expander adapters 508A, 508B, 508C to be coupled to the sample tube 502 via a threaded coupling.
  • the openings 532A, 532B, 532C of the device-side ends 526A, 526B, 526C can be disposed around the outlet of a sampling device (e.g., the outlet 514 of the sampling device 504, etc.).
  • the plurality of the adapters 503 enables the sample tube 502 to be coupled to a variety of different microsampling devices.
  • the adapter diameters 522A, 522B, 522C, 534A, 534B, 534C are sized to fit the diameters of different commercially available sampling devices.
  • the plurality of the adapters 503 can releasably secure and seal (e.g., fluidly seal, etc.) the sample tube 502 to sampling devices having outlets of different sizes (e.g., the plurality of the adapters 503 enable the sample tube 502 to be coupled to different makes and models of sampling devices, etc.).
  • one or more of the plurality of adapters 503 can be sized to one or more standard sizes (e.g., standard sample tube sizes, etc.) from one or more manufacturers.
  • the plurality of adapters 503 include six adapters (e.g., the 506A, 506B, 506C, 508A, 508B, 508C, etc.). In other examples, the plurality of adapters 503 can include a different quantity of adapters (e.g., one adapter, two adapters, four adapters, ten adapters, twenty -five adapters, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 5, the adapters 506 A, 506B, 506C, 508A, 508B, 508C are configured to be disposed around an exterior surface of an outlet of a sampling device. Additionally or alternatively, the plurality of adapters 503 can include adapters that are configured to be disposed within an interior surface of an outlet of a sampling device.
  • FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of an adjustable adapter 600 in an example first position 602A.
  • FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of the adjustable adapter 600 of FIG. 6A in an example second position 602B.
  • the adjustable adapter 600 can be used to couple the sample tube 502 of FIG. 5 to the sampling device 504 of FIG. 5.
  • the adjustable adapter 600 includes an example tube-side end 604A and an example device-side end 604B.
  • the adjustable adapter 600 includes an example body 606, an example flange 608, and an example opening 610 extending through the body 606.
  • the body 606 has an example first body portion 612A adjacent to the tube-side end 604A and an example second body portion 612B adjacent to the device side end 604B.
  • the adjustable adapter 600 includes an example iris assembly 614 in the second body portion 612B.
  • the iris assembly 614 includes an example plurality of blades 616, which include an example first blade 617A and an example second blade 617B.
  • the iris assembly 614 includes an example plurality of arms 618, which include an example first arm 619A and an example second arm 619B.
  • the iris assembly 614 also includes an example outer ring 620, an example inner ring 622, and an example lock 623.
  • the plurality of blades 616, the plurality of arms 618, the outer ring 620, the inner ring 622, the lock 623 can be composed of any suitable rigid material(s) (e.g., one or more plastics, one or more polymers, one or more composites, one or more metals, etc.).
  • suitable rigid material(s) e.g., one or more plastics, one or more polymers, one or more composites, one or more metals, etc.
  • the outlet diameter 515 of the outlet 514 is to be similarly sized (e.g., approximately equal to, etc.) to the inlet diameter 513.
  • the body 606 abuts the interior surface 512 of the sample tube 502 of FIG. 5 and the flange 608 abuts the inlet flange 510 of the sample tube 502 of FIG. 5.
  • Different commercially available sampling devices may have differently sized outlets.
  • the iris assembly 614 enables the adjustable adapter 600 to receive sampling devices with different outlet diameters. That is, the iris assembly 614 can adjust the diameter of the device-side end 604B into a plurality of diameters to accommodate differently sized outlets of sampling devices.
  • the plurality of blades 616 are the components of the iris assembly 614 that enable the adjustable adapter 600 to have a vanable diameter.
  • the plurality of blades 616 are movably disposed within the device-side end 604B of the adjustable adapter 600 (e.g., the plurality of blades 616 is radially movable within the device-side end 604B, etc.).
  • each of the plurality of blades 616 is the same size and shape.
  • the plurality of blades 616 can be polygonal (e.g. triangular, quadrilateral, etc.).
  • the sides of the plurality of blades 616 are curved (e.g., a triangle with curved sides, leaf-shaped, etc.). In other examples, some or all of the plurality of blades 616 have different sizes and/or shapes. In other examples, the plurality of blades 616 can include at least four blades (e.g., five blades, twelve blades, twenty' blades, etc.). In the illustrated example of FIG. 6A, each of the plurality of blades 616 is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality' of arms 618 via a first set of fasteners 624 and the body 606 via a second set of fasteners 625. The plurality of blades 616 is described in additional detail below in conjunction with FIG. 6D.
  • the contact surfaces of the plurality of blades 616 includes an example elastic sheath or liner 626.
  • the elastic liner 626 is compressed between the plurality of blades 616 and the outlet 514 of the sampling device 504.
  • the compression of the elastic liner 626 forms a seal between the sampling tube 502 and the sampling device 504, which facilitates the transfer of a sample therebetween.
  • the elastic liner 626 can be composed of one or more flexible material(s) (e.g., natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a soft plastic, another polymer, etc.). In some examples, the elastic liner 626 is absent. In some such example, the plurality of blades 616 are composed of a flexible material, which similarly facilitates the formation of a seal between the sampling tube 502 and the sampling device 504.
  • flexible material(s) e.g., natural rubber, a synthetic rubber, a soft plastic, another polymer, etc.
  • the elastic liner 626 is absent.
  • the plurality of blades 616 are composed of a flexible material, which similarly facilitates the formation of a seal between the sampling tube 502 and the sampling device 504.
  • the plurality of arms 618 couple corresponding ones of the plurality of blades 616 to the inner ring 622. During operation of the adjustable adapter 600, the plurality of arms 618 pivot, which displaces the plurality of blades 616 radially.
  • the plurality of arms 618 are arc-shaped components that have a same radius of curvature of the body 606, the outer ring 620, and/or the inner ring 622.
  • the plurality of arms 618 includes a same quantity of arms as the plurality of blades 616 (e.g., each of the plurality of blades 616 is coupled to a corresponding one of the plurality of arms 618, etc ).
  • the outer ring 620 is an annular member that extends annularly within the second body portion 612B of the body 606.
  • the outer ring 620 includes an outer surface 627, which is flush with the outer diameter of the second body portion 612B.
  • the outer surface 627 of the outer ring 620 includes grooves, which can interface with one or more corresponding groove(s) on the lock 623.
  • the outer surface 627 is a user interface, which enables a user to adjust the diameter of the adjustable adapter 600 by adjusting the position of the plurality of blades 616.
  • the inner ring 622 is an annular member that is disposed within the body 606.
  • the inner ring 622 is coupled to the body 606 via an example groove 628.
  • the groove 628 enables the inner ring 622 to freely rotate relative to the body 606.
  • the inner ring 622 can be coupled to the body 606 in any other manner that enables the relative rotation of the inner ring 622 and the body 606 (e.g., connection via one or more pins and slots, etc.).
  • the inner ring 622 is coupled to each of the plurality of arms 618 via a third set of fasteners 631.
  • the fasteners 624, 625, 631 can be implemented by any type(s) of fasteners that enable the relative rotation of the components coupled thereby (e.g., pins, etc.).
  • the outer ring 620 forms an example interface 629 with the inner ring 622.
  • the interface 629 is a geared interface (e.g., the inner diameter of the outer ring 620 includes gear teeth and the outer diameter of the inner ring 622 includes gear teeth enmeshed therewith, etc.).
  • the interface 629 can be implemented by any other suitable type of interface.
  • the outer ring 620 can be rotated via an example first motion 630.
  • a user can rotate via the first motion 630 via the outer surface 627 of the outer ring 620 relative to the body 606.
  • the plurality of blades 616 of the iris assembly 614 have been adjusted so the device-side end 604B has an example first diameter 634. That is, the device-side end 604B has the first diameter 634 in the first position 602A.
  • the first position 602A is the maximum open position of the iris assembly 614 of the adjustable adapter 600 (e.g., the plurality of blades 616 abut the outer ring 620, the plurality of arms 618 abut the outer ring 620, etc.).
  • the plurality of blades 616 of the iris assembly 614 have been adjusted so the deviceside end 604B has an example second diameter 636. That is, the device-side end 604B has the second diameter 636 in the second position 602B.
  • the second position 602B is the maximum closed position of the iris assembly 614 of the adjustable adapter 600 (e.g., the plurality of arms 618 are fully extended, etc.).
  • the lock 623 retains the outer ring 620 in a relative position relative to the body 606.
  • the lock 623 can be slid axially via a second motion 632 along the second body portion 612B of the body 606.
  • the lock 623 can engage with (e.g., interface, etc.) the outer ring 620.
  • the lock 623 includes a groove that interfaces with corresponding grooves on the outer surface 627 of the second body portion 612B and the outer ring 620.
  • the lock 623 enables the iris assembly 614 to be locked in the cunent position of the iris assembly 614, such that the adjustable adapter 600 is locked in the current diameter of the iris assembly 614.
  • FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram depicting an example first movement 639A, an example second movement 639B, and an example third movement 639C of the inner ring 622, the first arm 619A, and the first blade 617A, respectively.
  • the movements 639A, 639B, 639C move the inner ring 622, the first arm 619A, and the first blade 617A between the first position 602A of the FIG. 6A and the second position 602B of FIG. 6B.
  • FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram depicting an example first movement 639A, an example second movement 639B, and an example third movement 639C of the inner ring 622, the first arm 619A, and the first blade 617A, respectively.
  • the movements 639A, 639B, 639C move the inner ring 622, the first arm 619A, and the first blade 617A between the first position 602A of the FIG. 6A and the second position 602B of FIG. 6B.
  • the position of the first blade 617A and the first arm 619A in the first position 602A is depicted in dashed lines and the position of the first blade 617A and the first arm 619A in the second position 602B is depicted in solid lines.
  • an example first fastener 640 of the first set of fasteners 624 of FIGS. 6A and 6B couples the first blade 617A to the first arm 619A.
  • an example second fastener 642 of the second set of fasteners 625 of FIGS. 6A and 6B couples the first blade 617A to the body 606 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B, etc.).
  • an example third fastener 644 of the third set of fasteners 631 of FIGS. 6 A and 6B couples an example first end 648 A of the first arm 619Ato the inner ring 622.
  • the first fastener 640 is disposed within an example slot 646 in an example second end 648B of the first arm 619A.
  • the slot 646 is absent (e.g., the first fastener 640 is disposed in a hole through the first arm 619A and the inner ring 622, etc.).
  • the first blade 617A includes an example outer comer 650.
  • the outer corner 650 is adjacent to an example centerline 651 of the adjustable adapter 600 and the second end 648B is displaced toward the centerline 651.
  • the inner ring 622 is rotated via the first movement 639A of (e.g., via the first motion 630 of the outer ring 620 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, etc.) in the counterclockwise direction, which causes a corresponding rotation of the first end 648 A.
  • the first movement 639A of e.g., via the first motion 630 of the outer ring 620 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, etc.
  • the coupling of the first blade 617A to the outer ring 620 via the first fastener 642 prevents corresponding rotation of the first blade 617A in response to the first movement 639A.
  • the first movement 639A of the inner ring 622 and the first end 648A of the first arm 619A cause the second end 648B of the first arm 619A to pivot about the first end 648A via the second movement 639B in a counterclockwise direction.
  • the second movement 639B causes the relative movement of the first fastener 640 within the slot 646.
  • the second movement 639B of the second end 648B of the first arm 619A causes the first blade 617A to pivot about the first fastener 642 via the third movement 639C in the counterclockwise direction. It should be appreciated that the sides of the first blade 617A slide along the sides of other ones of the plurality of blades 616 during the movements 639A, 639B, 639C, which similarly guide the first blade 617A through the third movement 639C.
  • the relative positions of the plurality of blades 616 through the movements 639A, 639B, 639C are depicted below in FIG. 6D.
  • the movements 639A, 639B, 639C can be reversed (e.g., the inner ring 622 can be rotated clockwise, etc.) to move the iris assembly 614 from the first position 602A to the second position 602B. It should be appreciated that other ones of the plurality of arms 618 of FIGS. 6A and 6B and the plurality of blades 616 of FIGS. 6A and 6B are similarly disposed within the iris assembly 614 and respond similarly to the first movement 639A.
  • FIG. 6D is a plurality of front views of the adjustable adapter 600 of FIG. 6A.
  • the adjustable adapter 600 is in an example first intermediate position 652A having an example first intermediate diameter 654A, an example second intermediate position 652B having an example second intermediate diameter 654B, an example third intermediate position 652C having an example third intermediate diameter 654C, and an example fourth intermediate position 652D having an example fourth intermediate diameter 654D, and an example fifth intermediate position 652E having an example fifth intermediate diameter 654E.
  • the adjustable adapter 600 is in an example first intermediate position 652A having an example first intermediate diameter 654A
  • an example second intermediate position 652B having an example second intermediate diameter 654B
  • an example third intermediate position 652C having an example third intermediate diameter 654C
  • an example fourth intermediate position 652D having an example fourth intermediate diameter 654D
  • an example fifth intermediate position 652E having an example fifth intermediate diameter 654E.
  • the intermediate diameters 654 A, 654B, 654C, 654D, 654E range between the first diameter 634 of the first position 602A (e.g., the maximum open position of the adjustable adapter 600, etc.) and the second diameter 636 of the second position 602B (e.g., the maximum close position of the adjustable adapter 600, etc.).
  • the diameters 634, 636, 654A, 654B, 654C, 654D, 654E of the positions 602A, 602B, 652A, 652B, 652C, 652D, 652E enable the adjustable adapter 600 to be coupled to sampling devices having different outlet diameters. While seven positions of the adjustable adapter 600 are depicted in FIG.
  • the adjustable adapter 600 can be articulated into more positions between the first position 602A and the second position 602B.
  • A, B, and/or C refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A with B, (5) A with C, (6) B with C, or (7) A with B and with C.
  • the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.
  • the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.
  • the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.
  • the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to implementations including any of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.
  • the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in a claim with a different descriptor such as “second” or “third.” In such instances, it should be understood that such descriptors are used merely for identifying those elements distinctly within the context of the discussion (e.g., within a claim) in which the elements might, for example, otherwise share a same name.
  • “approximately” and “about” modify their subjects/values to recognize the potential presence of variations that occur in real world applications. For example, “approximately” and “about” may modify dimensions that may not be exact due to manufacturing tolerances and/or other real world imperfections as will be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “approximately” and “about” may indicate such dimensions may be within a tolerance range of +/- 10% unless otherwise specified herein.
  • Example 1 includes a biological sample collection tube including a first chamber, a second chamber including an outlet, and a one-way valve between the first chamber and the second chamber to enable a sample to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber and prevent flow from the second chamber to the first chamber.
  • Example 2 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the biological sample collection tube includes a rigid wall portion, and a flexible wall portion, a compression of the flexible wall portion to open the one-way valve.
  • Example 3 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the rigid wall portion is adjacent to an inlet of the first chamber and the flexible wall portion is adjacent to the one-way valve.
  • Example 4 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the one-way valve includes a flap coupled to a first interior surface of the biological sample collection tube.
  • Example 5 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including grooves formed in a second interior surface of the second chamber.
  • Example 6 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including a mixing blade coupled to a second interior surface of the second chamber.
  • Example 7 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the mixing blade is ferromagnetic and further including a magnet interface on an exterior surface of the second chamber, the magnet interface aligned with the mixing blade.
  • Example 9 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the second chamber tapers to a tip.
  • Example 10 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, wherein the outlet is at the tip.
  • Example 11 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including an interface to generate feedback when the first chamber includes a threshold volume of fluid.
  • Example 12 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including a metering feature to regulate a volume of fluid expelled via the outlet.
  • Example 13 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including a cap to be coupled to an inlet of the first chamber, the cap including the metering feature, the metering feature including an ejection button.
  • Example 14 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including a cap to be coupled to an inlet of the first chamber, the cap including a piston to displace air into the first chamber, and a plunger coupled to the piston, the metering feature including the plunger.
  • Example 15 includes the biological sample collection tube of any preceding example, further including an anticoagulant in the first chamber.
  • Example 16 includes a system for storing and dispensing a biological fluid sample, the system comprising a sample tube including an inlet, a first adapter to be coupled to the inlet, the first adapter to facilitate the coupling of the sample tube to a first sampling device having a first outlet of a first size, and a second adapter to be coupled to the inlet, the second adapter to facilitate the coupling of the sample tube to a second sampling device having a second outlet of a second size, the second size different than the first size.
  • Example 17 includes the system of any preceding example, wherein the first adapter is to be coupled to an interior diameter of the inlet.
  • Example 18 includes the system of any preceding example, wherein the first adapter includes a first flange to abut the inlet.
  • Example 19 includes the system of any preceding example, wherein the first adapter has a variably-sized inner diameter.
  • Example 20 includes the system of any preceding example, wherein the sample tube includes a tip opposite the inlet, the tip including an outlet, and a one-way valve disposed between the inlet and the outlet.
  • Example 21 includes an apparatus to couple a sample tube to a sampling device, the apparatus comprising a body including a first end to be coupled to the sample tube and a second end to be coupled to the sampling device, and an iris assembly adjustable between a first position and a second position, the second end having a first diameter in the first position, the second end having a second diameter in the second position, the first diameter greater than the second diameter.
  • Example 22 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, wherein the body includes a flange between the first end and the second end, the flange to abut the sample tube.
  • Example 23 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, wherein the iris assembly includes an outer ring, an inner ring engaged within the outer ring, an arm coupled to the inner ring, and a blade movably disposed within the second end, the blade coupled to the arm, the blade to abut the sample tube.
  • Example 24 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, wherein the outer ring includes a user interface to adjust a radial position of the blade.
  • Example 25 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, wherein the blade includes an elastic liner.
  • Example 26 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, further including a lock to retain the iris assembly in at least one of the first position or the second position.
  • Example 27 includes the apparatus of any preceding example, wherein the lock is disposed on an outer diameter of the body, the lock to engage with the outer ring.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Dermatology (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne des tubes à échantillon pour fluides biologiques. Un exemple de tube de collecte d'échantillon biologique divulgué ici comprend une première chambre, une seconde chambre comprenant une sortie, et une soupape unidirectionnelle située entre la première chambre et la seconde chambre pour permettre à un échantillon de s'écouler de la première chambre à la seconde chambre et d'empêcher l'écoulement de la seconde chambre à la première chambre.
PCT/US2025/038261 2024-07-19 2025-07-18 Tubes à échantillon pour fluides biologiques Pending WO2026020106A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202463673290P 2024-07-19 2024-07-19
US63/673,290 2024-07-19

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2026020106A1 true WO2026020106A1 (fr) 2026-01-22

Family

ID=96917698

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2025/038261 Pending WO2026020106A1 (fr) 2024-07-19 2025-07-18 Tubes à échantillon pour fluides biologiques

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2026020106A1 (fr)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140305196A1 (en) * 2013-04-15 2014-10-16 Becton, Dickinson And Company Biological Fluid Collection Device and Biological Fluid Separation and Testing System
US20160220160A1 (en) * 2014-10-14 2016-08-04 Becton, Dickinson And Company Blood Sample Management Using Open Cell Foam
US20210128038A1 (en) * 2015-08-06 2021-05-06 Becton, Dickinson And Company Biological Fluid Collection Device and Biological Fluid Collection System
US20220065758A1 (en) * 2018-02-26 2022-03-03 Becton, Dickinson And Company Biological Fluid Collection Device and Collection Module
US20230284946A1 (en) * 2022-03-08 2023-09-14 Becton, Dickinson And Company Small Sample Collection and Dispensing Device for Use with Luer Lock Access Device and Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140305196A1 (en) * 2013-04-15 2014-10-16 Becton, Dickinson And Company Biological Fluid Collection Device and Biological Fluid Separation and Testing System
US20160220160A1 (en) * 2014-10-14 2016-08-04 Becton, Dickinson And Company Blood Sample Management Using Open Cell Foam
US20210128038A1 (en) * 2015-08-06 2021-05-06 Becton, Dickinson And Company Biological Fluid Collection Device and Biological Fluid Collection System
US20220065758A1 (en) * 2018-02-26 2022-03-03 Becton, Dickinson And Company Biological Fluid Collection Device and Collection Module
US20230284946A1 (en) * 2022-03-08 2023-09-14 Becton, Dickinson And Company Small Sample Collection and Dispensing Device for Use with Luer Lock Access Device and Point-of-Care Diagnostics

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5456885A (en) Fluid collection, separation and dispensing tube
US9089841B2 (en) Method of sampling specimen, test method and dropping pipette and specimen sampler to be used therein
US4099548A (en) Hand-held pipette for repetitively dispensing precise volumes of liquid
US20120101407A1 (en) Apparatus and method for preparation of small volume of samples
US11622706B2 (en) Blood sampling device
CN105496424B (zh) 利用开孔泡沫的血液样本操控
US5770158A (en) Capillary syringe
US8841127B2 (en) Methods and devices for sample collection, treatment and dispensing
CN101151515A (zh) 带漏斗收集器的样本检测装置
KR20150092265A (ko) 체액 샘플 수집 및 운반을 위한 시스템, 장치 및 방법
EP1788944A1 (fr) Procede et appareil permettant d'echantillonner et d'analyser des fluides
US20060039833A1 (en) Biological specimen collection, transportation, and dispensing system
JP7233502B2 (ja) 生体液収集および安定化システム
CN107532973A (zh) 试样提取分离器
US20070025886A1 (en) Biological specimen collection, transportation, and dispensing system
US20240100529A1 (en) Device for reagent storage and release, and microfluidic device
WO2020128549A1 (fr) Dispositifs pour extraire un échantillon de fluide d'une chambre fermée et leurs procédés d'utilisation
EP3978130A1 (fr) Dispositif de transfert de liquide
CN219757866U (zh) 血培养阳性样本定量处理装置
CN219331666U (zh) 一种末梢采血笔
JP7689959B2 (ja) 検査チップおよび液体導入方法
US20200292541A1 (en) Whole blood staining preparation cartridge and system
US11604204B2 (en) Self-contained systems and methods for controlled dispensing of hazardous fluid
CN209513799U (zh) 一种检测液体样本中分析物的装置
CN202036222U (zh) 一次性微量血液采样器

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 25760459

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1