Rotatable fluid sample collection device

A working element comprising:

• a sample collection device for a sample fluid, the device comprising:
• a body including a capillary channel having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to draw the fluid into the channel by capillary action;
• an air vent located in the vicinity of the second end and in fluid communication with the capillary channel;
• a barrier positioned within the capillary channel to prevent flow of the fluid by capillary action thereacross;
• and
• features on opposing sides of the body;
• and
• a cartridge having a sample manipulation device, wherein the cartridge has features that correspond to features on the sample collection device to form an axis of rotation, which is substantially perpendicular to the overall direction of the capillary channel from the first end to the second end about which the sample collection device rotates, and wherein the sample collection device is adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation to bring the first end into position with the sample manipulation device.

A method for collecting a fluid sample comprising:

• providing a working element which comprises:
• a sample collection device for a fluid sample, the device comprising:
• a body including a capillary channel having a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is adapted to draw the fluid into the channel by capillary action;
• an air vent located in the vicinity of the second end and in fluid communication with the capillary channel;
• a barrier positioned within the capillary channel to prevent flow of the fluid by capillary action thereacross;
• and
• features on opposing sides of the body;
• and
• a cartridge having a sample manipulation device, wherein the cartridge has features that correspond to features on the sample collection device to form an axis of rotation, which is substantially perpendicular to the overall direction of the capillary channel from the first end to the second end about which the sample collection device rotates, and wherein the sample collection device is adapted to rotate about the axis of rotation to bring the first end into position with the sample manipulation device;
• rotating the sample collection device to position the first end in a direction extending away from the cartridge;
• bringing the first end into contact with the sample, whereby capillary action draws the sample into the channel and to the barrier;
• rotating the sample collection device to position the first end into position with the sample manipulation device;
• and
• applying air pressure to the air vent to force the sample across the barrier and into contact with the sample manipulation device.