Functionalized Blood Sampling Device and Method for PEth Measurement

Abstract

A device configured for collection and subsequent testing of a blood sample of less than 10 ml, characterized in that the container includes at least one inhibitor of the enzyme phospholipase D selected from at least one of a salt of vanadium and a salt of tungsten. A method of preparing a sample for analysis of phosphatidylethanol (PEth) comprises providing a blood sample for a patient with a volume of less than 10 ml; contacting the blood sample at least one inhibitor of the enzyme phospholipase D selected from at least one of a salt of vanadium and a salt of tungsten; and admitting inhibition of phospholipase D so formation of PEth is blocked. A method of applying a coating of at least one inhibitor of the enzyme phospholipase D to a test tube and the test tube obtained by this method, wherein the method comprises stabilizing the test in a substantially vertical position; inserting a spray nozzle inside the test tube, the spray nozzle being in fluid connection to a container holding a solution comprising at least one inhibitor of the enzyme phospholipase D; spraying the solution comprising at least one inhibitor of the enzyme phospholipase D inside the test tube; and allowing the solution comprising at least one inhibitor of the enzyme phospholipase D to dry.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.