Sample collection and manipulation method

Abstract

A sample collection and manipulation apparatus (2), typically used for collecting and manipulating a blood sample and measuring a component of that sample with the use of a reagent or ion-selective electrodes, includes a body member (4, 6, 8) defining a thermal pressure chamber (22) and a sample port (10). A measurement chamber (26) is formed along a fluid passageway (42, 16, 24) connecting the thermal pressure chamber with the sample port. The air within the thermal pressure chamber is preheated (54, 56, 60, 62, 63/65) to reduce its density and the sample port is then placed in contact with the liquid. As the gas cools, a partial vacuum is created within the thermal pressure chamber to draw a liquid sample through the passageway and into the measurement chamber. Appropriate analyte measurement techniques, such as optical or electrochemical, can then be carried out. Applications include the testing of blood gases, glucose, hemoglobin, electrolytes, coagulation and therapeutic drugs.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.