Apparatus for collecting a liquid sample
AssigneeClinical Diagnostic Chemicals Limited
InventorJohn Rees
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The apparatus for collection of a liquid sample (such as a sample of body fluid) includes a tube with a hollow bore extending longitudinally between a first open end and a second open end. The second end is longitudinally spaced from the first open end and the first end has a capillary opening for uptake of the liquid sample by capillary action. The capillary opening has a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular thereto. The first axis has a length greater than the internal diameter of the bore, and the second axis has a length less than the internal diameter of the bore. In use the capillary opening is contacted with the liquid sample to be collected. The liquid sample is taken up by capillary action into the bore without introduction of air into the bore.
Claims28
Apparatus for collection of a liquid sample, said apparatus comprising a tube having a hollow bore extending longitudinally between a first open end and a second open end, said second end being longitudinally spaced from said first end, said first end comprising a capillary opening for uptake of said liquid sample by capillary action, said capillary opening having a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular thereto, said first axis having a length greater than an internal diameter of said bore, and said second axis having a length less than said internal diameter of said bore.
A method for analyzing a liquid sample, which method comprises the following steps:
- (a) providing at least one tube having a hollow bore extending longitudinally between a first open end and a second open end, said second end being longitudinally spaced from said first end, said first end comprising a capillary opening, said capillary opening having a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular thereto, said first axis having a length greater than an internal diameter of said bore, and said second axis having a length less than said internal diameter of said bore;
- (b) contacting said capillary opening with said liquid sample, such that said sample is taken up into said tube by capillary action;
- (c) transferring said collected sample to a receiving member;
- and
- (d) analyzing said sample on said receiving member.
A diagnostic kit for analyzing a liquid sample, which kit comprises:
- (a) apparatus for collection of a liquid sample, said apparatus comprising a tube having a hollow bore extending longitudinally between a first open end and a second open end, said second end being longitudinally spaced from said first end, said first end comprising a capillary opening for uptake of said liquid sample by capillary action, said capillary opening having a first axis and a second axis substantially perpendicular thereto, said first axis having a length greater than an internal diameter of said bore, and said second axis having a length less than said internal diameter of said bore;
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- (b) a reagent for reacting with a predetermined component of said liquid sample.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.