# US 7,608,457 B2 · Blood collection and testing improvements

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- Number: US 7,608,457 B2
- Document ID: US7608457B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 11/077,397
- Filed: 2005-03-10
- Published: 2006-09-21
- Granted: 2009-10-27
- Earliest claimed: 2005-03-10
- Assignees: Streck, Inc.
- Inventors: Bradford A. Hunsley
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7608457B2

## CPC

- B01L 3/5082: {Test tubes per se}
- B01L 2200/085: Protection against injuring the user
- B01L 2300/0854: Double walls
- B01L 2300/16: Surface properties and coatings
- B01L: CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE

## Abstract

Improvements in blood collection and testing. In one aspect, an improved method of manufacturing a blood collection tube, particularly illustrated for use in sedimentation rate testing, including providing an elongated glass tube with an open first end for receiving a venipuncture blood sample of at least 1 ml, formed with a closed end opposite the first end; and applying to a substantial portion of the receptacle a containment barrier.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method for blood sedimentation rate analysis, comprising the steps of:
providing an elongated optically clear glass tube with an outside diameter of about 5 to about 10 mm and an inside diameter from about 4 to about 6 mm with an open first end for receiving a venipuncture blood sample of at least 1 ml, and a volume ranging from about 1 ml to about 5 ml, and having a closed end opposite the first end;
laminating a transparent polyester tamper-evident containment barrier including an at least partially hardenable liquid coating onto the exterior of the glass tube so that the barrier:
i. substantially encapsulates the glass tube by way of a substantially continuous layer that is sufficiently rigid that it will withstand rupture in the presence of load events sufficient to break the tube if no barrier is present;
ii. is an axially oriented plastic for helping provide enhanced mechanical properties;
iii. is sufficiently transparent that accurate and reproducible sedimentation rate tests are obtainable by an optical detection technique using the tube; and
iv. contains the contents of the tube, including tube fragments following a fracture of the tube, and also, upon fracture, the containment barrier maintains all fragments in substantial longitudinal alignment;
evacuating the tube to below atmospheric pressure;
sealing the evacuated tube;
drawing the blood sample directly into the tube;
loading the blood sample in the tube directly into an automated testing instrument so that the tube is vertically aligned within the automated testing instrument; and
performing a sedimentation rate test on the blood that is drawn in the tube using the automated testing instrument, while the blood is in the tube so that a further transfer step is avoided.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the containment barrier includes a plurality of apertures.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The method according to claim 2, wherein the containment barrier carries an absorbent.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the containment barrier includes a mesh.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the containment barrier includes a winding.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the containment barrier carries an absorbent.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of laminating includes a step of applying an adhesive layer between the containment barrier and the elongated glass tube for bonding the containment barrier to the elongated glass tube.