Reagent preparation and dispensing device and methods for the same

#Storage, preparation and dispensing of solutions.

#Some examples of diagnostic, life science research and drug discovery reagents require preparation prior to use. For instance, reagents may require measuring a diluent (or solution) and using the diluent to rehydrate a dry reagent. In other examples, preparation of the reagent requires measuring and mixing of a sample solution (e.g., a patient biological sample; an environmental sample such as, water or soil; an agricultural sample such as food and the like) with a reagent in a dried or liquid form. In still other examples, preparation of the reagent requires mixing of two or more liquid components, such as a reagent and another solution.

#Manufacturers of diagnostic, life science research and drug discovery reagents use precision and standardized procedures in order to produce high quality reagents. These reagents are often prepared at their point of use. The quality of the reagents (e.g., the precise amount of reagent solution, the purity of the reagent solution and the like) is easily compromised at the point of use because of errors in preparation procedures that are used by personnel responsible for preparing the reagent. For instance, the reagent is handled in an unclean environment having contaminants (e.g., a humid atmosphere; a biologically active environment contaminated with microorganisms, DNA, RNA, ATP and the like; a chemically active environment, and the like), the wrong amount of solution is used, the wrong solution is used, and the like. In other examples, the reagent and solution or diluent are not allowed to mix thoroughly. In still other examples, the reagent solution is dispensed from a device but fails to deliver the full specified amount of reagent solution as a result of operator error or device performance (e.g., a portion of the solution is left within the device).

#FIG. 1a is a side view of one example of a reagent preparation and dispensing device including breakable ampoules.

#FIG. 1b is a cross sectional view of the reagent preparation and dispensing device shown in FIG. 1a.

#FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the reagent preparation and dispensing device shown in FIG. 1a.

#In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the following detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. While the devices and methods presented in the detailed description describe devices for uses, non-pharmaceutical uses and the like, the devices and methods are applicable to at least some pharmaceutical applications that do not require administration to a subject by injection of with a syringe needle. Additionally, the reagents described below include, but are not limited to, lyophilized reagents, liquid reagents, powder reagents and the like. Further, the solutions described below include, but are not limited to, liquid solutions such as, saline, distilled water, tap water, pH buffered water, chemical solutions capable of breaking down the reagents and the like. In another example, the solutions include, but are not limited to, biological or environmental samples in a liquid form or suspended within a liquid, such as blood, urine, fecal matter, saliva, perspiration, soil, ground water, fresh water, salt water, explosives, explosive residues, toxins and the like.

#As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B and 2 the reagent preparation and dispensing device (hereinafter the device) 100 includes the body 102. Within the body a reagent reservoir 104 and a solution reservoir 106 (e.g. ampules) are included. The reagent reservoir 104 includes at least one reagent, but may include multiple reagents, such as reagents 105A, 105B, 105C and 105D reagents 105A through D include reagents. For instance, reagents used for diagnostic and testing purposes. In another example, the reagent reservoir 104 includes at least one reagent, including but not limited to, therapeutic and pharmaceutical reagents. Solution reservoir 106 includes a solution 107, for example, saline, pH buffered water, distilled water and the like. An activator 108 is movably coupled with the body 102 (e.g., a plunger). The activator 108 is sized and shaped to slide with respect to the body 102 and thereby engage the ampules 106 and 104 and crush the reservoirs 104, 160.

#As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B the body further includes a dispensing reservoir tip 110. The dispensing reservoir tip, in one example, is integrally formed with the body 102. In another example, the dispensing reservoir tip 110 is coupled with the body separately, for instance, by welding, adhesives and the like. Dispensing reservoir tip 110 is sized and shaped to receive and hold a specified amount of reagent solution formed by the mixing of the solution 107 in the solution reservoir 106 and the reagents 105a-d in the reagent reservoir 104.