Biological Fluid Transfer Device and Biological Fluid Sampling System

Abstract

A biological fluid sampling transfer device adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample is disclosed. After collecting the blood sample, the biological fluid sampling transfer device is able to separate a plasma portion from a cellular portion. After separation, the biological fluid sampling transfer device is able to transfer the plasma portion of the blood sample to a point-of-care testing device. The biological fluid sampling transfer device also provides a closed sampling and transfer system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer. The biological fluid sampling transfer device is engageable with a blood testing device for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion from the biological fluid sampling transfer device to the blood testing device. The blood testing device is adapted to receive the plasma portion to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

Claims

1. A biological fluid transfer device adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample, the biological fluid transfer device comprising: a housing comprising a transfer port, a top surface, and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface defines an opening therethrough, the opening of the housing being in fluid communication with the transfer port; a micro-needle device positioned adjacent the top surface of the housing, wherein the micro-needle device comprises a puncturing element configured for movement between a pre-actuated position and a puncturing position; and a blood separation element disposed in the housing between the opening and the transfer port, wherein the porous blood separation element comprises a filter configured to restrain a first component of the multi-component blood sample and allow a second component of the multi-component blood sample to pass therethrough.

2. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 1, further comprising a blood sample stabilizer layer disposed between the opening of the housing and the blood separation element.

3. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 2, wherein the blood sample stabilizer layer comprises an anticoagulant.

4. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 2, further comprising a wicking membrane disposed between the opening and the blood separation element, wherein the wicking membrane is configured to pull the multi-component blood sample through the opening of the housing.

5. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 4, wherein the blood sample stabilizer layer is positioned between the wicking membrane and the blood separation element.

6. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 1, wherein, in the pre-actuated position, the puncturing element of the micro-needle device is retained within the housing.

7. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 1, wherein, in the puncturing position, at least a portion of the puncturing element of the micro-needle device extends through the opening of the housing.

8. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 1, wherein the transfer port comprises one of a valve or septum.

9. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 8, wherein one of the valve or septum is transitionable between a closed position and an open position.

10. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 1, further comprising a mixing channel within the housing.

11. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 10, wherein the mixing channel comprises a structural shape configured to promote mixing of the multi-component blood sample.

12. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 11, wherein the structural shape is one of a serpentine or spiral shape.

13. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive layer formed on the bottom surface of the housing.

14. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 13, further comprising a peel-off layer provided over, and removable from, the adhesive layer.

15. A biological fluid transfer device adapted to receive a multi-component blood sample, the biological fluid transfer device comprising: a housing comprising a transfer port, a top surface, and a bottom surface, wherein the bottom surface defines an opening therethrough, the opening of the housing being in fluid communication with the transfer port; an integrated lancet device positioned adjacent the top surface of the housing, wherein the integrated lancet device comprises a puncturing element configured for movement between a pre-actuated position and a puncturing position; a blood separation element disposed in the housing between the opening and the transfer port; and a wicking membrane disposed between the opening of the housing and the blood separation element, wherein the wicking membrane is configured to pull the multi-component blood sample through the opening of the housing.

16. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 15, further comprising a blood sample stabilizer layer disposed between the opening of the housing and the blood separation element.

17. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 16, wherein the blood sample stabilizer layer is positioned between the wicking membrane and the blood separation element.

18. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 15, wherein, in the pre-actuated position, the puncturing element of the integrated lancet device is retained within the housing and, in the puncturing position, at least a portion of the puncturing element of the integrated lancet device extends through the opening of the housing.

19. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 15, further comprising an adhesive layer formed on the bottom surface of the housing.

20. The biological fluid transfer device of claim 19, further comprising a peel-off layer provided over, and removable from, the adhesive layer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the disclosure itself will be better understood by reference to the following descriptions of embodiments of the disclosure taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a biological fluid sampling transfer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 2 is an elevation view of a biological fluid sampling system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a biological fluid sampling transfer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with a first biological fluid collection device.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a biological fluid sampling transfer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with a second biological fluid collection device.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a biological fluid sampling transfer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with a third biological fluid collection device.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the biological fluid sampling transfer device of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional, top view of a biological fluid sampling transfer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a biological fluid sampling transfer device and a point-of-care testing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a septum of a biological fluid sampling transfer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the septum in a closed position.

[0027] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a septum of a biological fluid sampling transfer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, with the septum in an open position.

[0028] FIG. 11 is a schematic representation of a blood separation element of a biological fluid sampling transfer device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments contemplated for carrying out the invention. Various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives, however, will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0031] For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms upper, lower, right, left, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, lateral, longitudinal, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the drawing figures. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume alternative variations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0032] Various point-of-care testing devices are known in the art. Such point-of-care testing devices include test strips, glass slides, diagnostic cartridges, or other testing devices for testing and analysis. Test strips, glass slides, and diagnostic cartridges are point-of-care testing devices that receive a blood sample and test that blood for one or more physiological and biochemical states. There are many point-of-care devices that use cartridge based architecture to analyze very small amounts of blood bedside without the need to send the sample to a lab for analysis. This saves time in getting results over the long run but creates a different set of challenges versus the highly routine lab environment. Examples of such testing cartridges include the i-STAT testing cartridge from the Abbot group of companies. Testing cartridges such as the i-STAT cartridges may be used to test for a variety of conditions including the presence of chemicals and electrolytes, hematology, blood gas concentrations, coagulation, or cardiac markers. The results of tests using such cartridges are quickly provided to the clinician.

[0033] However, the samples provided to such point-of-care testing cartridges are currently manually collected with an open system and transferred to the point-of-care testing cartridge in a manual manner that often leads to inconsistent results, or failure of the cartridge leading to a repeat of the sample collection and testing process, thereby negating the advantage of the point-of-care testing device. Accordingly, a need exists for a system for collecting and transferring a sample to a point-of-care testing device that provides safer, reproducible, and more accurate results. Accordingly, a point-of-care collecting and transferring system of the present disclosure will be described hereinafter. A system of the present disclosure enhances the reliability of the point-of-care testing device by: 1) incorporating a more closed type of sampling and transfer system; 2) minimizing open exposure of the sample; 3) improving sample quality; 4) improving the overall ease of use; and 5) separating the sample at the point of collection.

[0034] FIGS. 1-11 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIGS. 1-11, a biological fluid sampling transfer device or biological fluid transfer device, such as a blood sampling transfer device or blood transfer device 10 of the present disclosure is adapted to receive a blood sample 12 having a cellular portion 14 and a plasma portion 16. After collecting the blood sample 12, the blood transfer device 10 is able to separate the plasma portion 16 from the cellular portion 14. After separation, the blood transfer device 10 is able to transfer the plasma portion 16 of the blood sample 12 to a point-of-care testing device. The blood transfer device 10 of the present disclosure also provides a closed separation system that reduces the exposure of a blood sample and provides fast mixing of a blood sample with a sample stabilizer.

[0035] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 2, a biological fluid sampling system, such as a blood sampling system 30 of the present disclosure includes a kit 31 having a blood sampling transfer device 10, a first interface 32 removably connectable to the blood sampling transfer device 10, the first interface 32 adapted for connection to a first blood collection device, a second interface 34 removably connectable to the blood sampling transfer device 10, the second interface 34 adapted for connection to a second blood collection device, and a packaging member 36 having a compartment 38 sized and adapted to receive the blood sampling transfer device 10, the first interface 32, and the second interface 34 therein.

[0036] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, a blood separation and testing system 20 of the present disclosure includes a blood sampling transfer device 10 and a blood testing device or point-of-care testing device 22 engageable with the blood sampling transfer device 10 for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion 16 (FIG. 11) from the blood sampling transfer device 10 to the blood testing device 22. The blood testing device 22 is adapted to receive the plasma portion 16 to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

[0037] Some of the advantages of the blood sampling transfer device and the blood separation and testing system of the present disclosure over prior systems are that it is a closed system which reduces blood sample exposure, it provides passive and fast mixing of the blood sample with a sample stabilizer, it facilitates separation of the blood sample without transferring the blood sample to a separate device, and it is capable of transferring pure plasma to a point-of-care testing device. The blood sampling transfer device of the present disclosure enables integrated blood collection and plasma creation in a closed system without centrifugation. The clinician may collect and separate the blood sample and then immediately transfer the plasma portion to the point-of-care testing device without further manipulation. This enables collection and transfer of plasma to the point-of-care testing device without exposure to blood. In addition, the blood sampling transfer device of the present disclosure minimizes process time by processing the blood within the blood sampling transfer device and without external machinery. Further, for tests which only require small amounts of blood, it eliminates the waste associated with blood collection and plasma separation with an evacuated tube.

[0038] Referring to FIGS. 1-11, a blood sampling transfer device 10 generally includes a housing 50 having an inlet port 52, an outlet port or transfer port 54 in fluid communication with the inlet port 52, a flow channel or a mixing channel 56 in fluid communication with the inlet port 52 and the transfer port 54, a blood separation element 58 disposed between the inlet port 52 and the transfer port 54, a valve or septum 86 disposed at the transfer port 54, an interface connection portion 60, and an exit channel 68. The interface connection portion 60 allows the first interface 32 or the second interface 34 to be removably connected to the blood sampling transfer device 10 to allow for the collection of a blood sample 12 into the blood sampling transfer device 10.

[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, a blood sampling system 30 of the present disclosure includes a kit 31 having a blood sampling transfer device 10, a first interface 32 removably connectable to the blood sampling transfer device 10, the first interface 32 adapted for connection to a first blood collection device, a second interface 34 removably connectable to the blood sampling transfer device 10, the second interface 34 adapted for connection to a second blood collection device, and a packaging member 36 having a compartment 38 sized and adapted to receive the blood sampling transfer device 10, the first interface 32, and the second interface 34 therein.

[0040] The packaging member 36 includes a body or wall 46 defining a compartment 38. In one embodiment, the body 46 of the packaging member 36 defines a first compartment 40 sized and adapted to receive the blood sampling transfer device 10 therein, a second compartment 42 sized and adapted to receive the first interface 32 therein, and a third compartment 44 sized and adapted to receive the second interface 34 therein. In one embodiment, the packaging member 36 comprises a blister package. In one embodiment, a sealing cover is secured over the packaging member 36 to seal the blood sampling transfer device 10, the first interface 32, and the second interface 34 therein, i.e., the sealing cover provides a substantially impermeable enclosure with respect to packaging member 36, provides a leak prevention and protection enclosure, protects the contents of the blood sampling transfer device 10 and the interfaces 32, 34 contained within packaging member 36, and/or maintains a sealed, sterilized environment within packaging member 36. The sealing cover of the packaging member 36 provides a sufficient seal at a range of temperatures, pressures, and humidity levels. In one embodiment, tamper evidence is also provided by use of a tear strip or other indicating means secured to a portion of the sealing cover and/or packaging member 36 to indicate tampering with the contents of packaging member 36.

[0041] In one embodiment, the blood sampling transfer device 10 is a plasma preparation cartridge. In one embodiment, the first interface 32 is a spinlock interface. In one embodiment, the second interface 34 is a capillary collection interface. In one embodiment, the packaging member 36 is a blister package. The system of the present disclosure allows the blood sampling transfer device 10 to receive a blood sample from a variety of sources including, but not limited to, an integral micro-needle device or lancet device 62 (FIG. 6), a blood collection set 100 (FIG. 3), an intravenous line or PICC line 104 (FIG. 4), a capillary device or needle device 106 (FIG. 5), or a finger-stick capillary bed (not shown).

[0042] In one embodiment, there are three primary ways a user can collect blood into the blood sampling transfer device 10. For example, these ways may be as follows: 1) venous blood via venipuncture and connecting to a blood collection set 100 or IV with the first interface 32 and a resealable valve or septum (arterial draws may be accomplished by connecting this interface system to an indwelling line); 2) capillary blood via a capillary stick with a lancet on a finger of the patient with the second interface 34; and 3) venous-like blood by using the micro-needle device 62 to puncture the arm of a patient. This universal approach offers the greatest flexibility in allowing the clinician to determine what is best for the patient under his or her care. In other embodiments, there are additional ways a user can collect blood into the blood sampling transfer device 10.

[0043] Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the inlet port 52 is adapted to be connected to a blood collection set 100 via the first interface 32 to allow for the collection of a blood sample 12 into the blood sampling transfer device 10. The inlet port 52 may be sized and adapted for engagement with a separate device, such as a needle assembly or IV connection assembly and, therefore, may include a mechanism for such engagement as is conventionally known. For example, in one embodiment, the inlet port 52 may include a luer lock or luer tip for engagement with an optional separate luer mating component of such a separate device for attachment therewith. For example, referring to FIG. 3, the blood collection set 100 may include a luer component 102 for engagement with inlet port 52 of blood sampling transfer device 10. In this manner, the inlet port 52 is connectable to the blood collection set 100 for the collection of a blood sample into the blood sampling transfer device 10. In addition, a mechanism for locking engagement between the inlet port 52 and the blood collection set 100 may also be provided. Such luer connections and luer locking mechanisms are well known in the art. The blood collection set 100 may include a needle assembly, an IV connection assembly, a PICC line, an arterial indwelling line, or similar blood collection means.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 7, the inlet port 52 is in fluid communication with the transfer port 54 via the mixing channel 56. The inlet port 52 may also include a resealable septum that is transitionable between a closed position and an open position. With the septum in an open position, a blood sample 12 may flow through the inlet port 52 to the mixing channel 56.

[0045] The blood sampling transfer device 10 also includes a layer of sample stabilizer 64. The sample stabilizer can be an anticoagulant, or a substance designed to preserve a specific element within the blood such as, for example, RNA, protein analyte, or other element. In one embodiment, the layer of sample stabilizer 64 may be disposed over the blood separation element 58. In one embodiment, a portion of the mixing channel 56 includes the sample stabilizer 64. In other embodiments, the layer of sample stabilizer 64 may be located anywhere between the inlet port 52 and the blood separation element 58. In this manner, as a blood sample 12 flows through the inlet port 52 and into the mixing channel 56, the blood sampling transfer device 10 provides passive and fast mixing of the blood sample 12 with the sample stabilizer 64.

[0046] The blood sampling transfer device 10 includes a blood separation element 58 disposed between the inlet port 52 and the transfer port 54. The blood separation element 58 is adapted to trap the cellular portion 14 of the blood sample 12 within the mixing channel 56 and allow the plasma portion 16 of the blood sample 12 to pass through the blood separation element 58 to the exit channel 68 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0047] In one embodiment, the blood separation element 58 may be either hollow fiber membrane filters commercially available, or flat membrane filters, such as track-etch filters commercially available. Membrane filter pore size and porosity can be chosen to optimize separation of clean (i.e., red blood cell free, white blood cell free, and platelet free) plasma in an efficient manner. In another embodiment, the blood separation element 58 includes a lateral flow membrane. In other embodiments, the blood separation element 58 may comprise any filter that is able to trap the cellular portion 14 of the blood sample 12 within the mixing channel 56 and allow the plasma portion 16 of the blood sample 12 to pass through the blood separation element 58 to the exit channel 68.

[0048] Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, the blood sampling transfer device 10 includes an integral micro-needle device or lancet device 62. The blood sampling transfer device 10 includes a bottom surface 72 defining an opening 70 and a top surface 74. The integral micro-needle device 62 may be positioned adjacent the top surface 74. The lancet or micro-needle device 62 includes a puncturing element 63 and is adapted for movement between a pre-actuated position wherein the puncturing element 63 is retained within the housing 50 and a puncturing position wherein at least a portion of the puncturing element 63 extends through the opening 70 of the housing 50. In such an embodiment, the blood sampling transfer device 10 includes a wicking membrane 66 adapted to pull the blood sample through the opening 70 into the blood sampling transfer device 10 after the skin of a patient is punctured by the lancet or micro-needle device 62.

[0049] In one embodiment, the bottom surface 72 of the housing 50 includes an adhesive. In such an embodiment, the bottom surface 72 includes an adhesive so that the blood sampling transfer device 10 can be secured onto a skin surface of a patient where a blood sample will be accessed using the lancet or micro-needle device 62. In one embodiment, the adhesive of the bottom surface 72 is protected by a peel-off layer, similar to an adhesive bandage, which would be removed before placing the blood sampling transfer device 10 on the skin surface of the patient's body. A hydrogel or other layer (not shown) could be included to provide some thickness to the bottom surface 72 and help improve the stability of the adhesive seal. Additionally, in one embodiment, the adhesive could include a chemistry to create a more liquid-tight seal, similar to painter's tape technology, where wetting from the paint itself causes a chemical reaction with the adhesive to create a more water-tight barrier to prevent the paint from seeping under the tape. In certain cases, the blood sample collected on a top surface of the adhesive tape may be of better quality than blood samples collected by use of a typical lancet by minimizing contact with the skin surface.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, the mixing channel 56 comprises a serpentine or spiral shape to promote efficient mixing of a blood sample having a cellular portion and a plasma portion. In other embodiments, the mixing channel 56 comprises other shapes to promote efficient mixing of a blood sample.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 8, a blood testing device or point-of-care testing device 22 includes a receiving port 24 adapted to receive the transfer port 54 of the blood sampling transfer device 10. The blood testing device 22 is adapted to receive the transfer port 54 of the blood sampling transfer device 10 for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion 16 (FIG. 11) from the exit channel 68 of the blood sampling transfer device 10 to the blood testing device 22. The blood testing device 22 is adapted to receive the plasma portion 16 to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

[0052] As discussed above, the transfer port 54 of the blood sampling transfer device 10 may include a valve or septum 86 that is transitionable between a closed position and an open position. With the valve or septum 86 in an open position (FIG. 10), the plasma portion 16 of the blood sample 12 may flow through the transfer port 54 to a blood testing device or a point-of-care testing device 22.

[0053] In one embodiment, referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the valve 86 may generally include a transfer channel 90, a bellows or deformable wall member 92, and a septum or barrier 94 having a first barrier wall 96 and a second barrier wall 98. Referring to FIG. 9, the valve 86 is in a closed position to prevent the plasma portion 16 of the blood sample 12 from flowing through the transfer port 54. In this manner, the plasma portion 16 is sealed within the blood sampling transfer device 10. Referring to FIG. 10, the valve 86 is in an open position so that the plasma portion 16 of the blood sample 12 may flow through the transfer port 54 to a blood testing device or a point-of-care testing device 22.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 10, with the plasma portion 16 received within the transfer port 54 of the blood sampling transfer device 10, the transfer port 54 of the blood sampling transfer device 10 is then positioned over the receiving port 24 of the point-of-care testing device 22. Pushing down in the direction of arrow B compresses the deformable wall member 92 and opens up the first barrier wall 96 and the second barrier wall 98 of the septum 94 as shown in FIG. 10. With the valve 86 in the open position, the plasma portion 16 of the blood sample 12 is allowed to flow through the transfer port 54 and the receiving port 24 to the point-of-care testing device 22 in a closed manner, reducing exposure to the clinician and the patient.

[0055] The valve 86 of the blood sampling transfer device 10 only opens when the transfer port 54 is pressed upon the receiving port 24 of the point-of-care testing device 22. This releases the isolated plasma portion 16 directly into the receiving port 24 of the point-of-care testing device 22, thus mitigating unnecessary exposure to the patient's blood.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1-11, use of a blood sampling transfer device of the present disclosure will now be described. Referring to FIGS. 1-6, a user can select one of the ways, sources, or methods that the blood sampling transfer device 10 is able to receive a blood sample. For example, the system of the present disclosure allows the blood sampling transfer device 10 to receive a blood sample from a variety of sources including, but not limited to, an integral micro-needle device or lancet device 62 (FIG. 6), a blood collection set 100 (FIG. 3), an intravenous line or PICC line 104 (FIG. 4), a capillary device or needle device 106 (FIG. 5), or a finger-stick capillary bed (not shown).

[0057] Once a desired method or source is selected, the interface connection portion 60 of the blood sampling transfer device 10 allows the first interface 32 or the second interface 34 to be removably connected to the blood sampling transfer device 10 to allow for the collection of a blood sample 12 into the blood sampling transfer device 10. The blood sampling transfer device 10 is designed to be a closed system for blood collection from various collection sites as described above. Once blood enters the blood sampling transfer device 10 from one of the above selected sources, it is mixed with a sample stabilizer as it travels through the microfluidic mixing channel 56 via capillary action. Next, the blood sample 12 travels through the mixing channel 56 and the blood separation element 58 is adapted to trap the cellular portion 14 of the blood sample 12 within the mixing channel 56 and allow the plasma portion 16 of the blood sample 12 to pass through the blood separation element 58 to the exit channel 68 as shown in FIG. 11.

[0058] After disconnecting or removing the blood sampling transfer device 10 from the selected source, the blood sampling transfer device 10 may be engaged with a blood testing device 22. The transfer port 54 may be placed over the receiving port 24 of the point-of-care testing device 22 as shown in FIG. 8. The clinician then presses the transfer port 54 against the receiving port 24 of the point-of-care testing device 22 in the direction of arrow B to open the valve 86 (FIG. 10) and to transfer the collected plasma portion 16 to the point-of-care testing device 22 in a closed manner, reducing exposure to the clinician and the patient. The blood testing device 22 is adapted to receive the transfer port 54 of the blood sampling transfer device 10 for closed transfer of a portion of the plasma portion 16 from the blood sampling transfer device 10 to the blood testing device 22. The blood testing device 22 is adapted to receive the plasma portion 16 to analyze the blood sample and obtain test results.

[0059] Some of the advantages of the blood sampling transfer device and the blood separation and testing system of the present disclosure over prior systems are that it is a closed system which reduces blood sample exposure, it provides passive and fast mixing of the blood sample with a sample stabilizer, it facilitates separation of the blood sample without transferring the blood sample to a separate device, and it is capable of transferring pure plasma to the point-of-care testing device 22. The blood sampling transfer device of the present disclosure enables integrated blood collection and plasma creation in a closed system without centrifugation. The clinician may collect and separate the blood sample and then immediately transfer the plasma portion to the point-of-care testing device 22 without further manipulation. This enables collection and transfer of plasma to the point-of-care testing device 22 without exposure to blood. In addition, the blood sampling transfer device of the present disclosure minimizes process time by processing the blood within the blood sampling transfer device and without external machinery. Further, for tests which only require small amounts of blood, it eliminates the waste associated with blood collection and plasma separation with an evacuated tube.

[0060] While this disclosure has been described as having exemplary designs, the present disclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this disclosure pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.