MNS False Bottom Specimen Transport Tube

Abstract

This application is for a false bottom specimen transport tube, to be utilized for laboratory serum/plasma specimen transport and storage. It has the capacity to hold 3 mL of specimen, with graduated markings every 0.5 mL for visual estimation of volume. The bottom section of the aliquot tube will mimic the weight of a serum/plasma separator blood collection tube that has been centrifuged and the serum removed, leaving the gel barrier and the clot. The bottom section will also be completely nontransparent, which will allow for accurate sample volume determination with laboratory automation systems utilizing serum level detectors. This will allow the MNS tube to be utilized as a primary specimen

Materials: Polypropyleneclearfor top section Polypropylenesolid colorfor bottom section Function: Mimic a primary blood collection tube: Serum/plasma specimens can be poured off of the primary blood collection tubes into the MNS false bottom tubes, then sent to a secondary location and loaded directly onto a laboratory automation system. Weighted to match primary blood collection tubes, therefor it can be centrifuged along with them without interrupting normal operation.

Allows for micro sampling without the risk of aspirating into the gel barrier.

Allows accurate measurement of sample by serum level detectors on laboratory automation systems, therefor eliminating the risk of analyzer probe crashes.

Solid color bottom section, will allow for color coding: Red=serum, green=Li plasma, purple=EDTA plasma

Claims

1. A biological specimen false bottom transport tube having a vertical axis and containing at least one layer of serum, plasma, or the like, allowing for the detection of the location of the interface using a sample level detector utilizing visible and infrared light beams, containing the following design features: a. A false bottom that is composed of material(s) that makes it completely opaque to both visible and infrared light. b. A specimen transport container composed of material(s) that makes it completely transparent to both visible and infrared light.

2. A biological specimen false bottom transport tube, containing a false bottom that is weighted to mimic the average weight of a red blood cell clot from a 13 mm100 mm primary specimen collection tube, or a specific desired weight.

3. A conical floor to the specimen transport container, allowing micro sampling and preventing aliquot tips from becoming lodged.

Description

DRAWING

[0004] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a preferred version of the top section of the proposed invention.

[0005] FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of a preferred version of the bottom section of the proposed invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention provides a biological specimen false bottom transport tube that is compatible with laboratory automation systems employing sample level detectors that utilize both visible and infrared light for the determination of sample volume based on the unique spectral properties of serum/plasma, and red blood cells. Since serum/plasma is water based, the absorption characteristics are essentially equivalent to that of water, where red blood cells are significantly opaque to visible light. This allows for the detection of the interface between the serum/plasma and the red blood cell. Both serum/plasma and red blood cells totally absorb infrared light, and therefore the interface between the air and the serum/plasma is only determined by the infrared light. Through the combination of both visible and infrared light, the difference in absorption characteristics allows for the accurate determination of the serum/plasma sample. The describe invention is constructed of a material that is transparent to both visible and infrared light for the top section (FIG. 1), while the bottom section (FIG. 2) is completely opaque to both visible and infrared light. The material is typically, but not necessarily, a soda lime, borosilicate, or Pyrex glass or a polypropylene, polymethylpentene, polycarbonate, etc. Plastic. The difference in the materials absorption characteristics allows for the accurate determination of sample volume with sample level detectors using both visible and infrared light. Referring to FIG. 2, bottom section, the material used may be amended with additional additives to achieve the desired weight. The entire weight of both the top section (FIG. 1) and the bottom section (FIG. 2), along with the specimen cap, will mimic the weight of a primary specimen collection container. The proposed invention will therefore be able to be seamlessly added into normal laboratory workflow, without creating any unbalances during the centrifugation process.

[0007] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail, with reference to preferred version thereof, other versions are possible based on various manufacturing options. For example, the bottom section (FIG. 2) may have a dye or coloring added during the manufacturing process to indicate what type of sample is being sent. Commonly utilized color coding of specimen collection tubes are listed:

TABLE-US-00001 Color: Additive in the Specimen: Red SST/Serum Green PST/Heparin Plasma Purple EDTA Plasma Blue/White Citrate Plasma

[0008] The present invention may also use the above coding, or still other color coding may be used. It should be noted that color is intended to refer broadly to visually distinguishable characteristics, and includes not only the specific colors of the light spectrum but also such colors with textures and/or designs in the appearance. Graduation markings may be added during the manufacturing process at specific intervals to allow for accurate estimation of sample volume. Each feature disclosed in the specification, include the claims, abstract, and drawings, can be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.