Blood collection device and method for the self-collection of blood by a user

Abstract

A blood collection device for the self-collection of a blood sample by a user, wherein, a base element has a width of more than 1.75 in and including an upstanding wall which defines a receive opening, the upstanding wall having a height of less than 1.75 in; a collection container is configured for placement in said receive opening in a substantially upright orientation; the finger portion comprising a blood collection hole that provides a fluid channel between the collection container and the finger portion; wherein at least the base element is a separate part, configured to be shipped in a de-assembled state with respect to the other parts of the blood collection device, wherein the blood collection device is configured to be assembled by a user after receiving said blood collection device.

Claims

1. A blood collection device for the self-collection of a blood sample by a user, the blood collection device comprising a base element, a collection container, and a finger portion, the base element having a width of more than 75 in and including an upstanding which defines a receive opening receiving the collection container. the upstanding wall having a height of less than 1.75 in; the collection container being configured for placement in the receive opening of the base element in an upright orientation; the finger portion being configured for placement on top of the collection container and comprising a blood collection channel including a blood collection hole, wherein a width the blood collection channel decreases in a direction from an upper surface of the finger portion to the collection container and wherein the blood collection hole, in an assembled state of the blood collection device, enables a flow of blood from the finger portion into the collection container; wherein at least the base element is a separate part, configured to be shipped to a user in a de-assembled state with respect to the other parts of the blood collection device, and wherein the blood collection device is configured to be assembled by a user after receiving said blood collection device and before using said blood collection device.

2. The blood collection device according to claim 1, further comprising a capillary tube that in an assembled state, is arranged between the blood collection hole and the collection container, the capillary tube defining a fluid channel.

3. The blood collection device according to claim 2, wherein an outer width of the capillary tube is larger than a width of the blood collection hole.

4. The blood collection device according to claim 1, wherein a side wall the finger portion comprises an air outlet hole.

5. The blood collection device according to claim 2, further comprising an insert member configured to be inserted into the finger portion and for receiving the capillary tube, to fixate the capillary tube with respect to the finger portion.

6. The blood collection device according to claim 5, wherein a capillary tube receiving channel of the insert member has a non-circular cross-section and wherein the capillary tube has a circular cross-section.

7. The blood collection device according to claim 5, wherein the finger portion, the insert member and the capillary tube are pre-assembled in the de-assembled state.

8. The blood collection device according to claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the finger portion an elongate shape.

9. The blood collection device according to claim 1, wherein a width of the base element is larger than 2.0 in.

10. The blood collection device according to claim 1, wherein the base element comprises a receive pocket including the receive opening, for receiving the collection container in the assembled state of the blood collection device.

11. The blood collection device according to claim 1, wherein the base element and the finger portion are manufactured via an injection moulding process.

12. The blood collection device according to claim 1, wherein the base element and the finger portion are manufactured via a 3D printing process.

13. Blood collection kit comprising the blood collection device according to claim 1, a lancet, and a cap for sealing the collection container.

14. (canceled)

15. The blood collection kit according to claim 13, wherein the blood collection kit is packed in a sterilized bag.

16. The blood collection kit according to claim 13, further comprising a return envelope.

17. The blood collection kit according to claim 13, further comprising an analysis tool for self-analysis of the collected blood sample.

18. Method for collecting a blood sample involving a blood collection device according to claim 1, comprising the steps of: shipping the blood collection device to a user by letterbox post, a base element of the blood collection device being de-assembled with respect to the other components of the blood collection device during shipment, assembling the blood collection device; pricking a finger of a patient to initiate a blood flow; placing the finger of the patient on the finger portion of the blood collection device; collecting the blood of the patient in the collection container; de-assembling the blood collection device; returning the collection container, inclusive of the blood collected therein; wherein the steps of assembling the blood collection device, pricking the finger of a patient, placing the finger of the patient on the finger portion, collecting the blood, and de-assembling the blood collection device are all carried out by the patient him/herself.

19. Method for collecting a blood sample involving a blood collection kit according to claim 13, comprising the steps of: shipping the blood collection kit to a user by letterbox post, a base element of the blood collection device being de-assembled with respect to the other components of the blood collection device during shipment, assembling the blood collection device; pricking a finger of a patient to initiate a blood flow; placing the finger of the patient on the finger portion of the blood collection device; collecting the blood of the patient in the collection container; de-assembling the blood collection device; returning the collection container, inclusive of the blood collected therein; wherein the steps of assembling the blood collection device, pricking the finger of a patient, placing the finger of the patient on the finger portion, collecting the blood, and de-assembling the blood collection device are all carried out by the patient him/herself.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0065] These and other aspects of the invention are elucidated further with respect to the below figures, wherein like parts are indicated with the same reference numerals. Herein,

[0066] FIGS. 1A and 1B schematically illustrate a side view of an embodiment of the blood collection device according to the present invention in both its assembled and its de-assembled state;

[0067] FIGS. 2A-2D schematically illustrate isometric views of various embodiments of the blood collection device according to the present invention;

[0068] FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the blood collection device according to the present invention;

[0069] FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a top view of an assembly of an insert member and a capillary tube;

[0070] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates an exploded view and an assembled state of an embodiment of a blood collection device according to the present invention;

[0071] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a blood collection kit according to the second aspect of the invention;

[0072] FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically illustrate a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the blood collection device according to the invention; and

[0073] FIGS. 8A and 8B schematically illustrate an embodiment of a blood collection device according to the invention, wherein a base element thereof is foldable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0074] With reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B the blood collection device 1 generally comprises three components: a base element 11, a collection container 12 and a finger portion 13. Each of the different components will be described individually in more detail below. Importantly, at least the base element 11 is a separate part compared to the other components 12, 13. Also the collection container 12 and the finger portion 13 are here however separate parts compared to each other and compared to the base element 11. As the three components 11, 12, 13 are all separate parts, they can be assembled and de-assembled with respect to each other. This allows to ship the blood collection device 1 to be shipped to a user in a de-assembled state. As is visible in FIG. 1B, in the de-assembled state the blood collection device 1 advantageously fits inside a box that has a height of 1.75 in, a length of 15 in (not indicated) and a length of 10 in (not indicated). This allows the blood collection device to be send to a user via letterbox post. The inventive concept underlying the invention can of course easily be adapted to other national postal service requirements without departing from the scope of the invention). Due to the simplicity of the blood collection device 1, a user can very easily assemble the blood collection device 1 after having received it and before using it to collect a sample of blood 200.

[0075] The collection container 12 may be a standardized part and is preferably a “buy-in” piece. The advantage of using a standardized collection container is that it may be accepted for testing purposes by any blood testing laboratory. The finger portion 13 and the base element 11 may in turn e.g. be made via an injection process, or e.g. via 3D printing process.

[0076] As is indicated in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the base element 11 of the blood collection device 1 has a height H11. The height is less than 1.75 in, preferably less than 1.1 in e.g. less than 1.0 in such that the base element 11 can be placed in e.g. a cardboard box and the resulting package is still thinner than 1.75 in.

[0077] The height H11 of the base element 11 is defined by an upstanding wall 111, which is hollow at the inner side thereof and defines a receive opening 112 for receiving the collection container 12. Preferably the shape of the receive opening 112 is adapted to the shape of the collection container 12 such that the collection container 12 neatly fits inside the receive opening 112. Preferably the collection container 12 and the receive opening 112 are circular.

[0078] The base element 11 has a width W11 of more than 1.75 in. This ensures a stable and trust-worthy design when the blood-collection device is assembled. For example, the width W11 of the base element 11 may be larger than 2.0 in.

[0079] Preferably the width W11 of the base element 11 is less than 10 in, to allow it to fit within the above-mentioned postal dimensions for letterbox mail. With reference to FIGS. 2A-2D, several different shapes of the base element 11 are schematically shown. In FIG. 2A, the base element 11 is cross-shaped, having four legs (of which one is hidden from view). A width of the base element 11 is then defined from one outer end of a leg to the outer end of the opposing leg. Of course, the base element may also have any other number of legs, preferably at least three, such as three, four or five. A skilled person will find it very easy to determine the “width” of a cross-shaped base element 11 with an uneven amount of legs. It is in general at least equal to twice the net length of a leg, plus the diameter of the receive opening.

[0080] In FIGS. 2B-2D the shapes of the base elements 11 are comparable. They all have a circular base area, being sloped towards the receive opening in a more or less degree. In FIG. 2B the upstanding wall extends from a base area at an angle of about 90°, whereas said angle is smaller in FIG. 2C and even smaller in FIG. 2D. The width of the base element 11 is smaller in FIG. 2C than in FIG. 2D, with FIG. 2B in the middle. In terms of proportion, it is preferred when the width of the base element 11 is larger than a length of the finger portion 13.

[0081] Further visible in the isometric views of FIGS. 2A-2D is the shape of the finger portion 13. The finger portion 13 comprises a blood collection hole 131 and can be placed on top of the collection container 12 in the assembled state of the blood collection device 1. An upper surface 133 of the finger portion 13 here has an elongated shape and is slanted, the lowest point of the upper surface 133 preferably being arranged at or near the blood collection hole 131.

[0082] Further visible in the isometric views of FIGS. 2A-2D is a transparent collection container 12. In the shown embodiments, said collection container may comprise an outer tube 122 (see e.g. also FIG. 5) which is placed in the base element 11 and an inner tube 123 (see e.g. also FIG. 5) which is used for the collection of the blood sample. The outer tube 122 may be a standardized part, which is accepted by any test laboratory for testing purposes. Also the inner tube 123 may be a standardized part. The outer tube (and thus the collection container 12) is placed in the receive opening of the base element 11. The outer tube and the inner tube are oriented in an upright position. Again with reference to the exploded view of FIG. 5, the inner tube 123 may e.g. comprise an outer rim 124 that in an assembled state of the blood collection device rests on an upper face of the outer tube 122.

[0083] In FIG. 2D a bar line 121 is illustrated. The bar line 121 may e.g. be provided on the outer tube or on the inner tube and indicates a fill level of the collection container 12. In the shown embodiment the “200” may e.g. indicate that when the collection container 12 is filled until bar line 121, 200 μl of blood is collected.

[0084] Further visible in FIGS. 2A-2D is the capillary tube 14, which will be discussed in more detail with respect to FIGS. 3 and 4. The capillary tube 14 is preferably smaller in diameter than the collection container 12 and preferably extends into the collection container 12, as is shown here.

[0085] Turning to FIGS. 3, 7A and 7B now, which will be described simultaneously, a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the blood collection device 1 is visible. FIGS. 3 and 7B shows the finger portion 13, the capillary tube 14, the insert member 15, and the collection container 12 with outer tube 122 and inner tube 123 in an assembled state. FIG. 7A shows the entire blood collection device 1. As visible, the upper surface 133 of the finger portion 13 is slanted and directed towards blood collection hole 131. In the shown embodiments the finger portion 13 comprises a blood collection channel 132, formed by a downwardly extending wall and the blood collection hole 131 at the bottom of it. The shape of the blood collection channel 132 is here conical, a width W132 of the channel 132 decreasing in a direction from the upper surface 133 of the finger portion 13 towards the collection container 12.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the width of the blood collection channel 132 at the blood collection hole 131, denoted W131 and here the smallest width of the blood collection channel 132, is larger than an outer width W14 of the capillary tube 14. For example, the width W131 of the blood collection hole 131 may be about 3 mm. This difference in size between the capillary tube 14 and the blood collection hole 131 ensures that the capillary tube 14 advantageously abuts the blood collection channel 132 and does not extend up to or beyond the upper surface 133 of the finger portion 13.

[0087] Further visible in FIGS. 3, 7A and 7B is an air outlet hole 135. Said air outlet hole 135 may assist any air in the collection container 12 and/or in the inner tube 122 of the collection container 12 to leave said collection container 12 and/or inner tube 122 such that blood may more easily flow from the finger portion 13 into the collection container 12. In other words, any overpressure in the collection container 12, created by excess air therein, may be resolved by having an air outlet 135 in the finger portion 13. The flow of excess air is schematically illustrated by arrows in FIG. 3. The air outlet hole 135 may e.g. have a diameter of between 0.5 mm and 3 mm, such as approximately 1 mm or approximately 2 mm.

[0088] As shown, the capillary tube 14 provides a fluid channel 141 for blood between the finger portion 13 and the collection container 12.

[0089] As shown, the bottom side of the finger portion 13 is hollow, such that the insert member 15 may be inserted therein.

[0090] As is shown in FIG. 7A, the base element 11 may comprise a receive pocket 113 including the receive opening 112 for receiving the collection container 12 in the assembled state of the blood collection device 1.

[0091] It is preferred that the finger portion 13, the insert member 15 and the capillary tube 14 are pre-assembled before being shipped to the user.

[0092] As is better visible in FIG. 4, said insert member 15 comprises a capillary tube receiving channel 151 for receiving and fixating the capillary tube 14 therein. Via the insert member 15, the capillary tube 14 may thus be fixed with respect to the finger portion 13.

[0093] Whereas the cross-section of the capillary tube receiving channel 151 of the insert member 15 is substantially square, the cross section of the capillary tube 15 is substantially circular. As the width of the channel 151 substantially matches the outer diameter of the capillary tube 14, said capillary tube 14 may be press-fit in the capillary tube receiving channel 151.

[0094] FIG. 5 again shows a schematic overview of the blood collection device 1, wherein FIG. 5A shows the blood collection device 1 in an assembled state, and FIG. 5B shows an exploded view thereof.

[0095] FIG. 6 shows a blood collection kit 100 which comprises the blood collection device 1 as described in the above, a lancet 101, a cap 102 for sealing the collection container 12 after blood is collected therein, and a return envelope 104. Optionally also an analysis tool 105 (not shown) for self-analysis of the collected blood may be part of the blood collection kit 100. Preferably at least the lancet 101, the cap 102 and the components of the blood collection device 1 are packed in a sterilized bag 103.

[0096] A blood sample may be collected by a user by:

[0097] firstly shipping a blood collection device 1 or a blood collection kit 100 to a user by letterbox post, the blood collection device 1 being in a de-assembled state during shipment;

[0098] secondly assembling the blood collection device 1, preferably by the user;

[0099] thirdly pricking a finger (schematically illustrated by the drop of blood 200 in FIG. 1) of a patient to initiate a blood flow;, preferably by the user;

[0100] fourthly placing the finger 200 of the patient on the finger portion 13 of the blood collection device 1, preferably by the user;

[0101] fifthly collecting the blood of the patient in the collection container 12, preferably by the user;

[0102] sixthly de-assembling the blood collection device 1, preferably by the user;

[0103] seventhly sealing the collection container 12 with a cap 102, preferably by the user; and

[0104] finally shipping the collection container 12, inclusive the blood collected therein, to a blood analysis laboratory where the testing can be performed, preferably by the user. In an embodiment the collection container 12, comprising outer tube 122 and inner tube 123 may be send back in its entirety. In another embodiment, only the inner tube 123 may be returned by the user.

[0105] Optionally the blood collection kit 100 comprises a self-testing tool, which can be used by the user to perform a test on the collected blood.

[0106] FIG. 8A finally shows an embodiment of a blood collection device 1 which is similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2A. The base element 11 of the blood collection device 1 of FIG. 8A however additionally comprises a hinge member 114 which allows the base element 11 to be moved between a folded state and an unfolded state (and vice versa), such that the base element 11 may be shipped to a user in a compressed, i.e. folded, state and be unfolded by a user after receiving the blood collection device 1.

[0107] It is noted that in the shown embodiment the base element 11 may also be de-assembled with respect to the collection container 12, but this is not required when the base element 11 may be compressed by folding in hinge members 114.

[0108] Clauses: [0109] 1. A blood collection device for the self-collection of a blood sample by a user, the blood collection device comprising a base element, a collection container, and a finger portion,

[0110] the base element having a width of more than 1.75 in and including an upstanding wall which defines a receive opening for receiving the collection container, the upstanding wall having a height of less than 1.75 in;

[0111] the collection container being configured for placement in the receive opening of the base element in a substantially upright orientation;

[0112] the finger portion being configured for placement on top of the collection container and comprising a blood collection hole which, in an assembled state of the blood collection device, enables a flow of blood from the finger portion into the collection container;

[0113] wherein at least the base element is a separate part, configured to be shipped to a user in a de-assembled state with respect to the other parts of the blood collection device, and

[0114] wherein the blood collection device is configured to be assembled by a user after receiving said blood collection device and before using said blood collection device. [0115] 2. The blood collection device according to clause 1, wherein the finger portion comprises a blood collection channel including the blood collection hole, a width of the blood collection channel decreasing in a direction from an upper surface of the finger portion to the collection container. [0116] 3. The blood collection device according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising a capillary tube that, in an assembled state, is arranged between the blood collection hole and the collection container, the capillary tube defining a fluid channel. [0117] 4. The blood collection device according clause 3, wherein an outer width of the capillary tube is larger than a width of the blood collection hole. [0118] 5. The blood collection device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a side wall of the finger portion comprises an air outlet hole. [0119] 6. The blood collection device according to any of the clauses 3-5, further comprising an insert member configured to be inserted into the finger portion and for receiving the capillary tube, to fixate the capillary tube with respect to the finger portion. [0120] 7. The blood collection device according to clause 6, wherein a capillary tube receiving channel of the insert member has a non-circular cross-section and wherein the capillary tube has a circular cross-section. [0121] 8. The blood collection device according to clause 6 or 7, wherein the finger portion, the insert member and the capillary tube are pre-assembled in the de-assembled state. [0122] 9. The blood collection device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein an upper surface of the finger portion has an elongate shape [0123] 10. The blood collection device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein a width of the base element is larger than 2.0 in. [0124] 11. The blood collection device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the base element comprises a receive pocket including the receive opening, for receiving the collection container in the assembled state of the blood collection device. [0125] 12. The blood collection device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the base element and/or the finger portion are manufactured via an injection moulding process, the base element and the finger portion preferable being made from polypropylene. [0126] 13. The blood collection device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the base element and/or the finger portion are manufactured via an 3D printing process, preferably via a selective laser sintering process, the base element and the finger portion preferable being made from PA2200. [0127] 14. A base element for a blood collection device, the base element having a width of more than 1.75 in and including an upstanding wall which defines a receive opening for receiving a collection container or a blood collection device, the upstanding wall having a height of less than 1.75 in,

[0128] wherein the base element is a separate part, configured to be shipped to a user in a de-assembled state with respect to the other parts of the blood collection device or with respect to the blood collection device, and

[0129] wherein the base element is configured to provide a stable support for the blood collection device in an assembled state. [0130] 15. Blood collection kit comprising the blood collection device according to any of the clauses 1-13 or a base element according to clause 14, a lancet, and a cap for sealing the collection container, preferably packed in a sterilized bag, the blood collection kit preferably also comprising a return envelope and/or an analysis tool for self-analysis of the collected blood sample. [0131] 16. Method for collecting a blood sample, comprising the steps of:

[0132] shipping a blood collection device according to any one of the clauses 1-13 or a blood collection kit according to clause 15 to a user by letterbox post, a base element of the blood collection device being de-assembled with respect to the other components of the blood collection device during shipment,

[0133] assembling the blood collection device;

[0134] pricking a finger of a patient to initiate a blood flow;

[0135] placing the finger of the patient on the finger portion of the blood collection device;

[0136] collecting the blood of the patient in the collection container;

[0137] de-assembling the blood collection device;

[0138] returning the collection container, inclusive of the blood collected therein;

[0139] wherein the steps of assembling the blood collection device, pricking the finger of a patient, placing the finger of the patient on the finger portion, collecting the blood, and de-assembling the blood collection device are all carried out by the patient him/herself. [0140] 17. A blood collection device for the self-collection of a blood sample by a user, the blood collection device comprising a base element, a collection container, and a finger portion,

[0141] the base element including an upstanding wall which defines a receive opening for receiving the collection container;

[0142] the collection container being configured for placement in the receive opening of the base element in a substantially upright orientation; and

[0143] the finger portion being configured for placement on top of the collection container and comprising a blood collection channel including a blood collection hole, wherein a width of the blood collection channel decreases in a direction from an upper surface of the finger portion to the collection container, and wherein the blood collection hole enables a flow of blood from the finger portion into the collection container. [0144] 18. The blood collection device according to clause 17, further comprising a capillary tube that, in an assembled state, is arranged between the blood collection hole and the collection container, the capillary tube defining a fluid channel. [0145] 19. The blood collection device according to clause 18, wherein an outer width of the capillary tube is larger than a width of the blood collection hole. [0146] 20. The blood collection device according to any of the clauses 17-19, wherein a side wall of the finger portion comprises an air outlet hole. [0147] 21. The blood collection device according to any of the clauses 18-20, further comprising an insert member configured to be inserted into the finger portion and for receiving the capillary tube, to fixate the capillary tube with respect to the finger portion. [0148] 22. The blood collection device according to clause 21, wherein a capillary tube receiving channel of the insert member has a non-circular cross-section and wherein the capillary tube has a circular cross-section. [0149] 23. The blood collection device according to any of the clauses 21-22, wherein at least the base element is a separate part, configured to be shipped to a user in a de-assembled state with respect to the other parts of the blood collection device, and

[0150] wherein the blood collection device is configured to be assembled by a user after receiving said blood collection device and before using said blood collection device. [0151] 24. The blood collection device according to at least the clauses 21 and 23, wherein the finger portion, the insert member and the capillary tube are pre-assembled in the de-assembled state. [0152] 25. The blood collection device according to any of the clauses 17-24, wherein an upper surface of the finger portion has an elongate shape [0153] 26. The blood collection device according to any of the clauses 17-25, wherein a width of the base element is larger than 1.75 in, preferably larger than 2.0 in and wherein a height of the of the upstanding wall is less than 1.75 in. [0154] 27. The blood collection device according to any of the clauses 17-26, wherein the base element comprises a receive pocket including the receive opening, for receiving the collection container in the assembled state of the blood collection device. [0155] 28. The blood collection device according to any of the clauses 17-27, wherein the base element and/or the finger portion are manufactured via an injection moulding process, the base element and the finger portion preferable being made from polypropylene. [0156] 29. The blood collection device according to any of the clauses 17-28, wherein the base element and/or the finger portion are manufactured via an 3D printing process, preferably via a selective laser sintering process, the base element and the finger portion preferable being made from PA2200. [0157] 30. Blood collection kit comprising the blood collection device according to any of the clauses 17-29, a lancet, and a cap for sealing the collection container, preferably packed in a sterilized bag, the blood collection kit preferably also comprising a return envelope and/or an analysis tool for self-analysis of the collected blood sample. [0158] 31. Method for collecting a blood sample, comprising the steps of:

[0159] shipping a blood collection device according to any one of the clauses 17-29 or a blood collection kit according to clause 30 to a user;

[0160] pricking a finger of a patient to initiate a blood flow;

[0161] placing the finger of the patient on the finger portion of the blood collection device;

[0162] collecting the blood of the patient in the collection container; returning the collection container, inclusive of the blood collected therein;

[0163] wherein the steps of pricking the finger of a patient, placing the finger of the patient on the finger portion, and collecting the blood are all carried out by the patient him/herself.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

[0164] 1 Blood collection device

[0165] 11 base element [0166] W11 width of base element [0167] H11 height of base element [0168] 111 upstanding wall [0169] 112 receive opening [0170] 113 receive pocket [0171] 114 hinge member

[0172] 12 collection container [0173] 121 barline [0174] 122 outer tube [0175] 123 inner tube [0176] 124 outer rim of inner tube

[0177] 13 finger portion [0178] 131 blood collection hole [0179] W131 width blood collection hole [0180] 132 blood collection channel [0181] W132 width blood collection channel [0182] 133 upper surface [0183] 134 side wall [0184] 135 air outlet hole

[0185] 14 capillary tube [0186] 141 fluid channel

[0187] 15 insert member [0188] 151 capillary tube receiving channel [0189] 100 blood collection kit

[0190] 101 lancet

[0191] 102 cap

[0192] 103 sterilized bag

[0193] 104 return envelope [0194] 200 finger