Cartridge for preparing a sample fluid containing cells for analysis
First Claim
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1. A cartridge configured for use in a blood analyzer, the cartridge comprising:
- a substantially rigid frame;
a flow path within the rigid frame;
at least one opening in the substantially rigid frame, the at least one opening defining at least one wall in the substantially rigid frame, the at least one opening being configured to align and stabilize a capillary tube through interaction between the at least one wall and at least one of the capillary tube or a sampler body holding the capillary tube; and
a two-part seal within the flow path, the two-part seal including a first portion configured to establish a seal about the capillary tube after the capillary tube is introduced into the flow path within the rigid frame, the two-part seal also including a second portion separate from the first portion, wherein the second portion is configured to temporarily obstruct flow through at least a portion of the flow path, and wherein the second portion is configured to open in response to a force exerted via the capillary tube after the capillary tube is introduced into the flow path within the rigid frame.
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Abstract
A cartridge configured for use in a blood analyzer is provided. The cartridge may include a substantially rigid frame, a flow path within the rigid frame, at least one opening in the substantially rigid frame configured to align and stabilize a capillary tube, and a seal within the flow path. The seal may be configured to temporarily obstruct flow through at least a portion of the flow path. The seal may also be configured to open in response to a force exerted via a capillary tube inserted into the at least one opening.
6 Citations
35 Claims
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1. A cartridge configured for use in a blood analyzer, the cartridge comprising:
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a substantially rigid frame; a flow path within the rigid frame; at least one opening in the substantially rigid frame, the at least one opening defining at least one wall in the substantially rigid frame, the at least one opening being configured to align and stabilize a capillary tube through interaction between the at least one wall and at least one of the capillary tube or a sampler body holding the capillary tube; and a two-part seal within the flow path, the two-part seal including a first portion configured to establish a seal about the capillary tube after the capillary tube is introduced into the flow path within the rigid frame, the two-part seal also including a second portion separate from the first portion, wherein the second portion is configured to temporarily obstruct flow through at least a portion of the flow path, and wherein the second portion is configured to open in response to a force exerted via the capillary tube after the capillary tube is introduced into the flow path within the rigid frame. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A cartridge system configured for use in a blood analyzer, the cartridge system comprising:
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a cartridge, including; a substantially rigid portion; a flexible sheet fixed to the rigid portion, wherein the flexible sheet includes a raised cap disposed over a depression formed in the rigid portion to form a first reservoir; at least one flow path formed in the rigid portion and configured to establish fluid communication between at least one inlet in the substantially rigid portion and the first reservoir; and a fluid sampler, including; at least one capillary tube; and a membrane disposed within the at least one capillary tube, wherein a location of the membrane within the at least one capillary tube defines a fixed volume of sample fluid to be received by the at least one capillary tube;
wherein the membrane is permeable to air such that when sample fluid enters the at least one capillary tube, air displaced by the sample fluid entering the at least one capillary tube is allowed to flow out of the at least one capillary tube through the membrane; and
wherein the membrane is configured to be pushed by a plunger toward an end of the at least one capillary tube to deliver the fixed volume of sample fluid to the at least one flow path formed in the rigid portion of the cartridge. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. A cartridge configured for use in a blood analyzer, the cartridge comprising:
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a first blood sample inlet; a first reservoir containing at least one high molecular weight polymer, a buffer, and a sphering agent; a first channel connecting the first blood sample inlet and the first reservoir; a second reservoir; a second channel connecting the first reservoir to the second reservoir; a micro-channel flow connected to the second reservoir; a second blood sample inlet; a third reservoir containing a first stain; a third channel connecting the second blood sample inlet to the third reservoir; a fourth reservoir; a fourth channel connecting the third reservoir to the fourth reservoir;
a fifth reservoir containing a second stain;a fifth channel connecting the fourth reservoir to the fifth reservoir, wherein the fifth reservoir is flow connected to the micro-channel; a viewing area associated with the micro-channel, the viewing area being configured to lie in an optical path of an imager when the cartridge is received by a blood analyzer; and a hemoglobin inspection area flow connected to the second reservoir, wherein the hemoglobin inspection area is configured to lie in an optical path of a light source when the cartridge is received by the blood analyzer. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A cartridge configured for use in a blood analyzer, the cartridge comprising:
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a substantially rigid frame; a flexible sheet fixed to the substantially rigid frame, wherein the flexible sheet includes a raised cap disposed over a depression formed in the substantially rigid frame to form a reservoir, the cartridge further including; a fluid outlet channel associated with the reservoir; and a seal configured to control a flow of fluid through the fluid outlet channel, wherein the seal is located in the fluid outlet channel and is formed as a temporary, peelable bond formed between the flexible sheet and the substantially rigid frame;
wherein the seal is configured to block fluid flow through the fluid outlet channel during introduction of a sample fluid into the reservoir and during mixing of the sample fluid with at least one other fluid in the reservoir; and
wherein the seal is configured to open in response to a super-threshold pressure experienced at the seal as a result of pressure applied to the raised cap. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35)
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Specification