Apparatus and method for extracting pathogens from biological samples

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments related to an apparatus and methods for biological sample processing enabling isolation and concentration of microbial or pathogenic constituents from the sample. Sample may be obtained directly from a specimen container, such as a vacutainer, and processed directly without risk of user exposure. The disclosed methods and apparatus provide a convenient and inexpensive solution for rapid sample preparation compatible with downstream analysis techniques.

1 . An apparatus to capture pathogens from a biological sample, the apparatus comprising:
 a valve body to fluidically couple a sample tube to each of a syringe body and a capture tube, the valve body having a sample inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, a channel to connect the sample inlet with each of the first and the second outlets, a first one-way valve to connect the sample inlet with the channel, a second one-way valve to connect the channel to the second outlet;   a syringe body having an outer barrel and an inner barrel, the outer barrel further comprising a first reservoir containing a first reagent; and   a plunger piston configured to moveably couple to the outer syringe barrel, the plunger piston comprising an inner syringe barrel, and outer syringe barrel and a puncture-able separator positioned between the first and second reservoirs, the inner syringe barrel defining a second reservoir to receive a second reagent;   wherein the puncture-able separator is configured to provide automatic sequential delivery of the first and second reagents.