Devices for collecting biological samples

Abstract

Disclosed herein are devices, apparatus, systems, methods and kits for collecting and storing a fluid sample from a subject. A device for collecting the fluid sample can include a housing comprising a recess having an opening, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluidic communication with the recess, and one or more piercing elements that are extendable through the opening to penetrate skin of the subject. The vacuum chamber can be configured for having a vacuum that draws the skin into the recess. The recess can be configured having a size or shape that enables an increased volume of the fluid sample to be accumulated in the skin drawn into the recess.

1 - 189 . (canceled) 
     
     
         190 . A method of storing plasma in a cartridge assembly, the method comprising:
 providing a blood collection device comprising a housing; wherein the housing comprises a recess having an opening; placing the recess of the housing adjacent to skin of a subject, collecting a blood sample from a subject by piercing the skin of said subject; moving the blood from the opening to a cartridge assembly; wherein the cartridge assembly comprises:
 (a) a cartridge comprising a port that is configured to receive the blood sample of the subject from the blood collection device, the cartridge supporting one or more porous matrices for storing and stabilizing the blood sample; and 
 (b) a cartridge holder configured to releasably couple to and support the cartridge, wherein the cartridge assembly is configured to releasably couple to a deposition chamber of the blood collection device; 
   wherein the blood sample is collected in the cartridge assembly, wherein the method further comprises a step to remove/filter plasma from blood.