Methods and devices for sample collection and stabilization

Abstract

Methods and devices are provided for sample collection. In one example, a device is provided comprising at least one capillary tube or collection channel directed to a sample vessel, wherein in a one-step removal step of detaching the sample vessel from the collection channel, a vacuum force is created within the sample vessel, due in part of the pulling of the sealed vessel away from the device, wherein this vacuum force draw out residual sample that may still be resident in the collection channel.

1 - 21 . (canceled) 
     
     
         22 . A device comprising:
 at least one capillary tube;   a nozzle located at a proximal end of the capillary tube;   at least one collection vessel with a cap; and   at least one structure on an outer surface of the nozzle wherein when the cap of the at least one collection vessel is configured to slide over said at least one structure, such that the structure is configured to open a vent in the cap and creates said vented condition;   wherein the collection vessel is configured to go from a vented condition, an unvented condition, and then sealed condition as the nozzle is removed from the collection vessel.   
     
     
         23 . A device comprising:
 at least one sample transport channel;   at least one collection vessel with a cap;   at least one structure on an outer surface of the sample collection channel, wherein when the cap of the collection vessel is configured to slide over said at least one structure, such that the at least one structure is configured to open a vent in the cap and creates a vented configuration.   
     
     
         24 . A method comprising:
 providing a sample collection device comprising at least one sample collection channel and at least one collection vessel coupled to receive sample from the sample collection channel, wherein said collection vessel comprises a cap and said sample collection channel comprises at least one structure on an outer surface of the sample collection channel;   wherein the cap of the collection vessel slides over said at least one structure, to open a vent in the cap and create a vented condition.   
     
     
         25 . The device of  claim 22  wherein a suction effect is created by the nozzle forming a seal with the cap. 
     
     
         26 . The device of  claim 22  wherein the collection vessel is transparent. 
     
     
         27 . The device of  claim 22  wherein the collection vessel is translucent. 
     
     
         28 . The device of  claim 22  wherein the collection vessel comprises an optically transmissive material. 
     
     
         29 . The device of  claim 22  wherein the collection vessel is coated with an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         30 . The device of  claim 22  wherein the capillary tube is coated with an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         31 . The device of  claim 23  wherein the collection channel is coated with an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         32 . The device of  claim 23  wherein the collection vessel is coated with an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the sample collection channel is coated with an anticoagulant. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 24  wherein the collection vessel is coated with an anticoagulant.