Abstract: The present disclosure relates to blood sample preparation devices and methods. In some embodiments, a method for preparing a blood sample comprises: receiving at a sample preparation machine a sample container containing the blood sample; scanning an identifier of the sample container, the identifier containing information indicative of a characteristic of at least one of the sample container or the blood sample contained therein, actuating, after the scanning, and based on the information, the sample container to repeatedly change a position of the sample container; determining, based on the information, whether the sample container should be centrifuged; and transporting the sample container to a centrifuge to be centrifuged and then to a storage compartment when the determining indicates that the sample container should be centrifuged, and to the storage compartment without entering the centrifuge when the determining indicates that the sample container should not be centrifuged.

Abstract: A processing unit for automated preparation of biological samples included in specimen tubes is described herein. The processing unit includes a removable sample preparation component configured to receive specimen tubes, read identifiers associated with the biological samples contained in the specimen tubes, mix reagents included in the specimen tubes, and transfer the specimen tubes to at least one of a centrifuge or a storage compartment. The processing unit further includes a centrifuge loader for automatic loading and unloading of the specimen tubes onto a centrifuge. The automated centrifuge loader includes a magnetic brake that can stop the centrifuge rotor at a precise position to facilitate loading and unloading of a specimen tube. The centrifuge includes a swing bucket designed to pivot around an axis and slide vertically to enable moving the bucket to a position in which the swing bucket can engage with the port where the specimen tube resides.

Abstract: A device and method for separating serum or plasma from blood cells in a whole blood specimen. The present invention uses a cap with a reservoir, such that blood cells are packed into the cap when the specimen container is centrifuged. When the cap is removed, the blood cells are also removed, and the serum or plasma is left in the specimen tube where it can be readily extracted by a pipette which is able to reach all the way to the bottom of the specimen tube minimizing the dead volume.

Abstract: A refrigerated carrier device that can maintain biological samples including capillary blood samples at refrigerated temperatures is described herein. The carrier includes an insulated phase change material (PCM) that can be pre-chilled to maintain biological samples at a refrigerated temperature (e.g., 2-8° C.) while the carrier is in transit and/or temporary storage protecting the samples from degradation. The use of PCM enables the temperature to be kept reliably between 2-8° C., avoiding temperature excursions, and eliminating the need for a compressor or thermoelectric device at the point of collection, which can reduce costs and risks related to heat, noise, condensation, and sample degradation due to power outages. The carrier device can be removable from a Sample Preparation system, which enables it to double as refrigerated storage at the point of collection and during transportation.

Abstract: A processing unit for automated preparation of biological samples included in specimen tubes is described herein. The processing unit includes a removable sample preparation component configured to receive specimen tubes, read identifiers associated with the biological samples contained in the specimen tubes, mix reagents included in the specimen tubes, and transfer the specimen tubes to at least one of a centrifuge or a storage compartment. The processing unit further includes a centrifuge loader for automatic loading and unloading of the specimen tubes onto a centrifuge. The automated centrifuge loader includes a magnetic brake that can stop the centrifuge rotor at a precise position to facilitate loading and unloading of a specimen tube. The centrifuge includes a swing bucket designed to pivot around an axis and slide vertically to enable moving the bucket to a position in which the swing bucket can engage with the port where the specimen tube resides.

Abstract: A device that can warm a hand of a user and/or patient to facilitate collection of blood samples (e.g., capillary blood sample collection) is described herein. The device provides controlled amounts of heat directed to the palm of a user and/or patient to facilitate collection of high-quality capillary blood samples. The device is designed in such a way to provide a comfortable resting position for the hand that allows heating the hand of the user and/or patient while simultaneously providing access to the finger of the user and/or patient to carry out one or more steps in preparation for collection of capillary blood samples from the finger. The device will also monitor the temperature to limit the max temperature to a safe level, control the palm temperature to a desired level, and use a conductive material to enable rapid heating.

Abstract: A processing unit for automated preparation of biological samples included in specimen tubes is described herein. The processing unit includes a removable sample preparation component configured to receive specimen tubes, read identifiers associated with the biological samples contained in the specimen tubes, mix reagents included in the specimen tubes, and transfer the specimen tubes to at least one of a centrifuge or a storage compartment. The processing unit further includes a centrifuge loader for automatic loading and unloading of the specimen tubes onto a centrifuge. The automated centrifuge loader includes a magnetic brake that can stop the centrifuge rotor at a precise position to facilitate loading and unloading of a specimen tube. The centrifuge includes a swing bucket designed to pivot around an axis and slide vertically to enable moving the bucket to a position in which the swing bucket can engage with the port where the specimen tube resides.

Abstract: A device and method for separating serum or plasma from blood cells in a whole blood specimen. The present invention uses a cap with a reservoir, such that blood cells are packed into the cap when the specimen container is centrifuged. When the cap is removed, the blood cells are also removed, and the serum or plasma is left in the specimen tube where it can be readily extracted by a pipette which is able to reach all the way to the bottom of the specimen tube minimizing the dead volume.

Abstract: A device and method for separating serum or plasma from blood cells in a whole blood specimen. The present invention uses a cap with a reservoir, such that blood cells are packed into the cap when the specimen container is centrifuged. When the cap is removed, the blood cells are also removed, and the serum or plasma is left in the specimen tube where it can be readily extracted by a pipette which is able to reach all the way to the bottom of the specimen tube minimizing the dead volume.

Abstract: A device and method for separating serum or plasma from blood cells in a whole blood specimen. The present invention uses a cap with a reservoir, such that blood cells are packed into the cap when the specimen container is centrifuged. When the cap is removed, the blood cells are also removed, and the serum or plasma is left in the specimen tube where it can be readily extracted by a pipette which is able to reach all the way to the bottom of the specimen tube minimizing the dead volume.