Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for transporting a sample of body fluid such as blood from a first location to a remote test site location. The apparatus operates in conjunction with a fluid manifold module which has a first sample input port, a second washing fluid input port and a third input port for receiving air. There are tubes coupled to said first, second and third input ports which are coupled together and coupled to a sample output line which extends from the first location to the remote location. The manifold contains check valves with one valve for blood and one valve for washing fluid and a diaphragm pump for air. There are logic controls which selectively operate the valves and pump to allow the sample line to receive a sample separated by air barriers from washing fluid solution. In this manner, a predetermined volume of sample is transported from the first location to the remote test site location.

Abstract: A finger stick device for making a skin incision includes a blade pivot arm having a first end pivotally coupled to a housing and a second end having an upper sloped surface and a lower surface. A blade is affixed to the second end such that its cutting edge extends away from the lower surface. A resilient bias member when actuated traverses the upper surface and depresses the second end of the blade pivot arm, such that the blade exits the housing and incises the skin. The incising operation is complete upon the bias member traversing the sloped upper surface of the blade pivot arm. Also disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing the finger stick device, in which the bias member and blade pivot arm are molded as a monolithic unit. A blade is attached to the blade pivot arm, and the blade and monolithic unit are inserted into the housing. Further disclosed is an embodiment in which the housing is formed of two uniformly shaped halves, which when joined, provide an internal space for the monolithic unit.

Abstract: A thermal pack has mirror imaged upper and lower sections which are integrally joined by a reduced central section with both the upper and lower sections adapted to be secured about a corresponding limb of a user with the reduced area central portion serving as a hinge to surround the joint of the user when accommodating the thermal pack. The thermal pack is further characterized in that the entire major surface of the thermal pack is manifested by a plurality of compartments giving the thermal pack a quilted-like appearance. Each of the compartments may communicate with one another via formed passageways within the compartments containing a chemical fluid substance which is adapted to release or absorb heat when subjected to activation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for detecting the coagulation of a sample of blood includes a ferromagnetic member, which is immersed in the blood sample and which is magnetically coupled to a reed switch, and an adjustable source of magnetic flux lines, which is also magnetically coupled to the reed switch. As the blood sample coagulates, the ferromagnetic member is displaced from the reed switch and, as a result, the magnetic field coupled to reed switch is reduced. When the ferromagnetic member reaches a predetermined displacement, the reed switch is open, which indicates that blood has coagulated. A microprocessor calibrates the reed switch by adjusting the density of the magnetic flux lines from the adjustable source such that the reed switch is open when the ferromagnetic member reaches the predetermined distance displacement.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for transporting a sample of body fluid such as blood from a first location to a remote test site location. The apparatus operates in conjunction with a fluid manifold module which has a first sample input port, a second washing fluid input port and a third input port for receiving air. There are tubing means coupled to said first, second and third input ports which are coupled together and coupled to a sample output line which extends from the first location to the remote location. The manifold means contains check valves with one valve for blood and one valve for washing fluid and a diaphragm pump for air. There are logic means which selectively operate the valves and pump to allow the sample line to receive a sample separated by air barriers from washing fluid solution. In this manner, a predetermined volume of sample is transported from the first location to the remote test site location.

Abstract: A finger stick device for making a skin incision includes a blade pivot arm having a first end pivotally coupled to a housing and a second end having an upper sloped surface and a lower surface. A blade is affixed to the second end such that its cutting edge extends away from the lower surface. A resilient bias member when actuated traverses the upper surface and depresses the second end of the blade pivot arm, such that the blade exits the housing and incises the skin. The incising operation is complete upon the bias member traversing the sloped upper surface of the blade pivot arm. Also disclosed herein is a method for manufacturing the finger stick device, in which the bias member and blade pivot arm are molded as a monolithic unit. A blade is attached to the blade pivot arm, and the blade and monolithic unit are inserted into the housing. Further disclosed is an embodiment in which the housing is formed of two uniformly shaped halves, which when joined, provide an internal space for the monolithic unit.

Abstract: There is disclosed an autotransfusion system which essentially is contained in a unitary housing section which enables a practitioner to utilize the system in a rapid and efficient manner. The housing section has integrally associated therewith a blood reservoir, which is a major component of an autotransfusion system. The housing has secured thereto a set of instructions which are adapted to be mounted on the arm of an IV pole and which, when positioned on the arm of the IV pole, specifies vertical distances necessary to perform autotransfusion during a blood collection or blood distribution mode. The housing section, as containing the reservoir, with the package and instruction component, is used as a yardstick to establish specified distances in order to control pressure as afforded by gravity.

Abstract: There is disclosed an autotransfusion system which essentially is contained in a unitary housing section which enables a practitioner to utilize the system in a rapid and efficient manner. The housing section has integrally associated therewith a blood reservoir, which is a major component of an autotransfusion system. The housing has secured thereto a set of instructions which are adapted to be mounted on the arm of an IV pole and which, when positioned on the arm of the IV pole, specifies vertical distances necessary to perform autotransfusion during a blood collection or blood distribution mode. The housing section, as containing the reservoir, with the package and instruction component, is used as a yardstick to establish specified distances in order to control pressure as afforded by gravity.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for use in bleeding-time tests. The apparatus includes an envelope which has an internal hollow and is sealed at all sides and has an opening at one side or at one corner. The envelope contains a blotter member which is located in the hollow of the envelope and dimensioned so that a peripheral section of the blotter member extends from the opening. In this manner a user can move the blotter member with respect to the envelope to thereby change the section of the blotter member which extends from the opening. The apparatus and methods enable one to utilize different sections of the blotter while directing previous blotted blood sections into the internal hollow of the envelope thereby avoiding contact with the previously blotted sections.

Abstract: There is shown a cartridge assembly which is used to analyze the coagulation of blood when subjected to an additive reagent. A base plate is divided into two sections as a right and left section by means of a longitudinal groove. Located on the right side of the groove is a plurality of first cylindrical chambers. Located on the left side of the groove is a second plurality of cylindrical chambers. The chambers on the right side of the groove have a top depression with sloping sidewalls which are adapted to receive extending tapered flanges associated with the chambers on the left side of the groove. In this manner upon folding or pivoting the cartridge about the groove, the chambers on the left and right side coact with one another. In operation the chambers on the left side of the groove receive a blood sample while the chambers on the right side of the groove receive a suitable reagent.

Abstract: A sample of blood is divided into a plurality of isolated test chambers. The blood is mixed with additive reagent having previously been measured into each test chamber. A clot detector and analyzer system determines the time required for the blood-reagent mixture in each chamber to form a clot. In a first mode of analyzer system operation there is recorded the time required for a selected number of clots to be detected. A second mode of operation identifies those chambers in which clots have been detected within a specified time interval.

Abstract: A sample of blood is divided into a plurality of isolated test chambers. The blood is mixed with additive reagent having previously been measured into each test chamber. A clot detector and analyzer system determines the time required for the blood-reagent mixture in each chamber to form a clot. In a first mode of analyzer system operation there is recorded the time required for a selected number of clots to be detected. A second mode of operation identifies those chambers in which clots have been detected within a specified time interval.