Cards for Sample Storage and Delivery Comprising Sintered Porous Plastic

Abstract

This application discloses cards comprising sintered porous plastic which may be employed in liquid sample collection, storage, transport and/or delivery to an analytical device. Sintered porous plastic materials provide a unique porous structure, an inert substrate, precise liquid holding capability, are quick drying, and easy to cut and handle.

1 . A card for receiving a liquid sample comprising:
 a card comprising a sintered porous plastic matrix comprising at least one liquid sample receiving spot; and   a region surrounding the at least one liquid sample receiving spot.   
     
     
         2 . The card of  claim 1 , wherein the plastic is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyamide, polyacrylate, polyacrylic nitrile, ethylene-vinyl acetate, polyester, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polytetrafluoroethylene or a blend thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The card of  claim 2 , wherein the polyethylene is selected from the group consisting of high density polyethylene, low density polyethylene and ultra high molecular weight polyethylene, or a blend thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The card of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one liquid sample receiving spot and the region surrounding the at least one liquid sample receiving spot are independently hydrophilic or hydrophobic. 
     
     
         5 . The card of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one liquid sample receiving spot comprises a perimeter which is weaker than the area of the at least one liquid sample receiving spot within the perimeter. 
     
     
         6 . The card of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one s liquid ample receiving spot is suitable for introduction into a mass spectrometer. 
     
     
         7 . The card of  claim 1 , further comprising a functional additive. 
     
     
         8 . The card of  claim 1 , wherein the functional additive comprises a color change indicator, a surfactant, a chelating agent, an anti-clotting agent, a polyelectrolyte, an enzyme inhibitor, a cell lysing reagent, an antioxidant, a DNA stabilizing agent, or a chaotropic agent or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         9 . The card of  claim 1 , wherein the region surrounding the at least one liquid sample receiving spot comprises porous plastic, non-porous plastic, glass, paper or cardboard. 
     
     
         10 . The card of  claim 1 , wherein the sintered porous matrix of claim comprises a porosity of from about 20% to about 80%, from about 25% to about 70%, from about 30% to about 60%, or from about 30% to about 50%. 
     
     
         11 . The card of  claim 1 , wherein the sintered porous matrix comprises a pore size of from about 1 μm to about 200 μm, from about 10 μm to about 100 μm, or from about 20 μm to about 60 μm. 
     
     
         12 . The card of  claim 1 , wherein the sample receiving spot comprises a thickness of from about 100 μm to about 5 mm, from about 200 μm to about 3 mm, or from about 0.5 mm to about 2 mm. 
     
     
         13 . The card of  claim 1 , further comprising a channel connecting the least one liquid sample receiving spot to at least one sample storage spot. 
     
     
         14 . The card of  claim 1 , wherein the region surrounding the liquid sample receiving spot has a region to accept labeling, writing, a barcode, a QR code, a magnetic strip, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         15 . Use of the card of  claim 1  for liquid sample collection, storage, transport and/or delivery to an analytical device. 
     
     
         16 . The use of  claim 15 , wherein the liquid sample is a biological fluid or a non-biological fluid. 
     
     
         17 . The use of  claim 16 , wherein the biological fluid comprises blood, plasma, urine, peritoneal fluid, pulmonary fluid, pericardial fluid, tears, saliva, cerebrospinal fluid, lymphatic fluid, gastrointestinal fluid, feces, a fluid of the reproductive system, amniotic fluid, culture medium, cells, microorganisms or plasmids.