Apparatus, Systems And Methods For Preparing And Shipping Samples

Abstract

The disclosed apparatus, systems and methods relate to sample preparation and shipping technologies in a single shippable container. The shipping container contains a single use centrifuge. The centrifuge can be temperature controlled and meets all standards and regulations for the shipping and transport of biological specimens.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for sample preparation and transportation comprising:
 a. an openable shippable container; and   b. a centrifuge frame comprising a rotor, the centrifuge frame being disposed within the shipping container,   wherein the centrifuge frame is constructed and arranged to centrifuge and ship a biological sample.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the centrifuge frame is constructed and arranged so that the rotor is actuated by closing the openable shipping container. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the rotor contains an opening for a biological sample and an integrated counter-balancing weight. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising electronics, and wherein the rotor is constructed and arranged so as to be a single-use rotor. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the centrifuge frame comprises at least one switch constructed and arranged to control the operation of the rotor. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , further comprising a battery in operational communication with the at least one switch. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the shipping container comprises a lid, the lid being in operational communication with the at least one switch. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the centrifugation frame comprises at least one battery and a PCB that is operationally coupled to the rotor, wherein the PCB is constructed and arranged to be pre-programmed for a variety of sample types. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein the PCB is operationally integrated with communications components that are constructed and arranged to wirelessly communicate with a receiver. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 9 , wherein the receiver is constructed and arranged to detect the success of a centrifugation event. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the receiver measures and communicates temperature and time data with the PCB. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the system is constructed and arranged to separate into reusable sub-components. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the shippable container is constructed and arranged to absorb biological samples in the event of a spill. 
     
     
         14 . A method for preparing and shipping biological samples comprising:
 a. centrifuging a sample with a rotor disposed within a shippable container;   b. stabilizing the sample for shipping with a gel and/or a chemical reagent; and   c. shipping the sample by mail or courier.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein centrifugation occurs exactly once. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein centrifugation parameters are pre-set. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein a wireless communications component within the shippable container communicates sample data. 
     
     
         18 . A device for sample preparation and shipping comprising:
 a. a shippable container;   b. a centrifugation mechanism disposed within the shippable container that is constructed and arranged to accept and centrifuge a biological sample;   c. a temperature control system; and   d. a communications component.   
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the centrifugation mechanism further comprises:
 a. a rotor, wherein the biological sample and a counter-weight is housed;   b. a motor in mechanical communication with the rotor;   c. a PCB in electrical communication with the motor and a battery; and   d. a battery in electrical communication with at least two switches.   
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein the temperature control system is in thermodynamic communication with the sample.