Systems, Methods, and Devices for Sample Collection, Stabilization and Preservation

Abstract

Herein, systems and methods are disclosed including a sample acquisition component (SAC) for user-friendly sample collection, a separation component for optional separation of plasma, and one or more stabilization components for stabilizing analytes. In a particular embodiment, the system and methods are directed towards sample collection and stabilization with optional sample separation. Other embodiments can perform any combination of collection, separation, stabilization or detection.

1 - 60 . (canceled) 
     
     
         61 . An integrated sample acquisition and sample stabilization device comprising:
 (i) a sample acquisition component comprising a piercing element;   (ii) more than one paper stabilization matrix, wherein the more than one paper stabilization matrices are stacked and do not contact each other; wherein the more than one paper stabilization matrices are separated by one or more solid supports wherein the one or more solid supports do not comprise filters;   (iii) an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to actuate the sample acquisition component and cause the piercing element to puncture skin of a subject to release a biological sample; and   (iv) a channel configured to allow the biological sample to move from an opening in the sample acquisition component through the channel onto the more than one paper stabilization matrices.   
     
     
         62 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the device is configured to withdraw the piercing element from the skin of the subject. 
     
     
         63 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the device is configured to move the biological sample from the opening in the sample acquisition component through the channel onto the more than one dry paper stabilization matrices by vacuum. 
     
     
         64 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein one or more stabilizing reagents are disposed on or integrated with the more than one paper stabilization matrices. 
     
     
         65 . The device of  claim 64 , wherein the more than one paper stabilization matrices are in a substantially dry state of less than 10% by weight hydration. 
     
     
         66 . The device of claim  1 , wherein the more than one paper stabilization matrices are configured to be removed from the integrated sample acquisition and sample stabilization device. 
     
     
         67 . The device of  claim 61 , further comprising a plasma separation component. 
     
     
         68 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the more than one paper stabilization matrices are porous matrices comprising cellulose, cellulose acetate, glass fiber, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         69 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the biological sample comprises a volume of under 500 uL. 
     
     
         70 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the more than one paper stabilization matrices are substantially dry with a water content of less than 2%. 
     
     
         71 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the channel is a microchannel. 
     
     
         72 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the device is configured to move the biological sample from the opening in the sample acquisition component onto the more than one paper stabilization matrices by spontaneous capillary flow, wicking through absorbent materials, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         73 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the biological sample is blood or blood plasma. 
     
     
         74 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the piercing element is connected to a spring. 
     
     
         75 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the more than one paper stabilization matrices are configured to absorb the biological sample. 
     
     
         76 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein at least one of the more than one paper stabilization matrices comprise a sample separation phase and a sample collection phase. 
     
     
         77 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the device comprises more than one piercing elements. 
     
     
         78 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the more than one paper stabilization matrices are two paper stabilization matrices. 
     
     
         79 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein each of the more than one paper stabilization matrices has a same composition. 
     
     
         80 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the more than one dry paper stabilization matrices comprise a top matrix and a matrix below the top matrix, and wherein the device is configured to allow at least part of the biological sample to contact the top matrix and the matrix below the top matrix.