Small volume sample collection device and related systems and methods

Abstract

A system, mixing-enhanced microfluidic container, and methods for small volume sample collection and/or analysis is disclosed. Namely, the invention is directed to a small volume sample collection system that includes a mixing-enhanced microfluidic container and a durable reusable actuation chuck. The mixing-enhanced microfluidic container is used to collect small volumes of sample fluid and includes a means for mixing the sample fluid with reagents disposed within the microfluidic container. The mixing means utilize an array of surface-attached structures (e.g., a micropost array). The application of an “actuation force,” such as a magnetic or electric field, actuates the surface-attached structures into movement, wherein the actuation chuck in close proximity to the mixing-enhanced microfluidic container provides the “actuation force.”

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A high-throughput sample processing system comprising:
 a plurality of mixing-enhanced microfluidic containers, wherein each of the mixing-enhanced microfluidic containers:   is configured to collect a sample comprising a volume of biological fluid of less than about 0.1 ml;   is installed within an actuation chuck; comprises a cap; and   comprises a reaction chamber, wherein the reaction chamber further comprises reagents disposed within the reaction chamber and mixing means configured to mix the biological fluid with the reagents;   a multiwell microplate; and   a robot comprising a plurality of pipette adaptor tips, wherein each of the pipette adaptor tips is configured to receive the cap and apply positive pressure for dispensing the biological fluid.   
     
     
         2 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 1 , wherein the mixing means comprise an array of surface-attached posts configured for actuation in the presence of an actuation force. 
     
     
         3 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 2 , wherein the reagents disposed within the reaction chamber are disposed on or integrated with an inside surface of the reaction chamber and/or are disposed on or integrated with an outer surface of at least some of the surface-attached posts. 
     
     
         4 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber is configured to hold from about 5 μL to about 500 μL of sample fluid. 
     
     
         5 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 1 , wherein the reaction chamber is configured to hold about 50 μL of sample fluid. 
     
     
         6 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 1 , wherein a fluid port supplies one end of the reaction chamber and a vent mechanism is provided at the other end of the reaction chamber. 
     
     
         7 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 1 , wherein the actuation chuck further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a battery, a motor, one or more magnets, a pump, a controller, one or more visual, audible, and/or tactile indicators, and a communications interface. 
     
     
         8 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 6 , wherein the fluid port comprises a nozzle. 
     
     
         9 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 6 , wherein the fluid port is configured for both drawing sample fluid and dispensing sample fluid. 
     
     
         10 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 6 , wherein the fluid port is a female type of coupler for snap-fitting onto a fitting at the end of the central line. 
     
     
         11 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 10 , wherein the fitting comprises a split septum or leur lock fitting. 
     
     
         12 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 6 , wherein the vent mechanism comprises a vapor seal. 
     
     
         13 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 6 , wherein the vent mechanism comprises a seal that is gas permeable but not liquid permeable. 
     
     
         14 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 6 , wherein the vent mechanism comprises a silicone seal. 
     
     
         15 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 6 , wherein the vent mechanism is configured to facilitate a pumping action within the reaction chamber via the application of positive pressure and negative pressure to the vent mechanism. 
     
     
         16 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 1 , wherein an end of the cap is coupled to the vent mechanism and an opposite end of the cap is coupled to a pumping mechanism. 
     
     
         17 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 16 , wherein a channel is provided through the cap by which air can escape from the vent mechanism. 
     
     
         18 . The high-throughput sample processing system of  claim 17 , wherein the cap comprises a split septum. 
     
     
         19 . A small volume sample collection system, comprising:
 a mixing-enhanced microfluidic container configured to collect a sample comprising a volume of biological fluid of less than about 0.1 ml; and   an actuation subsystem integrated together with the mixing-enhanced microfluidic container;   wherein the mixing-enhanced microfluidic container comprises a reaction chamber, wherein the reaction chamber further comprises reagents disposed within the reaction chamber and mixing means configured to mix the biological fluid with the reagents.   
     
     
         20 . The small volume sample collection system of  claim 19 , wherein the mixing means comprise an array of surface-attached posts configured for actuation in the presence of an actuation force.