Blood collection and testing improvements
Improvements in blood collection and testing. In one aspect, an improved method of manufacturing a blood collection tube, particularly illustrated for use in sedimentation rate testing, including providing an elongated glass tube with an open first end for receiving a venipuncture blood sample of at least 1 ml, formed with a closed end opposite the first end; and applying to a substantial portion of the receptacle a containment barrier.
1. A method for blood sedimentation rate analysis, comprising the steps of:
providing an elongated optically clear glass tube with an outside diameter of about 5 to about 10 mm and an inside diameter from about 4 to about 6 mm with an open first end for receiving a venipuncture blood sample of at least 1 ml, and a volume ranging from about 1 ml to about 5 ml, and having a closed end opposite the first end;
laminating a transparent polyester tamper-evident containment barrier including an at least partially hardenable liquid coating onto the exterior of the glass tube so that the barrier:
i. substantially encapsulates the glass tube by way of a substantially continuous layer that is sufficiently rigid that it will withstand rupture in the presence of load events sufficient to break the tube if no barrier is present;
ii. is an axially oriented plastic for helping provide enhanced mechanical properties;
iii. is sufficiently transparent that accurate and reproducible sedimentation rate tests are obtainable by an optical detection technique using the tube; and
iv. contains the contents of the tube, including tube fragments following a fracture of the tube, and also, upon fracture, the containment barrier maintains all fragments in substantial longitudinal alignment;
evacuating the tube to below atmospheric pressure;
sealing the evacuated tube;
drawing the blood sample directly into the tube;
loading the blood sample in the tube directly into an automated testing instrument so that the tube is vertically aligned within the automated testing instrument; and
performing a sedimentation rate test on the blood that is drawn in the tube using the automated testing instrument, while the blood is in the tube so that a further transfer step is avoided.
2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the containment barrier includes a plurality of apertures.
3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the containment barrier carries an absorbent.
4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the containment barrier includes a mesh.
5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the containment barrier includes a winding.
6. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the containment barrier carries an absorbent.
7. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the step of laminating includes a step of applying an adhesive layer between the containment barrier and the elongated glass tube for bonding the containment barrier to the elongated glass tube.