NL2014739A

NL2014739A - Fluid collection device.

Info

Publication number: NL2014739A
Application number: NL2014739A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Cornelis Wilhelmus Poland Dennis
Original assignee: Labonovum B V
Priority date: 2015-04-30
Filing date: 2015-04-30
Publication date: 2016-11-07
Also published as: NL2014739B1

Abstract

A collector for collecting a fluid includes a collection device for receiving the fluid; and a micro collection insert connected to the collection device for delivering the fluid into the collection device. The micro collection insert comprises a first opening for receiving the fluid; a second opening located within the collection device for delivering the fluid into the collection device; and an insert body extending between the first opening and the second opening and into the collection device. At least a portion of an outer side of the insert body and at least a portion of the collection device form a channel surrounding at least a portion of the outer side of the insert body for preventing fluid from inside the collection device to enter the micro collection insert through the second opening.

Description

FLUID COLLECTION DEVICE

BACKGROUND

Blood for laboratory diagnostics or other uses can be taken in a variety of ways. The most common is through venipuncture. This uses a hollow needle to collect blood from a vein into a vacuum tube. Typically about 2 to 10 ml of blood is collected using this method. The current generation of blood analysis machines and devices typically only require a very small portion of the collected blood, for example, less than 5% of the blood typically collected. Thus, a large amount of the blood collected by this method is disposed of as waste.

Another method of collection is to collect capillary blood, usually from a finger or a back heel. When using a capillary system, a smaller container can be used as there is much less blood collected, and the blood is typically collected by bringing the capillary collection point into contact with the collection container to drip the blood into the container, or blood can be collected into a plastic or glass capillary. A scraper or other device leading to the container can be used in some cases. An example of such a container is the Microtainer® tube by Becton Dickinson. The Microtainer fits inside a standard collection vial and collects and stores the capillary blood. Another capillary collection system is found in the Minicollect® by Greiner. Capillary blood is collected and transferred to a small tube. However, for analysis, the blood must be transferred to a different container suitable for use with typical clinical chemistry analyzers.

Recently, preservative solutions have become available which allows longer storage and/or transport times for the collected blood prior to analysis. These preservatives can be added to the collection containers prior to the collection and introduction of the blood to the container. As these preservatives can be hazardous, it is important to ensure that contact between the skin and the solution is avoided. Thus, capillary collection is especially problematic due to the potential for the preservative solution to come into contact with the skin when collecting in this way.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the invention, a collector for collecting a fluid comprises a collection device for receiving the fluid; and a micro collection insert connected to the collection device for delivering the fluid into the collection device.

The micro collection insert comprises a first opening for receiving the fluid; a second opening located within the collection device for delivering the fluid into the collection device; and an insert body extending between the first opening and the second opening and into the collection device. At least a portion of an outer side of the insert body and at least a portion of the collection device form a channel surrounding at least a portion of the outer side of the insert body for preventing fluid from inside the collection device to enter the micro collection insert through the second opening. The channel can be formed around an outer peripherery of the micro collection insert, and can be an annular channel surrounding the micro collection insert or can be located adjacent to only a portion of the micro collection insert.

Such a system can be used in the collection of blood or other fluids, and can be especially useful for capillary collection. Due to the formation of the channel between the micro collection insert and the collection device, fluid in the collection device is prevented from entering and/or reentering the micro collection insert through the second opening. This can allow for the use of preservative solution (which can be harmful to skin or other surfaces) in collection device without the risk of the preservative solution coming into contact with skin or something it could damage outside of the collection device. Thus, the micro collection insert and collection device can allow for simple capillary collection while minimizing or eliminating the risk of fluids and/or preservatives flowing out of collection device. By preventing the escape or loss of fluid or preservative solution, this also helps to maintain the proper fluid to preservative ratio within the collection device.

According to an embodiment, at least a portion of the insert body is tapered. Such tapering of the insert body can help to form an appropriate sized channel and/or appropriately position the second opening within the collection device.

According to an embodiment, the first opening and the second opening are circular in shape. By forming openings circular in shape, first opening can easily receive fluid, and second opening can easily deliver fluid into the collection device. Additionally, an annular channel could be formed in such an embodiment, providing sufficient volume to prevent flow from inside the collection device into the micro collection insert.

According to an embodiment, the collection device could have a cap to close the collection device. This can provide an easy closing to preserve inner fluids while allowing for transport and/or storage of the collection device. The cap can have any type of connection, including screw threads, a friction fit, and/or a clicking or locking in mechanism.

According to an embodiment, the insert body comprises a substantially cylindrical portion near the first end and a tapered portion extending from the substantially cylindrical portion toward the second end. Such a cylindrical portion can be useful for connecting the micro collection insert with the collection device. Optionally, the micro collection insert further comprises a substantially cylindrical portion extending from the tapered portion to the second opening.

According to an embodiment, the first opening has a first opening cross-section, the second opening has a second opening cross-section, and the ratio of the first opening cross-section to the second opening cross-section is about: 1 : 0.213.

By having a reduced cross-section at the end which opens into and sits within collection device, a channel with an appropriate size and shape can be formed to minimize or eliminate flow from the collection device to the insert.

According to an embodiment, the channel has a volume of about 100 μΐ -1000 μΐ·

According to an embodiment, the channel has a volume of about 200 μΐ.

According to an embodiment, the collector further comprises connection means for sealingly connecting the micro collection insert to the collection device. Optionally, the connection means comprise one or more of threads, a click engagement mechanism, a clamp, a snap, glue and a seal. Further optionally, the seal comprises one or more o-ring seals. Even further optionally, the connection means can be integral to the insert body. A variety of connection means and/or seals could be used to ensure a sealing connected between the micro collection insert and collection device to form the channel.

According to an embodiment, the micro collection insert further comprises a scraper extending from the micro collection insert at the first opening for receiving fluid for collection. The scraper can be especially useful in scooping up blood or fluid, for example in capillary collection. Optionally, the scraper is integral to the micro collection insert and/or the collection device. Further optionally, the scraper comprises a scoop shaped extension from only a portion of the micro collection insert.

According to an embodiment, the insert comprises a rigid material. This could be, for example, a polymer such as polypropylene or polyethylene or another type of material.

According to an embodiment, the collection device and the micro collection insert are integrally formed. This can help to ensure a sealing connection between the collection device and the micro collection insert and/or could help in the manufacture.

According to an embodiment, the collection device comprises a micro collector for receiving the fluid, and the channel is formed by at least a portion of the micro collector and at least a portion of the insert body. Such a collection device with a micro collector is useful, as the collection device can be a standard size collection device to be able to connect easily to standard analysis machines. The micro collector can be of a smaller volume to properly accommodate only the small amount of fluid and/or preservative required for most testing or analysis. Optionally, the micro the micro collector comprises a partition which separates the collection device into a first portion opening toward the insert body and a second portion. The first portion can hold the small amount of fluid and/or any other solution in the collection device.

According to an embodiment, the micro collector has a shape which tapers inward toward the second portion of the collector. This can help to collect, mix and/or store the fluid (and any other solutions) in the collection device. Optionally, the micro collector can comprise a capillary part extending into the second portion of the collection device.

According to an embodiment, the collection device contains a preservation fluid for preserving collected fluid. The preservation fluid is prevented from entering the micro collection insert through the second opening by the channel. This allows for safe use of a preservation fluid, ensuring that it does not escape the collection device and thereby preventing contact with skin or another surface which could be harmed by the preservation fluid, and for maintaining a particular volume necessary for preservation.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a method of forming a micro collection insert for a collection device comprises forming a micro collection insert with a first opening and a second opening connected by a insert body. The insert body is formed such that when the micro collection insert is connected to the collection device an outside portion of the insert body and an inside portion of the collection device form a channel for preventing fluid from inside the collection device to enter the micro collection insert through the second opening.

By forming a micro collection insert in such a way that it will be able to form a channel with a collection device when connected, the micro collection insert can assist in the collection of blood or other fluids and prevent any fluids from inside the collection device from flowing through and out of micro collection insert. This can allow for the use of potentially hazardous solutions, such as preservatives, in the collection device while minimizing the risk of the solutions getting out of collection device through the micro collection insert, and for maintaining a particular volume and proper ratio necessary for preservation.

According to an embodiment, the insert is formed by injection molding. According to an embodiment, the method further includes forming a scraper extending from the micro collection insert at the first opening. The scraper can optionally be formed integral with the insert. The scraper can assist with the collection of fluid and the flow into the micro collection insert and finally into a collection device.

According to a third aspect of the invention, a micro collection insert for a collection device comprises a first opening for receiving a fluid; a second opening; and an insert body for inserting into the collection device, the insert body extending between the first opening and the second opening. The insert body is at least partially tapered. Such an insert can be connected to a collection device, and can form a channel with the connection device which can prevent fluid from inside the collection device from entering the micro collection insert.

According to an embodiment, the micro collection insert comprises connection means for sealingly connecting the micro collection insert to the collection body. Optionally, the connection means are integral to the insert body.

According to an embodiment, the micro collection insert comprises a scraper extending from the insert body at the first opening for receiving fluid for collection. Optionally, the scraper is integral to the micro collection insert. Further optionally, the scraper comprises a scoop shaped extension from only a portion of the insert body.

According to an embodiment, the insert comprises a rigid material.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a method of forming a collector comprises connecting a micro collection insert to a collection device such that a channel is formed between at least a portion of an outer side of the micro insert and at least a portion of an inner side of the collection device surrounding at least a portion of the outer side of the micro collection insert. The channel prevents fluid in the collection device from entering the micro collection insert.

According to an embodiment, the step of connecting a micro collection insert to a collection device comprises connecting the micro collection insert at or near a first opening of the micro collection insert to the collection device so that an insert body portion extends into the collection device to form the channel.

According to an embodiment, the step of connecting the micro collection insert to the collection device is performed with one or more of the following: threads, a click engagement mechanism, a clamp, a snap and a seal.

According to an embodiment, the step of connecting the micro collection insert to the collection device is performed by forming the micro collection insert integral to the collection device.

According to an embodiment, the channel has a volume of about 100 μΐ - ΙΟΟΟμΙ. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. la shows a side view of a collection device with a micro collection insert. Fig. lb shows an exploded view of the collection device and micro collection insert of Fig. la.

Fig. lc shows a side view of the collection device of Fig. la, closed with a cap. Fig. 2 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a micro collection insert. Fig. 3 shows a side view of a third embodiment of a micro collection insert.

Fig. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a micro collection insert and a collection device.

Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a micro collection insert and a collection device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. la shows a side view of a collection device 10 with micro collection insert 12, Fig. lb shows an exploded view of collection device 10 and micro collection insert 12, and Fig. lc shows a side view of collection device 10, closed with a cap 14. Collection device 10 can be, for example, for the collection of bloodor other fluids.

Micro collection insert 12 includes first opening 16 with scraper 18, second opening 20, insert body 22 (extending between first opening 16 and second opening 20), and connection means 24. Insert body 22 includes funnel-shaped portion 23, a generally cylindrical portion 21 at first opening 16 and a small generally cylindrical portion 25 at second opening 20. Collection device 10 includes micro collector 11 and cap 14. Channel 30 is formed between micro collection insert 12 and micro collector 11 when micro collection insert 12 is connected to blood collection device 10 and second opening 16 is in collection device 10.

Micro collection insert 12 can be formed as separate pieces or as one integral piece, and can be formed in different ways, for example, by injection molding, or forming a number of pieces and joining together. Micro collection insert 12 can be made of rigid material, for example, a polymer such as polypropylene or polyethylene. Scraper 18 extends from first opening 16 of micro collection insert 12. In other embodiments, micro collection insert 12 does not include scraper 18. First opening 16 and second opening 20 are circular in shape in this embodiment, though they could be differently shaped in other embodiments.

Scraper 18 can be formed integral to micro collection insert 12 or can be formed separately and connected. Scraper 18 is scooped shaped, and extends from at least a portion of first opening 16. In other embodiments, scraper 18 could be differently sized, positioned and/or shaped. In other embodiments, for example, scraper 18 can be part of the collection device 10.

Micro collector 11 is an inner part of collection device 10, and can be formed integral to collection device 10 (producing micro collector 11 and collection device 10 as one piece) or can be inserted and connected to collection device 10. Micro collection insert 12 connects to collection device 10 by connection means 24, in this case, threads on an outside of micro collection insert 12, which connect to threads on an inside of collection device 10. In other embodiments, connection means 24 could include one or more of a snap or click engagement mechanism, a clamp or other connection features or parts. Additionally, or as the connection means, one or more seals could be used, for example, O-ring seals. The connection allows for micro collection insert 12 to extend into and position second opening 16 in collection device 10.

Scraper 18 is used for scraping up fluids for collection, for example, scraping or scooping up capillary blood from a finger or other body part. Micro collection insert 12 is at least partially open at first opening 16 for receiving the fluid. The scraped up fluid travels through micro collection insert 12 out second opening 20 into collection device 10, and specifically into micro collector 11. Second opening 20 is at least partially open for allowing the flow of fluid from the micro collection insert 12 into collection device 10. In this embodiment, each of first opening 16 and second opening 20 are circular shaped and fully open.

Cap 14 can fit over collection device 10 to close collection device. Cap 14 can be, for example, a screw cap, a click cap or another type of cap that connects to collection device.

As mentioned in the Background, it is desirable to use a preservative solution and place it in the container which will receive the blood or other fluid, specifically micro collector 11 in this case. The preservative solution allows for use and analysis of the fluid for a longer time, and placing the preservative solution in the container which will receive the blood or other fluid allows for easy mixing as soon as the blood or other fluid is collected. However, the preservative solution can be hazardous to the skin and some methods of capillary blood collection risk contact between the preservative solution and skin. Micro collection insert 12 allows for the use of preservative solution in collection container by forming channel 30 between micro collection insert 12 and micro container 11 of collection device 10 to prevent the exit of preservative solution from collection device 10 through micro collection insert 12. This is specifically useful in the collection of capillary blood, as the use of micro collection insert 12 and the formation of channel 30 prevents any blood or preservative solution in micro container 11 from exiting through micro collection insert 12, and thereby prevents contact between the preservative solution and skin in the process of the capillary collection. Additionally, the use of micro collection insert 12 ensures that the proper ratio of preservation solution to collected fluid is maintained by preventing loss of fluid within , thereby ensuring proper preservation.

By forming micro collection insert 12 with a funnel portion 23 to form a smaller cross-section on second opening 20 than on first opening 16, micro collection insert 12 is able to form channel 30 in conjunction with collection device 10 (and specifically with micro collector 11) when connection means 24 are used to connect collection device 10 with micro collection insert 12. Channel 30 is a peripheral channel surrounding at least a portion of an outer side of insert body 23 near second opening 20. Channel 30 has sufficient volume to hold preservative solution in micro collector 11 as well as any fluid collected. The sealing connection between micro collection insert 12 and collection device 10 as well as their respective shapes and engagement with each other to form channel 30 ensures that no fluid or preservative solution escapes once inside micro collector 11, even if collection device 10 is tipped sideways or upside down. Thus, even for transport (Fig. lc), cap 14 can be connected to collection device 10, and helps preservatives and fluid stay within collection device 10 during transport and/or storage as well as prevents evaporation of the fluids.

Fig. 2 shows a side view of a second embodiment of a micro collection insert 12. Micro collection insert 12 includes first opening 16, second opening 20, insert body 22 with taper 23, connection means 24 and seals 26.

Micro collection insert 12 works and functions with a collection device 10 in the same manner as described in relation to Figs, la-lc. Connection means 24 can be a snap in or clamping connection means, with seals 26 helping to seal the connection between micro collection insert 12 and collection device 10. In this embodiment, micro collection insert 12 does not have a scraper 18 and simply ends at first opening 16.

First opening 16 is open to receive blood or another fluid.

Fig. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a micro collection insert 12, including first opening 16, scraper 18, second opening 20, insert body 22, connection means 24 and seals 26. Seals 26 can be, for example, o-ring seals. As with the insert of Fig. 2, micro collection insert 12 of Fig. 3 works with collection device 10 in the same manner as that described in Figs, la-lc. This embodiment can have a clamping, snapping, clicking or other type of sealing engagement with collection device 10. Additionally, this embodiment shows scraper 18 as a separate part that connects to insert body 22 at first opening 16 where insert body is substantially cylindrical.

In each of the embodiments of micro collection insert 12 in Figs. 2 and 3, micro collection insert 12 is formed so that when connected to collection device 10, micro collection insert 12 and collection device 10 form a channel 30 preventing fluid within collection device 10 from entering (or re-entering) second opening 20 of micro collection insert 12. This is done with the shape of insert body 22 ensuring that second opening 20 where blood flows into collection device 10 from micro collection insert 12 is smaller than and properly situated within collection device 10 to form channel 30 and prevent such flow. In these embodiments, second opening 20 consists of a circular cross-section which sits in a middle of collection device 10. Other embodiments can have different sizes, shapes and/or placement to ensure that channel 30 is formed, thereby preventing flow into micro collection insert 12 from collection device 10.

Fig. 4 shows a cross sectional view of a micro collection insert 12 and a collection container 10 with a micro collector 11 with measurements, and Fig. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a micro collection insert 12 in a second type of micro collector 11 inside of a collection device 10. Each of the micro collection inserts 12 in Figs. 4-5 include first opening 16 with scraper 18, second opening 20, insert body 22 and tapered portion 23. Each micro collection insert 12 connects with collection device 10 (which includes micro collector 11, integral to collection device 10, and partitioning between a first portion 34 and a second portion 36 of collection device 10). Collection device 10 and/or micro collector 11 can be connected together, formed integrally and/or could be different sizes and/or shapes. Micro collection insert 12 and micro collector 11 form channel 30 in each of Figs. 4-5. Channel 30 can vary in cross-section and volume based on the collection device 10, micro collector 11, micro collection insert 12, requirements for preservative solutions or other fluids, required blood, etc.

Micro collector 11 in Fig. 4 is shaped for obtaining a fluid column of plasma after centrifugation of capillary collected blood to separate the bloodcells from the bloodplasma.

Micro collector 11 in Fig. 5 is shaped to receive whole blood that does not to be centrifuged, and includes a shape which tapers inward toward second portion 36 of collection device 10.

The embodiments shown in Figs. 4 and 5 show example measurements for micro collection insert 12 and channel 30. For example, micro collection insert 12 can have a first side 16 diameter Diof about 13 mm, and second side 20 diameter D2 of about 6 mm, giving a cross-sectional area ratio of first side 16 to second side 20 of about 1 : 0.213. The funnel shaped portion 23 of insert body 22 can have a length Lf of about 2.5 times the length Lc of the substantially cylindrical portion of container body 22 near first opening 16. Scoop 18 can be curved, and can extend about the same length Ls as the funnel portion Lf, or another length depending on collection and/or device requirements. Example dimensions would include LF as about 10 mm, Lc as about 4mm and Ls as about 9 mm. Typically, Ls and Lc would be minimized to the degree possible, and LF would be chosen based on channel 30 volume requirements Channel 30 can vary in volume between embodiments, but would typically be able to hold 200 μΐ, but could have a volume anywhere in the range of 100 μΐ to 1000 μΐ. This can be, for example, to ensure that the expected volume of preservative solution and collected fluid can be accommodated within channel 30, preventing flow back into micro collection insert 12. For example, if about 100 μΐ of preservative and 25-30 μΐ of collected fluid needed to be held, micro collection insert 12 and collection device 10 could be designed so that channel 30 had a volume of about 200 μΐ. All dimensions, measurements and ratios are given for example purposes only, and can vary according to various requirements.

By using a micro collection insert 12 which sealingly connects to a collection device 10 to form channel 30, fluid can be collected, used and mixed with preservative already in the collection device 10 without the possibility of flow back into the micro collection insert 12. This can prevent the preservative solution from coming into contact with skin or other things which could be damaged by the preservative solution, and can prevent the loss of preservation fluid since a certain volume is necessary for proper preservation. Connection means 24 sealingly connect micro collection insert 12 to collection device 10, and the shape and placement of micro collection insert 12 within collection device 10 forms channel 30. Channel 30 is able to keep preservative and collected fluid from entering into (or back into) second opening 20 of micro collection insert 12, thereby resulting in a safe and effective system suitable for the collection and mixing with preservative of small amounts of collected fluid. Scraper 18 can help to collect the fluid and direct it toward collection device 10 through insert body 22.

While insert 12 has been referred to as micro collection insert 12, insert 12 can be for any type of collection and used with a variety of collection devices 10. Additionally, the size and/or shape of insert 12, collection device 10 and/or micro collector 11 could be varied depending on different requirements for collection. While collection device 10 has been shown with micro collector 11, this is for example purposes only, and collection device 10 can be in another shape, size and/or form.

While reference has been made to collection device 12 and micro collection insert 12 being used for collecting blood, micro collection insert 12 and/or collection device could be used for collecting another type of fluid.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

A collecting device (11) for collecting a liquid, the collecting device comprising: a collecting device (10) for receiving the liquid; and a micro-collection insert (12) connected to the collection device for supplying the liquid to the collection device, the micro-collection insert comprising: a first opening (16) for receiving the liquid; a second opening (20) disposed in the collection device for supplying the liquid to the collection device; and an insert body (22) extending between the first opening and the second opening and in the collection device; wherein at least a part of an outside of the insert body and at least a part of the collecting device form a channel (30) which surrounds at least a part of the outside of the insert body and which prevents liquid from inside the collecting device from entering the micro-collecting insert by the second opening.

A collecting device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the insert body is tapered.

3. A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first opening and the second opening are circular.

A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert body comprises a substantially cylindrical part near the first opening and a tapered part (23) extending from the substantially cylindrical part to the second opening.

The collecting device according to claim 4, wherein the insert body further comprises a substantially cylindrical part that extends from the tapered part to the second opening.

A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first opening has a first opening section, the second opening has a second opening section and wherein the ratio between the first opening section and the second opening section is approximately 1: 0.213.

A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel has a volume of approximately 100 μΐ - 1000 μΐ.

A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel has a volume of approximately 200 μΐ.

A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: connecting means (24) for sealingly connecting the micro-collection insert to the collecting device.

10. Collection device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the connecting means comprise one or more of screw thread, a snap engagement mechanism, a clamp, a snap closure and a seal.

The collection device of claim 10, wherein the seal comprises one or more o-ring seals.

12. A collecting device according to any one of claims 9-11, wherein the connecting means are integrally formed with the insert body.

A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the micro-collection insert further comprises: a scraper (18) extending from the micro-collection insert at the first opening for receiving the fluid to be collected.

The collection device of claim 13, wherein the scraper is integrally formed with the micro-collection insert.

A collecting device according to any of claims 13-14, wherein the scraper comprises a spoon-shaped protrusion from only a part of the micro-collection insert.

A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the insert comprises a rigid material.

A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting device and the micro-collecting insert are integrally formed.

A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting device comprises a micro-collecting device for receiving the liquid, and wherein the channel is formed by at least a part of the micro-collecting device and at least a part of the insert body.

The receiving device according to claim 18, wherein the micro-receiving device comprises a partition which separates the collecting device into a first part that opens out to the insert body, and a second part (36).

A collecting device according to claim 19, wherein the micro-collecting device has a shape that tapers inwards in the direction of the second part of the collecting device.

A collecting device according to any one of claims 19-20, wherein the micro-collecting device comprises a capillary part which extends into the second part of the collecting device.

A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collecting device comprises a preserving liquid for preserving the liquid, wherein the preserving liquid is prevented from entering the micro-collection insert through the second opening through the channel.

A collecting device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a lid for closing the collecting device.

A method of forming a micro-collection insert (12) for a collection device (11), the method comprising: forming a micro-collection insert with a first opening (16) and a second opening (20) connected by an insert body (22) wherein the insert body is formed such that when the micro-collection insert is connected to the collection device, an outer portion of the insert body and an inside of the collection device form a channel (30) for preventing liquid from inside the collection device from entering the micro-collection insert through the second opening .

The method of claim 24, wherein the insert is formed by injection molding.

The method of any one of claims 24-25, and further comprising: forming a scraper (18) extending from the micro-collection insert at the first opening.

A micro-collection insert (12) for a collection device (11), the micro-collection insert comprising: a first opening (16) for receiving a liquid; a second opening (20); and an insertion body (22) for insertion into the collection device, the insertion body extending between the first opening and the second opening, the insertion body at least partially tapered.

The micro-collection insert according to claim 27, and further comprising: connecting means (24) for sealingly connecting the micro-collection insert to the collection device.

29. A micro-collection insert according to any one of claims 27-28, wherein the connecting means are integrally formed with the insert body.

A micro-collection insert according to any of claims 27-29, and further comprising: a scraper (18) extending from the insert body at the first opening for receiving fluid to be collected.

The micro-collection insert according to claim 30, wherein the scraper is integrally formed with the micro-collection insert.

The micro-collection insert of any one of claims 30 to 31, wherein the scraper comprises a spoon-shaped protrusion from only a portion of the micro-collection insert.

A micro-collection insert according to any of claims 27-32, wherein the insert comprises a rigid material.

A method of forming a collection device (11), the method comprising: connecting a micro-collection insert (12) to a collection device (10) so that a channel (30) is formed between at least a portion of an outside of the micro-insert and at least a part of the inside of the collecting device, which channel surrounds at least a part of the outside of the micro-collecting insert and which prevents liquid from entering the micro-collecting insert in the collecting device.

The method of claim 34, wherein the step of connecting the micro-collection insert to a collection device comprises: connecting the micro-collection insert to the collection device at or near a first opening (16) of the micro-collection insert such that an insert body portion (22) extends into the collecting device for forming the channel.

A method according to any of claims 34-35, wherein the step of connecting the micro-collection insert to the collection device is performed with one or more of the following: screw thread, a snap engagement mechanism, a clamp, a snap closure, and a seal.

The method of any one of claims 34-35, wherein the step of connecting the micro-collection insert to a collection device is performed by integrally forming the micro-collection insert to the collection device.

The method of any one of claims 34-37, wherein the channel has a volume of about 100 μΐ - 1000 μΐ.