GB2486291A

GB2486291A - A holder with grooves for blood sampling equipment

Info

Publication number: GB2486291A
Application number: GB1109161.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eugen-Matthias Strehle
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2010-12-08
Filing date: 2011-05-31
Publication date: 2012-06-13
Anticipated expiration: 2031-05-31
Also published as: GB201020750D0; GB2486232A; GB201109161D0; GB2486291B

Abstract

A medical equipment holder with a first groove 2 for holding a first item of medical equipment, the first groove being an open ended groove, and a second groove 2 for holding a second item of medical equipment. The second grove may have closed ends. The groves may cross or intersect and be of different depths so that one of the items of medical equipment 9 is held above the other item 8. The holder may include at least one well 1, which may hold a test tube, and a tray portion 6. The holder is particularly suitable for holding paediatric venepuncture equipment.

Description

MEDiCAL EQUIPMENT HOLDER

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a medical equipment holder and a kit comprising the medical equipment holder. In particular, it relates to a holder for paediatric medical equipment used in venepuncture.

Background

Taking a blood sample from a small child is not often easy, often requiring a second nurse or parent to assist by holding the child. The doctor takes a sample using a needle and syringe. A broken' needle may be used which is where a needle is inserted and the blood is dripped out the other end into the vials. This method is used in children with very small, threadlike veins, and this is often the only way to obtain the blood for sampling.

Typically an occlusive dressing with a local anaesthetic cream is used to numb the skin but it takes 30 to 60 mm before this is effective. The area is then cleaned with an alcohol wipe. An assistant will squeeze the arm/leg to make the vein more prominent and increase the blood flow.

Alternatively, a cooling spray is used to numb the area and a needle is inserted into a vein. The needle has a syringe attached, and the correct volume of blood will be taken for sampling.

Blood tests may be necessary for the following reasons: a general health look at red blood cells, haemoglobin, white blood cells and platelets; various salts e.g. potassium, sodium and calcium; to check the clotting factors in blood; to check for inflammation; to check the health of the liver and the kidneys; to check for allergies; genetic tests for abnormalities/disorders/syndromes; medicine doses at Ihe correct level; fasting blood sugar levels and many more.

Although many of these tests can be performed on very small amounts of blood, most blood samples are collected by venepuncture. And having blood taken can be a very painful and frightening experience for chirdren.

With appropriate preparation and support children cope better, and their fear and anxiety can be minimised. Anxiety minimisation techniques generally focus on maximum contact with the child, soothing words, calm body language, good eye contact and the like. Restraining a child for venepuncture is urged only as a last course of action.

Although distraction techniques and topical anaesthesia are more usual for relieving the distress of venepuncture, in some cases even nitrous oxide has been shown to be effective for children over four.

Essentially once the blood taking procedure is started, it must be carried out as calmly, efficiently and as quickly as possible. For many children, including the oldest age group, the threat is not perceived as over until the needle has been removed from the vein.

In addition there have been studies regarding the minimising of sample sizes even from adult patients. Studies have shown that smaller samples are equally as effective, less distressing, less time consuming, and less storage space restrictions.

However in relation to this and in relation to paediatric samples in general smaller tubes means more fiddly, more delicate tubes. The problem therefore relates to how to hold small tubes of samples securely and with minimal room for problems.

A number of holders have been provided to try and solve the problem of holding tubes or containers of samples.

United States patent application US 2004 147 878 (LYON et al) discloses an apparatus for holding and transporting tubes, comprising: a tube holder having an elongated body with at least one fluid collection sleeve thereon for receiving and retaining at least one fluid collection tube; and, at least one sample retriever sleeve thereon for receiving and retaining a sample retriever tube. An elongate shape to the device is not easily transportable.

United States patent application US 5 951 524 (ENRIQUEZ) discloses a holder and guard for various sizes of tubes comprising a) a transparent circular plate a minimum of three inches in diameter, said circular plate having a minimum of four holes varying from about one third to one half inch in diameter clustered around a centre point so as to be less than one inch apart; said circular plate also having four holes spaced at 90 degree angles encircling said minimum of said four holes around said centre point; b) a minimum of four flat hole cover plates having a first circular end a minimum of about one inch in diameter and having a rotatable protrusion on a second end sized to rotatably fit into one of said four holes in said four holes spaced ninety degrees apart in said circular plate thereby allowing said hole cover plates to be rotated to cover any unused holes in said circular plate. This device has the disadvantage of being capable of mis-positioning and therefore complication.

United States patent application US 5 148 919 (RUBIN) discloses a housing for a plurality of fluid receptacles wherein said housing is designed to avoid the need for a user to hold the housing or said fluid receptacles during a fluid transfer process, said housing comprising: top, bottom and side walls attached to form an enclosure; said top wall comprising a plurality of openings adapted to receive one of said plurality of fluid receptacles; a plurality of holders, wherein each of said holders extend downwardly from one of said openings in said top wall to a position adjacent said bottom wall; engaging means in contact with each of said holders for engaging a fluid receptacle located therein and for removably securing said fluid receptacle within said holder; fixation means projecting from said bottom wall for removably fixing said housing on a support surface to prevent undesired horizontal or vertical movement of the housing with respect to said support surface; and a cover pivotably attached to one or more walls of said housing wherein said cover is pivotably attached to said top wall of said housing.

FR2545669 (Pascal Christian) describes a package for transporting infectious substances. The package includes a holder of cellular plastic that has openings to hold test tubes containing samples. The holders are cylindrical recesses extending horizontally through a block, into which test tubes of a corresponding size are placed for transportation. The tubes are said to be slightly shorter than the cylindrical recesses. The plastic block is impregnated with a substance that changes colour if a test tube is broken or displaced. Thus the recipient of the package can verify the condition of the test tubes before opening the package. The package is preferably transparent and can be rolled up as a sachet.

CA2050603 (Rowe) discloses a holder/stabiliser for holding tubes or bottles steady while blood samples are injected into them. This is said to prevent needlestick injuries. The device is a polypropylene block with holes said to correspond to the size of the tubes/bottles. The drawings show bLocks of 140mm x 107mm having two large holes of 44mm diameter and two smaller holes of 14mm and 17mm diameter.

The holes extend vertically through the entire height of the block.

ES2 195677 (Concepcion) describes a container for storing, gasometry syringes.

Caps are applied to the syringes containing blood samples. Protective cylinders are added and the syringes are held in a matrix, which appears to have holes through a support. The support has a cold source that helps to preserve the blood sample between extraction and analysis. Thus the aim of this invention is to preserve/store samples in an optimum cold temperature.

GB2173174 (EPS Group) describes a package for frangible items such as glass phials. The package comprises a foam block with cylindrical holes in which each phial is held securely against a deformable plug at one end of the hole, and a foam sheet across the top of the block seals the tops of the holes. The package is clearly designed to provide a shock-absorbing protective packaging.

US200B/045857 (Miller) describes a number of embodiments of trays for holding biopsy needles, funnels, sharps, sample container and other components used in bone marrow aspiration.

082268604 (Scott) discloses C shaped holder for bottles/blood culture specimens and/or hypodermic needles. The holder has holes sized to receive the top of a bottle or a needle sheath and opposing members biased to clamp'1 the bottle/needle in place between the top and bottom opposing arms.

FR1467948 (Labatut) describes a tray for medical samples made of semi-rigid material and having various recesses shaped and sized to accommodate various equipment such as needles, flasks and tubes.

It would be desirable to provide an improved medical equipment holder.

Summary of the Invention

One aspect of the invention provides a holder as claimed in Claim 1.

Another aspect of the invention provides a kit as claimed in Claim 23.

One aspect of the invention provides a medical equipment holder comprising a first groove for holding a first item of medical equipment and a second groove for holding a second item of medical equipment, wherein the first groove comprises an open ended groove.

The first groove may have only one open end or both ends may be open at either side of the holder.

This provides the advantage that capillary tubes of different lengths can be placed in the elongate portion and caps can be fitted to at least one end of the capillary tube while in situ in the holder.

Preferably, the second groove is a closed groove.

This prevents an item such as a syringe from sliding out of the holder.

In a preferred embodiment, the first groove is open at both ends and extends across the entire width of the holder.

This provides the advantage that end caps may be fitted to each end of a capillary tube while in situ in the holder.

Preferably, the first and second grooves intersect.

Advantageously, the depth of one of the first or second grooves is greater than that of the other of the first or second grooves.

Advantageously, the depth of one of the first or second grooves is about twice that of the other of the first or second grooves.

In a preferred embodiment, the depth of one of the first or second grooves is about 8mm and the depth of the other of the first or second grooves is about 4mm.

Advantageously, the first and second grooves are configured such that in use one of the first or second items of medical equipment is held above the other.

This provides the advantage that placement of the second item on top of the first item helps to secure the first item in the holder.

Preferably, the first groove extends at an angle substantially perpendicular to the second groove.

This provides the advantage that if one item is a sharp item, placement of a second item on the holder at the second position prevents needlestick injuries.

Preferably, in use the first and second grooves are configured to hold items of medical equipment in a substantially horizontal orientation.

The first item may comprise a capillary tube.

The second item may comprise a syringe cannula or needle.

Preferably, the length of the second groove is less than 80mm. More preferably, the length of the second groove is less than 70mm. Even more preferably the length of the second groove is about 60mm.

This provides a suitable length for holding a paediatric syringe.

Preferably, the length of the first groove is around 82mm.

The medical equipment holder may further comprise at least one well.

The at least one well preferably comprises a stepped surface.

A stepped surface inside a well may assist in locating an item such as a sample container in an upright position, without having to carefully locate the item in a small upper opening.

The at least one well may comprise a tapered surface.

This facilitates stacking of holders.

Advantageously, the medical equipment holder further comprises a tray portion.

Advantageously, the medical equipment holder further comprises a non-slip base portion.

The medical equipment holder may be formed in a one piece mould.

In a preferred embodiment, the medical equipment holder is stackable.

In one embodiment, the medical equipment holder is for holding paediatric medical equipment Preferably, the medical equipment comprises paediatric venepuncture equipment.

The medical equipment holder may be used to hold paediatric venepuncture equipment. Paediatric venepuncture equipment will typically include a syringe, cannula or needle, a capillary tube or a specimen tube. This equipment is often small, delicate and difficult to hold. Some items need to be stored in a horizontal orientation and others in a vertical orientation.

The item of paediatric venepuncture equipment may be selected from: a syringe, a cannula, a needle, a vial, a tube, a capillary tube, a blood sample container.

Another aspect of the invention provides a kit comprising a medical equipment holder and at least one item of medical equipment.

Advantageously therefore the present invention provides a simple effective failsafe means of storing sample containers, allowing maximum time for handling the patient.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a recessed portion for storage of needles or cannulas.

Ideally the holder may be formed of, in part or whole, plastics or foam, Foam versions of the holder may be solid and may be better disposed for tightly holding containers, tubes, or vials in that the bores diameter may be configured slightly smaller than the container diameter. In addition a foam holder may provide more protection for containers held within them, such as if the container is knocked or falls.

Furthermore foam versions may be in part detachable or separable such that a portion of the holder may be detached, such as when for example the holder relates to one container, which may be detached to create a holder, support or jacket for a container, in order that the holder may be inserted in a centrifuge.

Plastic versions in the alternative may be wipeable, and are typically lighter and less expensive.

Taking blood from a small child or baby requires a lot of concentration and is very involving. Therefore when doctors have taken blood and placed it in a plastic vial, they will often just place it down on whatever surface is nearest to attend to the infant and return to assuage the patient fears.

The present invention allows doctors, nurses or carers to place these vials, tubes or containers in a specific container, safely storing them upright. In order to facilitate this, the holder may have bevelled edges to the bores, or other guiding means for easy placement of the containers into the holder, such as funnelled bores.

Therefore once the blood sample has been taken, the carer places the blood sample into the container. The doctor or nurse can place the containers in the holder and can quickly return to the patient safe in the knowledge that the containers are safe and secure.

Brief Description of the Drawing

Figure 1 shows an isometric view of the preferred embodiment of the holder; Figure 2 shows a side view of the preferred embodiment; Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a second embodiment; and Figures 4 and 5 depict two further embodiments with shallow round recesses.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention The embodiment pictured in Figure 1 has four bores/wells (1) for containers (not shown). These bores have bevelled edges (10) to the bores/wells 1, such that a user may insert the container into the bore/well from an increased variety of angles of approach, and ideally the bevelled edge 10 will direct the container into the bore/well *1.

Further embodiments may in the alternative or in addition have funnelled sides to the bore/well 1. Vet further embodiments may have projections.

The holder in the pictured embodiment also has bevelled edges (100). This minimises the chance of snagging and damage and further increases the ergonomic run ctionality of the holder such that its ease of use is improved.

The holder may be formed in part or whole of foam. This foam may be such as quantum foam, polyurethane foam (foam rubber), Polystyrene, phenolic, or other manufactured foam. In this case the holder may be formed of a single block, with the bores/wells I inserted at casting or moulding, or bored or drilled at manufacture.

Further foam embodiments may have lines of weakness, perforation or tear lines included such that a user may remove part of the holder, such as to detach a part surrounding one bore/wells 1.

In the alternative plastic embodiments may be provided, formed of moulded or cast sheeting defining a block, or a single block, or a perforated or otherwise minimised quantity of plastic may be provided.

Such plastic embodiments are ideally wipe clean, and may be provided with a glossy finish in order to facilitate this. Alternatively or in addition such plastic embodiments may be disposable.

Plastic embodiments may be provided with connection mechanisms in order to ensure more than one holder may be attached together in a modular format, for example to provide more bores for containers.

The pictured embodiments have recessed portions 2 for needle system sections, such as cannulas, needles or syringes.

The pictured embodiments in Figures 4 and 5 additionally have round shallow recesses 3 for lids of small tubes and should have a similar depth to the narrow recess 2.

As illustrated in Figure 6, a holder 4 comprises a sample storage portion 5 and a tray portion 6. The sample storage portion 5 has wells 1 and recesses 2,2' extending between the wells 1.

A first recess 2 is a linear groove extending across the full width of the upper face of the holder 4 such that the ends I of the recess 2 form openings in the side faces of the holder 4. The recess 2 is preferably of a size and shape suitable for receiving a capillary tube 8, as shown. In a preferred embodiment the recess 2 has a width of around 10mm and a depth of around 8mm. The open ends 7 of the recess 2 provide the advantage that various lengths of capillary tubes can be held in the recess and caps can be fitted in situ.

A second recess 2' intersects the first recess 2. In the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the second recess 2' extends at an angle of approximately 90 degrees to recess 2.

However, in other embodiments recess 2' may extend at other angles with respect to to recess 2.

The second recess 2' is adapted to receive a paediatric syringe or needle and preferably does not extend across the full surface of the storage portion 5, such that a syringe 9 in the recess 2' is prevented from sliding in the recess by the ends 7' of the recess 2'.

The depth of the recess 2 is greater than the depth of recess 2', such that, as illustrated in Figure 6, a first item (eg capillary tube 8) may be received in the first recess 2 and a second item (eg syringe 9) may be received in the second recess 2', the second item being laid over the top of the first item.

In a preferred embodiment, the depth of the recess 2' is around 4mm and the width is around 8mm.

This provides the additional advantage that the second item assists in securing the first item in the holder 4.

The tray portion 6 of the holder 4 provides a storage area in which various items can be placed/stored.

In a preferred embodiment, the hotder 4 measures around 99.5mm x 216mm and the holder has sloping sides, which assists in removal from a mould in manufacture. The height of the holder 4 is around 35mm at the storage portion 5. The storage portion is around 82mm x 82mm in length and width. The height of the holder at the tray portion 6 is around 20mm.

The first recess 2 thus measures around 82mm as it has open ends. It has a depth of about 8mm In one embodiment the second recess 2' is around 60mm in length and has a depth of around 4mm.

The wells 1 are sized to receive at least one specimen tube and niay include bevelled edges and interior steps to assist in holding the tubes in an upright configuration.

The wells I measure have an upper diameter of around 21mm and include a stepped surface located around half way down the depth of each well. The depth is around 30mm. The step measures around 2mm and the diameter at the bottom of each well 1 is around 18mm.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the abovenientioned embodiments without departing from the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A medical equipment holder comprising a first groove for holding a first item of medical equipment and a second groove for holding a second item of medical equipment, wherein the first groove comprises an open ended groove.
2. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second groove is a closed groove.
3. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first groove is open at both ends and extends across the entire width of the holder.
4. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 3, wherein the first and second grooves intersect.
5. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the depth of one of the first or second grooves is greater than that of the other of the first or second grooves.
6. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the depth of one of the first or second grooves is about twice that of the other of the first or second grooves.
7. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the depth of one of the first or second grooves is about 8mm and the depth of the other of the first or second grooves is about 4mm.
8. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any of claims 5 to 7, wherein in the first and second grooves are configured such that in use one of the first or second items of medical equipment is held above the other.
9. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first groove extends at an angle substantially perpendicular to the second groove.
10. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in use the first and second grooves are configured to hold items of medical equipment in a substantially horizontal orientation.
11. A holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first item comprises a capillary tube.
12. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the second item comprises a syringe, cannula or needle.
13. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any of claims 4 to 13, wherein the length of the second groove is less than 80mm.
14. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one well 15. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 14, wherein the at least one welt comprises a stepped surface.16. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one well comprises a tapered surface.17. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a tray portion.18. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a non-slip base portion.19. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the holder is formed in a one piece mould.20. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the medical equipment holder is stackable.21. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, for holding paediatric medical equipment 22. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 21, wherein the paediatric medical equipment comprises paediatric venepuncture equipment.23. A kit comprising a medical equipment holder as claimed in any of claims I to and at least one item of medical equipment.24. A holder substantially as shown in and described with reference to the drawings.25. A kit substantially as shown in and described with reference to the drawings.Amended claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. A medical equipment holder comprising a first groove for holding a first item of medical equipment and a second groove for holding a second item of medical equipment, wherein the first groove comprises an open ended groove and wherein the first and second grooves intersect and are configured such that in use one of the first or second items of medical equipment is held above the other.2. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the second groove is a closed groove.3. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein the first groove is open at both ends and extends across the entire width of the holder.4. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the depth of one of the first or second grooves is greater than that of the other of the first or second grooves.5. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 4, wherein the depth of one of the first or second grooves is about twice that of the other of the first or second grooves.6. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the depth of one of the first or second grooves is about 8mm and the depth of the other of the first or second grooves is about 4mm.7. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the first groove extends at an angle substantially perpendicular to the second groove.8. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in use the first and second grooves are configured to hold items of medical equipment in a substantially horizontal orientation. a. a * Iê* *0 9. A holder as claimed ui any precedtng claim, wherein the first item comprises a capillary tube.* ,, 10. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the L second item comprises a syringe, cannula or needle.11. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any of claims 5 to 10, wherein the 4 length of the second groove is less than 80mm. 4. * a,* 12. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising at least one well 13. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the at least one well comprises a stepped surface, 14. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 12 or 13, wherein the at least one well comprises a tapered surface.
15. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a tray portion.
16. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a non-slip base portion.IT. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the holder is formed in a one piece mould.18. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the medical equipment holder is stackable.19. A medical equipment holder as claimed in any preceding claim, for holding paediatric medical equipment 20. A medical equipment holder as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the paediatric medical equipment comprises paediatric venepuncture equipment 21. A kit comprising a medical equipment holder as claimed in any of claims 1 to and at least one item of medical equipment.22. A holder substantially as shown in and described with reference to the drawings.23. A kit substantially as shown in and described with reference to the drawings. I. S * *5 * *5* .5... * . * .. *5 * *. * * S. 5S * S. a *.S