GB2546290A

GB2546290A - Portable patient testing device

Info

Publication number: GB2546290A
Application number: GB1600651.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: C Stirling Soren
Original assignee: Aeon Biosystems Ltd
Current assignee: Aeon Biosystems Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-13
Filing date: 2016-01-13
Publication date: 2017-07-19
Also published as: GB201600651D0

Abstract

Disclosed is a portable patient testing device comprising a portable vacuum syringe having a reservoir having at least one interior vacuum chamber 112, at least one exterior depression 114, 116 and a first channel 162 extending towards the interior vacuum chamber, at least one seal 120, 122 covering the at least one exterior depression, and at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs or lancets 132, 134 fluidically coupled to the at least one interior vacuum chamber and arranged under the at least one seal. When the seal is pressed by a fingertip, the pair of micro-syringe nibs break the seal and pierce the skin of the fingertip. The device also may comprise a capsule 104 containing a composition selected from a group consisting of at least one of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, anti-bodies and any blood stabilization compound, the capsule configured to be received by the channel. The use of a pair of micro-syringe nibs as opposed to a single needle may help reduce the perception of pain.

Description

PORTABLE PATIENT TESTING DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to medical devices, and, more specifically, to a portable patient testing device for at least collecting and testing a blood sample.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Many medical examination procedures in use today require collection of blood samples. For example, the blood samples may be collected to identify infectious diseases or to self-monitor health or to perform blood profiling of sport athletes. Also, predictive blood tests for cancer and other diseases are becoming available to the public, requiring only small samples of blood. Therefore, market for such devices used for collecting blood sample is growing strongly. Typically, for collecting blood samples, the devices such as syringe, needle or lancet, are used.

[0003] However, existing methods of drawing or collecting blood using such devices are inconvenient, clinically flawed and unpleasant. For example, to draw a small volume of blood, a fingertip of an individual may be pricked (using a lancet or a needle) and thereafter the fingertip may be squeezed until a required volume of the blood is collected (for example, in vial) the single puncture source for blood drawing at the fingertips can lead to slow sample gathering, inconvenience and some discomfort. Otherwise, when a large size of blood sample is required, the blood sample may be collected using a conventional syringe, drawn venally. Typically, such procedure involves drawing venous blood using the syringe, which is a very painful experience and require a trained practitioner to perform, calling for the subject to attend a clinic, or for trained medical practitioners to visit the subject to undergo/perform the blood taking procedure. Further, blood test kits at home (to be posted to blood test centre) have been found unreliable due to lack of sample stabilisation (no anticoagulant mixed with sample). Furthermore, lack of record of temperature gradient for sample during transit can render tests of low clinical value. This is a serious problem with existing private blood tests-at home services, also the same problem can be seen while harvesting large scale population sampling of genetic and proteomic biomarkers.

[0004] Additionally, the blood sample collected thereafter may be analysed to access the health of the individual. For example, to identify any infectious diseases, the blood from the collected blood sample may be mixed with anti-bodies (associated with specific diseases). The process of mixing the blood with the anti-body requires additional medical equipment, additional time and increases the risk of contamination while testing blood samples for disease identification.

[0005] Therefore, in light of the aforesaid discussion, there exists a need to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks associated with collecting and testing blood samples.

SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a portable vacuum syringe, the portable vacuum syringe comprises: - a reservoir having at least one interior vacuum chamber and at least one exterior depression; - at least one seal covering the at least one exterior depression; and - at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs fluidically coupled to the at least one interior vacuum chamber and arranged under the at least one seal.

[0007] Further, the at least one seal is configured to receive at least one fingertip, which when pressed causes the pair of micro-syringe nibs to pierce through the at least one seal and into the at least one fingertip.

[0008] Moreover, a pressure gradient between a hydrostatic pressure of the at least one fingertip capillaries and a vacuum pressure of the at least one interior vacuum chamber causes blood to be drawn by the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs into the at least one interior vacuum chamber.

[0009] Optionally, the reservoir further comprises a first channel extending towards the at least one interior vacuum chamber and configured to receive a capsule containing a composition selected from a group consisting of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, antibodies and any blood stabilization compound.

[0010] Optionally, the reservoir further comprises a second channel extending towards the at least one interior vacuum chamber and configured to receive a blood sample retrieving device therethrough.

[0011] Optionally, the reservoir further comprises at least one support structure for supporting the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs thereon, the at least one support structure is arranged under the at least one seal.

[0012] Optionally, the reservoir further comprises at least one stop configured between the at least one seal and the at least one support structure.

[0013] In another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a portable vacuum syringe, the method comprises: - forming a reservoir to have at least one interior vacuum chamber and at least one exterior depression; - arranging at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs on the reservoir to have fluidical coupling between the at least one interior vacuum chamber and the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs; and - sealing the at least one exterior depression with at least one seal to cover the at least one exterior depression.

[0014] Optionally, the forming the reservoir comprises 3-dimensional printing of a polymeric material.

[0015] Optionally, the method further comprises application of ultraviolet radiation on the reservoir for the sterilization thereof.

[0016] Optionally, the forming the reservoir further comprises defining - a first channel extending towards the interior vacuum chamber and configured to receive a capsule containing a composition selected from a group consisting of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, anti-bodies and any blood stabilization compound, and - a second channel extending towards the interior vacuum chamber and configured to receive a blood sample retrieving device therethrough.

[0017] Optionally, the forming the reservoir further comprises defining at least one support structure, for supporting the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs thereon and under the at least one seal.

[0018] Optionally, the forming the reservoir further comprises defining at least one stop between the at least one seal and the at least one support structure.

[0019] In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a method for collecting a blood sample, the method comprises: - holding a portable vacuum syringe between at least fingertips of a thumb and a second finger, the portable vacuum syringe comprises a reservoir having at least one vacuum chamber, at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs fluidically coupled to the at least one vacuum chamber and at least one seal covering the at least one pair of microsyringe nibs; - applying pressure on the at least one seal with fingertips of the thumb and the second finger causing the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs to pierce through the at least one seal and into the fingertips of the thumb and the second finger; and - drawing blood into the at least one interior vacuum chamber by the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs with a pressure gradient between a hydrostatic pressure of fingertips capillaries and a vacuum pressure of the at least one interior vacuum chamber.

[0020] Optionally, the method further comprising stopping the fingertips of the thumb and the second finger with at least one stop when the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs pierces through the at least one seal and into the fingertips of the thumb and the second finger.

[0021] Optionally, the method further comprises mixing a composition, selected from a group consisting of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, anti-bodies and any blood stabilization compound, with a blood sample collected in the at least one interior vacuum chamber.

[0022] In yet another aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a portable patient testing device, the portable patient testing device comprises: - a portable vacuum syringe comprising a reservoir having at least one interior vacuum chamber, at least one exterior depression and at least one channel extending towards the at least one interior vacuum chamber, at least one seal covering the at least one exterior depression, and at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs fluidically coupled to the at least one interior vacuum chamber and arranged under the at least one seal; and - a capsule containing a composition selected from a group consisting of at least one of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, anti-bodies and any blood stabilization compound, the capsule configured to be received by one of the at least one channel.

[0023] Further, the at least one seal is configured to receive at least one fingertip, which when pressed causes the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs to pierce through the at least one seal and into the at least one fingertip for drawing blood into the at least one interior vacuum chamber with a pressure gradient between a hydrostatic pressure of fingertips capillaries and a vacuum pressure of the at least one interior vacuum chamber.

[0024] Optionally, the capsule comprises - a first part containing the composition therein, and - a second empty part integral with the first part.

[0025] Optionally, when the capsule is received in one of the channel, the second empty part is pressed for pushing the composition contained in the first part into the at least one interior vacuum chamber to mix with a blood sample collected in the at least one interior vacuum chamber.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0026] The summary above, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the present disclosure, example constructions of the disclosure are shown in the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to specific methods and instrumentalities disclosed herein. Moreover, those in the art will understand that the drawings are not to scale. Wherever possible, like elements have been indicated by identical numbers.

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein: [0028] FIGS. 1 -2 are schematic views associated with a portable patient testing device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0029] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a portable vacuum syringe of the portable patient testing device held between fingers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0030] FIG. 4 is an illustration of steps of a method for manufacturing a portable vacuum syringe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and [0031] FIG. 5 is an illustration of steps of a method for collecting a blood sample, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following detailed description illustrates embodiments of the present disclosure and manners by which they can be implemented. Although, the best mode of carrying out the present disclosure has been disclosed, those skilled in the art would recognize that other embodiments for carrying out or practicing the present disclosure are also possible.

[0033] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0034] Embodiments of the present disclosure substantially eliminate, or at least partially address, problems in the prior art, enabling a clean, convenient and painless way to collect blood sample in a quick and unobtrusive manner.

[0035] Additional aspects, advantages, features and objects of the present disclosure will be made apparent from the drawings and the detailed description of the illustrative embodiments construed in conjunction with the appended claims that follow.

[0036] It will be appreciated that features of the present disclosure are susceptible to being combined in various combinations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0037] Embodiments of the present disclosure are susceptible to being used for various purposes, including, though not limited to, enabling users to collect and test blood samples. Specifically, the syringe of the present disclosure can be used as a samplecollecting apparatus. For example, the syringe can be used by medical professionals or by individuals for general health or private blood testing purposes. The syringe of the present disclosure utilizes vacuum energy for automatically drawing blood into the syringe. The syringe provides a clean, convenient and painless way to collect blood sample in a quick and unobtrusive manner. Further, the syringe does not require outside help for taking blood samples, for example, a user can take his or her own blood sample (without seeing the blood) from a fingertip using only one hand.

[0038] Further, the syringe can be also used as a patient testing device. The term “patient testing device” used herein refers to a portable vacuum syringe, which may be loaded with specific anti-body markers associated with specific diseases. Otherwise, the anti-body markers may be pushed or mixed (with the help of a capsule) to a blood sample collected by the vacuum syringe. This accelerates the process of identifying diseases, for example, the blood sample collected with the syringe can be examined directly under a microscope for accelerated identification of the diseases. This also reduces the amount of medical equipment generally needed by medical professionals and reduces a risk of contamination while testing blood samples for disease identification. Also, the syringe may be preloaded with anti coagulant chemical to keep the blood fresh for testing and storage over any period.

[0039] Moreover, the vacuum syringe of the present disclosure is configured to be analyzed using robot for attaining higher- throughput. The vacuum syringe is also designed for suitable epidemiological use in crises conditions. For example, such syringes could be distributed in high volume in a specific area to target the population of that area and can later be collected for testing. Specifically, the syringes can be labelled with simple barcode or other forms of identity marking for the concerned population. Also, the vacuum syringe may be made partially transparent, for example, allowing fluorescent antibody analyses to be visible from inside the vacuum syringe without a need for syringing the blood samples. This again greatly accelerates the speed of disease discovery and can have a greater penetration of afflicted population.

[0040] Additionally, the vacuum syringe of the present disclosure can be also used for improving drug testing in sports. For example, by fitting a simple date-stamped barcode and by making the bar-code tamper proof the syringe of the present disclosure can be used as a tool that compliments existing Biological Passport Program. For example, such syringes can be sent to the athlete for collecting blood samples, which can be used for analysing blood count measurements, advanced chemical testing or even gene expression profiling. This makes the entire process of drug testing in sports easy and cost-effective.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 1-2, illustrated are schematic views associated with a portable patient testing device 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic view of a portable patient testing device 100 including a portable vacuum syringe 102 and a capsule 104, whereas the FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic view of the portable vacuum syringe 102. Further, FIGS. 1-2 illustrate a side and a front schematic view of the portable vacuum syringe 102, respectively.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the portable vacuum syringe 102 includes a reservoir 110 having at least one interior vacuum chamber and at least one exterior depression. In the present embodiment, the reservoir 110 includes one interior vacuum chamber 112 and a pair of exterior depression 114, 116. Alternatively, the reservoir 110 may include multiple interior vacuum chambers (ether connected to each other or independent of each other) and a single or more than two exterior depressions. The portable vacuum syringe 102 also includes at least one seal covering the at least one exterior depression. In the present embodiment, the portable vacuum syringe 102 includes a pair of seals 120, 122 covering the exterior depression 114, 116, respectively.

[0043] The portable vacuum syringe 102 also includes at least one pair of microsyringe nibs fluidically coupled to the at least one interior vacuum chamber and arranged under the at least one seal. In the present embodiment, the portable vacuum syringe 102 includes two pairs of micro-syringe nibs 132, 134 and 136, 138 fluidically coupled to the at least one interior vacuum chamber 112. Further, the two pairs of micro-syringe nibs 132, 134 and 136, 138 are arranged under the seals 120, 122, respectively. Also, the two pairs of micro-syringe nibs 132, 134 and 136, 138 are positioned in the exterior depression 114, 116, respectively. It is to be understood that based on number of exterior depressions (either one depression, three, four or five depressions) the portable vacuum syringe 102 may include pairs of micro-syringe nibs. For example, if the reservoir 110 includes a single exterior depression the portable vacuum syringe 102 may include a single of micro-syringe nibs (and a single seal covering the pair of micro-syringe nibs). Additionally, the portable vacuum syringe 102 may include a single micro-syringe nib (corresponding to each exterior depression) instead of the pair of micro-syringe nibs.

[0044] The reservoir 110 of the portable vacuum syringe 102 also includes at least one support structure for supporting the pair of micro-syringe nibs thereon, the at least one support structure arranged under the at least one seal. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the reservoir 110 includes two support structures 142, 144 for supporting the two pairs of micro-syringe nibs 132, 134 and 136, 138 thereon, respectively. Further, the support structures 142, 144 are arranged under the seals 120, 122, respectively. The reservoir 110 of the portable vacuum syringe 102 further includes at least one stop configured between the at least one seal and the at least one support structure. In the present embodiment, the reservoir 110 includes two stop 152, 154 configured between the seals 120, 122 and the support structures 142, 144, respectively.

[0045] The reservoir 110 of the portable vacuum syringe 102 further includes a first channel 162 extending towards the interior vacuum chamber 112 for receiving the capsule 104 therein, which is explained in greater detail herein later. In the present embodiment, the first channel 162 is cylindrical in shape and configured to have a size corresponding to a size of the capsule 104 for sealingly closing the first channel 162 when the capsule 104 is inserted into the channel 162. The reservoir 110 also includes a second channel 164 extending towards the interior vacuum chamber 112 for receiving a blood sample retrieving device (not shown) therethrough, which is explained in greater detail herein later.

[0046] As mentioned herein, the capsule 104 is configured to be received by the first channel 162. In the present embodiment, the capsule 104 contains a composition selected from a group consisting of at least one of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, antibodies and any blood stabilization compound. Specifically, the capsule 104 includes a first part 172 containing the composition therein, and a second empty part 174 integral with the first part 172.

[0047] Referring now to FIG. 3, in use (or operation) the portable vacuum syringe 102 is held between fingers 302, 304, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the portable vacuum syringe 102 is held between the thumb 302 and the forefinger 304. Alternatively, the portable vacuum syringe 102 may be held between the thumb 302 and one of a middle finger 306, a ring finger 308 and a little finger 310. As shown, the seals 120, 122 (covering the exterior depression 114, 116) are configured to receive fingertips 320, 322 of the thumb 302 and the forefinger 304. In such instance, when the seals 120, 122 are pressed the two pairs of microsyringe nibs 132, 134 and 136, 138 pierce through the seals 120, 122 and into the fingertips 320, 322. Therefore, a pressure gradient between a hydrostatic pressure (for example of about 15 mmHg) of the fingertips 320, 322 capillaries and a vacuum pressure (for example of about 200 mmHg) of the interior vacuum chamber 112 (shown in FIG. 1) causes blood to be drawn by the two pairs of micro-syringe nibs 132, 134 and 136, 138 into the interior vacuum chamber 112.

[0048] According to the present embodiment, use of four micro-needle nibs (i.e. the two pairs of micro-syringe nibs 132, 134 and 136, 138) may reduce the perception of pain in comparison to a single puncture point (which is based on clinical studies). Further, the use of two pairs of micro-syringe nibs 132, 134 and 136,138 (i.e. one pair for the thumb 302 and one pair for forefinger 304) increase the reliability of blood draw by quadrupling the (instantaneous) exposure to the interior vacuum chamber 112. Specifically, the capillaries in the subcutaneous regions (at about 15 mmHg) in the fingertips 320, 322 are exposed to the vacuum of the interior vacuum chamber 112 at minus 200 mmHg leading to a steep pressure gradient and low frictional resistance while drawing blood through the micro-syringe nibs 132, 134 and 136, 138. Additionally, the interior vacuum chamber 112 is sealed from the outside atmosphere, and therefore when instantly and directly exposing the capillaries to the vacuum creates instant and reliable drawing of blood into the interior vacuum chamber 112.

[0049] Once the blood sample is collected in the interior vacuum chamber 112 the capsule 104 (shown in FIG. 1) is received in the first channel 162, thereafter the second empty part 174 of the capsule 104 is pressed for pushing the composition contained in the first part 172 into the interior vacuum chamber 112 to mix with the blood sample. Specifically, the capsule 104 is inserted into the first channel 162, the second empty part 174 is pressed to cause the first part 172 to pierce through a channel seal 180 (shown in FIG. 1) and into the interior vacuum chamber 112. In the process, a tip 182 of the channel seal 180 tears a rupture point 184 configured on the first part 172 of the capsule 104, this allows the composition of the first part 172 to come out of the torn rupture point 184 and to mix with the blood sample collected in the interior vacuum chamber 112. Further, in such instance, the second empty part 174 sealingly closes the first channel 162 of the reservoir 110. In an example, the capsule 104 may contain either heparin anticoagulant or specific fluorescing anti-body biomarkers. This allows the patient testing device 100 to be used both in personal health monitoring and in epidemiology, for example in the early identification of infectious disease such as Ebola, HIV Aids, and Malaria.

[0050] In another embodiment, once the blood sample is collected in the interior vacuum chamber 112 and mixed with the composition (such as anti-coagulant) the blood sample may be further drawn out with the help of the blood sample retrieving device, which may be inserted through the second channel 164. For example, the blood sample retrieving device may be a conventional syringe which may be inserted through the second channel 164 and manually operated for drawing the blood from the interior vacuum chamber 112 for further clinical test. Otherwise, the blood sample retrieving device may be a robotic syringe (configured to be inserted through the second channel 164) and may be automatically operated for drawing the blood from the interior vacuum chamber 112.

[0051] Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated are steps of a method 400 for manufacturing a portable vacuum syringe, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the method 400 is associated with manufacturing of the portable vacuum syringe 102, explained above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3.

[0052] At step 402, a reservoir is formed to have at least one interior vacuum chamber and at least one exterior depression. In an embodiment, the forming the reservoir includes 3-dimensional printing of a polymeric material, including specially designed materials and/or common synthetic polymeric materials, for example polyethylene or polypropylene. Further, the interior vacuum chamber of the reservoir may be configured to have a volume of about one cubic centimetre (cc) or more or less than one cubic centimetre, such as 0.75 cc or 1.5 cc. Also, the vacuum chamber may be configured to have a pressure of about 200 mm Hg.

[0053] At step 404, at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs is arranged on the reservoir to have fluidical coupling between the at least one interior vacuum chamber and the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs. Further, the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs is positioned in the at least one exterior depression. In an embodiment, the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs includes 31 gauge micro-needle nibs.

[0054] At step 406, the at least one exterior depression is sealed with at least one seal to cover the at least one exterior depression. Also, the at least one seal covers the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs.

[0055] The steps 402 to 406 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, the method 400 further includes application of ultraviolet radiation (UV) on the reservoir for the sterilization thereof. Further, the forming the reservoir includes defining a first channel extending towards the interior vacuum chamber and configured to receive a capsule containing a composition selected from a group consisting of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, anti-bodies and any blood stabilization compound. Also, the forming the reservoir includes defining a second channel extending towards the interior vacuum chamber and configured to receive a blood sample retrieving device therethrough. Furthermore, the forming the reservoir includes defining at least one support structure, for supporting the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs thereon and under the at least one seal. Moreover, the forming the reservoir includes defining at least one stop between the at least one seal and the at least one support structure.

[0056] According to the present embodiment, the portable vacuum syringe, particularly, the reservoir is a single print one piece vinyl construction making the manufacturing of the portable vacuum syringe to be easy and cost efficient. Further, the reservoir of the portable vacuum syringe may be manufactured using a conventional vacuum forming method. Finally, after the sterilisation using the UV radiation, the portable vacuum syringe may be sealed within a vacuum environment by a simple laminate for packing purpose. In an example, the portable vacuum syringe may be configured to have a size of about 2 cm2, which may be laminate from outside to solve problems of storage or large scale transportation. The portable vacuum syringe of the present disclosure is lightweight, structurally strong for stacking, and perfectly designed for use in at least collecting and testing a blood sample.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated are steps of a method 500 for collecting a blood sample, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, the method 500 is associated with collecting a blood sample with a portable vacuum syringe, such as the portable vacuum syringe 102, explained above in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3.

[0058] At step 502, a portable vacuum syringe is held between at least fingertips of a thumb and a second finger (for example, a forefinger, a middle finger, a ring finger or a little finger). The portable vacuum syringe (as mentioned above) includes a reservoir having at least one interior vacuum chamber, at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs fluidically coupled to the at least one interior vacuum chamber and at least one seal covering the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs.

[0059] At step 504, pressure is applied on the at least one seal with fingertips of the thumb and the second finger causing the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs to pierce through the at least one seal and into the fingertips of the thumb and the second finger.

[0060] At step 506, blood is drawn into the at least one interior vacuum chamber by the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs with a pressure gradient between a hydrostatic pressure of fingertip capillaries and a vacuum pressure of the at least one interior vacuum chamber.

[0061] The steps 502 to 506 are only illustrative and other alternatives can also be provided where one or more steps are added, one or more steps are removed, or one or more steps are provided in a different sequence without departing from the scope of the claims herein. For example, the method 500 further includes stopping the fingertips of the thumb and the second finger with at least one stop when the pair of micro-syringe nibs pierces through the at least one seal and into the fingertips of the thumb and the second finger. Further, the method 500 includes mixing a composition, selected from a group consisting of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, anti-bodies and any blood stabilization compound, with a blood sample collected in the at least one vacuum chamber.

[0062]Modifications to embodiments of the present disclosure described in the foregoing are possible without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the accompanying claims. Expressions such as “including”, “comprising”, “incorporating”, “consisting of”, “have”, “is” used to describe and claim the present disclosure are intended to be construed in a non-exclusive manner, namely allowing for items, components or elements not explicitly described also to be present. Reference to the singular is also to be construed to relate to the plural.

Claims

1. A portable vacuum syringe comprising: - a reservoir having at least one interior vacuum chamber and at least one exterior depression; - at least one seal covering the at least one exterior depression; and - at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs fluidically coupled to the at least one interior vacuum chamber and arranged under the at least one seal.

2. The portable vacuum syringe of claim 1, wherein the at least one seal is configured to receive at least one fingertip, which when pressed causes the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs to pierce through the at least one seal and into the at least one fingertip.

3. The portable vacuum syringe of claim 2, wherein a pressure gradient between a hydrostatic pressure of the at least one fingertip capillaries and a vacuum pressure of the at least one interior vacuum chamber causes blood to be drawn by the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs into the at least one interior vacuum chamber.

4. The portable vacuum syringe of claim 1, wherein the reservoir further comprises a first channel extending towards the at least one interior vacuum chamber and configured to receive a capsule containing a composition selected from a group consisting of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, anti-bodies and any blood stabilization compound.

5. The portable vacuum syringe of claim 1, wherein the reservoir further comprises a second channel extending towards the at least one interior vacuum chamber and configured to receive a blood sample retrieving device therethrough.

6. The portable vacuum syringe of claim 1, wherein the reservoir further comprises at least one support structure for supporting the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs thereon, the at least one support structure is arranged under the at least one seal.

7. The portable vacuum syringe of claim 6, wherein the reservoir further comprises at least one stop configured between the at least one seal and the at least one support structure.

8. A method for manufacturing a portable vacuum syringe, the method comprising: - forming a reservoir to have at least one interior vacuum chamber and at least one exterior depression; - arranging at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs on the reservoir to have fluidical coupling between the at least one interior vacuum chamber and the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs; and - sealing the at least one exterior depression with at least one seal to cover the at least one exterior depression.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the forming the reservoir comprises 3-dimensional printing of a polymeric material.

10. The method of claim 9, further comprising application of ultraviolet radiation on the reservoir for the sterilization thereof.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein the forming the reservoir further comprises defining - a first channel extending towards the at least one interior vacuum chamber and configured to receive a capsule containing a composition selected from a group consisting of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, anti-bodies and any blood stabilization compound, and - a second channel extending towards the at least one interior vacuum chamber and configured to receive a blood sample retrieving device therethrough.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the forming the reservoir further comprises defining at least one support structure, for supporting the at least one pair of microsyringe nibs thereon and under the at least one seal.

13. The method of claim 8, wherein the forming the reservoir further comprises defining at least one stop between the at least one seal and the at least one support structure.

14. A method for collecting a blood sample, the method comprising: - holding a portable vacuum syringe between at least fingertips of a thumb and a second finger, the portable vacuum syringe comprises a reservoir having at least one interior vacuum chamber, at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs fluidically coupled to the at least one interior vacuum chamber and at least one seal covering the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs; - applying pressure on the at least one seal with fingertips of the thumb and the second finger causing the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs to pierce through the at least one seal and into the fingertips of the thumb and the second finger; and - drawing blood into the at least one interior vacuum chamber by the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs with a pressure gradient between a hydrostatic pressure of fingertip capillaries and a vacuum pressure of the at least one interior vacuum chamber.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising stopping the fingertips of the thumb and the second finger with at least one stop when the pair of micro-syringe nibs pierces through the at least one seal and into the fingertips of the thumb and the second finger.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising mixing a composition, selected from a group consisting of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, anti-bodies and any blood stabilization compound, with a blood sample collected in the at least one interior vacuum chamber.

17. A portable patient testing device comprising: - a portable vacuum syringe comprising a reservoir having at least one interior vacuum chamber, at least one exterior depression and at least one channel extending towards the at least one interior vacuum chamber, at least one seal covering the at least one exterior depression, and at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs fluidically coupled to the at least one interior vacuum chamber and arranged under the at least one seal; and - a capsule containing a composition selected from a group consisting of at least one of a chemical, an anti-coagulant, anti-bodies and any blood stabilization compound, the capsule configured to be received by one of the at least one channel.

18. The portable patient testing device of claim 17, wherein the at least one seal is configured to receive at least one fingertip, which when pressed causes the at least one pair of micro-syringe nibs to pierce through the at least one seal and into the at least one fingertip for drawing blood into the at least one interior vacuum chamber with a pressure gradient between a hydrostatic pressure of fingertips capillaries and a vacuum pressure of the at least one interior vacuum chamber.

19. The portable patient testing device of claim 18, wherein the capsule comprises - a first part containing the composition therein, and - a second empty part integral with the first part.

20. The portable patient testing device of claim 19, wherein when the capsule is received in one of the channel, the second empty part is pressed for pushing the composition contained in the first part into the at least one interior vacuum chamber to mix with a blood sample collected in the at least one interior vacuum chamber.