WO2002080763A2 - Dispositif de test sanguin - Google Patents

Dispositif de test sanguin Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2002080763A2
WO2002080763A2 PCT/US2001/026666 US0126666W WO02080763A2 WO 2002080763 A2 WO2002080763 A2 WO 2002080763A2 US 0126666 W US0126666 W US 0126666W WO 02080763 A2 WO02080763 A2 WO 02080763A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
blood
testing device
blood testing
distal end
intermediate portion
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/026666
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2002080763B1 (fr
WO2002080763A3 (fr
Inventor
William M. Trudeau
James W. Boulgarides
Original Assignee
B. Braun Medical Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by B. Braun Medical Inc. filed Critical B. Braun Medical Inc.
Priority to BR0116966-1A priority Critical patent/BR0116966A/pt
Priority to JP2002578803A priority patent/JP2004528082A/ja
Priority to US10/474,076 priority patent/US20040102718A1/en
Priority to EP01970586A priority patent/EP1385416A2/fr
Priority to CA002442962A priority patent/CA2442962A1/fr
Priority to CA002443076A priority patent/CA2443076A1/fr
Priority to JP2002579774A priority patent/JP2005503538A/ja
Priority to BR0208698-0A priority patent/BR0208698A/pt
Priority to AU2002254330A priority patent/AU2002254330A1/en
Priority to EP02723558A priority patent/EP1411820A2/fr
Priority to PCT/US2002/008818 priority patent/WO2002082052A2/fr
Publication of WO2002080763A2 publication Critical patent/WO2002080763A2/fr
Publication of WO2002080763A3 publication Critical patent/WO2002080763A3/fr
Publication of WO2002080763B1 publication Critical patent/WO2002080763B1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41H—ARMOUR; ARMOURED TURRETS; ARMOURED OR ARMED VEHICLES; MEANS OF ATTACK OR DEFENCE, e.g. CAMOUFLAGE, IN GENERAL
    • F41H9/00—Equipment for attack or defence by spreading flame, gas or smoke or leurres; Chemical warfare equipment
    • F41H9/10—Hand-held or body-worn self-defence devices using repellant gases or chemicals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150015—Source of blood
    • A61B5/15003—Source of blood for venous or arterial blood
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150213—Venting means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150221—Valves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150236—Pistons, i.e. cylindrical bodies that sit inside the syringe barrel, typically with an air tight seal, and slide in the barrel to create a vacuum or to expel blood
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150244—Rods for actuating or driving the piston, i.e. the cylindrical body that sits inside the syringe barrel, typically with an air tight seal, and slides in the barrel to create a vacuum or to expel blood
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150351—Caps, stoppers or lids for sealing or closing a blood collection vessel or container, e.g. a test-tube or syringe barrel
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150358—Strips for collecting blood, e.g. absorbent
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150374—Details of piercing elements or protective means for preventing accidental injuries by such piercing elements
    • A61B5/150381—Design of piercing elements
    • A61B5/150389—Hollow piercing elements, e.g. canulas, needles, for piercing the skin
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150374—Details of piercing elements or protective means for preventing accidental injuries by such piercing elements
    • A61B5/150381—Design of piercing elements
    • A61B5/150503—Single-ended needles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/153—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of venous or arterial blood, e.g. with syringes
    • A61B5/1535—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of venous or arterial blood, e.g. with syringes comprising means for indicating vein or arterial entry
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
    • B01L2400/06—Valves, specific forms thereof
    • B01L2400/0605—Valves, specific forms thereof check valves
    • B01L2400/0611—Valves, specific forms thereof check valves duck bill valves

Definitions

  • the practice of medicine frequently involves testing blood for the presence or amount of one or more than one constituent, such as glucose, cardiac enzymes or red cells, or testing blood to determine the level of one or more than one parameter, such as pH.
  • Such testing is often done while performing an intravascular access procedure by allowing blood from the distal end of an intravascular access apparatus to contact the end of a test strip, and then inserting the test strip into an appropriate test strip reader. This might be done, for example, by allowing blood to leak out of a catheter that has accessed the vascular structure, prior to attaching the intravenous fluid administration tubing, onto the test strip.
  • Another method of gaining access to a patient's blood is to force the blood out of the vascular access device onto the test strip.
  • intravascular access procedures are performed by emergency medical personnel or by paramedics under adverse environmental conditions, such as inclement weather. Further, intravascular access procedures are often performed by emergency medical personnel or by paramedics in moving vehicles. These conditions increase the possibility of inaccurate blood test results due to test strip contamination, and increase the risk of exposure of the emergency medical personnel or paramedics to pathogens present in the blood being tested.
  • a blood testing device for testing blood for the presence or for the amount of one or more than one constituent, or for testing blood to determine the level of one or more than one parameter, or for testing blood for a combination of the preceding.
  • the blood testing device comprises a proximal end of the blood testing device and a distal end of the blood testing device; an intermediate portion between the proximal end of the blood testing device and the distal end of the blood testing device; and a pressure compensation system to regulate the pressure in the intermediate portion; and the intermediate portion comprises a proximal end of the intermediate portion comprising one or more than one opening, a distal end of the intermediate portion and, between the proximal end of the intermediate portion and the distal end of the intermediate portion, comprises a hollow, central chamber surrounded by an outer wall.
  • the pressure compensation system comprises a distal portion between the proximal end of the blood testing device and the distal end of the blood testing device, an inner membrane separating the intermediate portion from the distal portion; and the distal portion comprises a proximal end of the distal portion and a distal end of the distal portion and, between the proximal end of the distal portion and the distal end of the distal portion, comprises a hollow, central chamber surrounded by an outer wall.
  • the pressure compensation system comprises a pressure compensation valve, which can be a duck bill valve.
  • the blood testing device further comprises a distal end cap at the distal end of the blood testing device comprising a first opening configured to receive a test strip.
  • a distal end cap at the distal end of the blood testing device comprising a first opening configured to receive a test strip.
  • the outer wall of the intermediate portion is generally cylindrical.
  • the outer wall of the distal portion is generally cylindrical.
  • the blood testing device further comprises a proximal portion between the proximal end of the blood testing device and the proximal end of the intermediate portion.
  • the proximal portion comprises a hollow, central chamber surrounded by an outer wall, and the proximal portion is configured to mate with a blood containing apparatus.
  • the blood containing apparatus is selected from the group consisting of a syringe and the introducer part of an intravascular access apparatus.
  • the outer wall of the proximal portion is generally cylindrical.
  • the hollow, central chamber of the intermediate portion and the hollow, central chamber of the distal portion comprise generally rectangular inferior parts that communicate with each other and that are configured to accept a test strip.
  • the hollow, central chamber of the distal portion further comprises one or more than one ridge axially along the proximal to distal axis.
  • the outer wall of the intermediate portion is substantially transparent.
  • the distal end cap is an integral part of the distal portion of the blood testing device. In another embodiment, the distal end cap is removably affixed to the distal portion of the blood testing device.
  • the distal end cap further comprises one or more than one second opening to allow the venting of air externally out of the distal portion of the blood testing device.
  • the inner membrane is a semipermeable member. In another embodiment, the inner membrane comprises one or more than one vent.
  • the outer wall of the intermediate portion comprises one or more than one vent.
  • the inner membrane comprises an opening configured to allow passage of a test strip from the distal portion of the blood testing device into the intermediate portion of the blood testing device.
  • the intermediate portion is integrally affixed to an introducer portion of an intravascular access apparatus.
  • the intermediate portion is configured to affix to an introducer portion of an intravascular access apparatus.
  • the distal end of the blood testing device is integrally affixed to a blood collection apparatus.
  • the distal end of the blood testing device is configured to affix to a blood collection apparatus.
  • the blood collection apparatus may be a syringe.
  • the intermediate portion is either integrally affixed or configured to affix to an introducer portion of an intravascular access apparatus, and the distal end is either integrally affixed or configured to affix to a blood collection apparatus.
  • the blood collection apparatus may be a syringe.
  • the present invention is a blood testing apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnected blood testing devices according to the present invention.
  • the present invention is a method for testing blood for the presence or for the amount of one or more than one constituent, or for testing blood to determine the level of one or more than one parameter, or for testing blood for a combination of the preceding. The method comprises the steps of, first, providing a blood testing device according to the present invention, a test strip comprising a proximal end and a distal end, a test strip reader configured to accept the distal end of the test strip and a blood containing apparatus.
  • the blood testing device is affixed to the blood containing apparatus and blood present in the blood containing apparatus is allowed to enter into the intermediate portion of the blood testing device. Then, the distal end of the test strip is inserted into the test strip reader and the proximal end of the test strip is inserted into the intermediate portion of the blood testing device. Next, an operator uses information provided by the test strip reader to determine the presence or the amount of one or more than one constituent of the blood, or to determine the level of one or more than one parameter, or to determine a combination of the preceding.
  • the blood testing apparatus is selected from the group consisting of an intravascular access apparatus and a syringe. The blood testing device and blood containing apparatus can be affixed integrally.
  • the method further comprises selecting a patient whose blood is to be tested and intravascularly accessing the patient's blood with the blood containing apparatus. In another embodiment, the method further comprises the step of discarding the blood testing device.
  • Figure 1 is a lateral perspective view of a blood testing device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a cross-sectional, lateral perspective view of the blood testing device shown in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is a lateral perspective view of a blood testing device shown in
  • Figure 1 attached to a standard intravascular access apparatus
  • Figure 4 is a lateral perspective view of a semipermeable membrane forming part of the blood testing device of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 5 is a lateral perspective view of a blood testing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6 is a lateral perspective view of a blood testing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a lateral perspective view of a blood testing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 8 is a lateral perspective view of a blood testing apparatus comprising a plurality of interconnected blood testing devices according to the present invention
  • Figure 9 is a cross-sectional, lateral perspective view of the blood testing device shown in Figure 1 according to another embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 1 0A is a cross-sectional view of a duck bill valve forming part of the blood testing device of Figure 6, before insertion of a test strip;
  • Figure 1 OB is a cross-sectional view of a duck bill valve forming part of the blood testing device of Figure 6, after insertion of a test strip;
  • Figure 1 1 is a cross-section and cut-away lateral view of a blood testing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 2 is a cross-section and cut-away lateral view of a blood testing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 3 is a cross-section and cut-away lateral view of a blood testing device according to another embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 1 4 is a cross-section and cut-away lateral view of a blood testing device according to another embodiment of the present invention
  • Figure 1 5 is a cross-section and cut-away lateral view of a blood testing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 6 is a cross-section and cut-away lateral view of a blood testing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 1 7 is a cross-section and cut-away lateral view of a blood testing device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • a blood testing device for testing blood for the presence or for the amount of one or more than one constituent, such as glucose, cardiac enzymes or red cells, or for testing blood to determine the level of one or more than one parameter, such as pH, or for testing blood for a combination of the preceding.
  • the blood testing device decreases the possibility of inaccurate blood test results due to test strip contamination, and decreases the risk of exposing an operator to pathogens present in the blood.
  • a method for testing blood for the presence or for the amount of one or more than one constituent, such as glucose, cardiac enzymes or red cells, or for testing blood to determine the level of one or more than one parameter, such as pH, or for testing blood for a combination of the preceding comprises providing a testing means that decreases the possibility of inaccurate blood test results due to test strip contamination, and decreases the risk of exposing an operator to pathogens present in the blood.
  • the blood testing device 1 0 comprises a proximal end 1 2 and a distal end 14. Between the proximal end 1 2 and the distal end 14, the blood testing device 1 0 further comprises a proximal portion 1 6, a distal portion 1 8, and an intermediate portion 20 between the proximal portion and the distal portion.
  • the proximal portion 1 6 comprises a proximal end 22 and a distal end
  • the outer wall 28 of the proximal portion 1 6 is configured to mate with the distal end of a blood containing apparatus, such as a syringe (not shown) or the introducer part 1 02 of an intravascular access apparatus 1 00, as shown in Figure 3.
  • a blood containing apparatus such as a syringe (not shown) or the introducer part 1 02 of an intravascular access apparatus 1 00, as shown in Figure 3.
  • the outer wall 28 of the proximal portion 1 6 is configured to mate with the distal end of the introducer part of a standard intravascular access apparatus, such as an Introcan ® SafetyTM IV Catheter (B.
  • the outer wall 28 of the proximal portion 1 6 will vary in configuration depending on the intravascular access apparatus that will be used in conjunction with the blood testing device 1 0 of the present invention, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • the outer wall 28 of the proximal portion 1 6 comprises a generally tapered proximal- most part 30 and a generally cylindrical distal-most part 32.
  • the proximal- most part 30 of the outer wall 28 preferably further comprises one or more than one opening 34 allowing the hollow, central chamber 26 to communicate externally, or when combined with a blood containing apparatus, to communicate with the blood containing part of the blood containing apparatus.
  • the one or more than one opening 34 is configured to allow the passage of blood that is present in the blood containing apparatus into the hollow, central chamber 26 of the proximal portion 1 6.
  • the intermediate portion 20 comprises a proximal end 36 and a distal end 38 and, between the proximal end 36 and the distal end 38, comprises a hollow, central chamber 40 surrounded by an outer wall 42 having a long axis in the proximal to distal direction.
  • the outer wall 42 of the intermediate portion 20 is generally cylindrical, though other configurations are also suitable, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • the proximal end 36 of the intermediate portion 20 comprises one or more than one opening 44 allowing the hollow, central chamber 40 of the intermediate portion 20 to communicate with the hollow, central chamber 26 of the proximal portion 1 6.
  • the distal portion 1 8 comprises a proximal end 48 and a distal end 46 and, between the proximal end 48 and the distal end 46, comprises a hollow, central chamber 50 surrounded by an outer wall 52 with a central axis in the proximal to distal direction.
  • the outer wall 52 of the distal portion 1 8 is generally cylindrical, though other configurations are also suitable, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • the hollow, central chamber 50 has a sufficient size and suitable shape to receive a test strip 1 04 or other test apparatus inserted into the hollow, central chamber 50 from the distal end 14 of the blood testing device 1 0 toward the proximal end 1 2.
  • test strip is understood to include other test apparatuses that are not in linear strip form but are suitable for use with the blood testing device 10 of the present invention. Therefore, the configuration of the hollow, central chamber 50 of the distal portion 1 8 will depend upon the configuration of the test strip to be used, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • Suitable test strips include chemical test strips, such as One Touch ® FastTake ® (LifeScan, Inc., Milpitas, CA US) and electrochemical test strips, such as Precision QID (MediSense, Bedford, MA US).
  • the hollow, central chamber 50 of the distal portion 1 8, and the hollow, central chamber 40 of the intermediate portion 20 comprises generally rectangular (when viewed from an inferior direction), inferior part 54 and inferior part 56, respectively, as shown, that communicate with each other and that are configured to accept a test strip 1 04.
  • the proximal end 58 of the outer wall of the inferior part 56 of the intermediate portion 20 is closed.
  • inferior part 54 of central chamber 50 of distal portionl 8 further comprises one or more than one ridge 55 having a long axis in the proximal to distal direction.
  • Ridge 55 acts a guide for test strip 1 04 in inferior part 54, and also helps to prevent blood from gaining access to the superior space in hollow, central chamber 50.
  • Ridge 55 may extend for part or all of the length of central chamber 50, and may extend for part or all of the width of central chamber 50.
  • the outer wall 28 of the proximal portion 1 6, the outer wall 42 of the intermediate portion 20 and the outer wall 52 of the distal portion 1 8 preferably comprise a plastic material such as polycarbonate, that does not affect the constituents or parameters of blood being tested, though other materials are suitable as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • the material used is preferably inexpensive, as the blood testing device 1 0 is intended to be discarded after a single use, and is capable of being manufactured into the proper shape according to standard techniques known to those with skill in the art, such as by injection molding. Further preferably, the material is either substantially transparent or at least sufficiently transparent to allow visual confirmation that blood is present in the hollow, central chamber 40 of the intermediate portion 20.
  • the distal end 1 4 of the blood testing device 1 0 further comprises a distal end cap 60.
  • the distal end cap 60 is an integral part of the distal portion 1 8 of the blood testing device 10, and of the same or of a different material as the outer wall 52 of the distal portion 1 8.
  • the distal end cap 60 is a separate part, removable from the distal portion 1 8, and comprises a resilient material such as natural or synthetic rubber that, when placed over the distal portion 1 8 of the blood testing device 1 0, tends to remain attached to the distal portion 1 8 of the blood testing device 1 0 due to the resilient nature of the material.
  • the distal end cap 60 further comprises at least a first opening 62 configured to snugly receive a test strip 1 04 inserted into the hollow, central chamber 50 of distal portion 1 8 of the blood testing device 1 0. Therefore, the configuration of the first opening 62 in the distal end cap 60 will depend upon the configuration of the test strip to be used, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • the first opening 62 is generally slit-like, as shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3.
  • the first opening 62 can comprise a simple opening into the hollow, central chamber 50 of the distal portion 1 8, as shown, or can comprise a valve, such as a duck bill valve 65 as shown in Figure 1 OA and Figure 1 OB.
  • the distal portion 1 8 and the intermediate portion 20 each comprises the generally rectangular, inferior part 54 and 56 and the long axis of the first opening 62 is a slit that is aligned perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the long axis of the test strip 104 into the distal portion 1 8.
  • the distal end cap 60 can comprise a semipermeable membrane, as shown in Figure 1 1 , that allows the selective passage of air out of the distal portion 1 8, while retaining the fluid and cellular components of blood within the distal portion 1 8.
  • the semipermeable membrane can comprise any suitable material, such as Porex T3 #X-7744, (Porex Medical Products Group, Fairburn, GA US) or Type TTTP Isopore Membrane (Millipore Corporation, Bedford, MA US), though other material is also suitable as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • the distal end cap 60 comprises a vent of one or more than one second opening 64 to allow the venting of air externally out of the distal portion 1 8 of the blood testing device 10.
  • the second opening 64 can be any suitable configuration, such as generally slit— like, as shown in Figure 1 , as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • the outer wall 52 of the distal portion 1 8 can comprise one or more than one vent 53.
  • the blood testing device 1 0 further comprises an inner membrane 66 separating the distal end 38 of the hollow, central chamber 40 of the intermediate portion 20 from the proximal end 48 of the hollow, central chamber 50 of the distal portion 1 8.
  • the inner membrane 66 is a semipermeable member.
  • the inner membrane 66 is not permeable but comprises one or more than one vent (not shown). Alternately, or additionally, as shown in
  • the outer wall 42 of the intermediate portion 20 can comprise one or more than one vent 43.
  • the inner membrane 66 comprises any suitable material, such as rubber or Porex T3 #X-7744, (Porex Medical Products Group, Fairburn, GA US), and can additionally be treated to be hydrophobic, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • FIG 4 there is shown a lateral perspective view of one embodiment of an inner membrane 66 forming part of the embodiment of the blood testing device 1 0 shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3.
  • the inner membrane 66 allows the selective passage of air through the inner membrane 66 between the distal end 38 of the hollow, central chamber 40 of the intermediate portion 20 and the proximal end 48 of the hollow, central chamber 50 of the distal portion 1 8, while preventing the passage of the fluid and cellular components of blood through the inner membrane 66.
  • the inner membrane 66 is further configured to allow passage of the test strip 1 04 from the distal portion 1 8 of the blood testing device 1 0 into the intermediate portion 20 of the blood testing device 10.
  • the inner membrane 66 can comprise a slit 67 aligned with the first opening 62 in the distal end cap 60.
  • the inner membrane 66 can comprise a perforation (not shown) aligned with the first opening 62 in the distal end cap 60. In that embodiment the perforation can be constructed so that it is breached by the insertion of test strip 1 04.
  • the intermediate portion 20 and the distal portion 1 8 each comprise the generally rectangular, inferior part 54 and 56 and the first opening 62 is a slit that is aligned perpendicular to the direction of insertion of the long axis of the test strip 1 04 into the distal portion 1 8, and the inner membrane 66 has an inferior extension 68 that further divides the inferior part 54 of the distal portion 1 8 from the inferior part 56 of the intermediate portion 20.
  • the inferior extension 68 of the inner membrane 66 is displaced proximally, permitting the test strip to be further inserted into inferior part 56 of the intermediate portion 20, and allowing blood in the hollow, central chamber 40 of the intermediate portion 20 to contact the proximal end 1 06 of the test strip 104.
  • FIG. 5 Figure 14, and Figure 1 5, there is shown lateral perspective views of a blood testing device 1 0 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
  • the blood testing device 1 0 is manufactured without a proximal portion 16 and with the intermediate portion 20 integrally affixed to the distal end of the introducer part 1 02 of a standard intravascular access apparatus 100.
  • the blood testing device 10 and introducer part 1 02 of an intravascular access apparatus 1 00 are inserted intravascularly and are removed as a unit, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • the pressure within central chamber 50 will increase. If no pressure compensation system has been included in the blood testing device for amelioration of this pressure increase, depending upon the nature of the material chosen for the inner membrane 66, a corresponding increase in the pressure within the central chamber 40 of the intermediate portion 20 may result. If no pressure compensation system has been included for equalization of pressure within central chamber 40, a small amount of blood may be expelled through the one or more than one opening 34 of the proximal-most part 30 of outer wall 28 of proximal portion 1 6. This may be undesirable to the health care worker inserting the test strip. As the test strip is further inserted into inferior part 56 of the intermediate portion 20, an additional increase in pressure within central chamber 40 will occur, increasing the likelihood of escape of blood through opening 34.
  • a preferred embodiment of a pressure compensation system is as shown in Figure 1 , Figure 2, and Figure 4, in which inner membrane 66 is a semipermeable member, comprising an inferior extension 68, and distal end cap 60 comprises a resilient material such as natural or synthetic rubber, and a vent of one or more than one second opening 64.
  • inner membrane 66 is a semipermeable member, comprising an inferior extension 68
  • distal end cap 60 comprises a resilient material such as natural or synthetic rubber, and a vent of one or more than one second opening 64.
  • this embodiment of the pressure compensation system allows pressure to equalize, resulting in little escape of blood from the intermediate portion into the distal portion, and no escape of blood from the blood testing device 1 0.
  • central chamber 50 of distal portion 1 8 comprises one or more than one ridge 55 reducing the amount of blood that enters central chamber 50.
  • FIG. 1 1 Another embodiment of a pressure compensation system, as shown in Figure 1 1 , comprises a distal end cap 60 comprising a semipermeable membrane that allows the selective passage of air out of the distal portion 1 8, together with inner membrane 66 being a semipermeable member, comprising an inferior extension 68.
  • second opening 64 is not required.
  • a pressure compensation system comprises a distal end cap 60 comprising an integral part of the distal portion 1 8 of the blood testing device 1 0, and of the same or of a different material as the outer wall 52 of the distal portion 1 8, together with inner membrane 66 being a semipermeable member, comprising an inferior extension 68.
  • second opening 64 is located either on the distal end cap, or one or more than one vent 53 is located on outer wall52.
  • a pressure compensation system comprises an inner membrane 66 which is not permeable but comprises one or more than one vent (not shown).
  • the outer wall 42 of the intermediate portion 20 can comprise one or more than one vent 43.
  • distal end cap 60 may optionally comprise (I) a resilient material such as natural or synthetic rubber, and a vent of one or more than one second opening 64 in the end cap, or the outer wall 52 of distal portion 1 8 can comprise one or more than one vent 53, (ii) a semipermeable membrane that allows the selective passage of air out of the distal portion 1 8, or (iii) an integral part of the distal portion 1 8 of the blood testing device 1 0, and of the same or of a different material as the outer wall 52 of the distal portion 1 8, and one or more than one second opening 64 in the end cap, or the outer wall 52 of distal portion 1 8 can comprise one or more than one vent 53.
  • the blood testing device 1 0 comprises a distal end cap 60 where the first opening 62 comprises a duck bill valve 65, shown in cross-section in Figure 1 0A before a test strip 1 04 is inserted, and shown in cross-section in Figure 1 0B after a test strip 1 04 is inserted, the sides of which adjoin and seal together when no test strip 104 is present and which separate upon insertion of a test strip to permit insertion of the test strip into the hollow, central chamber 40 of the intermediate portion 20.
  • the first opening 62 comprises a duck bill valve 65, shown in cross-section in Figure 1 0A before a test strip 1 04 is inserted, and shown in cross-section in Figure 1 0B after a test strip 1 04 is inserted, the sides of which adjoin and seal together when no test strip 104 is present and which separate upon insertion of a test strip to permit insertion of the test strip into the hollow, central chamber 40 of the intermediate portion 20.
  • the equalization of pressure is accomplished by the collapse of the structure of the duck bill valve, as is shown in Figure 10B after the test strip 1 04 is inserted, and as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure. Accordingly, in this embodiment opening 64 in end cap 60 and inner membrane 66 are not needed.
  • a pressure compensation system may be constructed with various combinations of the described components, as further shown in Figures 1 1 through 1 7.
  • FIG. 7 and Figure 1 7 there is shown a lateral perspective view of a blood testing device 10 according to two other embodiments of the present invention.
  • the blood testing device 1 0 is manufactured integrally affixed to the side of a syringe 1 08 by connecting either the intermediate portion 20 of a blood testing device 10, as disclosed above, directly to the side of the syringe 1 08, as in Figure 7, or the inner membrane 66 directly to the side of the syringe 1 08, as in Figure 1 7, the interior of syringe 1 08 thus becoming the intermediate portion 20.
  • Other blood collection devices could be used, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • the syringe 1 08 is used to draw blood from a blood source and the blood testing device 1 0 is used to test the blood within the syringe 1 08 without having too expel the blood from the syringe 1 08.
  • the blood testing device 10 can also be affixed to the distal end of the plunger of a syringe 1 08 where the plunger has a central channel in communication with the intermediate portion 20 of the blood testing device 1 0 (not shown).
  • the present invention includes a blood testing apparatus 1 1 0 comprising a plurality of interconnected blood testing devices 10 according to the present invention, to allow multiple test strips to be read from blood in the same blood containing apparatus 1 1 0.
  • a blood testing apparatus 1 1 0 comprising a plurality of interconnected blood testing devices 10 according to the present invention, to allow multiple test strips to be read from blood in the same blood containing apparatus 1 1 0.
  • Figure 8 there is shown a lateral perspective view of such a blood testing apparatus 1 1 0.
  • the blood testing apparatus 1 1 0 comprises a proximal end 1 1 2 configured to mate with an intravascular access apparatus 1 00, a distal end 1 1 4 configured to mate with a syringe 1 08, a hollow, central chamber 1 1 6 between the proximal end and the distal end, and a plurality of blood testing devices 10 according to the present invention, each blood testing device 10 joined to the hollow, central chamber 1 1 6.
  • the distal end 1 1 4 is configured to mate with the proximal end of a standard flash plug or the proximal end of a syringe 1 08 (as shown).
  • blood testing device 10 takes the place of a standard flash plug, the proximal end 1 2 of blood testing device 10 is configured to mate with the introducer part 1 02 of a intravascular access apparatus 1 00, as shown in Figure 1 1 , and additionally optionally the distal end 14 of blood testing device 10 may be configured to mate (not shown) integrally or removably with a blood collection device such as syringe 1 08.
  • a method for testing blood for the presence or for the amount of various constituents, such as glucose, cardiac enzymes or red cells, or for testing blood to determine the level of various parameters, such as pH, or for testing blood for a combination of the preceding comprises providing a blood testing device according to the present invention.
  • the method additionally comprises providing a test strip, a test strip reader and a blood containing apparatus, such as an intravascular access apparatus or a syringe.
  • the test strip can be any suitable test strip with a proximal end configured to be inserted into the distal end cap of the blood testing device.
  • the test strip reader can be any suitable test strip reader configured to accept the distal end of the test strip and, after accepting the distal end, to provide the desired information on blood that has contacted the proximal end of the test strip.
  • the blood containing apparatus can be any intravascular access apparatus suitable for accessing a vascular structure and suitable for joining to the proximal end of a blood testing device according to the present invention, or any other suitable blood containing apparatus as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • the blood testing device can be provided with or without the test strip inserted through the distal end cap and into the distal portion and intermediate portion of the blood testing device. If the blood testing device is provided with the test strip inserted through the distal end cap and into the distal portion and intermediate portion of the blood testing device, then the combined blood testing device and test strip can be provided with the distal end of the test strip already inserted into the test strip reader. Further, the blood testing device, whether or not combined with the test strip or with the test strip and test strip reader together, can be provided having its proximal end already inserted into the distal end of the blood containing apparatus or can be provided without its proximal end already inserted into the distal end of the blood containing apparatus.
  • the blood containing apparatus, blood testing device, test strip and test strip reader are assembled together during the method of the present invention, and can be assembled in various orders.
  • the distal end of the test strip is inserted into the test strip reader, and then the proximal end of the test strip is inserted into the distal end cap of the blood testing device and through or around the inner membrane after blood has entered the intermediate portion of the blood testing device.
  • a patient is selected who is to have his or her blood tested.
  • the blood containing apparatus is an intravascular access apparatus
  • the patient is prepped in a standard manner and intravascular access is begun using the intravascular access apparatus according to standard techniques, as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure.
  • the proximal end of the blood testing device was not already inserted into the distal end of the intravascular access apparatus before obtaining intravascular access, then the proximal end of the blood testing device is inserted into the distal end of the intravascular access apparatus, such as by replacing the flash plug on the intravascular access apparatus with the proximal portion of the blood testing device.
  • the proximal end of the blood testing device is inserted into the distal end of the intravascular access apparatus before insertion of the intravascular access apparatus.
  • a blood testing device is provided according to the present invention, without a proximal portion and with the intermediate portion integrally affixed to the distal end of the introducer portion of a standard intravascular access apparatus.
  • blood from the patient's accessed vascular structure will pass through the one or more than one opening in the proximal end of the proximal portion into the hollow, central chamber of the proximal portion and, then, into the hollow, central chamber of the intermediate portion, or will pass directly into the hollow, central chamber of the intermediate portion if the blood testing device is integrally affixed to the intravascular access apparatus.
  • Air that is present in the hollow, central chamber of the proximal portion, if present, and hollow, central chamber of the intermediate portion passes through the inner membrane into the hollow, central chamber of the distal portion and then, externally.
  • the distal end of the test strip is inserted into the test strip reader and the proximal end of the test strip is inserted into the distal end cap, through the distal portion and into the intermediate portion of the blood testing device.
  • the blood in the hollow, central chamber of the intermediate portion will, then, contact the proximal end of the test strip.
  • test strip reader uses information provided by the test strip reader, such as a digital readout or visual indicator, to determine the presence or the amount of one or more than one constituent of the blood, such as glucose, cardiac enzymes or red cells, or to determine the level of one or more than one parameter, such as pH, or to determine a combination of the preceding.
  • a digital readout or visual indicator to determine the presence or the amount of one or more than one constituent of the blood, such as glucose, cardiac enzymes or red cells, or to determine the level of one or more than one parameter, such as pH, or to determine a combination of the preceding.
  • the operator withdraws the blood testing device from the distal end of the intravascular access apparatus before using the test strip reader.
  • the blood testing device with an inserted test strip is removed from the intravascular access apparatus and an operator proceeds to establish intravascular access while the distal end of the test strip is being inserted into an appropriate testing apparatus, so that no time is being lost in establishing intravascular access while blood testing is being performed.
  • the introducer part of the intravascular access apparatus with the blood testing device still inserted into the distal end are removed together, and an operator proceeds to establish intravascular access while the proximal end of the test strip is being inserted into distal end of the blood testing device, further increasing efficiency in establishing intravascular access while blood testing is being performed.
  • the blood testing device provided for use in this method is the embodiment shown in Figure 5, and as will be understood by those with skill in the art with reference to this disclosure, removing the blood testing device necessarily removes the introducer part of the intravascular access apparatus from the vascular structure as the blood testing device is integrally affixed to the distal end of the introducer part of the intravascular access apparatus.
  • the blood testing device with the test strip still inserted is removed from the test strip reader and, preferably with the introducer portion if being used with an introducer portion, is discarded in an appropriate manner as a biohazard.
  • the present method decreases the possibility of inaccurate blood test results due to test strip contamination, decreases the time necessary to analyze blood being tested from standard methods, decreases the risk of exposure of the operator to pathogens present in the blood, and simplifies disposal of the equipment used in testing the blood.
  • a method for testing blood for the presence or for the amount of various constituents, such as glucose, cardiac enzymes or red cells, or for testing blood to determine the level of various parameters, such as pH, or for testing blood for a combination of the preceding comprises providing a blood testing apparatus according to the present invention, where the blood testing apparatus comprises a plurality of blood testing devices according to the present invention joined to a common central chamber that is configured at the proximal end to combine removably or to be affixed with a blood containing apparatus, and to communicate with the blood containing part of the blood containing apparatus.
  • the method corresponds to the method disclosed above, except that blood test strips can be inserted into the distal end caps of each blood testing device on the blood testing apparatus, expanding the capacity to test the blood.
  • a method for testing blood for the presence or for the amount of various constituents, such as glucose, cardiac enzymes or red cells, or for testing blood to determine the level of various parameters, such as pH, or for testing blood for a combination of the preceding comprises using a blood containing apparatus, such as a syringe, other than an intravascular access apparatus.
  • blood is drawn into the blood containing apparatus other than by obtaining intravascular access directly through the distal end of the blood containing apparatus, such as by attaching the blood containing apparatus directly to an intravascular access apparatus or blood containing vial and drawing blood into the blood containing apparatus from that source.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Vascular Medicine (AREA)
  • Measuring Pulse, Heart Rate, Blood Pressure Or Blood Flow (AREA)
  • Endoscopes (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un dispositif (10) de test sanguin qui comprend une extrémité proximale (12), une extrémité distale (14), une partie intermédiaire (20) située entre l'extrémité proximale (12) et l'extrémité distale (14), un système de compensation de pression destiné à réguler la pression dans la partie intermédiaire (20), et un capuchon (60) d'extrémité distale positionné au niveau de cette extrémité distale (14) comprenant une première ouverture (62) agencée de façon à recevoir une bande test (104). La partie intermédiaire (20) comprend une extrémité proximale (36) comprenant une ou plusieurs ouvertures (44), une extrémité distale (38) de cette partie intermédiaire (20) et, entre cette extrémité proximale (36) et cette extrémité distale (38) une chambre (40) centrale creuse entourée d'une paroi (42) extérieure.
PCT/US2001/026666 2001-04-06 2001-08-24 Dispositif de test sanguin WO2002080763A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (11)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
BR0116966-1A BR0116966A (pt) 2001-04-06 2001-08-24 Dispositivo para exame de sangue
JP2002578803A JP2004528082A (ja) 2001-04-06 2001-08-24 血液検査器
US10/474,076 US20040102718A1 (en) 2001-08-24 2001-08-24 Blood testing device
EP01970586A EP1385416A2 (fr) 2001-04-06 2001-08-24 Dispositif de test sanguin
CA002442962A CA2442962A1 (fr) 2001-04-06 2001-08-24 Dispositif de test sanguin
CA002443076A CA2443076A1 (fr) 2001-04-06 2002-03-20 Appareil d'analyse sanguine
JP2002579774A JP2005503538A (ja) 2001-04-06 2002-03-20 血液検査器
BR0208698-0A BR0208698A (pt) 2001-04-06 2002-03-20 Dispositivo para exame de sangue
AU2002254330A AU2002254330A1 (en) 2001-04-06 2002-03-20 Blood testing device
EP02723558A EP1411820A2 (fr) 2001-04-06 2002-03-20 Appareil d'analyse sanguine
PCT/US2002/008818 WO2002082052A2 (fr) 2001-04-06 2002-03-20 Appareil d'analyse sanguine

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US28195701P 2001-04-06 2001-04-06
US60/281,957 2001-04-06

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2002080763A2 true WO2002080763A2 (fr) 2002-10-17
WO2002080763A3 WO2002080763A3 (fr) 2002-11-21
WO2002080763B1 WO2002080763B1 (fr) 2003-01-30

Family

ID=23079484

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2001/026666 WO2002080763A2 (fr) 2001-04-06 2001-08-24 Dispositif de test sanguin

Country Status (5)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1385416A2 (fr)
JP (1) JP2004528082A (fr)
BR (1) BR0116966A (fr)
CA (1) CA2442962A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2002080763A2 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9861430B2 (en) 2001-04-06 2018-01-09 Covidien Ag Vessel sealer and divider
US10835309B1 (en) 2002-06-25 2020-11-17 Covidien Ag Vessel sealer and divider
US10918407B2 (en) 2016-11-08 2021-02-16 Covidien Lp Surgical instrument for grasping, treating, and/or dividing tissue

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3727612A (en) * 1971-01-18 1973-04-17 R Sayers Dialysis method and apparatus
US4790979A (en) * 1986-08-29 1988-12-13 Technimed Corporation Test strip and fixture

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3727612A (en) * 1971-01-18 1973-04-17 R Sayers Dialysis method and apparatus
US4790979A (en) * 1986-08-29 1988-12-13 Technimed Corporation Test strip and fixture

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US9861430B2 (en) 2001-04-06 2018-01-09 Covidien Ag Vessel sealer and divider
US10849681B2 (en) 2001-04-06 2020-12-01 Covidien Ag Vessel sealer and divider
US10881453B1 (en) 2001-04-06 2021-01-05 Covidien Ag Vessel sealer and divider
US10835309B1 (en) 2002-06-25 2020-11-17 Covidien Ag Vessel sealer and divider
US10918436B2 (en) 2002-06-25 2021-02-16 Covidien Ag Vessel sealer and divider
US10918407B2 (en) 2016-11-08 2021-02-16 Covidien Lp Surgical instrument for grasping, treating, and/or dividing tissue

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2002080763B1 (fr) 2003-01-30
JP2004528082A (ja) 2004-09-16
BR0116966A (pt) 2004-08-03
EP1385416A2 (fr) 2004-02-04
CA2442962A1 (fr) 2002-10-17
WO2002080763A3 (fr) 2002-11-21

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20040116830A1 (en) Blood testing deivce
US20190175088A1 (en) Medical Device for Collection of a Biological Sample
US10238325B2 (en) Medical device for collection of a biological sample
EP1411820A2 (fr) Appareil d'analyse sanguine
US10182753B2 (en) Blood sampling device
AT397610B (de) Vorrichtung zur entnahme von körperflüssigkeiten
CN213249112U (zh) 用于获取血液样本的装置
US7617932B2 (en) Medical device package, kit and associated methods
US9408568B2 (en) Biological fluid sampling device
US8747333B2 (en) Blood test strip and an intravenous catheter system
EP2254472B1 (fr) Aiguille de prélèvement sanguin à refoulement
BR112014009409B1 (pt) Cartucho e sistema de coleta de sangue
WO2002080763A2 (fr) Dispositif de test sanguin
US20040102718A1 (en) Blood testing device
DE102021203637A1 (de) Eingabekammer zum Eingeben einer Probenentnahmevorrichtung in eine mikrofluidische Vorrichtung, mikrofluidische Vorrichtung, Verfahren zum Betreiben und Verfahren zum Herstellen einer mikrofluidischen Vorrichtung

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PH PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PH PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PH PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

B Later publication of amended claims
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2442962

Country of ref document: CA

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 10474076

Country of ref document: US

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2002578803

Country of ref document: JP

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2001970586

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2001970586

Country of ref document: EP

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

WWW Wipo information: withdrawn in national office

Ref document number: 2001970586

Country of ref document: EP