Apparatus for rapid collection of blood from liverstock

Abstract

An apparatus useful for the rapid collection of blood from a subject (e.g., the vein of a bovine subject) and dispensing the blood therefrom into a collection device includes: (a) a capillary body having a capillary chamber formed therein, with the chamber having an inlet and outlet, and with said chamber configured to draw blood therein through the inlet by capillary action; (b) a hollow barrel connected to the chamber outlet; (c) a plunger positioned in the barrel; and (d) a hollow needle connected to the capillary body, with the hollow needle in fluid communication with the capillary chamber through the capillary inlet, so that blood can be rapidly drawn into the capillary chamber through the needle by the combined action of vein pressure (or other pressure, if present, such as arterial pressure) and capillary action.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62 / 198,402, filed. Jul. 29, 2015, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention concerns apparatus for rapidly collecting blood from a subject, particularly veterinary subjects such as cattle and other livestock, and rapidly dispensing that blood into a receptacle for further analysis.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The world cattle population is estimated to be about 1.3 billion head, with about 30% in Asia, 20% in South America, 15% Africa, 14% in North and South America and 10% in Europe. Cattle inventory in the United States as of January 2015 was estimated at 89.9 million head, living on upwards of 600,000 farms and ranches. Cumulatively, the beef industry has an economic impact of $44 billion.[0004]Approximately 20% of any one feedlot's cattle will become sick with infection. It is difficu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Initially, we attempted to develop apparatus and methods for withdrawal of blood from the animal's ear. These techniques were found to be too slow (albeit by a matter of tens of seconds), and insufficiently reliable. In addition, blood flow to the ear is reduced by chilling, making these procedures less reliable in cold weather.

Problems solved by technology

These techniques were found to be too slow (albeit by a matter of tens of seconds), and insufficiently reliable.

In addition, blood flow to the ear is reduced by chilling, making these procedures less reliable in cold weather.

Initial testing seemed successful, but the possible risk of infection when the animal is subsequently feeding (with its snout often contacting food shared with other animals) made such techniques unacceptable to some feedlots.

Images