Special receptacle or package – With moisture absorbent
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-13
2001-01-23
Bui, Luan K. (Department: 3728)
Special receptacle or package
With moisture absorbent
C206S569000, C053S469000, C053S477000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176371
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates to a biological sample storage package that provides a stable environment for a biological sample such as a blood sample being stored and optionally transported.
In the past, zip-seal closures have been used in combination with polymer sheet bags to form storage packages for biological samples. Typically, the bags are formed of a metallized polymer sheet that is substantially impermeable to water vapor and opaque. In the past, loose bags of desiccant have been placed in such storage packages to dry the interior of the bag and the biological sample contained in the bag.
In one prior-art application, a sample storage package of the type described above contains a biological sample collection device and a loose bag containing a desiccant. The user then opens the storage package, removes the collection device, uses the collection device to collect a biological sample, and then returns the collection device to the interior of the storage package. The storage package is then sealed for transport of the biological sample. In the past, difficulties have been encountered when the loose desiccant bag is removed from the storage package but not returned prior to the time the biological sample collection device is resealed into the storage package. Furthermore, a loose desiccant bag provides another separate item, which may cause confusion with some users.
Thus, a need presently exists for an improved biological sample storage package that provides a stable environment for a biological sample being transported, but that is easier and more reliable to use.
SUMMARY
By way of introduction, the preferred embodiment described below provides a pouch formed of a material that is substantially impermeable to water vapor. A closure is included in the pouch to seal the pouch after a biological sample has been placed in the pouch. A container formed of a second sheet material that is permeable to at least one of water vapor and oxygen is secured to the first sheet material of the pouch and disposed within the pouch. The container contains an absorbent material that is operative to absorb water vapor and/or oxygen. Because the container is secured to the pouch, the potential for inadvertent misuse is substantially reduced. The container is disposed in the pouch and secured to the pouch, and the user is not faced with two separable items that may be lost or separated from one another. The preferred method for fabricating the storage package described below is particularly cost efficient.
The foregoing paragraph has been intended by way of introduction, and is not intended to limit the scope of the following claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4579223 (1986-04-01), Otsuka et al.
patent: 5660868 (1997-08-01), Yeager
patent: 5698217 (1997-12-01), Wilking
patent: 5791485 (1998-08-01), Carbonneau
patent: 5833058 (1998-11-01), Mabry
Biosafe Laboratories, Inc.
Brinks Hofer Gilson & Lione
Bui Luan K.
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