APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR PREPARATION AND ANALYSIS OF DRIED SAMPLES OF A BIOLOGICAL FLUID

摘要

Described is a device for collecting a fluid sample, such as a biological fluid sample. The device includes a planar collection substrate having an absorbent material. The planar collection substrate includes an impermeable region and a sample collection region. The impermeable region is impermeable to the fluid sample and is embedded in the planar collection substrate in a spatial pattern. The sample collection region is in an area excluded from the spatial pattern and has a shape and a size defined by the spatial pattern. The sample collection region is configured to receive a known volume of the fluid sample. In an alternative form, the device includes a sample collection element disposed in an impermeable planar holder and, in another alternative form, the device includes an absorbent material disposed inside an impermeable tube wall.