# Device for Collecting and Separating Bodily Fluids Using Pressure > This patent describes a device that uses different levels of negative pressure to first isolate a portion of bodily fluid and then collect a separate sample from a fluid source. - **Patent:** US 12733848 - **Original title:** Fluid control devices and methods of using the same - **Granted:** 2026 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 0 - **Field:** biotech, medical_devices, diagnostics, fluidics ## What it does The device manages bodily fluids using two distinct control steps. First, it has an inlet to connect to a fluid source and an outlet to a collection device that creates a negative pressure difference. A 'sequestration portion' has a first flow controller that opens when the negative pressure reaches a certain level, allowing fluid into this portion. Then, a 'sampling portion' has a second flow controller that opens only when the negative pressure increases to a higher level, allowing a separate sample to flow into the collection device. For example, it could first isolate a specific volume of blood plasma and then, with more suction, draw a separate blood sample for analysis. ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover fluid control devices that use only a single flow controller for both sequestration and sampling. - Does not cover systems where the sequestration and sampling portions activate at the same negative pressure magnitude. - Does not cover devices that rely on positive pressure to move fluids, rather than a negative pressure differential. - Does not cover fluid collection systems that do not differentiate between a sequestration portion and a sampling portion. - Does not cover devices where the flow controllers are manually operated rather than automatically transitioning based on pressure. ## The clever bit The novelty lies in using two distinct, increasing negative pressure differentials to sequentially activate different fluid pathways: first to sequester a portion of fluid, and then, at a higher pressure, to collect a separate sample. This allows for precise, automated separation and collection. ## Real-world examples 1. Advanced blood collection tubes for diagnostics 2. Urine analysis systems requiring pre-separation 3. Devices for collecting cerebrospinal fluid 4. Point-of-care diagnostic cartridges 5. Microfluidic lab-on-a-chip systems ## Why it matters This technology could improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnostics by ensuring that different parts of a fluid sample are processed or collected under precise conditions. For instance, it could help separate specific components of blood or urine before a main sample is taken, reducing contamination or ensuring a purer sample for analysis. This precision is valuable in clinical settings where sample integrity is critical. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Device for Collecting and Separating Bodily Fluids Using Pressure cover? This patent describes a device that uses different levels of negative pressure to first isolate a portion of bodily fluid and then collect a separate sample from a fluid source. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What problem does this patent solve? This technology could improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnostics by ensuring that different parts of a fluid sample are processed or collected under precise conditions. For instance, it could help separate specific components of blood or urine before a main sample is taken, reducing contamination or ensuring a purer sample for analysis. This precision is valuable in clinical settings where sample integrity is critical. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover fluid control devices that use only a single flow controller for both sequestration and sampling. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733848/fluid-control-devices-and-methods-of-using-the-same-12733848 **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US12733848 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How Suction Controls Fluid Collection for Medical Tests](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733849/fluid-control-devices-and-methods-of-using-the-same) — This patent describes a device that uses different levels of suction to precisely control and separate bodily fluids, like blood, for collection and analysis. - [Hands-Free Device for Collecting and Moving Urine](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734063/apparatus-and-methods-for-receiving-discharged-urine) — This patent describes a device that collects urine from a person using a receptacle and then uses a vacuum to pull the urine away through a tube, held in place by a curved part between the legs. - [Precise Medicine Delivery Device with Priming Control](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734300/devices-and-methods-for-precision-dose-delivery) — This patent describes a device for accurately measuring and delivering liquid medicine, using a special mechanism to control how a plunger moves during both initial setup and actual delivery. - [A Special Sticky Layer for Tiny Liquid Channels in Flow Cells](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12734520/interposer-with-first-and-second-adhesive-layers) — This patent describes a specific middle layer, called an interposer, for devices that handle tiny amounts of liquid (flow cells), featuring a black plastic base and two methyl acrylic adhesive layers, all pierced by microfluidic channels. - [How Devices Precisely Track Glucose Across Body Compartments](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9854998/method-andor-system-for-multicompartment-analyte-monitoring) — This patent describes a method for accurately estimating a person's blood glucose by accounting for the natural time delay in how glucose moves between different body fluids, like blood and the fluid around cells, to better control insulin pumps.