How Suction Controls Fluid Collection for Medical Tests
This patent describes a device that uses different levels of suction to precisely control and separate bodily fluids, like blood, for collection and analysis.
Original patent title: “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. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
The fluid control device has an inlet that connects to a bodily fluid source and an outlet that connects to a collection device creating suction. It uses two separate flow controllers to manage the fluid path. First, when a collection device applies a lower level of suction (a 'first magnitude' negative pressure differential), a 'first flow controller' activates. This directs the fluid into a 'sequestration portion' (AbstractabstractA short summary at the front of the patent describing the invention. Not legally binding.Read more →). Then, if the collection device applies a stronger suction (a 'second magnitude' negative pressure differential, greater than the first), a 'second flow controller' activates. This directs fluid from the inlet into a 'sampling portion' (Abstract). For example, this could first divert initial blood flow (which might contain contaminants) and then collect a pure sample for testing.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover fluid collection devices that use only a single, fixed pressure differential for all fluid handling.
- Does not cover devices that rely on gravity or active pumping mechanisms instead of negative pressure differentials to move fluid.
- Does not cover devices where the sequestration and sampling portions are activated simultaneously by the same pressure.
- Does not cover fluid control systems that lack distinct, pressure-activated flow controllers for different fluid paths.
- Does not cover devices where the flow controllers are not triggered by specific magnitudes of negative pressure.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in using different magnitudes of a single negative pressure source to sequentially activate distinct flow paths for separating and collecting fluid. This allows for automated, controlled fractionation of a fluid sample without needing complex external valving or power sources.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Automated blood collection systems
Point-of-care diagnostic cartridges
Specialized laboratory sample preparation devices
Urine analysis systems requiring fractionated collection
Why it matters
The bigger picture
Precise and uncontaminated bodily fluid collection is essential for accurate medical diagnostics. This device could improve sample quality by automatically separating initial fluid flows, which may contain skin cells or air, from the main sample needed for analysis. This could lead to more reliable test results and reduce the need for repeat sample collections, which saves time and resources in healthcare settings.
Filed
February 2, 2022
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies specializing in medical diagnostics, laboratory automation, and point-of-care testing are likely to develop or integrate such fluid control mechanisms. This includes manufacturers of blood collection tubes, diagnostic cartridges, and automated sample preparation systems, all aiming to improve sample integrity and testing efficiency.
Market impact
This technology could enhance the reliability of diagnostic testing by ensuring higher quality samples. It might reduce errors in lab results, potentially leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses for patients. This could also streamline sample collection processes in hospitals and clinics, making them more efficient and less prone to human error.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
The fluid control device has an inlet that connects to a bodily fluid source and an outlet that connects to a collection device creating suction. It uses two separate flow controllers to manage the fluid path. First, when a collection device applies a lower level of suction (a 'first magnitude' negative pressure differential), a 'first flow controller' activates. This directs the fluid into a 'sequestration portion' (Abstract). Then, if the collection device applies a stronger suction (a 'second magnitude' negative pressure differential, greater than the first), a 'second flow controller' activates. This directs fluid from the inlet into a 'sampling portion' (Abstract). For example, this could first divert initial blood flow (which might contain contaminants) and then collect a pure sample for testing.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in using different magnitudes of a single negative pressure source to sequentially activate distinct flow paths for separating and collecting fluid. This allows for automated, controlled fractionation of a fluid sample without needing complex external valving or power sources.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover fluid collection devices that use only a single, fixed pressure differential for all fluid handling.
- Does not cover devices that rely on gravity or active pumping mechanisms instead of negative pressure differentials to move fluid.
- Does not cover devices where the sequestration and sampling portions are activated simultaneously by the same pressure.
- Does not cover fluid control systems that lack distinct, pressure-activated flow controllers for different fluid paths.
- Does not cover devices where the flow controllers are not triggered by specific magnitudes of negative pressure.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$26K – $84K
Midpoint $53K · 15.3 yr remaining · industry ×2.2
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). How Suction Controls Fluid Collection for Medical Tests (U.S. Patent No. 12,733,849). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12733849/fluid-control-devices-and-methods-of-using-the-same
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does How Suction Controls Fluid Collection for Medical Tests cover?
This patent describes a device that uses different levels of suction to precisely control and separate bodily fluids, like blood, for collection and analysis.
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?
Precise and uncontaminated bodily fluid collection is essential for accurate medical diagnostics. This device could improve sample quality by automatically separating initial fluid flows, which may contain skin cells or air, from the main sample needed for analysis. This could lead to more reliable test results and reduce the need for repeat sample collections, which saves time and resources in healthcare settings.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover fluid collection devices that use only a single, fixed pressure differential for all fluid handling.
Patent monitoring