Mitra® Device (RUO)

Importance of the topic

Volumetric absorptive microsampling with the Mitra device offers a minimally invasive and highly reproducible approach for collecting defined volumes of whole blood in decentralized settings. It addresses challenges of sample stability, cold chain logistics and hematocrit bias in traditional liquid blood sampling.

Study objectives and overview

This document provides a step by step procedure for blood collection, sample handling and transport using a single use Mitra microsampling device for research use only. It covers device configurations, sample volumes and user guidance to ensure consistent volumetric uptake and sample integrity.

Methodology and instrumentation

The sampling workflow comprises:

• Optional specimen bag opening to access the device and desiccant
• Device activation by separating and folding flaps to expose absorptive tips
• Touching each sampler tip to a capillary blood drop until it turns fully red and no white remains, with a two second contact time
• Repetition for one to four samplers per device
• Closing the device housing until an audible click
• Immediate placement in the provided specimen bag with desiccant and sealing by zipper closure

Equipment required:

• Mitra microsampling device (10 20 or 30 microliter volume)
• Specimen bag with desiccant
• Disposable contact activated lancet
• Gauze and bandage for finger preparation

Main results and discussion

Proper adherence to the procedure yields volumetric precision under five percent relative standard deviation. Under sampling is avoided by holding the tip in contact until complete filling. Over sampling is prevented by maintaining downward orientation of the sampler tip.

Benefits and practical applications

• Enables remote or at home blood sampling without phlebotomy
• Reduces cold chain requirements through dried storage
• Ensures fixed analyte volume for quantitative bioanalysis
• Supports up to four replicate samples per device

Future trends and applications

The technology may integrate with digital health platforms for at home diagnostics. Expansion to other biological fluids and coupling with automated high throughput workflows is under exploration. Innovations in sampler tip chemistry could extend analyte compatibility and stability further.

Conclusion

The Mitra microsampling device protocol provides a user friendly, reproducible method for volumetric blood collection and transport. Adherence to instructions ensures sample quality for downstream analytical assays.

Reference

The procedure is based on current manufacturer instructions and device specifications provided by Trajan Scientific Australia Pty Ltd.