Patent Publication Number: US-2023157599-A1

Title: Devices for securely storing bodily fluids and associated systems and methods

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/015,821, filed Apr. 27, 2020, and titled “DEVICES FOR SECURELY STORING BODILY FLUIDS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” and U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 63/025,619, filed May 15, 2020, and titled “DEVICES FOR SECURELY STORING BODILY FLUIDS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present technology is related to the collection of bodily fluids and their delivery and storage in removable containers and, more particularly, to devices for securely storing and/or transporting removable containers containing bodily fluids. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Devices, systems, and methods to collect bodily fluids are necessary for the growing field of personalized medicine. While analysis laboratories are well suited to perform diagnostic tests, the collection of blood samples remains challenging, in particular for people that do not have simple access to a blood testing laboratory. Such people can be located in rural areas, underserved sub-urban areas, or low resource areas and have significant barriers to accessing diagnostic services. Alternatively, it is often desirable to quickly and efficiently perform blood tests for people outside the context of blood testing laboratories-such as for testing athletes for the use of performance enhancing drugs. To reach test subjects in any location and connect them with blood testing facilities, robust systems for sample encapsulation, stabilization, and shipping must be developed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Many aspects of the present technology can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on clearly illustrating the principles of the present technology. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of a bodily fluid collection device configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; and  FIG.  1 B  is a perspective view illustrating detachment of a collection cartridge from the bodily fluid collection device in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIG.  2 A  is a cross-sectional side view of the collection cartridge of  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology; and  FIG.  2 B  is a perspective view of a sample tray of the collection cartridge detached from a housing of the collection cartridge in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are isometric views of a case in an open position and a closed position, respectively, for securely storing and/or transporting the cartridge of  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 H  are isometric views of various stages in a method of using the case of  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  to securely store and transport the cartridge of  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are isometric views of a case in an open position and a closed position, respectively, for securely storing and/or transporting the cartridge of  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B  in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 H  are isometric views of various stages in a method of using the case of  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  to securely store and transport the cartridge of  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  are isometric views of a case in an open position and a closed position, respectively, for securely storing and/or transporting the cartridge of  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B  in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology. 
         FIGS.  7 C and  7 D  are a top view and a side view, respectively, of the case of  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  in the closed position in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present technology is directed generally to devices and methods for securely storing and/or transporting samples of bodily fluid (e.g., blood) from a subject. In some embodiments, a bodily fluid collection device is used to withdraw the bodily fluid from the subject and into a cartridge releasably coupled to the collection device. The cartridge can include a housing and a sample tray releasably coupled to the housing. The sample tray can include a plurality of collectors configured to receive and store a portion of the bodily fluid (e.g., a selected volume of the bodily fluid). In some embodiments, the collection cartridge can be removed from the collection device after the bodily fluid is withdrawn, and then positioned within a case for secure storage and/or transport to a remote testing facility or other location. The case can include a base and a cover pivotally coupled to the base such that the case can be opened and closed. The base can include a jig portion configured to (a) receive the cartridge and (b) decouple the sample tray from the housing of the cartridge. In some embodiments, the case can include features that inhibit tampering with the bodily fluid sample stored in the collection cartridge. 
     Specific details of several embodiments of the present technology are described herein with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 7 D . However, the present technology may be practiced without some of these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and techniques often associated with bodily fluid collection devices, collection cartridges, etc., have not been shown in detail so as not to obscure the present technology. The terminology used in the description presented below is intended to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even though it is being used in conjunction with a detailed description of certain specific embodiments of the disclosure. Certain terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restricted manner will be overtly and specifically defined as such in this Detailed Description section. 
     The accompanying Figures depict embodiments of the present technology and are not intended to be limiting of its scope. The sizes of various depicted elements are not necessarily drawn to scale, and these various elements may be arbitrarily enlarged to improve legibility. Component details may be abstracted in the Figures to exclude details such as position of components and certain precise connections between such components when such details are unnecessary for a complete understanding of how to make and use the present technology. Many of the details, dimensions, angles, and other features shown in the Figures are merely illustrative of particular embodiments of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments can have other details, dimensions, angles, and features without departing from the spirit or scope of the present technology. 
       FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of a bodily fluid collection device  100  (“device 100”) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.  FIG.  1 B  is a perspective view illustrating detachment of a collection cartridge  106  from the device  100  in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to  FIGS.  1 A and  1 B  together, the device  100  can be handheld with a size that is easily grasped and manipulated by one or both hands of a user (e.g., a patient, technician, nurse, doctor, etc.). Such handheld devices can advantageously allow the user to collect a bodily fluid sample (e.g., a blood sample) without assistance from another individual. In some embodiments, the device  100  can be operated by a layperson outside of a medical setting and without the aid of a medical professional. For example, the device  100  can be used at the home of a patient/subject, in a field clinic, onsite at a sporting event, etc. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the device  100  includes a housing  102  and an actuator  104 . The actuator  104  (e.g., a button) can be movable relative to the housing  102  to actuate/initiate withdrawal of a bodily fluid from the user. The housing  102  can be removably coupled to the collection cartridge  106  (e.g., a pod, reservoir, sample collector, etc.) for receiving the bodily fluid withdrawn from the user. In some embodiments, the device  100  can include one or more features that are generally similar or identical to the bodily fluid collection devices and fluid collection cartridges disclosed in, for example: (i) U.S. Pat. Application No. 14/816,994, titled “DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GRAVITY-ENHANCED MICROFLUIDIC COLLECTION, HANDLING AND TRANSFERRING OF FLUIDS,” and filed Aug. 3, 2015; (ii) U.S. Pat. 10,426,390, titled “DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACTUATION AND RETRACTION IN FLUID COLLECTION,” and filed Dec. 21, 2016; (iii) U.S. Pat. Application No. 15/711,746, titled “METHODS FOR DELIVERY OF BODILY FLUIDS ONTO A FIBROUS SUBSTRATE,” and filed Sep. 21, 2017; and/or (iv) U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/923,379, and filed Oct. 18, 2019, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     The cartridge  106  can act as a removable and standardized container for bodily fluids that can be detached and used in clinical and laboratory equipment or workflows (e.g., for diagnostics and/or biomarker detection). In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the cartridge  106  includes a housing  110  and a sample tray  112  configured to collect one or more samples of the bodily fluid. In some embodiments, the sample tray  112  can be releasably coupled to the housing  110  such that that sample tray  112  can be detached from the housing  110 . 
       FIG.  2 A , for example, is a cross-sectional side view of the collection cartridge  106 , and  FIG.  2 B  is a perspective view of the sample tray  112  detached from the housing  110  in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to  FIGS.  2 A and  2 B  together, in the illustrated embodiment the housing  110  includes (i) a base  214 , (ii) a pair of inner sidewalls  216  (identified individually as a first inner sidewall  216 a and a second inner sidewall  216   b ) projecting from the base  214  (e.g., perpendicular to the base  214 ) and together defining a fluid channel  213 , and (iii) a pair of outer sidewalls  218  (identified individually as a first outer sidewall  218   a  and a second outer sidewall  218   b ) projecting from base  214 . The sample tray  112  can include a base  224  and a pair of sidewalls  226  (identified individually as a first sidewall  226   a  and a second sidewall  226   b ) projecting from the base  224 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sample tray  112  further includes a plurality of collectors  228  attached to (e.g., releasably coupled to) the base  224 . The collectors  228  are configured to absorb and store a portion of the bodily fluid moving/flowing through the fluid channel  213 . In some embodiments, the collectors  228  can comprise a plastic, paper, or other suitably absorbent material. In some embodiments, the collectors  228  are configured to absorb and store a predetermined volume of bodily fluid. In some embodiments, the collectors  228  are releasably coupled to the sample tray  112  such that the collectors  228  can be removed for testing of bodily fluid collected therein. 
     When the sample tray  112  is coupled to the housing  110  as shown in  FIG.  2 A , the sample tray  112  encloses/covers the fluid channel  213  and the collectors  228  project at least partially into the fluid channel  213 . In some embodiments, the sample tray  112  can be securely coupled to the housing  110  via one or more mating features  225  (shown schematically in  FIG.  2 A ). The mating features  225  can be, for example, correspondingly-shaped portions of the sidewalls  226  of the sample tray  112  and the outer sidewalls  218  of the housing  110 , snap-fit features, magnets, adhesives, etc. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B  together, to collect a bodily fluid sample, the device  100  is applied to a user’s body, with a bottom surface of the housing  102  positioned against the skin of the user and the actuator  104  positioned away from the skin. Actuating (e.g., pressing, twisting, pulling, etc.) the actuator  104  deploys a skin-piercing feature (e.g., a blade, lancet, etc.) from within the device  100  to pierce the skin of the user. In some embodiments, the device  100  is configured to generate a vacuum within the device  100  that acts against the user’s skin either directly or indirectly, and before and/or after deployment of the skin-piercing feature. Bodily fluid from the resulting incision is withdrawn into the housing  102  and collected into the cartridge  106 . More specifically, the bodily fluid can be transferred from the housing  102  and into the fluid channel  213  of the cartridge  106  where it is absorbed by one or more of the collectors  228 . Once a desired amount of the bodily fluid has been collected into the cartridge  106 , the device  100  is removed from the skin of the user. 
     In some embodiments, the cartridge  106  can then be detached from the housing  102  (e.g., as shown in  FIG.  2 B ) and stored and/or transported for subsequent testing of the bodily fluid collected in the collectors  228 . In some instances, it may be desirable to store the cartridge  106  and/or the collectors  228  in a secure manner that inhibits tampering and/or contamination of the collected sample. For example, when the device  100  is used to collect a blood sample to test for illegal or prohibited drugs (e.g., in an athletic setting testing for doping agents, for employee drug screening, etc.), it is often desirable to secure the collected sample to ensure that the test is accurate by inhibiting intentional and/or unintentional tampering with the sample. 
       FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  are isometric views of a case  330  in an open position and a closed position, respectively, for securely storing and/or transporting the cartridge  106  of  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Referring to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B  together, in the illustrated embodiment the case  330  includes a base portion  332  and a cover portion  334  coupled to the base portion  332  via a hinge  336 . In the open position shown in  FIG.  3 A , the cover portion  334  is pivoted away from the base portion  332  to, for example, allow the cartridge  106  to be inserted into and/or removed from the case  330 . In the closed position shown in  FIG.  3 B , the cover portion  334  engages the base portion  332  (e.g., engages a perimeter of the base portion  332 ). In some embodiments, the base portion  332  and the cover portion  334  sealingly (or generally sealingly) engage one another in the closed position to define a sealed interior of the case  330 . 
     In some embodiments, the base portion  332  and the cover portion  334  each include a snap lock portion  338  (identified individually as a first snap lock portion  338   a  and a second snap lock portion  338   b ) configured to engage/mate together in the closed position to secure the cover portion  334  to/over the base portion  332 . In some embodiments, the snap lock portions  338  are configured to lock to one another in the closed position such that the case  330  cannot be opened, thereby inhibiting tampering with and/or contamination of a sample of bodily fluid stored in the cartridge  106  within the case  330 . In other embodiments, the base portion  332  and/or the cover portion  334  can have other types of engagement/mating features for securing the base portion  332  to the cover portion  334  in the closed position. In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion  332  and the cover portion  334  each have a generally rectangular shape while, in other embodiments, the base portion  332  and/or the cover portion  334  can have other shapes (e.g., circular, oval, rectilinear, polygonal, irregular, etc.). 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion  332  includes a jig portion  340  configured to receive and secure the cartridge  106  ( FIGS.  1 A- 2 B ). With reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 3 A  together, for example, the jig portion  340  can include a plurality of jig features  342  configured to engage the housing  110  of the cartridge  106  to secure the cartridge to/against the base portion  332 . In some embodiments, the jig portion  340  is configured (e.g., shaped, sized, and/or positioned) such that pushing the cartridge  106  into/against the jig portion  340  decouples the sample tray  112  of the cartridge  106  from the housing  110 . For example, pressing the cartridge  106  into the jig portion  340  can disengage/release the mating features  225  of the cartridge  106 , thereby permitting the sample tray  112  to move relative to the housing  110 . In some embodiments, the case  330  is configured (e.g., sized and shaped) such that moving the case  330  from the open position to the closed position pushes/depresses the cartridge  106  into/against the jig portion  340  to decouple the sample tray  112  from the housing  110 . In other embodiments, the jig portion  340  can be omitted. 
     In some embodiments, (i) the base portion  332  includes a plurality of first ports  333  extending therethrough (e.g., within the jig portion  340 ) and (ii) the cover portion  334  includes a plurality of second ports  343  extending therethrough. The first and second ports  333 ,  343  can be configured such that, when the cartridge  106  is coupled to the jig portion  340  and the case  330  is in the closed position, the first and second ports  333 ,  343  are generally aligned with (i) one other and (ii) the collectors  228  of the sample tray  112 . A user, such as a lab technician, can remove (e.g., punch out) the collectors  228  by inserting a tool through corresponding ones of the first and second ports  333 ,  343 . In some embodiments, the case  330  can include a first sealing member  335  over the first ports  333  and a second sealing member  345  over the second ports  343 . The first and second sealing members  335 ,  345  can be foil layers or other puncturable layers and are configured to seal the interior of the case  330  from the external environment when the case  330  is in the closed position. 
     In some embodiments, the cover portion  334  can include a window  346  configured to be positioned at least partially over the jig portion  340 -and the cartridge  106  secured thereto-when the case  330  is in the closed position. The window  346  can facilitate inspection of the cartridge  106 . In some embodiments, the case  330  can further include a desiccant 348 positioned in/on the cover portion  334  and/or the base portion  332  and configured to facilitate drying of bodily fluid collected in the cartridge  106 . In other embodiments, the case  330  can include other substances, agents, etc., for producing a selected environment within the sealed interior of the case  330  when the case  330  is in the closed position. 
       FIGS.  4 A- 4 H  are isometric views of various stages in a method of using the case  330  to securely store and transport the cartridge  106  of  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Although features of the method illustrated in  FIGS.  4 A- 4 H  are described in the context of the case  330  and the cartridge  106  described in detail above with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 3 B , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the method can be practiced with other case designs and/or with other cartridge designs. 
     Referring first to  FIG.  4 A , the case  330  is moved to the open position after the device  100  is removed from a user (e.g., a patient) after sufficient bodily fluid has been collected into the cartridge  106 . Next, as shown in  FIG.  4 B , the cartridge  106  can be detached from the device  100 . In some embodiments, the device  100  is configured for single use and can therefore be discarded after the cartridge  106  is detached therefrom. 
     Referring next to  FIG.  4 C , the cartridge  106  can be positioned in/on the jig portion  340  of the base portion  332  of the case  330 . Specifically, in some embodiments the housing  110  can mate with the jig features  342  to secure the cartridge  106  to base portion  332 . In some embodiments, the cartridge  106  can be depressed into/against the jig portion  340  to decouple the sample tray  112  from the housing  110 . 
     Then, referring to  FIGS.  4 D and  4 E , the case  330  can be moved to the closed position. For example, the user can move the cover portion  334  of the case toward the base portion  332  in the direction indicated by the arrow A (or vis versa) until the snap lock portions  338  mate together to secure the case  330  in the closed position with the cartridge  106  positioned therein. The case  330  may be configured to provide an indication to the user when successfully closed (e.g., visual indicia, an audio signal, etc.) In some embodiments, moving the case  330  from the open position to the closed position pushes the cartridge  106  into the jig portion  340  to decouple the sample tray  112  from the housing  110 . In other embodiments, the jig portion  340  can be omitted and the sample tray  112  can be decoupled from the housing  110  in other manners or need not be decoupled therefrom. 
     In some embodiments, referring to  FIG.  4 F , the user can attach a seal  450  to the case  330  across a portion of the base portion  332  and the cover portion  334 . The seal  450  can inhibit the case  330  from being reopened and thus inhibit tampering and/or provide an indication that tampering has occurred. In some embodiments, the user can sign the seal  450  to authenticate/identify the sample collected within the case  330 . In one aspect of the present technology, the seal  450  can facilitate tracing of the sample stored in the case  330 . 
     In some embodiments, referring to  FIGS.  4 G and  4 H  together, the case  330  can then be deposited into a sealed bag  452  (e.g., a snap-lock bag, zip-lock bag, press-lock bag, etc.) and the sealed bag  452  can be deposited into a shipping box  454 . The box  454  can then be shipped to a testing facility or other location for further processing/evaluation. In other embodiments, the case  330  can be shipped in the sealed bag  452 , without being deposited in another bag or box, or in other suitable matters. 
     In one aspect of the present technology, the case  330  enables the cartridge  106  and bodily fluid collected therein to be securely shipped while inhibiting contamination of the sample (e.g., from the external environment) and tampering with the cartridge  106 . 
       FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  are isometric views of a case  530  in an open position and a closed position, respectively, for securely storing and/or transporting the cartridge  106  of  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B  in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology. Referring to  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  together, the case  530  can include several features generally similar or identical to the features of the case  330  described in detail above with reference to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B . For example, in the illustrated embodiment the case  530  includes a base portion  532  and a cover portion  534  pivotally coupled to the base portion  532  via a hinge  536 . In the open position shown in  FIG.  5 A , the cover portion  534  is pivoted away from the base portion  532  to, for example, allow the cartridge  106  to be inserted into the case  530 . The base portion  532  and the cover portion  534  each include a snap lock portion  538  (identified individually as a first snap lock portion  538   a  and a second snap lock portion  538   b ) that mate/engage in the closed position to secure the cover portion  534  to/over the base portion  532 . Moreover, the base portion  532  includes a jig portion  540  having a plurality of jig features  542  configured to (i) receive the cartridge  106  ( FIGS.  1 A- 2 B ) and (ii) decouple the sample tray  112  of the cartridge  106  from the housing  110 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B,  5 A, and  5 B  together, the base portion  532  can further include a sample receiving portion  560  (e.g., a recess, cavity, indentation, etc.) configured to receive the sample tray  112  of the cartridge  106  after it has been detached from the housing  110 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sample receiving portion  560  includes a plurality of separators  562  (e.g., walls) positioned between corresponding ones of a plurality of first ports  563 . The separators  562  are configured to separate (e.g., sealingly separate) adjacent ones of the collectors  228  of the sample tray  112  to, for example, inhibit fluid transfer between the collectors  228  when the sample tray  112  is positioned in/on the sample receiving portion  560 . The cover portion  534  can include a plurality of second ports  565 , and the first and second ports  563 ,  565  can be configured such that, when the sample tray  112  is in the sample receiving portion  560 , the first and second ports  563 ,  565  are generally aligned with (e.g., are positioned above/below) (i) one another and (ii) the collectors  228  of the sample tray  112 . A user, such as a lab technician, can remove (e.g., punch out) the collectors  228  by inserting a tool through corresponding ones of the first and second ports  563 ,  565 . In some embodiments, the case  530  can include one or more puncturable sealing members (not shown) over the first and second ports  563 ,  565 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the cover portion  534  includes a first recess  566  and a second recess  568  configured to be aligned over the jig portion  540  and the sample receiving portion  560  of the base portion  532 , respectively, when the case  530  is in the closed position. When the case  530  is in the closed position, the housing  110  of the cartridge  106  can be positioned at least partially within the first recess  566  and the sample tray  112  can be positioned at least partially within the second recess  568 . In some embodiments, the cover portion  534  can include a window  546  configured to be positioned at least partially over the sample receiving portion  560 -and the sample tray  112  secured therein/thereto-when the case  530  is in the closed position. The window  546  can facilitate inspection of the cartridge  106 . In some embodiments, the case  530  can further include a desiccant (not shown) positioned in/on the second recess  568  and/or the sample receiving portion  560  and configured to facilitate drying of bodily fluid collected in the sample tray  112 . In some embodiments, the second recess  568  can include a plurality of posts (not shown; e.g., similar to posts  772  shown in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D ). Each of the posts can be configured (e.g., shaped and positioned) to be aligned, in the closed position, over (i) a corresponding one of the collectors  228  of the sample tray  112  and (ii) between an adjacent pair of the separators  562 . Accordingly, when the cover portion  534  is moved to the closed position, the posts can engage the collectors  228  to eject/move the collectors  228  from the sample tray  112  and into the spaces between the separators  562 . 
       FIGS.  6 A- 6 H  are isometric views of various stages in a method of using the case  530  to securely store and transport the cartridge  106  of  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B  in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Although features of the method illustrated in  FIGS.  6 A- 6 H  are described in the context of the case  530  and the cartridge  106  described in detail above with reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B,  5 A, and  5 B , one skilled in the art will appreciate that the method can be practiced with other case designs and/or with other cartridge designs. 
     Referring first to  FIG.  6 A , the case  530  is moved to the open position after the device  100  is removed from a user when sufficient bodily fluid has been collected in the cartridge  106 . Next, as shown in  FIG.  6 B , the cartridge  106  is positioned in/on the jig portion  540  of the case  530 . Specifically, in some embodiments the housing  110  of the cartridge  106  can mate/engage with the jig features  542 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6 C , the cartridge  106  is then pushed/depressed into the jig portion  540  (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow B in  FIG.  6 B ) to decouple the sample tray  112  from the housing  110 . In some embodiments, the device  100  can be rotated to engage the cartridge  106  with the jig portion  540 . In other embodiments, the device  100  can first be detached from the cartridge  106 , and then the cartridge  106  can be directly pressed against the jig portion  540 . In other embodiments, the jig portion  540  can be omitted and the sample tray  112  can be decoupled from the housing  110  in other manners or need not be decoupled therefrom. 
     Next, referring to  FIG.  6 D , the sample tray  112  can be lifted away from the housing  110  (e.g., in the direction indicated by arrow C in  FIG.  6 C ) and positioned in/on the sample receiving portion  560  of the base portion  532 . When the sample tray  112  is positioned in the sample receiving portion  560 , the separators  562  (obscured in  FIG.  6 D ; shown in  FIG.  6 C ) separate and/or seal the collectors  228  (obscured in  FIG.  6 D ) from one another. In some embodiments, the housing  110  can be discarded after the sample tray  112  is detached therefrom. In other embodiments, the housing  110  can remain coupled to the jig portion  540 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  6 E , the case  530  can then be moved to the closed position. For example, a user (e.g., the patient, a technician, etc.) can move the cover portion  534  of the case toward the base portion  532  (e.g., in the direction indicated by the arrow D) until the snap lock portions  538  mate together to secure the case  530  in the closed position with the sample tray  112  positioned therein. As with the case  330  described above, the case  530  may also be configured to provide an indication to the user when successfully closed (e.g., visual indicia, an audio signal, etc.) In some embodiments, referring to  FIG.  6 F , the user can attach a seal  650  to the case  530  across a portion of the base portion  532  and the cover portion  534 . The seal  650  can inhibit the case  530  from being reopened and thus inhibit tampering and/or provide an indication that tampering has occurred. In some embodiments, the user can sign the seal  650  to authenticate/identify the sample collected within the case  530 . In one aspect of the present technology, the seal  650  can facilitate tracing of the sample stored in the case  530 . 
     In some embodiments, referring to  FIGS.  6 G and  6 H  together, the case  530  can then be deposited in a sealed bag  652  (e.g., a snap-lock bag, zip-lock bag, press-lock bag, etc.) and the sealed bag  652  can be deposited in a shipping box  654 . The box  654  can then be shipped to a testing facility or other location. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 H  together, in one aspect of the present technology the case  530  enables the sample tray  112  and bodily fluid collected therein to be securely shipped while inhibiting contamination of the sample (e.g., from the external environment) and inhibiting tampering with the cartridge  106 . Moreover, the case  530  can inhibit cross-contamination between the samples collected in individual ones of the collectors  228  of the sample tray  112  by separating and/or sealing the collectors  228  from one another with the separators  562 . 
       FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  are isometric views of a case  730  in an open position and a closed position, respectively, for securely storing and/or transporting the cartridge  106  of  FIGS.  1 A- 2 B  in accordance with additional embodiments of the present technology.  FIGS.  7 C and  7 D  are a top view and a side view, respectively, of the case  730  in the closed position in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. The sample tray  112  of the cartridge  106  is positioned in the case  730  in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  together, the case  730  can include several features generally similar or identical to the features of the case  330  described in detail above with reference to  FIGS.  3 A- 4 H  and/or the case  530  described in detail above with reference to  FIGS.  5 A- 6 H . For example, in the illustrated embodiment the case  730  includes a base portion  732  and a cover portion  734  pivotally coupled to the base portion  732  via a hinge  736 . The base portion  732  and the cover portion  734  are shown as partially transparent in  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  for the sake of clarity. In the open position shown in  FIG.  7 A , the cover portion  734  is pivoted away from the base portion  732  to, for example, allow the cartridge  106  to be inserted into the case  730 . The base portion  732  and the cover portion  734  each include a snap lock portion  738  (identified individually as a first snap lock portion  738   a  and a second snap lock portion  738   b ) that mate/engage in the closed position to secure the cover portion  734  to/over the base portion  732 . In some embodiments, the snap lock portions  738  are configured to inhibit the case  730  from being reopened after closure, to thereby inhibit tampering with the sample tray  112  and/or provide an indication that tampering has occurred. Moreover, the base portion  732  includes a jig portion  740  configured to (i) receive the cartridge  106  and (ii) decouple the sample tray  112  of the cartridge  106  from the housing  110  (not shown in  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B ). In other embodiments, the jig portion  740  can be omitted and the sample tray  112  need not be decoupled from the housing  110  or can be decoupled in other manners. 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the base portion  732  further includes a sample receiving portion  760  (e.g., a recess, cavity, indentation, etc.) configured to receive the sample tray  112  of the cartridge  106  after it has been detached from the housing  110 . Referring to  FIGS.  7 C and  7 D  together, the sample receiving portion  760  includes a pair of storage chambers  770  (identified individually as a first storage chamber  770   a  and a second storage chamber  770   b ) configured to be positioned below the sample tray  112  of the cartridge  106 . In some embodiments, the storage chambers  770  are sealingly separated from another. In some embodiments, the case  730  can include one of the storage chambers  770  or more than two of the storage chambers  770 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  7 A- 7 D  together, in the illustrated embodiment the cover portion  734  includes a plurality of posts  772  (e.g., pins, ejectors, etc.) extending therefrom. Each of the posts  772  is configured (e.g., shaped and positioned) to be aligned, in the closed position, over (i) a corresponding one of the collectors  228  of the sample tray  112  and (ii) one of the storage chambers  770 . Accordingly, when the cover portion  734  is moved to the closed position, the posts  772  can engage the collectors  228  to eject/move the collectors  228  from the sample tray  112  and into either the first storage chamber  770   a  or the second storage chamber  770   b  positioned below the sample tray  112 .  FIGS.  7 C and  7 D  illustrate the case  730  in the closed position and after two of the collectors  228  have been ejected from the sample tray  112  into each of the storage chambers  770 . Accordingly, in one aspect of the present technology, the case  730  is configured to automatically remove the collectors  228  from the sample tray  112  via the engagement of the posts  772  with the sample tray  112  during closing of the cover portion  734 . In another aspect of the present technology, the case  730  is configured to subdivide/partition the sample stored in the collectors  228  by isolating a first portion of the collectors  228  in the first storage chamber  770   a  and a second portion of the collectors  228  in the second storage chamber  770   b . 
     Referring to  FIG.  7 C , in some embodiments the sample receiving portion  760  can include a first desiccant chamber  774   a  fluidly coupled to the first storage chamber  770   a , and a second desiccant chamber  774   b  fluidly coupled to the second storage chamber  770   b . The desiccant chambers  774  can include a desiccant (not shown) configured to facilitate drying of bodily fluid collected in the collectors  228 . In other embodiments, the case  730  can include other substances, agents, etc., for producing a selected environment within the storage chambers  770 . In some embodiments, the case  730  can include a first sealing member  776   a  over the first storage chamber  770   a  and a second sealing member  776   b  over the second storage chamber  770   b . In some embodiments, the sealing members  776  can be foils, papers, plastics, etc. A user (e.g., a lab technician) can remove the sealing members  776  to access the storage chambers  770  and the collectors  228  stored therein. In some embodiments, the sealing members  776  can provide a visual indication that the case  730  has not been tampered with. 
     In some embodiments, a case configured in accordance with the present technology (e.g., the case  330 , the case  530 , and/or the case  730 ) can include electronic components integrated therein. Referring to  FIG.  7 A , for example, the case  730  can include electronic components  780  (shown schematically) integrated therein (e.g., into the base portion  732  and/or another portion of the case  730 ). The electronic components can include, for example, (i) radiofrequency identification (RFID) components (e.g., chips, receivers, transmitters) etc., for labeling and/or tracking the case, (ii) timing components for recording/stamping a time the case is closed, (iii) sample analysis components for analyzing a fluid sample collected in the cartridge  106 , etc. In some embodiments, the case can further include a display (e.g., a digital readout) for displaying information generated/detected/collected by the electronic components. Referring to  FIG.  5 B , for example, the case  530  can include a display  582  (shown schematically) integrated therein (e.g., into the cover portion  534  and/or another portion of the case  530 ). The display can be configured to display (i) labeling information where the electronic components include RFID components, (ii) time stamp information where the electronic components include timing components, (iii) sample information where the electronic components include sample analysis components, etc. In some embodiments, the case can further include one or more input devices (e.g., buttons, touchscreens, etc.) configured to change the display. 
     In some embodiments, a case configured in accordance with the present technology (e.g., the case  330 , the case  530 , and/or the case  730 ) can be configured to process all or a portion of a sample collected in the cartridge  106 . For example, the case can include plasma separation components (e.g., plasma separation paper) for separating plasma from whole blood collected within the collectors  228 . Specifically, the case can be configured to fluidly couple the collectors  228  to one or more strips of plasma separation paper after they are removed/ejected from the sample tray  112 . In some embodiments, the case can be configured to transfer liquid blood from the cartridge  106  onto any solid substrate. In such embodiments, the cartridge  106  can be configured to collect liquid blood. For example, the cartridge  106  can omit some or all of the collectors  228  and can instead include a liquid reservoir. 
     In some embodiments, a case configured in accordance with the present technology (e.g., the case  330 , the case  530 , and/or the case  730 ) can include components for inhibiting oxidation of a sample stored in the cartridge  106 . For example, the case can include a vacuum source and/or can be coupled to an external vacuum source for generating a vacuum within the interior of the case when the case is closed. Alternatively or additionally, iron oxide and/or another suitable material can be positioned inside the case for capturing/removing oxygen therein. 
     In some embodiments, a case configured in accordance with the present technology (e.g., the case  330 , the case  530 , and/or the case  730 ) and/or packaging for shipping the case to a patient can include a unique QR code that is scannable by the patient via, for example, a smart phone or other mobile device. The QR code can be linked to a web portal or application that enables the patient to input information such as, for example, the time they use the device  100 , identifying information, notes, etc. In some embodiments, scanning of the QR code can automatically indicate a time associated with when the device  100  is used by the patient to withdraw a sample of bodily fluid. 
     The following examples are illustrative of several embodiments of the present technology:
     1. A device for storing a sample of bodily fluid collected in a sample tray of a collection cartridge, the device comprising: 
   a base including a jig portion, wherein the jig portion is configured to (a) receive the collection cartridge and (b) decouple the sample tray from a housing of the collection cartridge; and   a cover pivotally coupled to the base, wherein the cover is movable relative to the base between an open position in which the jig portion is accessible and a closed position in which the jig portion is inaccessible.   
   2. The device of example 1 wherein the jig portion is configured to receive the housing of the collection cartridge, and wherein movement of the housing against the jig portion decouples the sample tray from the housing.   3. The device of example 1 or example 2 wherein-
   the sample tray includes a plurality of collectors configured to receive and store a portion of the bodily fluid;   the base includes a plurality of first ports extending therethrough;   the cover includes a plurality of second ports extending therethrough; and   when the cover is in the closed position, individual ones of the first ports are configured to be aligned with (a) a corresponding one of the second ports and (b) a corresponding one of the collectors.   
   4. The device of any one of examples 1-3 wherein the base portion includes a sample receiving portion spaced apart from the jig portion, and wherein the sample receiving portion is configured to receive the sample tray.   5. The device of example 4 wherein the sample tray includes a plurality of collectors configured to receive and store a portion of the bodily fluid, and wherein the sample receiving portion includes a plurality of separators configured to be positioned between adjacent ones of the collectors when the sample receiving portion receives the sample tray.   6. The device of any one of examples 1-5, further comprising the sample tray.   7. A system for collecting and storing bodily fluid from a subject, the system comprising: 
   a collection device including an actuator operably coupled to a skin-piercing feature, wherein the bodily fluid collection device is configured to be positioned against the subject, and wherein the actuator is movable to move the skin-piercing feature at least partially into the subject to withdraw the bodily fluid;   a collection cartridge configured to be removably coupled to the collection device, wherein the collection cartridge includes a housing and a sample tray, and wherein the sample tray includes a plurality of collectors, and further wherein the collection cartridge is configured to receive the withdrawn bodily fluid and to store the withdrawn bodily fluid in at least one of the collectors; and   a case including-
   a base including a jig portion, wherein the jig portion is configured to (a) receive the collection cartridge and (b) decouple the sample tray from the housing; and   a cover pivotally coupled to the base, wherein the cover is movable relative to the base between a first position in which the jig portion is accessible and a second position in which the jig portion is inaccessible.   
   
   8. A method of collecting a sample of bodily fluid, the method comprising: 
   receiving the bodily fluid in a collector of a collection cartridge;   positioning the collecting cartridge against a jig portion of a case to decouple a tray portion of the collection cartridge from a housing of the collection cartridge, wherein the tray portion includes the collector; and   closing a cover of the case such that the jig portion and collector are inaccessible.   
   9. The method of example 8, further comprising actuating a collection device fluidly coupled to the collection cartridge against skin of a subject to withdraw the bodily fluid from the subject into the collector.   10. The method of example 8 or example 9, further comprising: 
   positioning the case in a sealed bag; and   shipping the sealed bag including the collector.   
   11. The method of any one of examples 8-10 wherein closing the cover moves the collection cartridge against the jig portion to decouple the tray portion from the housing.   

     The above detailed description of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, although steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. The various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments. 
     From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments of the technology. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. 
     Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature and/or additional types of other features are not precluded. It will also be appreciated that specific embodiments have been described herein for purposes of illustration, but that various modifications may be made without deviating from the technology. Further, while advantages associated with some embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.