Device for collecting liquid samples

• US 20040171173A1
• Filed: 02/18/2004
• Published: 09/02/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bernd Lindner, Martin Eckermann, Martin Ullmann
• Original Assignee: Bernd Lindner, Martin Eckermann, Martin Ullmann
• Inventors: Lindner, Bernd, Eckermann, Martin, Ullmann, Martin
• Granted Patent: US 7,294,502 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 436/514
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0045 Devices for taking samples of body liquids devices for taking blood samples A61B5/15
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0051 for taking saliva or sputum samples devices for receiving spittle A61J9/00
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/087 Ergonomic aspects
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0825 Test strips
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5023 with a sample being transported to, and subsequently stored in an absorbent for analysis
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5029 using swabs
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/028 Sampling from a surface, swabbing, vaporising
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 435/805 Test papers
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 435/97 Test strip or test slide
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 436/808 Automated or kit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 436/81 Tube, bottle, or dipstick
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/112499 with sample on test slide

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for collecting samples of fluids, in particular of body fluids such as saliva, said device comprising an absorbent pad and two housing parts which are connected to the latter in a movable manner and can enclose the absorbent pad. The device permits easy and safe handling when taking a sample and when transferring the sample for testing for an analyte in the sample. The device can also be handled hygienically and safely by persons not trained in taking samples.

Claims

1. A device for collecting samples of fluids, said device comprising an absorbent pad and two housing parts which are connected to the absorbent pad in a movable manner, said housing parts being arranged in such a way that, in a first position of the housing parts, the absorbent pad can take up the sample of fluid, and, in a second position, the housing parts surround the absorbent pad.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1, which device is adapted for collecting body fluids.

3. The device as claimed in claim 2, which device is adapted for collecting saliva from the oral cavity.

4. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the housing parts are connected to the absorbent pad via at least one hinge.

5. The device as claimed in claim 4, in which the absorbent pad is secured on a holder on which the housing parts are articulated.

6. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the absorbent pad comprises pressed cellulose.

7. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the absorbent pad comprises a means stimulating the flow of saliva.

8. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one test strip for detection of at least one analyte in the sample of fluid.

9. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which the housing parts comprise a squeezing arrangement which, when the housing parts are moved into their second position in which they surround the absorbent pad, squeezes the fluid out of the latter.

10. The device as claimed in claims 8 and 9, in which the test strip or test strips has/have an application zone for the sample of fluid, and the test strip or test strips is/are arranged in one of the housing parts in such a way that, when the housing parts are moved into their second position in which they surround the absorbent pad, the squeezing arrangement squeezes the sample of fluid out of the absorbent pad onto the application zone of the test strip(s).

11. The device as claimed in one of claims 8-10, in which the test strip or test strips is/are arranged in one of the housing parts between the housing wall and a dividing wall.

12. The device as claimed in claim 11, in which the dividing wall has an inlet opening through which the sample of fluid can pass to the test strip or test strips.

13. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, in which one of the housing parts comprises a storage chamber for a liquid.

14. The device as claimed in one of claims 8-13, in which the device comprises at least one viewing window through which the test strip or test strips can be observed.

15. The device as claimed in claim 14, in which the viewing window is closed with a transparent material.

16. The device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, comprising a display means which indicates opening of the housing after the housing parts have been moved to their second position in which they surround the absorbent pad.

17. Use of the device as claimed in one of the preceding claims, for collecting a sample of saliva.

18. Use of the device as claimed in one of claims 8-16, for collecting a sample of saliva and for detecting an analyte in this sample of saliva.