Evidence collection holder for sample automation

• US 20070166201A9
• Filed: 04/28/2005
• Published: 07/19/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/14/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bode Technology Group Incorporated (Laboratory Corporation Of America Holdings)
• Original Assignee: Bode Technology Group Incorporated (Laboratory Corporation Of America Holdings)
• Inventors: Sangha, Jangbir
• Granted Patent: US 7,597,849 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/102
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/00 Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis vaccination prophylaxis, vaccination therapy A61B17/20; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination menstruation tables G06C3/00; Throat striking implements
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0051 for taking saliva or sputum samples devices for receiving spittle A61J9/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0064 for taking sweat or sebum samples measuring sweat production A61B5/4266
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0096 Casings for storing test samples A61B10/0038 and A61B10/0045 take precedence; preservation of living parts of the human or animal body A01N1/02; containers for retaining a material to be analysed B01L3/50; containers for enzymology or microbiology C12M1/16; swab-sampler being part of enzymology or microbiology container C12M1/30
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/02 Instruments for taking cell samples or for biopsy A61B10/0038 and A61B10/0045 take precedence; needle locating or guiding means A61B17/3403; samplers for enzymology or microbiology C12M1/26; sampling or preparing biological specimens G01N33/48
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 90/96 using barcodes
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/141 Preventing contamination, tampering
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/185 Long distance transport, e.g. mailing
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/021 Identification, e.g. bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/069 Absorbents; Gels to retain a fluid
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0825 Test strips
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0887 Laminated structure
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/50273 characterised by the means or forces applied to move the fluids micropumps F04B19/006, of the membrane type F04B43/043
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5055 Hinged, e.g. opposable surfaces
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/508 rigid containers not provided for above
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 9/52 Supports specially adapted for flat sample carriers, e.g. for plates, slides, chips
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 1/6806 Preparing nucleic acids for analysis, e.g. for polymerase chain reaction [PCR] assay C12Q1/6804 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 2527/125 Specific component of sample, medium or buffer
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/007 Devices specially adapted for forensic samples, e.g. tamper-proofing, sample tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/028 Sampling from a surface, swabbing, vaporising

Abstract

A device and method of securing the original biological specimen collection absorbent within a holder to permit use of the absorbent within automatic specimen analysis devices and to permit continuance of a chain of custody is provided.

Claims

1. An evidence holder for a biological specimen absorbent collector said holder comprising:

a bottom portion,

a top portion for connection to said bottom portion,

means for securing said top portion to said bottom portion to capture the absorbent collector between said top portion and said bottom portion, and

a first void in said top portion in registration with a second void in said bottom portion said first and second voids being located on said top and bottom portions to position the absorbent collector therebetween to expose the absorbent collector within said voids to permit extraction of a sample portion of the collector absorbent.

2. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises a detent and projection for frictional capture of said projection in said detent.

3. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises an adhesive.

4. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises a staple.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a recess in said top portion or in said bottom portion or in both top and bottom portions for receiving the collector therein said recess aligning said collection.

6. The device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising an identification indicia on said holder.

7. The device as claimed in claim 6 wherein said identification indicia is transferred to said holder from said absorbent collector.

8. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said top portion is connected to said bottom portion with a hinge.

9. The holder as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a cutter portion for cutting the biological specimen absorbent collector.

10. The device as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a separation line extending across said top portion and said bottom portion and bisecting said first and second voids for separation of said device into two halves.

11. The device as claimed in claim 10 further comprising an identification indicia bisected by said separation line.

14. The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein said securing means comprises an adhesive.

12. An evidence holder for non-releasable capture of a biological specimen collection absorbent therein said holder permitting removal of sample portions from said absorbent during said non-releasable capture for analysis of the specimen contained on said collection absorbent, said holder comprising:

a bottom portion,

a top portion for connection to said bottom portion,

a cutter portion for cutting the biological specimen absorbent collector,

means for securing said top portion to said bottom portion to capture the absorbent collector between said top portion and said bottom portion, and

a first void in said top portion in registration with a second void in said bottom portion said first and second voids being located on said top and bottom portions to position the absorbent collector therebetween to expose the absorbent collector within said voids to permit extraction of a sample portion of the collector absorbent.

13. The device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said securing means comprises a detent and projection for frictional capture of said projection in said detent.

15. The device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said securing means comprises a staple.

16. The device as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a recess in said top portion or in said bottom portion or in both top and bottom portions for receiving the collector therein said recess aligning said collection.

17. The device as claimed in claim 12 further comprising an identification indicia on said holder.

18. The device as claimed in claim 17 wherein said identification indicia is transferred to said holder from said absorbent collector.

19. The device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said top portion is connected to said bottom portion with a with a hinge.

20. The device as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a separation line extending across said top portion and said bottom portion and bisecting said first and second voids for separation of said device into two halves.

21. The device as claimed in claim 20 further comprising an identification indicia bisected by said separation line.

30. The device as claimed in claim 12 wherein said top portion is connected to said bottom portion with a hinge.

31. The device as claimed in claim 12 further comprising a separation line extending across said top portion and said bottom portion and bisecting said first and second voids for separation of said device into two halves.

32. The device as claimed in claim 20 further comprising an identification indicia bisected by said separation line.

22. An evidence holder for capture of a biological specimen collection absorbent therein said holder permitting removal of sample portions from said absorbent during said capture for analysis of the specimen contained on said collection absorbent, said holder comprising:

a subject information portion,

a subject biological specimen collection absorbent holder portion attached to said subject information portion comprising;

a bottom portion,

a top portion,

a cutter portion for cutting the biological specimen absorbent collector,

means for securing said top portion to said bottom portion to capture the absorbent collector between said top portion and said bottom portion, and

a first void in said top portion in registration with a second void in said bottom portion said first and second voids being located on said top and bottom portions to position the absorbent collector therebetween to expose the absorbent collector within said voids to permit extraction of a sample portion of the collector absorbent.

23. The device as claimed in claim 22 further comprising a subject fingerprint portion for placement of at least one fingerprint of a subject thereon.

24. The device as claimed in claim 22 wherein said securing means comprises a detent and projection for frictional capture of said projection in said detent.

25. The device as claimed in claim 22 wherein said securing means comprises an adhesive.

26. The device as claimed in claim 22 wherein said securing means comprises a staple.

27. The device as claimed in claim 22 further comprising a first identification indicia on said a subject information portion and a second identification indicia on said subject biological specimen collection absorbent holder portion.

28. The device as claimed in claim 27 wherein said first and second indicia are identical.

29. The device as claimed in claim 27 wherein either first or second indicia is transferred to said device from said absorbent collector.

33. An evidence holder for capture of a biological specimen collection absorbent therein said holder permitting removal of sample portions from said absorbent during said capture for analysis of the specimen contained on said collection absorbent, said holder comprising:

a subject information portion,

a subject biological specimen collection absorbent holder portion comprising;

a bottom portion attached to said subject information portion, said bottom portion having a collection absorbent holder area for placement of the collection absorbent thereon,

a top portion for adhesive attachment to said collection absorbent holder area to capture said collection absorbent between said bottom portion holder area and said top portion,

a cutter portion adjacent said absorbent holder area for cutting the biological specimen absorbent collector, and

a first void in said top portion in registration with a second void in said bottom portion said first and second voids being located on said top and bottom portions to position the absorbent collector therebetween to expose the absorbent collector within said voids to permit extraction of a sample portion of the collector absorbent.

34. The device as claimed in claim 33 further comprising a subject fingerprint portion for placement of at least one fingerprint of a subject thereon.

35. The device as claimed in claim 33 further comprising a first identification indicia on said a subject information portion and a second identification indicia on said subject biological specimen collection absorbent holder portion.

36. The device as claimed in claim 35 wherein said first and second indicia are identical.

37. The device as claimed in claim 35 wherein either first or second indicia is transferred to said device from said absorbent collector.

38. An evidence holder for capture of a biological specimen collection absorbent therein said holder permitting removal of sample portions from said absorbent during said capture for analysis of the specimen contained on said collection absorbent, said holder comprising:

a bottom portion attached to said subject information portion, said bottom portion having a collection absorbent holder area for placement of the collection absorbent thereon,

a top portion for adhesive attachment to said collection absorbent holder area to capture said collection absorbent between said bottom portion holder area and said top portion,

a cutter portion adjacent said absorbent holder area for cutting the biological specimen absorbent collector, and

a first void in said top portion in registration with a second void in said bottom portion said first and second voids being located on said top and bottom portions to position the absorbent collector therebetween to expose the absorbent collector within said voids to permit extraction of a sample portion of the collector absorbent.

39. The device as claimed in claim 38 further comprising a subject fingerprint portion for placement of at least one fingerprint of a subject thereon.

40. The device as claimed in claim 38 further comprising a first identification indicia on said a subject information portion and a second identification indicia on said subject biological specimen collection absorbent holder portion.

41. The device as claimed in claim 40 wherein said first and second indicia are identical.

42. The device as claimed in claim 40 wherein either first or second indicia is transferred to said device from said absorbent collector.

43. A biological specimen collection device having an absorbent collector mounted thereon said holder permitting removal of sample portions from said absorbent for analysis of the specimen contained on said collection absorbent, said device comprising:

at least four support segments connected together in linear array comprising first and second end segments and two or more interior segments,

two adjacent segments of said two or more interior segments having a first void on a first of said two adjacent segments and a second void on a second of said two adjacent segments, said voids being generally superimposable over one another upon folding of said two adjacent segments into contact, and

an absorbent collector mounted on a first of two adjacent segments for collection a biological sampler thereon.

44. A biological specimen collection device comprising:

a generally rectangular support handle having a first end and an second end, said support handle having a generally centered, longitudinal fold line to provide a first handle half and a second handle half said first handle half having a slot thereon,

an absorbent collector mounted at said first end of said first half,

at least one subject information indicia located on said handle, and

means for securing said first handle half against said second handle half upon folding said first handle half onto said second handle half.

45. The device as claimed in claim 44 wherein said means for securing is a slot on said first end and a tab extending from said second end for insertion into said slot.

46. The device as claimed in claim 44 wherein said means for securing is an adhesive.

47. A biological specimen collection device comprising:

a generally rectangular support handle having a first end and an second end said first end being separated from said second end by a fold line extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of said handle,

a first void on said first end and a second void on said second end said voids being generally superimposable over one another upon folding of said second end onto said first end along said fold line,

a collection absorbent for collection of a biological specimen thereon, said absorbent positioned on said first end adjacent said fold line and over said first void, and

means for securing said first end against an second end upon folding of said second end onto said first end along said fold line.

48. The device as claimed in claim 47 wherein said means for securing is a slot on said first end and a tab extending from said second end for insertion into said slot.

49. The device as claimed in claim 47 wherein said means for securing is an adhesive.

50. A method of supporting an original biological sample collection absorbent after the collection of the biological sample directly onto the original collection absorbent to thereby provide for use of the original absorbent in an automated analytical system and to allow storage of the original biological sample collection absorbent comprising:

providing a holder for receiving an original collection absorbent, said holder having a first holder portion and a second holder portion,

inserting said original collection absorbent into said holder after the collection of the biological sample directly onto said original collection absorbent,

connecting said first holder portion to said second holder portion to capture said original collection absorbent therebetween to provide an original collection absorbent containing holder,

inserting said original collection absorbent containing holder into an automatic sampling device,

removing a portion of said original absorbent from said original absorbent contained in said original absorbent containing holder, and

storing said original absorbent containing holder for future reference.

51. The method as claimed in claim 50 further comprising the step of completing a subject information portion connected to said first holder portion and/or to said second holder portion.

52. The method as claimed in claim 50 further comprising the step of pressing said original collection absorbent against a cutter connected to said first holder portion and/or to said second holder portion to separate a handle connected to said original collection absorbent.

53. The method as claimed in claim 50 wherein said step of connecting said first holder portion to said second holder further comprises the step of fastening said first holder portion to said second holder portion.

55. The method as claimed in claim 50 further comprising the step of affixing a fingerprint of a subject from whom the biological sample is obtained onto said first holder portion and/or said second holder portion and/or an information portion.

56. The method as claimed in claim 50 further comprising the step of separating said original absorbent containing holder into first and second original absorbent containing holder portions.

57. The method as claimed in claim 56 wherein each of said first and second holder portions retains approximately half of an identifying indicia sail identifying indicia previously having been on said original absorbent containing holder two affixing a finger print of a subject from whom the biological sample is obtained onto said first holder portion and/or said second holder portion and/or an information portion.

59. The method as claimed in claim 50 wherein said step of connecting said first holder portion to said second holder further comprises the step of securing adhesively said first holder portion to said second holder portion.

54. The method as claimed in 50 further comprising the step of transferring an identifying indicia to said first holder portion and/or said second holder portion from a handle portion connected to said original collection absorbent.

58. The method as claimed in 50 further comprising the step of providing a unique identifying indicia which indicia spans across said fist holder portion and/or said second holder portion and said information portion.

60. A method of supporting an original biological sample collection absorbent after the collection of the biological sample directly onto the original collection absorbent to thereby provide for use of the original absorbent in an automated analytical system and to allow storage of the original biological sample collection absorbent comprising:

providing a holder for receiving an original collection absorbent, said holder having a first holder portion and a second holder portion, said holder having at least one identifying indicia thereon

inserting said original collection absorbent into said holder after the collection of the biological sample directly onto said original collection absorbent,

connecting said first holder portion to said second holder portion to capture said original collection absorbent therebetween to provide an original collection absorbent containing holder,

completing a subject information portion connected to said first holder portion and/or to said second holder portion,

inserting said original collection absorbent containing holder into an automatic sampling device,

removing a portion of said original absorbent from said original absorbent contained in said original absorbent containing holder, and

storing said original absorbent containing holder for future reference.

61. The method as claimed in claim 60 further comprising the step of pressing said original collection absorbent against a cutter connected to said first holder portion and/or to said second holder portion to separate a handle connected to said original collection absorbent.

62. The method as claimed in claim 60 wherein said step of connecting said first holder portion to said second holder further comprises the step of fastening said first holder portion to said second holder portion.

63. The method as claimed in claim 60 further comprising the step of affixing a finger print of a subject from whom the biological sample is obtained onto said first holder portion and/or said second holder portion and/or an information portion.

64. The method as claimed in claim 60 further comprising the step of separating said original absorbent containing holder into first and second original absorbent containing holder portions.

65. The method as claimed in claim 62 wherein each of said first and second holder portions retains approximately half of said identifying indicia on said holder.

66. The method as claimed in claim 60 further comprising the step of affixing a fingerprint of a subject from whom the biological sample is obtained onto said first holder portion and/or said second holder portion and/or an information portion.

67. The method as claimed in claim 60 wherein said step of connecting said first holder portion to said second holder further comprises the step of securing adhesively said first holder portion to said second holder portion.

68. A biological specimen collection device comprising:

a holder having a front end, said front end having a generally flat surface thereon,

a handle having an absorbent extending from a first end of said handle, said handle being insertable into said holder to permit said absorbent to be supportively positioned on said holder flat surface,

a cover connected to said handle, said cover being movable between first and second positions, said first position exposing said absorbent for use and said second position covering said absorbent.

69. The collection device of claim 68 wherein said handle is separable from said holder for specimen collection by said absorbent while said absorbent is unsupported by said holder.