METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MEDICAL HOME TESTING

• US 20130172778A1
• Filed: 12/29/2011
• Published: 07/04/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 12/29/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Express Scripts Strategic Development, Inc. (The Cigna Group)
• Original Assignee: Express Scripts Incorporated (The Cigna Group)
• Inventors: Teschendorf, Lauren K.
• Granted Patent: US 8,801,628 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/569
• 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 10/0291 for uterus A61B10/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2010/0216 Sampling brushes

Abstract

Methods and systems for medical home testing are described. In one embodiment, the device includes a case member, a plunger member, an accumulator member and a handle member. The case member has a first distal end portion and a first proximal end portion. The first distal end portion has a distal opening and the first proximal end portion has an aperture. The plunger member is sized and configured for sliding through the aperture. The plunger member has a second distal end portion configured to slide within the case member. The accumulator member is disposed in the case member adjacent the plunger member. The accumulator member is compressed by the case member and configured for sliding through the distal opening as the plunger slides through the aperture. The handle member is attached to the accumulator member and extends through the plunger member. Other methods and systems are also described.

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a case member having a first distal end portion and a first proximal end portion, the first distal end portion having a distal opening, and the first proximal end portion having an aperture;

a plunger member sized and configured for sliding through the aperture, the plunger member having a second distal end portion configured to slide within the case member;

an accumulator member disposed in the case member adjacent the plunger member, the accumulator member being compressed by the case member and configured for sliding through the distal opening as the plunger member slides through the aperture; and

a handle member attached to the accumulator member and extending through the plunger member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the accumulator member includes a third distal end portion and a third tip section having a collection substrate at the third distal end portion.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the collection substrate includes a layer with collection apertures, microbristles, granulation, or combinations thereof.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the collection substrate includes a solution for preserving collected cells.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the accumulator member includes a third distal end portion and one or more extensions extending from the third distal end portion.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the extension has a wing-like shape.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the extension extends annularly around the third distal end portion.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a collection receptacle configured to contain at least the accumulator member during shipment, the collection receptacle including a cap and a preservation fluid; and

a transport container having a label.

9. A method comprising:

placing an accumulator member proximal a cervix;

collecting cells without scraping;

removing the accumulator member;

preserving the cells in a collection receptacle; and

shipping the cells in the collection receptacle.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein placing comprises:

forcing the accumulator member through a case member.

11. The method of claim 9, wherein forcing comprises:

pushing a plunger member that is telescopically coupled with the case member.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein collecting comprises:

obtaining the cells passively.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein preserving comprises:

exposing collected cells to a preservation fluid.

14. The method of claim 9, wherein shipping comprises:

mailing the collection receptacle with the accumulator member therein to a laboratory.

15. The method of claim 9, wherein shipping comprises:

delivering the collection receptacle with the accumulator member therein to a health care provider.