Low-impact cervical cell and fluid collector

• US 5,231,992 A
• Filed: 12/10/1991
• Issued: 08/03/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 06/04/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Constance L. Jackson
• Original Assignee: Constance L. Jackson
• Inventors: Leon, Arnaldo C.
• Primary Examiner(s): KENEALY, DAVID
• Application Number:
  US07/805,301
• Time in Patent Office: 602 Days
• Field of Search: 128/831, 128/832, 128/759, 128/769, 128/762, 128/749, 128/833-841, 128/757, 128/758, 604/1, 604/327-330, 604/55
• US Class Current: 600/572
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0045 Devices for taking samples of body liquids devices for taking blood samples A61B5/15
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0291 for uterus A61B10/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2010/0074 Vaginal or cervical secretions
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 6/08 Pessaries, i.e. devices worn in the vagina to support the uterus, remedy a malposition or prevent conception , e.g. combined with devices protecting against contagion

Abstract

A cervical cell and fluid collector includes a substantially disc-shaped main body made of a high-density, non-absorbent, non-fibrous, biologically inert polyurethane foam. A porous membrane is mounted in a mainly concave collection recess in the main body. When the collector is in place adjacent to the cervix of a patient, cells and fluids adhere to the outer surface of the membrane. A layer of a cell-moistening material or agent is provided between the membrane and the inner surface of the recess; the cell-moistening material is preferably a pre-hydrated polymer gel that releases water during cell collection for moistening collected cells through the pores of the membrane when the cells are adhered to the outer surface of the membrane. The main body has an inward-slanting annular lip defining the recess and resiliently holding the membrane. The collector may remain in the vaginal cavity of the patient for up to at least 24 hours.

Claims

1. A collector for collecting cells and fluids from the cervical area of a patient comprising:

a substantially disc-shaped main body made of a high-density, non-absorbent, non-fibrous, biologically inert polyurethane foam that has a mainly concave collection recess having an inner surface, whereby the width of the disc-shaped main body is greater than the thickness of the disc-shaped main body;

said main body being positioned in a non-blocking configuration adjacent to the cervical opening of the patient;

a single porous, substantially circular and planar membrane attached to the main body which, during collection, is adjacent to the cervix of the patient, and which has an inner surface and an outer surface, whereby collected cells adhere to the outer surface;

said main body including an inward-slanting annular lip defining the recess and resiliently holding the membrane;

gel means comprising a layer of a pre-hydrated gel located adjacent to the inner surface of the membrane and between the membrane and the inner surface of the recess for releasing water during collection of cells, and for moistening and preserving collected cells through the pores of the membrane when the cells are adhered to the outer surface of the membrane; and

whereby the collector remains in the vaginal cavity of the patient for at least 24 hours.

2. A collector for collecting cells and fluids from the cervical area of a patient comprising:

a substantially disc-shaped main body, whereby the width of the disc-shaped main body is greater than the thickness of the disc-shaped main body;

a porous membrane attached to the main body which, during collection, is adjacent to the cervix of the patient, and which has an inner surface and an outer surface, whereby collected cells adhere to the outer surface; and

gel means comprising a pre-hydrated gel located adjacent to the inner surface of the membrane for releasing water through the pores of the membrane during collection of cells and for moistening and preserving collected cells when the cells are adhered to the outer surface of the membrane.

3. A collector as defined in claim 2, in which:

the main body includes a recess with an inner surface;

the gel means is adjacent to the inner surface of the recess; and

the membrane is substantially circular and is located within the recess outward from the gel means.

4. A collector as defined in claim 3, in which the recess is substantially concave.

5. A collector as defined in claim 3, in which the main body includes an inward-slanting annular lip defining the mainly concave recess and resiliently holding the membrane.

6. A device as defined in claim 2, in which the main body is manufactured of high-density, non-absorbent, non-fibrous polyurethane, whereby the collector remains in the vaginal cavity of the patient for at least 24 hours to collect sample cells and fluids over an entire daily bodily cycle without significant cell deterioration.

7. A collector as defined in claim 2, in which the main body is positioned in a non-blocking configuration adjacent to the cervical opening of the patient.

8. A collector as defined in claim 2, in which the porous membrane is substantially planar and is removable from the main body.