×

Sample collection method with extraction sleeve

  • US 5,922,614 A
  • Filed: 06/04/1997
  • Issued: 07/13/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/04/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A method for collecting a sample of fluid specimen from a patient for diagnostic testing, the method comprising:

  • providing a specimen collecting device comprising a hollow tubular member, an elongated foam member having a length along a longitudinal axis and an uncompressed cross sectional area, the elongated foam member being circumscribed by a hollow tubular member along a portion of the longitudinal axis, the hollow tubular member having a cross sectional area less than the uncompressed cross sectional area of the foam member so that the foam member is compressed along the circumscribed portion, and a flexible sleeve member slidably mounted on the hollow tubular member, the flexible sleeve member having a first end that fits snugly around the hollow tubular member and a second end with an enlarged diameter that can surround the uncompressed foam member;

    sliding the flexible sleeve member along the hollow tubular member to expose the foam member;

    placing one end of the specimen collecting device in a sample of the fluid of the patient to absorb the fluid into the foam member;

    removing the specimen collecting device from the sample;

    sliding the flexible sleeve member along the hollow tubular member to cover the foam member; and

    squeezing the foam member through the flexible sleeve member to extract a portion of the fluid absorbed by the foam.

View all claims
  • 2 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×