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Methods and devices for obtaining and assaying mammary fluid samples for evaluating breast diseases, including cancer

  • US 6,287,521 B1
  • Filed: 02/20/1998
  • Issued: 09/11/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/27/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A sample collection device for collecting a biological sample from a mammary organ of a patient, comprising:

  • a breast engaging member constructed of a non-porous material sized and dimensioned to receive at least a nipple portion of a breast of said patient and form a suction seal therewith;

    a solid phase sample collection medium in fluid connection with said breast engaging member for receiving a sample of expressed breast fluid; and

    vacuum pump means in gaseous connection with said breast engaging member for generating negative pressure through the breast engaging member to facilitate breast fluid expression, wherein said solid phase sample collection medium is selected from the group consisting of microscopic glass slides, capillary tubes, collection tubes, columns, micro-columns, wells, plates, membranes, filters, resins, inorganic matrices, beads, particulate chromatographic media, plastic microparticles, latex particles, coated tubes, coated templates, coated beads, coated matrices, or a combination thereof.

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