Specimen sample collection device and test system

• US 20060018800A1
• Filed: 01/27/2005
• Published: 01/26/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/28/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Bamburgh Marrsh LLC (MDM Group, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Bamburgh Marrsh LLC (MDM Group, Inc.)
• Inventors: Smith, Paul, Herrig, Richard, Seritella, Keith, Slowey, Paul D., Ennis, John, Wickstead, James
• Granted Patent: US 7,618,591 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/102
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 10/0051 for taking saliva or sputum samples devices for receiving spittle A61J9/00
• 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 2010/0003 including means for analysis by an unskilled person
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/027 Digital display, e.g. LCD, LED
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/5029 using swabs

Abstract

A specimen sample collection device includes a handle having a sufficiency indicator and an absorbent pad partially contained within said handle. A specimen sample collection device and test system includes a handle having a sufficiency indicator, an absorbent pad partially contained within said handle, a pad compression tube insertable over said absorbent pad within said handle and around an end of said handle, and a collection tube having one or more sample chambers, attachable to said pad compression tube, and wherein said compression tube defines one or more chambers, and wherein when said collection tube is attached to said pad compression tube, the chambers are in fluid communication with said pad compression tube. A specimen sample collection device including a sufficiency indicator made up of a light pipe indicator window. A specimen sample collection device including an absorbent pad split and divided into two lengths connected at a base. A specimen sample collection device including a bar code identification. A specimen sample collection device and test system including a lock and key securing mechanism. A specimen sample collection device including a handle one or more analyte test strips A specimen sample collection device and test system including a reader.

Claims

1. A specimen sample collection device, comprising:

a handle having a sufficiency indicator; and

an absorbent pad partially contained within said handle.

3. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein said indicator is a lightpipe having first, second, and third surfaces, wherein the first surface is marked, and wherein the second surface is in contact with an absorbent pad, and wherein the third surface is in visible proximity to an indicator, wherein when absorbent pad absorbs a particular amount of liquid, which changes the refracting properties of the light pipe, such change altering the ability of the light pipe to transfer the symbol or “

marking”

to the sample, and wherein the resulting appearance or disappearance of the symbol or marking indicating that adequate sample has been achieved.

4. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein said indicator is a spring set into sponge-like material, wherein said sponge-like material is in contact with an absorbent pad, and wherein when the sponge-like material is softened by an adequate amount of saliva, spring partially or completely disengages from sponge-like material and snaps providing visual and audible indication that sample volume is adequate.

5. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein said indicator is an expandable material in contact with an absorbent pad and a clear window, wherein when an adequate sample content is reached, the expandable material expands behind and obscures the window providing a visual indication that sample volume is adequate.

6. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein said indicator is a LCD with bi-polar pins, which rest on the absorbent pad, wherein when sufficient liquid touches both bi-polar pins a small electrical current flows though the LCD causing it to change states from clear to black, providing a visual indication that sample volume is adequate.

7. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein said indicator is an absorbent paper with a colored dot located on the inward side can be attached to the inside of a clear window, wherein when an absorbent pad expands against the absorbent paper, the liquid from that pad is transferred to the absorbent paper, wherein becoming wet, the absorbent pad becomes translucent during which time the colored dot becomes visible through the absorbent paper and becomes visible in the window.

8. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein the indicator is a window coated on the inside with a hydrochromic material such that when absorbent pad swells with sample it absorbs, the wet, swollen pad touches the inside of the window, reacting with the coating and causing a color change or graphic symbol to appear.

10. The specimen sample collection device of claims 1 or 2, wherein said absorbent pad is rounded in that portion protruding from said handle.

11. The specimen sample collection device of claims 1 or 2, wherein said absorbent pad is split, divided into two parts and connected at a base of said absorbent pad.

14. The specimen sample collection device of claims 1 or 2, wherein said handle is further provided with a bar code number uniquely identifying said handle.

15. The specimen sample collection device of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a single analyte test strip in said handle and a membrane in said handle, wherein said membrane is in fluid communication with said test strip and said absorbent pad.

16. The specimen sample collection device of claims 1 or 2, further comprising two or more analyte test strips in said handle and two ore more membrane in said handle, wherein said membranes are in fluid communication with said test strips and said absorbent pad.

17. The specimen sample collection device of claims 1 or 2, further comprising one ore more analyte test strips in said handle and a membrane in said handle, wherein said membrane is in fluid communication with each of said test strip and said absorbent pad.

18. The specimen sample collection device and test system of claims 1 or 2, further comprising a reader.

20. The apparatus of claims 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent pad is folded over upon itself.

2. A specimen sample collection device and test system, comprising:

a handle having a sufficiency indicator;

an absorbent pad partially contained within said handle;

a pad compression tube insertable over said absorbent pad within said handle and around an end of said handle; and

a collection tube having one or more sample chambers, attachable to said pad compression tube, and wherein said compression tube defines one or more chambers, and wherein when said collection tube is attached to said pad compression tube, the chambers are in fluid communication with said pad compression tube.

12. The specimen sample collection device and test system of claims 2, wherein said pad compression tube is provided with two chambers into which a split absorbent pad can be placed and each chamber has an outlet.

19. The specimen sample collection device and test system of claim 2, wherein said handle is further provided with a ridged lock and said pad compression tube is provided with a depressed key to lock the handle into the pad compression tube.

9. A specimen collection device, comprising,

Means for providing immediate test results of tests on specimens;

and

Means for providing two or more liquid samples for later analysis of said specimens.

13. The specimen sample collection device and test system of claims 9, wherein collection tubes mate to outlets on pad compression tube.