Container for biological samples and method for preserving the same

Abstract

A container (1) for biological samples, comprising a lower receiver (2), an upper receiver (3) for toxic liquid (LF) or a substance considered to be a toxic liquid having a radial ring (63), and a connecting sleeve (4) having a circumferential edge (54) and a transverse partition (40), the connecting sleeve being provided with a central vent (55) and provided with a plurality of delivery ports (51) for conveying the toxic liquid (LF). Before the upper receiver is unscrewed until its radial ring (63) contacts the circumferential edge (54), the toxic liquid (LF) is sealed between the upper receiver (3) and the transverse partition (40). When the upper receiver (3) is unscrewed, the toxic liquid (LF) reaches and passes through the plurality of delivery ports (51), and the air contained in the lower receiver (2) flows into the upper receiver (3) through the central vent (55), without any gas and liquid being discharged from the container (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container for biological samples. Specifically, it relates to a container for in vitro diagnosis and research, which allows the preservation, storage and transportation of biological samples, such as tissue fragments from biopsies or surgical resections, or samples of feces or biological fluids (such as urine, ascites, pleural effusions). More specifically, the present invention is applied in the field of in vitro tests for diagnosis and research in pathology, histology, microbiology and molecular biology using biological samples. The container is of a disposable type. The present invention also relates to a method for stabilizing and preserving samples of human, animal or plant origin. Background Art

[0002] In more detail, biological samples are often used for pathological, histological, microbiological, or molecular analysis to detect, study, stage, and determine the best treatment for a variety of diseases.

[0003] An essential requirement for accurate and detailed morphological or molecular analysis is the high quality of biological samples to avoid structural and molecular changes caused by exposure to environmental stresses or by degradation processes inherent in the sample itself. Therefore, it is necessary to provide a container and method for preserving these biological samples immediately or as soon as possible after sampling, and subsequently storing or transporting them under controlled conditions, while maintaining and stabilizing the structural and molecular integrity of the samples. This preservation and storage is typically achieved by adding appropriate chemical reagents to the samples.

[0004] Traditionally, in cytology and histology, in order to preserve and store cells and tissues, the samples are immersed in a single mixture of preservative / stabilizer reagents. Unfortunately, the fluids suitable for this are often toxic or hazardous. For example, the most commonly used preservative / stabilizer reagent in diagnostic histopathology, 10% neutral buffered formalin, is a 4% formaldehyde solution in isotonic phosphate buffer. The biggest problem with the use of formaldehyde in diagnostic procedures is obviously controlling the health risks to the operators, as formaldehyde has been classified as a substance with high acute toxicity due to ingestion, skin contact and inhalation. Commission Regulation (EU) No. 605 / 2014 classifies formaldehyde as Carc. 1B and Muta. 2 (substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic).

[0005] EP3328286 describes a disposable container for storing and transporting human tissue samples. The container comprises a receptacle containing a buffer solution, a piercing cap, a capsule containing formalin sealed by a protective membrane, and a safety ring nut inserted between the base of the piercing cap and the capsule. When the capsule is screwed onto the ring nut, a plug located on the threads of the ring nut ruptures.

[0006] EP3220832 discloses a container comprising a body adapted to hold a biopsy sample and a cap adapted to be screwed onto the body to tightly seal it. The cap comprises a receptacle for holding an antiseptic solution, the receptacle being sealed at the bottom by a tearable membrane, and a piercing member adapted to press against the membrane to tear it. The cap has a perforated lower wall to allow the antiseptic solution to flow from the receptacle to the body due to tearing of the membrane.

[0007] US2017 / 0231604 discloses a tissue sample container and a lid. The lid has a sealed receptacle suitable for containing a preservative and a puncture element that can be actuated to break the seal.

[0008] To protect users from the hazards of formaldehyde, WO2019092638 by the same applicant describes an in vitro diagnostic container comprising a lower receiver for holding non-toxic liquids, an upper receiver for holding toxic liquids, and a connecting sleeve that threadedly connects the lower and upper receivers for docking. The connecting sleeve has a transverse bulkhead with multiple delivery ports and a central vent. When the container is fully closed, the lower and upper receivers abut against the transverse bulkhead. If the upper receiver is partially unscrewed from the transverse bulkhead, the toxic liquid can enter the lower receiver by gravity.

[0009] In the container according to WO2019092638, the simple butt connection between the upper receiver and the transverse bulkhead does not ensure a tight seal between the upper receiver and the transverse bulkhead. In addition, the transfer of toxic liquid from the upper receiver to the lower receiver may cause a small amount of air to enter from the outside, and the same volume of air may leak to the outside and then mix with the vapor of the toxic liquid.

[0010] Furthermore, loosening the upper receiver from the connecting sleeve is restricted by a retaining protrusion in the internal threads of the upper portion of the connecting sleeve, near its upper end. Thus, users are advised not to forcefully loosen the receiver, as this could lead to further diffusion of toxic liquid vapors. Clearly, the preventive measure provided by the retaining protrusion is insufficient to reduce the risk of contamination. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The present invention is used to overcome the defects of the prior art.

[0012] One object of the present invention is to eliminate the risk of exposure, by contact and by inhalation, to preservative / stabilizer reagents that often contain toxic or hazardous substances during the transfer and deposition of biological samples in containers for in vitro diagnostics.

[0013] A primary object of the present invention is to provide a container that is easy to use and reliably forms a tight seal of the upper receiver against the transverse bulkhead of the connecting sleeve.

[0014] Another object of the invention is to avoid the ingress of air from the outside and the escape of air mixed with vapors from the toxic liquid or substances considered to be toxic liquids when the device is actuated.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an accurate abutment for safely and reliably unscrewing the upper receiver relative to the connecting sleeve to avoid further potential sources of diffusion of toxic liquid vapors.

[0016] Another important object is to provide a method of using a container having the above purpose which is intuitive and leaves little room for error for those working with the storage and transport of biological samples for pathological, histological, microbiological and molecular examinations.

[0017] Another object of the present invention is to provide a complete and pre-filled container that does not require a protective membrane to seal the toxic liquid, so there is no risk that the membrane will cause an obstruction to the flow of the preservative from the upper to the lower receiver.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to eliminate the risk that liquid may flow back from the lower receptacle into the upper receptacle after closing the container.

[0019] Therefore, in a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a container for a biological sample according to claims 1 to 10.

[0020] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for storing a biological sample according to claims 11 and 12. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the description of one embodiment of the container shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] - Figures 1 to 4 are respectively a general perspective view, a top view, a side view and a central longitudinal section along line AA in the side view of a container according to the invention in a closed position;

[0023] - Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A partial enlarged view of the central longitudinal section;

[0024] - Figures 6 to 9 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, a side view and a central longitudinal section along line BB in the side view of a lower receptacle of a container according to the present invention;

[0025] - Figures 10 to 13 are respectively a perspective view, a top view, a side view and a central longitudinal section along line CC in the side view of a connecting sleeve of a container according to the invention; and

[0026] - Figures 14 to 17 A perspective view, a bottom view, a side view and a central longitudinal section along the line DD in the side view of the upper receptacle of a container according to the invention are respectively shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] First reference Figures 1 to 4 , which are respectively an overall perspective view, a top view, a side view and a central longitudinal section of a container 1 for in vitro diagnosis according to the present invention in a closed position. Figure 4 The central longitudinal section is along Figure 3 The line AA is obtained.

[0028] The container 1 comprises a lower receiver 2, an upper receiver 3 and a connecting sleeve 4, the latter (connecting sleeve) serving as a threaded coupling means for joining the lower receiver 2 to the upper receiver 3. The terms "lower" and "upper" refer to the upright position of the container during its handling, since when the container is fully closed it can assume any position without any consequences.

[0029] The lower receiver 2 is preferably used to contain a non-toxic liquid before the container is actuated, such as a buffer solution that is generally suitable for preventing dehydration of solid samples or suspending semi-solid samples or diluting liquid samples. Obviously, if the specific storage of the biological sample does not require liquid, the lower receiver 2 can be free of liquid. Figures 6 to 9 Shown are respectively a perspective view, a top view, a side view and a central longitudinal section along line BB in the side view of the lower receiver 2 , the latter (lower receiver) having a side wall 20 provided with an external thread 21 and ending in a circular opening 22 .

[0030] Now refer to Figures 14 to 17 , which are respectively a perspective view, a bottom view, a side view, and a central longitudinal section along line DD in the side view of the upper receptacle 3 of a container 1 according to the present invention. The upper receptacle 3 is used to contain a toxic liquid or a liquid considered to be toxic, typically a preservative / stabilizer mixture, prior to actuation of the container. The upper receptacle 3 has a side wall 30 provided with external threads 31 and terminating in a circular opening 32.

[0031] Now refer to Figures 10 to 13 , which are respectively a perspective view, a top view, a side view and a central longitudinal section along line CC in the side view of the connecting sleeve 4 of the container 1 according to the present invention. Figure 4 As shown, the connecting sleeve 4 is longitudinally engaged with the external threads 21 and 31 of the lower receiver 2 and the upper receiver 3, respectively, for docking these receivers. The connecting sleeve 4 has a transverse partition 40, against which the lower receiver 2 and the upper receiver 3 abut with their respective circular openings 22, 32 on opposite sides when the container 1 is fully closed.

[0032] It can thus be understood that the threaded coupling device between the lower receiver 2 and the upper receiver 3 according to the present invention comprises a single connecting sleeve 4 comprising a lower portion 41 and an upper portion 42 .

[0033] The lower portion 41 has a side wall 43 with an internal thread 44 that engages with the external thread 21 of the lower receiver 2. The upper portion 42 has a side wall 45 with an internal thread band 48 that engages with the external thread 31 of the upper receiver 3.

[0034] The transverse partition wall 40 separates the lower part 41 of the connecting sleeve 4 from its upper part 42 and is provided with a plurality of feed openings 51 in the form of through-holes in a peripheral region 52 of the transverse partition wall 40 and a central vent 55 of the chimney element 65 .

[0035] Specifically, refer to Figure 5 The upper side wall 45 of the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 includes a first inner smooth band 47 , the above-mentioned inner threaded band 48 having a thread 70 engaged with the outer thread 31 of the upper receiver 3 , and a second inner smooth band 49 near the free end 46 of the upper portion 42 .

[0036] According to the invention, the establishment of a tight seal of the upper receiver 3 against the transverse bulkhead 40 is due to the specific configuration achieved in the coupling of the former (upper receiver) with the latter (transverse bulkhead).

[0037] In particular, in the side of the transverse bulkhead 40 of the connecting sleeve 4 facing the upper receiver 3, a first circumferential protrusion 53 is provided, which protrudes orthogonally in the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4, internally defining the peripheral area 52 of the transverse bulkhead 40. The first circumferential protrusion 53 is suitable for forming a tight seal with the circular mouth 32 of the upper receiver 3 when the circular mouth 32 of the upper receiver 3 is completely screwed into the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4.

[0038] Preferably, a second circumferential protrusion 57 coaxial with the first circumferential protrusion 53 and on its inner side protrudes orthogonally from the transverse bulkhead 40 in the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 to form a first groove 58. Conveniently, the first circumferential protrusion 53 and the second circumferential protrusion 57 taper upwards to form a guide for the circular opening 32 of the upper receiver 3. In fact, the first groove 58 is adapted to receive the circular opening 32, forming a better seal than a single first circumferential protrusion 53. In this way, when the upper receiver 3 is fully tightened against the transverse bulkhead 40, the toxic liquid LF contained in the upper receiver 3 is prevented from escaping therefrom.

[0039] Advantageously, on the side of the transverse partition 40 facing the receptacle 3, there is always a third circumferential projection 59, which projects orthogonally in the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 and coaxially with the first and second circumferential projections 53, 57. This third circumferential projection 59 forms, with the first inner smooth band 47 of the connecting sleeve 4, a second groove 64, which prevents any toxic liquid that has leaked from the receptacle 3 through the connection between the first groove 58 and the circular orifice 32 from spreading between the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 and the outside of the upper receptacle 3. This is achieved by the specific configuration of the upper receptacle 3 around its circular orifice 32.

[0040] In this particular configuration, the upper receiver 3 comprises a hollow cylindrical element 60 concentric with its circular mouth 32 , having a transverse base 61 and a first longitudinal circumferential wall 62 for lateral airtight sealing contact with the first inner smooth band 47 of the upper side wall 45 of the connecting sleeve 4 .

[0041] In particular, the first longitudinal circumferential wall 62 of the hollow cylindrical element 60 of the upper receiver 3 is inserted into the second groove 64 formed by the third circumferential protrusion 59 and the first inner smooth band 47 of the upper side wall 45 of the connecting sleeve 4 .

[0042] In order to form a further labyrinth seal between the upper receiver 3 and the transverse bulkhead 40 , the hollow cylindrical element 60 of the upper receiver 3 comprises a second longitudinal circumferential wall 72 concentric with the circular opening 32 and adapted to come into contact at its end with the peripheral region 52 of the transverse bulkhead 40 of the connecting sleeve 4 .

[0043] If the toxic liquid LF leaks from the upper receiver 3 , the second longitudinal circumferential wall 72 , which is coaxial with the first longitudinal circumferential wall 62 , prevents the toxic liquid LF from reaching the first inner smooth band 47 of the upper side wall 45 of the connecting sleeve 4 .

[0044] The upper side wall 45 of the connecting sleeve 4 has a free end 46 with an at least partially inwardly projecting circumferential edge 54. The preferably complete circumferential edge 54 has an inner diameter that is capable of producing an undercut in the second inner smooth band 49 in the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4. The function of the circumferential edge 54 will be explained below. At the circumferential edge 54, the sleeve 4 has a projection 69 that projects outwardly in its free end 46.

[0045] The upper receiver 3 preferably has a cylindrical body 300 for containing the toxic liquid LF, which has a diameter that is much smaller than the diameter of the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4. This choice is determined by the fact that its external threads 31, which engage with the threads 70 of the internal threaded band 48 of the connecting sleeve 4, have a significant diameter compared to the diameter of the cylindrical body 300 of the upper receiver 3. Therefore, the external threads 31 of the upper receiver 3 are flexible enough to allow the upper receiver 3 to be forcibly introduced into the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4.

[0046] Furthermore, on the cylindrical body 300 there is a radial ring 63 , the outer diameter of which is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the thread 31 and also greater than the inner diameter of the circumferential edge 54 of the connecting sleeve 4 .

[0047] The upper receiver 3 has a closed base 33 from which depends a rod 56. The rod 56 can fit tightly into the central vent 55 of the chimney element 65 when the upper receiver 3 is fully tightened, and can form an air passage when the upper receiver 3 is partially loosened to the circumferential edge 54.

[0048] On the side of the transverse web 40 opposite the chimney element 65 , the transverse web 40 has a recess 66 into which the central vent 55 of the chimney element 65 merges via a narrow port 67 .

[0049] The stem 56 of the upper receiver 3 , which is movable in the central vent 55 of the chimney element 65 during tightening and loosening of the upper receiver 3 in the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 , has an end section 68 of reduced diameter compared to the rest of the stem 56 .

[0050] The reduced diameter end section 68 is designed to ensure a tight seal with the narrow end 67 of the central vent 55 in the recess 66 when the upper receiver 3 is fully screwed into the upper portion 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 .

[0051] When the upper receiver 3 is unscrewed in the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4 up to the circumferential edge 54 , the end section 68 of the rod 56 provides an air passage.

[0052] The upper receiver 3 has two opposite external radial fins 73 to facilitate gripping and rotation of the upper receiver 3. The same function is achieved by a prismatic structure with polygonal faces with rounded corners 74, obtained on the body 300 of the upper receiver 3. Marked thereon at 75 are arrows or text indicating the directions of closing and opening, respectively, of the upper receiver 3. It will be understood that the direction of opening is of course the most critical for safety purposes.

[0053] Protrusions 76 are provided in the wall 20 of the lower receiver 2 to facilitate its loosening and tightening.

[0054] The present invention also provides a method for storing biological samples of human, animal or plant origin using the containers for in vitro diagnostics described so far. Starting from completely closed and sealed containers in which a non-toxic liquid LS and a toxic liquid LF are respectively contained in the receivers 2 and 3, the method comprises the following steps: completely unscrewing the lower receiver 2 containing the non-toxic liquid LS from the connecting sleeve 4, directly introducing the sample into the lower receiver 2, and screwing the lower receiver 2 onto the connecting sleeve 4 to obtain a tight seal. These steps are already provided in the method disclosed in WO2019092638. According to the invention, after the steps listed above, the upper receiver 3 is unscrewed until its radial ring 63 comes into contact with the circumferential edge 54 of the connecting sleeve 4. In this way, the toxic liquid LF is poured out of the container by gravity 3, where it (the toxic liquid) is located at a height lower than the height of the chimney element 65, up to the peripheral area 52 of the transverse partition 40, which is a plurality of delivery ports 51. Thus, due to the fact that the air contained in the lower receiver 2 above the non-toxic liquid with the immersed sample passes through the vent 55 of the chimney element 65 to move into the upper receiver 3, the toxic liquid LF passes through the delivery port 51. The mixture of air and the vapor of the toxic liquid LF can reach the hollow cylindrical element 60, but it cannot rise along the first longitudinal circumferential wall 62, which is in lateral contact and tightly sealed with the first inner smooth band 47 of the upper side wall 45 of the connecting sleeve 4. If the mixture of air and the vapor of the toxic liquid LF reaches the threaded connection area between the thread 31 of the upper receiver 3 and the inner thread band 48 of the connecting sleeve 4, the mixture of air and the vapor of the toxic liquid LF cannot continue to flow to the outside of the connecting sleeve 4 because the radial ring 63 of the upper receiver 3 closes this passage by abutting the circumferential edge 54 of the same connecting sleeve 4 from the inside.

[0055] After the toxic liquid LF has been completely transferred into the lower receiver 2 , the upper receiver 3 is screwed back into the circular opening 32 against the transverse partition 40 .

[0056] In this way, before actuation of the container 1, the toxic liquid LF is confined in the space defined by the upper receiver 3 and the transverse partition 40, against which the upper receiver 3 is completely screwed into the upper part 42 of the connecting sleeve 4. During actuation, as the upper receiver 3 is unscrewed, there is no communication between the inside and the outside of the container 1, and after actuation, the container 1 is closed again by tightening the upper receiver against the transverse partition 40 of the connecting sleeve 4.

[0057] In the latter case, the positions of the components existing before the container was actuated are restored. That is, the upper receptacle 3 is sealed again relative to the lower receptacle 2 because its circular opening 32 is hermetically sealed against the transverse partition 40 of the connecting sleeve 4; the central vent 55 of the chimney element 65 is closed by the rod 65; and the hollow cylindrical element 60 of the upper receptacle 3, primarily due to its first circumferential wall 62, closes the peripheral region 52 in which the delivery opening 51 of the transverse partition 40 is located. Thus, even if the container according to the present invention is tilted or even inverted, the contents of the lower receptacle 2 cannot flow back into the upper receptacle 3.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the primary object of the present invention has been achieved, namely the creation of a container for biological samples that allows for the tight sealing of toxic liquids or substances considered to be toxic liquids. The various components of the container may be made of any suitable material that is impermeable to liquids and gases, preferably a plastic material such as polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), or combinations thereof.

Claims

1. A container (1) for a biological sample, comprising: A lower receiver (2) having a side wall (20) provided with a first external thread (21) and terminating with a first circular mouth (22), an upper receiver (3) designed to contain a toxic liquid (LF) or a substance considered to be a toxic liquid before actuating the container (1), the upper receiver having a side wall (30) provided with a second external thread (31) and terminating with a second circular mouth (32) at one end and with a closed base (33) at the other end; a connecting sleeve (4) comprising: - a lower part (41) having a lower side wall (43) having a second external thread (31) and terminating with a second circular mouth (32) at one end and with a closed base (33) at the other end for engaging the lower receiver (2); A first internal thread (44) of an external thread (21), - an upper part (42) having an upper side wall (45), the upper side wall (45) terminating in a free end (46) and comprising a first internal smooth band (47), an internal threaded area (48) having a thread (70) engaging with a second external thread (31) of an upper receiver (3), and a second internal smooth area (49) adjacent to the free end (46); - a transverse partition wall (40) separating the lower part (41) from the upper part (42) and provided with: a central vent (55) formed in the chimney element (65); and a peripheral area (52) relative to the central vent (55) for transferring toxic A plurality of delivery openings (51) for liquid (LF), characterized in that - in the connection sleeve (4): - the peripheral area (52) of the transverse partition wall (40) is delimited internally by a first circumferential protrusion (53) protruding orthogonally in the upper part (42) of the connection sleeve (4), the first circumferential protrusion (53) being suitable for forming a tight seal with the second circular opening (32) when the upper receiver (3) is completely screwed into the upper part (42) of the connection sleeve (4), and - a circumferential edge (54) protrudes inwardly at least partially near the free end (46) of the upper side wall (45), the circumferential edge (54) having a shape suitable for forming a tight seal with the second circular opening (32) in the upper part (42) of the connection sleeve (4). an inner diameter producing an undercut in the second inner smooth zone (49), and - the upper receiver (3) comprises, concentrically with the second circular opening (32): - a radial ring (63) in the second inner smooth zone (49) near the free end (46), the radial ring having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the circumferential edge (54) of the connecting sleeve (4), and - a rod (56) cantilevered inwardly from the closed base (33) of the upper receiver (3), the rod (56) being capable of fitting tightly into the central vent (55) of the transverse bulkhead (40) when the upper receiver (3) is fully tightened, and forming an air passage when the upper receiver (3) is partially loosened to the circumferential edge (54).

2. The container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The upper receiver (3) comprises a hollow cylindrical element (60) concentric with the second circular opening (32), the hollow cylindrical element (60) having a transverse base (61) and a first longitudinal circumferential wall (62), the first longitudinal circumferential wall (62) being used to tightly seal with the first inner smooth band (47) of the upper side wall (45) of the connecting sleeve (4) in lateral contact.

3. The container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that A second circumferential protrusion (57) protrudes orthogonally from the transverse partition (40) in the upper portion (42) of the connecting sleeve (4) to form a first groove (58) suitable for sealingly receiving the second circular mouth (32) of the upper receiver (3).

4. The container (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that A third circumferential protrusion (59) protrudes orthogonally from the transverse partition (40) in the upper part (42) of the connecting sleeve (4) to form a second groove (64) for sealingly receiving the first longitudinal circumferential wall (62) of the hollow cylindrical element (60) of the upper receiver (3).

5. The container (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that The upper receiver (3) comprises a second longitudinal circumferential wall (72) in its hollow cylindrical element (60) concentric with the second circular opening (32), the second longitudinal circumferential wall (72) being intended to make end contact with the peripheral region (52) of the transverse partition wall (40) of the connecting sleeve (4).

6. The container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The upper receiver (3) has a radial ring (63) and a second external thread (31), both of which are made flexible to allow forced introduction of the upper receiver (3) in the upper part (42) of the connecting sleeve (4).

7. The container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The transverse partition wall (40) has a recess (66) extending on its side opposite to the chimney element (65), into which the central vent (55) of the chimney element (65) merges with a narrow end (67).

8. The container (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that The rod (56) of the upper receiver (3) which is capable of moving in the central vent (55) of the chimney element (65) when the upper receiver (3) is tightened and loosened in the upper part (42) of the connecting sleeve (4) has an end section (68) which is reduced in diameter relative to the rest of the rod (56) and is capable of: - providing a tight seal with the narrow port (67) of the central vent (55) in the recess (66) when the upper receiver (3) is fully screwed into the upper part (42) of the connecting sleeve (4), and - providing an air passage when the upper receiver (3) is loosened in the upper part (42) of the connecting sleeve (4) until the circumferential edge (54).

9. The container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The upper receiver (3) has two opposing outer radial fins (73) to facilitate gripping the upper receiver (3) for its rotation.

10. The container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The connecting sleeve (4) has a projection (69) protruding outwards at its free end (46).

11. A method for storing a biological sample by actuating a container according to claim 1, comprising the steps of completely unscrewing the lower receiver (2) from the connecting sleeve (4), directly inserting the biological sample into the lower receiver (2), and re-screwing the lower receiver (2) onto the connecting sleeve (4) to obtain a tight seal, characterized in that The following further steps: - unscrewing the upper receiver (3) until its radial ring (63) comes into contact with the circumferential edge (54) of the connecting sleeve (4) so ​​as to transfer the toxic liquid (LF) into the lower receiver (2) through a plurality of delivery openings (51) in the said peripheral area (52) of the transverse partition (40) and to allow the air contained in the lower receiver (2) to flow through the central vent (55) of the chimney element (65); - tightly re-screwing the upper receiver (3) until the second circular opening (32) comes to rest on the transverse partition (40) so that, - before actuating the container (1) Before, the toxic liquid (LF) is confined in a space defined by an upper receiver (3) and by a transverse partition (40), against which the upper receiver (3) is completely screwed into the upper part (42) of the connecting sleeve (4), - when the container (1) is actuated, when the upper receiver (3) is loosened, there is no communication between the interior and the exterior of the container (1), and - after actuating the container (1), by screwing the upper receiver (3) against the transverse partition (40) of the connecting sleeve (4), the container (1) is closed again without any communication between the lower receiver (2) and the upper receiver (3).

12. The method according to claim 11, characterized in that Prior to actuation of the container (1), the lower receiver (2) is used to contain the non-toxic liquid (LS).

Images