Kit for collecting a biological sample using a collection rod

Abstract

The present invention relates to a kit in which a user can hygienically collect a biological sample by using a collection stick. The present invention is a kit for collecting a biological sample using a collection stick, including: a cap in which a filter is detachably installed at a lower portion of a central portion, and a cap portion is formed at an upper portion of the filter; a collection stick including a collection portion and a handle portion; and a tube to which the cap is fastened and which contains an extraction solution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a kit for collecting biological samples, and more specifically, to a kit that allows users to conveniently and hygienically collect biological samples using a collection wand. Background Technology

[0002] Typically, kits for collecting COVID-19 samples using swabs (or collection sticks) include nasal kits and oral kits.

[0003] In field testing using nasal swab collection kits, the sample is attached to a cotton ball, which is then agitated in a tubing containing extraction solution to dissolve the sample. The swab is removed while the cotton ball is squeezed through the tube. Next, a cap with a nozzle is tightened onto the tube, and the tube is inverted and squeezed to provide the sample dissolved in the extraction solution to the reading device through the cap. Conversely, in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing, a swab is placed in a tube containing extraction solution, a predetermined portion of the swab is cut with scissors, the cap is closed, and the tube is transported. Clinical pathologists concentrate the sample from the transported tube, extract, and read the RNA. Currently, there is no method for processing samples collected from swabs in automated reading devices.

[0004] There are two main reasons why it is difficult to handle swab-collected samples in automated reading devices. First, it is difficult to collect samples using an automated reading device when there is a swab in the sample container (tube). Automated reading devices use needles or pipettes to collect samples, and if a swab is not aligned or fixed to one side, the collection orifice may become blocked by the swab. Second, even without a swab, for nasal samples, a large amount of mucous nasal mucus may cause the collection orifice of the needle or pipette to become blocked by nasal mucus.

[0005] Furthermore, for on-site testing, there is a disposal issue with the swabs used due to the risk of biohazard.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] (Patent Document 1) Korean Patent No. 10-2211288 (Grant Date: January 28, 2021)

[0009] (Patent Document 2) Korean Utility Model No. 20-0461199 (Date of Authorization: June 20, 2012) Summary of the Invention

[0010] (a) Technical problems to be solved

[0011] Therefore, one object of the present invention is to provide a collection kit capable of processing samples collected by swabs in an automatic reading device.

[0012] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a collection kit that does not pose a risk of biohazard due to swabs.

[0013] Furthermore, another object of the present invention is to provide a collection kit that is easy to use in an automatic reading device, thereby reducing manpower and increasing detection speed.

[0014] (II) Technical Solution

[0015] In one aspect, to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the present invention provides a kit for collecting biological samples using a collection rod, the kit comprising: a cap having a filter detachably mounted on its lower central portion and a cap portion formed on the upper portion of the filter; a collection rod including a collection portion and a handle portion; and a tube to which the cap is fastened, and the tube containing an extraction solution.

[0016] Preferably, the tube contains the extraction solution and the collection rod. Furthermore, the inner surface of the tube has a guide portion to direct the collection rod.

[0017] Preferably, a through hole is formed around the periphery of the cover, and the handle of the sampling rod is inserted tightly into the through hole. Furthermore, the cover can be opened under external force.

[0018] Preferably, the sampling rod has a cutting groove formed in the handle portion. Furthermore, the handle portion includes a retaining member at the boundary of the sampling section to engage with the cover. Additionally, the sampling rod includes a sealing portion above the retaining member.

[0019] (III) Beneficial Effects

[0020] According to the present invention with the above-described structure, there is no risk of biohazard caused by swabs. Furthermore, the collection kit of the present invention is easy to use in automated reading devices, thereby reducing manpower and increasing testing speed. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a collection kit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A detailed structural diagram of the sampling rod in the sampling kit shown.

[0023] Figure 3 This means that in Figure 1 The diagram shows the secure connection between the tube and cap in the sample collection kit.

[0024] Figure 4 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows the positional relationship between the sampling rod and the cap in the sampling kit.

[0025] Figure 5 This means that in Figure 1 The image shows a side cross-sectional view of the sample dissolved in the extraction solution, collected by the pointed tip in the sample collection kit.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state of a sample dissolved in an extraction solution being collected by a pointed tip in a collection kit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state of a sample dissolved in an extraction solution collected by a pointed tip in a collection kit according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0029] 100: Collection kit 102: Cap

[0030] 104: Collection rod 106: Tube

[0031] 202: Acquisition Unit; 204: Handle Unit

[0032] 206: Extension part; 208: Limiting component

[0033] 210: Cut-off groove; 212: Sealing part

[0034] 214: Depth indicator line; 302: Penetration point

[0035] 304: Filter; 306: Cover

[0036] 306a: Cutting section; 306b: Non-cutting section

[0037] 307: Extraction solution; 308: Container section

[0038] 310: Main Body 312: Avoidance Section

[0039] 314: Inclined section; 502: Collection tip

[0040] 600, 700: Collection kit; 602, 702: Cap

[0041] 604: Acquisition Department; 606, 706: Pipes

[0042] 608, 708: Filters; 610, 710: Covers

[0043] 612, 712: Collecting pointed tips Detailed Implementation

[0044] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are exemplary models for illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0045] Figure 1 This is a structural diagram of a collection kit 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the collection kit 100 according to this embodiment includes a cap 102, a collection rod 104, and a tube 106.

[0046] In the collection kit 100, a biological sample (or specimen) is collected by a collection stick 104 and contained in a tube 106 that is secured to a cap 102. Since the specimen and extraction solution are contained in the tube 106, the cap 102 is made of an elastic material to achieve airtightness.

[0047] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A detailed structural diagram of the collection rod 104 in the collection kit 100 shown. Figure 3 This means that in Figure 1 The diagram shows the secure fastening of the cap 102 and tube 106 in the sample collection kit 100.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the collection rod 104 is rod-shaped, including a collection section 202 and a handle section 204, and is formed of a material that can be easily bent. An extension 206 is formed between the collection section 202 and the handle section 204. With the cover 102 and the tube 106 fastened, the extension 206 positions the collection section 202 at the lower end of the tube 106.

[0049] The handle portion 204 has a limiting member 208 at the boundary with the collection portion 202. The limiting member 208 restricts the cover 102 from moving toward the collection portion 202.

[0050] In the handle portion 204, a cutting groove 210 is formed on the upper part of the limiting member 208. The cutting groove 210 is formed at a position from the limiting member 208 to approximately the height corresponding to the cover 102. When collecting a sample, the length of the collection rod 104 inserted into the nose must be greater than the length of the tube 106 to collect the sample correctly. However, since a long collection rod 104 is difficult to transport, the collection rod 104 is cut in the cutting groove 210 after sample collection to facilitate transport. With the cutting groove 210 formed at a position from the limiting member 208 to approximately the height corresponding to the cover 102, the length of the collection rod 104 protruding towards the upper surface of the cover 102 becomes very small when the collection rod 104 is cut in the cutting groove 210.

[0051] A sealing portion 212 is formed between the limiting member 208 and the cutting groove 210. The sealing portion 212 prevents the extraction solution or sample from leaking from the gap between the cap 102 and the collection rod 104. A depth indication line 214 is formed on the upper part of the cutting groove 210. The depth indication line 214 serves as a reference line for the depth at which the collection rod 104 is inserted into the human body (e.g., the nose).

[0052] Figure 3 (a) is a side sectional view of the cover 102 being fastened to the tube 106. Figure 3 (b) is a plan view observed from A-A'. Figure 3 (c) is the bottom view.

[0053] A filter 304 is detachably mounted on the lower part of the central portion of the cover 102, and a through hole 302 is formed on the periphery of the cover 102. The handle portion 204 of the sampling rod 104 is inserted tightly into the through hole 302. A limiting groove 303 is formed at the lower end of the through hole 302. Since the sampling rod 104 is inserted into the through hole 302 and fixed to one side of the tube 106, interference from the sampling rod 104 can be avoided when collecting samples using needles, pipettes, sampling tips, etc. in the automatic reading device. Since the cover 102 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber, an airtight seal is maintained between the through hole 302 and the sampling rod 104.

[0054] A cover portion 306 is formed on the upper part of the filter 304 (or the upper part of the central part of the cover 102). The cover portion 306 includes a cut portion 306a and a non-cut portion 306b. The cut portion 306a is circular with the center of the cover 102 as the center. Except for the non-cut portion 306b, the cover portion 306 is made of a membrane with a relatively thin thickness and is in an uncut state during collection and transport. The cut portion 306a is only cut when an external force is applied, such as when the collection tip is squeezed in an automatic reading device.

[0055] The tube 106 includes a container portion 308 for containing an extraction solution 307 for dissolving the sample and a main body portion 310 for mounting on a tube rack (not shown). On the inner surface of the container portion 308, a channel-shaped avoidance portion 312 is formed on one side, leading to the lower end of the container portion 308. The avoidance portion 312 is adjacent to the through hole 302 when the cap 102 is secured to the tube 106. The avoidance portion 312 is inclined towards the center to guide the collection rod 104 to the lower center of the container portion 308.

[0056] The tube 106 has an inclined portion 314 at the lower part of the avoidance portion 312. The inner diameter of the container portion 308 decreases as it moves downward through the inclined portion 314. The inclined portion 314 causes the filter 304 to fit tightly against the inner surface of the container portion 308 as it moves downward.

[0057] Figure 4 This is an explanation Figure 1 The diagram shows the positional relationship between the cap 102 and the sampling rod 104 in the sampling kit 100. Figure 4 (a) shows the position of the cover 102 when the sample is being collected using the sampling rod 104. Figure 4 (b) shows the position of the cover 102 with the cover 102 fastened to the tube 106. The cover 102 moves downward along the collection rod 104 until the limiting groove 303 reaches the limiting member 208 of the collection rod 104.

[0058] like Figure 4 As shown in (b), with the cap 102 in the downward-moving state, when the collection rod 104 is inserted into the tube 106 along the avoidance portion 312, the collection rod 104 bends along the slope of the avoidance portion 312. When the collection rod 104 is inserted into the tube 106 to an appropriate depth using the depth indicator line 214 and the cap 102 is tightened to the tube 104, the collection portion 202 with the sample attached is located at the lower end of the container portion 308. In this state, the handle portion 204 of the collection rod 104 is cut off using the cutting groove 210, and the collection kit 100 is conveyed to the automatic reading device (not shown). Since the cut handle portion 204 is completely free of sample, there is no risk of biohazard and it can be freely discarded. The sealing portion 212 prevents the extraction solution or sample from leaking into the gap between the through hole 302 of the cap 102 and the collection rod 104 during transport. Since the collection portion 202 with the sample attached is conveyed in a state contained within the tube 106, it is sufficiently dissolved by the extraction solution, thereby extracting more sample in the reading device.

[0059] Figure 5 This means that in Figure 1 The image shows a side cross-sectional view of the sample dissolved in the extraction solution 307 being collected using the collection tip 502 in the collection kit 100. As shown, the collection rod 104 is mounted on the automatic reading device in a cut-off state in the cutting groove 210.

[0060] The collecting tip 502 is mounted on an automatic reading device (not shown) such that the cutting portion 306a is cut off when the collecting tip 502 presses against the cover portion 306. As the collecting tip 502 moves further downward through the reading device, the filter 304, located at the lower center of the cover 102, is moved to the inclined portion 314. The inclined portion 314 causes the filter 304 to fit tightly against the inner surface of the container portion 308.

[0061] The sample adhering to the collection section 202 is dissolved in the extraction solution 307. In the extraction solution containing the dissolved sample, mucus and other substances are filtered by the filter 304, and only the upper layer of the extraction solution 307a passing through the filter 304 is collected by the collection tip 502. As described above, when using the collection kit 100, no additional pretreatment for reading the sample is required, making it easy to use in automated reading devices, thereby reducing manpower and increasing detection speed.

[0062] When the distance from the collection section 202 to the limiting member 208 is too short, the sample adhering to the collection section 202 may not be fully immersed in the extraction solution 307, and the collection section 202 may be located above the filter 304, which moves downward through the collecting tip 502. When the sample is not fully immersed in the extraction solution 307, a portion of the sample will not dissolve in the extraction solution 307. When the collection section 202 is located above the filter 304, mucus or other substances may clog the collection orifice of the collecting tip 502. When the distance from the collection section 202 to the limiting member 208 is too long, the collecting rod 104 may prevent the filter 304 from being fully immersed in the extraction solution 307.

[0063] Figure 6 This is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state of a sample dissolved in an extraction solution being collected by a tip 612 in a collection kit 600 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] In the collection kit 600, the through hole for inserting the collection rod is not formed in the cover 602. Instead, the collection portion 604 in the collection rod is cut off at the appropriate position using scissors or the like to accommodate the collection portion 604 in the tube 606. When the tip 612 mounted on the reading device (not shown) applies external force, the cover 610 is opened, and the tip 612 moves the filter 608, which is detachably mounted on the lower part of the center of the cover 602, to the lower part of the tube 606. The sample adhering to the collection portion 604 is dissolved by the extraction solution and, after being filtered through the filter 608, is collected by the collection tip 612.

[0065] Figure 7 This is a side cross-sectional view illustrating the state of a sample dissolved in an extraction solution being collected by a tip 712 in a collection kit 700 according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] In the collection kit 700, the through hole into which the collection rod is inserted is not formed in the cap 702. The sample adhering to the collection section is dissolved by the extraction solution contained in the tube 706, and the collection rod is immediately discarded. When the tip 712 mounted on the reading device (not shown) applies external force, the cap 710 is opened, and the tip 712 moves the filter 708, which is detachably mounted on the lower part of the center of the cap 702, to the lower part of the tube 706. The sample dissolved in the extraction solution is then filtered through the filter 708 and collected by the collection tip 712.

[0067] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concepts of the present invention as defined in the claims also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A collection kit that is a kit for collecting a biological sample using a collection swab, comprising: (a) a tube (106, 606, 706) containing an extraction solution; (b) a cap (102, 602, 702) fastened with the tube (106, 606, 706); (c) the collection stick (104) collecting a biological sample, the collection stick having a collection portion (202, 604) and a handle portion (204); and (d) a collection tip (502, 612, 712) collecting a dissolved specimen from the tube (106, 606, 706), wherein the collection kit further comprises a filter (304, 608, 708) detachably installed at a lower portion of a central portion of the cap (102, 602, 702), and a cap portion (306, 610, 710) is formed at an upper portion of the filter (304, 608, 708), wherein the cap portion (306, 610, 710) is configured to be opened by a pressure of the collection tip (502, 612, 712), and the filter (304, 608, 708) is configured to be moved from the cap (102, 602, 702) to a lower portion of the tube (106, 606, 706) by the collection tip (502, 612, 712); characterized in that: the tube (106, 606, 706) comprises a container portion (308) provided with an avoidance portion (312), a lower portion of the avoidance portion (312) having an inclined portion (314); and the filter (304, 608, 708) is configured to achieve a structural close contact with an inner surface of the container portion (308) when being moved downward, so that only the extraction solution that has passed through an upper layer of the filter (304, 608, 708) is collected by the collection tip (502, 612, 712).

2. The collection kit according to claim 1, characterized in that: the tube is arranged to contain the extraction solution and at least the collection portion (202, 604) of the collection stick (104) at the same time.

3. The collection kit according to claim 2, characterized in that: the cap is provided with a through hole near a peripheral portion of the cap, wherein the through hole is arranged to fit to closely contain the handle portion of the collection stick.

4. The collection kit according to claim 3, characterized in that: a cut-off groove (210) is formed in the collection stick, the cut-off groove defining a position at which the collection stick can be cut off, and / or, a stopper (208) is formed on the collection stick, the stopper limiting a movement of the cap toward the collection portion of the collection stick, and / or, the collection stick comprises a sealing portion (212) cooperating with the through hole of the cap.

5. The collection kit according to claim 1, characterized in that: the cap portion is provided with a cut portion (306a) having a shape of an approximately complete circle, and the cut portion defines a position at which the cap portion is separated from the cap.

6. The collection kit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The tube is provided with an avoidance portion (312) on an inner surface of the tube on one side, the avoidance portion is formed as a channel, and guides a collection portion of the collection rod.

7. The collection kit according to claim 5, wherein The tube includes the container portion (308) containing the extraction solution and a main body portion mounted on a tube rack, wherein the avoidance portion is formed in the container portion.

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