Liquid sampler and sampling and detection device including the sampler

Abstract

This invention discloses a liquid sampler and a sampling and detection device including the sampler. The liquid sampler includes a sampling tube, a sampling head, a push rod, and a flow barrier membrane. A conductive post is provided on the inner end face of the sampling tube. The sampling head and the push rod are located at both ends of the sampling tube. The sampling head communicates with the inner cavity of the sampling tube. The push rod is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the sampling tube. A storage cavity is provided inside the push rod. The opening of the storage cavity faces the conductive post and is provided with a flow barrier membrane to seal the storage cavity. The storage cavity stores a buffer solution. In the initial state, there is a gap between the flow barrier membrane and the conductive post. When the push rod slides inward to its limit position, the flow barrier membrane is destroyed by the conductive post. The sample collection device provided by this invention stores a buffer solution. After collecting the liquid sample, it is only necessary to push the push rod to mix the buffer solution and the liquid sample in a specific ratio and output it to the sample application hole of the test reagent plate, thereby eliminating the need for manual mixing of sample solution and buffer solution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of sample detection technology, specifically relating to a liquid sampler and a sampling and detection device including the sampler. Background Technology

[0002] Liquid sample testing, exemplified by blood samples, is widely used in infectious disease and related fields. Currently, liquid sample testing mainly consists of two stages: sample collection and sample testing. This requires staff to first transfer the sample to a mixing container using a collection unit, then add the mixed sample to the testing device. The immunobinding reaction principle is used to detect the presence of the analyte in the sample, thus completing the entire testing process. This procedure is cumbersome and time-consuming, and there is a possibility of contact with buffer solutions during the operation, failing to meet users' safety and hygiene requirements, leading to low willingness among many to perform self-testing. Therefore, there is a need to design an integrated sampling and testing device that is easy to operate and does not require user control of buffer solution volume.

[0003] Patent application CN114160219A discloses a liquid sample collection and detection device, comprising a liquid sample collection bottle and a sampler. The inner wall of the liquid sample collection bottle is provided with a guide rail that slopes downwards and spirals downwards, while the lower end of the sampler's rod has a guide groove. After the lower end of the sampler's rod is inserted into the liquid sample collection bottle, the guide groove at the lower end of the rod cooperates with the guide rail on the inner wall of the bottle, guiding the lower end of the sampler's rod to spiral downwards within the liquid sample collection bottle, thereby squeezing the liquid-collecting part of the sampler. This method offers a higher liquid sample extraction rate, making it easier to meet the minimum amount of liquid sample required for detection, thus improving the success rate and accuracy of the detection results. However, the technical solution provided by this patent cannot achieve automatic mixing of the buffer solution and the sample liquid. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sampling and detection device for liquid samples.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a liquid sampler, which includes a sampling tube, a sampling head, a push rod, and a flow-blocking membrane; a conductive post is provided on the inner end face of the sampling tube; the sampling head and the push rod are provided at both ends of the sampling tube; the sampling head is in communication with the inner cavity of the sampling tube; and the push rod is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the sampling tube.

[0006] The push rod is provided with a storage cavity; the opening of the storage cavity faces the guide post and is provided with a flow barrier membrane to seal the storage cavity; the storage cavity stores buffer solution; in the initial state, there is a gap between the flow barrier membrane and the guide post; when the push rod slides inward to the limit position, the flow barrier membrane is destroyed by the guide post.

[0007] Preferably, a sealing structure is provided between the outer side of the push rod and the inner wall of the sampling tube; an exhaust hole is provided on the side of the sampling tube; in the initial state, the projection distance between the sealing structure and the exhaust hole on a plane parallel to the sliding direction of the push rod is a, and the distance from the flow barrier to the outer end of the conductive post is b; a≤b.

[0008] Preferably, the sampling tube has a positioning protrusion on its inner wall; the push rod has a positioning groove on its outer side; the positioning groove is located on the side of each sealing ring away from the inner end of the push rod; in the initial state, the positioning protrusion and the positioning groove form a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0009] Preferably, the portion of the push rod located on the side of the positioning groove away from the flow barrier membrane is a reduced diameter section; the outline of the reduced diameter section and the projection of the outer outline of the positioning protrusion onto a plane perpendicular to the sliding direction of the push rod are either separate or tangent.

[0010] Preferably, the sampling end of the sampling tube is detachably connected to an outer cover; the outer cover is placed on the outside of the sampling head.

[0011] Preferably, the sampling end of the sampling tube is provided with a protruding and hollow mounting part; the internal space of the mounting part is in communication with the inner cavity of the sampling tube; the sampling head is embedded in the mounting part, and its outer end extends out of the mounting part.

[0012] Preferably, the outer end of the conductive post is pointed.

[0013] Preferably, the conductive post has a flow channel; the sampling head and the inner cavity of the sampling tube are connected through the flow channel. The shape of the conductive post is the same as the shape of the storage cavity.

[0014] Preferably, the outer surface of the sampling tube is provided with several anti-slip stripes.

[0015] Preferably, a sealing ring is provided between the outer side of the push rod and the inner wall of the sampling tube.

[0016] Preferably, the sampling head is a tubular structure made of hydrophilic material.

[0017] Secondly, the present invention provides a sampling and detection device, including a detector and the aforementioned liquid sampler. The detector includes a housing and a test strip; the test strip is disposed within the housing; the housing has a sample application port and an observation window; the sampling head of the liquid sampler can be inserted into the sample application port and contact the test strip.

[0018] Preferably, when not in use, the liquid sampler and detector are connected together in a detachable manner.

[0019] Preferably, the sampling tube has a vent hole on its side; when not in use, the liquid sampler and detector are engaged by a snap-fit ​​structure; the vent hole on the sampling tube is located at the position of the snap-fit ​​structure. This allows the snap-fit ​​structure to protect the vent hole.

[0020] Preferably, the sample application hole is stepped, including a large-diameter section on the outer side and a small-diameter section on the inner side; the detection end of the sampling tube can be inserted into the large-diameter section and is limited by the stepped surface between the large-diameter section and the small-diameter section; with the detection end of the sampling tube limited by the stepped surface, the sampling head passes through the small-diameter section and contacts the test reagent strip.

[0021] Preferably, a number of inwardly buckling protrusions are symmetrically arranged on the side wall of the large-diameter section; an inwardly buckling groove is provided on the side of the sampling tube detection end; when the sampling tube detection end is inserted into the large-diameter section of the sample feeding hole, the inwardly buckling protrusions and the inwardly buckling groove form a snap-fit ​​engagement.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0023] 1. The sample collection device provided by the present invention stores a buffer solution. After collecting the liquid sample, it is only necessary to push the push rod to mix the buffer solution and the liquid sample in a specific ratio and output it into the sample well of the test reagent plate; thus eliminating the process of manually mixing the sample solution and the buffer solution and simplifying the operation of liquid samples.

[0024] 2. The present invention provides an exhaust port on the side of the sampling tube, and through structural constraints, the exhaust port is open before the buffer solution is released and closed when the buffer solution is released. The exhaust port can prevent the formation of a closed space in the inner cavity of the sampling tube during sampling, ensuring that the sample liquid can be drawn into the sampling head in sufficient quantity. The automatic closure of the exhaust port when the buffer solution is released can prevent the buffer solution from overflowing from the exhaust port, which would lead to contamination problems and affect the accuracy of the mixing ratio of the sample liquid and the buffer solution.

[0025] 3. This invention adopts an integrated design that combines sample collection and detection. During transportation, the liquid sampler and detector are locked together. When testing is required, the liquid sampler is removed for sampling, and then the liquid sampler is inserted into the sample application port of the detector and pressed to achieve the test. The operation process is much simpler. The operator does not need to mix the liquid sample and buffer solution in a certain ratio and add the sample. The process of mixing the sample and buffer solution and the detection process are all completed inside the device, which simplifies the operation steps and reduces the risk of cross-contamination. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 This is an exploded schematic diagram of the liquid sampler provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the liquid sampler provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the sampling tube in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the sampling and detection device provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 5 This is an explosion diagram of the detector in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the detector in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the sample detection process in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Example 1

[0035] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3, a liquid sampler includes a push rod 1, a flow-blocking membrane 2, a sealing ring 3, a sampling tube 4, a sampling head 5, and an outer cover 6. The sampling tube 4 has a sampling end and a push rod mounting end at its two ends, respectively. The push rod mounting end of the sampling tube 4 is open. A guide post 8 is provided on the inner end face of the sampling tube 4. The outer end of the guide post 8 is pointed. A flow channel 9 is provided inside the guide post 8. The sampling end of the sampling tube 4 has a protruding and hollow mounting portion. The internal space of the mounting portion communicates with the inner cavity of the sampling tube 4 through the flow channel 9; the sampling head 5 is embedded in the mounting portion, and its outer end extends beyond the mounting portion. When buffer solution is present in the sampling tube 4, it can wet the sampling head 5 through the flow channel 9. The outer cover 6 is fitted over the outside of the mounting portion to protect the sampling head 5 and prevent it from being contaminated during transportation and storage. Several anti-slip stripes 14 are provided on the outer surface of the sampling tube 4 for the user to grip.

[0036] Sampling head 5 can collect liquid samples, specifically using a sponge, a hydrophilic polymer material sampling head, or other components capable of absorbing liquid. The hydrophilic polymer material sampling head can collect a quantitative amount of liquid sample through capillary action, and the operator's sampling angle and position have little impact on the amount of liquid sample collected.

[0037] Push rod 1 extends into the push rod mounting end of sampling tube 4 and slides into the inner cavity of sampling tube 4. Two spaced-apart sealing rings are embedded in the inner end of the outer side of push rod 1; the sealing rings achieve a seal between push rod 1 and the inner wall of sampling tube 4. A storage cavity 7 is provided inside push rod 1; the opening of storage cavity 7 communicates with the inner edge of push rod 1. A flow-blocking membrane 2 is provided at the inner end opening of push rod 1. Flow-blocking membrane 2 seals storage cavity 7. Storage cavity 7 stores buffer solution. Flow-blocking membrane 2 is aligned with the outer end of conductive post 8. The shape of storage cavity 7 corresponds to the shape of conductive post 8, allowing conductive post 8 to be fully inserted into storage cavity 7.

[0038] A positioning protrusion 10 is provided in the inner cavity of the sampling tube 4 near the push rod mounting end; a positioning groove 11 is provided on the outer side of the push rod 1. The positioning groove 11 is located on the side of each sealing ring away from the inner end of the push rod 1. The positioning groove 11 is an annular groove. In the initial state, the positioning protrusion 10 and the positioning groove 11 form a snap-fit ​​fit, and the flow barrier 2 and the outer end of the conductive post 8 are separated by one end. When the push rod 1 is pushed inward, causing the positioning groove 11 of the push rod 1 to pass through the positioning groove 11, the flow barrier 2 punctures the outer end of the conductive post 8, allowing the buffer solution in the storage cavity 7 to flow to the sampling head 5 through the flow channel 9.

[0039] The portion of the push rod 1 located on the side of the positioning groove 11 away from the flow barrier membrane 2 is called the reduced diameter section. The diameter of the reduced diameter section is less than or equal to the diameter of the circle formed by the bottom of the positioning groove 11; thus, when the push rod 1 is pushed inward, the reduced diameter section will not be squeezed or rubbed against the positioning protrusion 10, thereby avoiding resistance.

[0040] A vent 12 is provided on the side of the sampling tube; the vent 12 allows the inner cavity of the sampling tube 4 to communicate with the external environment, enabling the sampling head to draw liquid samples by utilizing capillary effect. The distance from the vent 12 to the sampling head 5 is greater than the distance from the outer end of the conductive post 8 to the sampling head 5. In the initial state, the distance between the sealing ring 3 near the conductive post 8 and the vent 12 in the axial direction of the sampling tube is a, and the distance from the flow barrier membrane to the outer end of the conductive post 8 is b; a≤b; therefore, during the process of the push rod 1 being pushed inward, the time when the flow barrier membrane is pierced by the conductive post 8 is later than or simultaneously with the time when the sealing ring 3 passes the vent 12; thus, when the flow barrier membrane is pierced, the vent 12 is already blocked, and the inner cavity of the sampling tube 4 has only the sampling head 5 as the sole outlet, and the pressure generated after the cavity of the sampling tube 4 shrinks can push the buffer solution into the sampling head, so that the buffer solution mixes with the sample liquid in the sampling head and is output.

[0041] This embodiment provides a preferred, non-essential technical solution: at the moment when the vent 12 just passes the sealing ring 3, leaving the sampling tube with only the sampling head as the sole outlet, the flow barrier membrane contacts the conductive post 8, i.e., a = b. This non-essential technical solution can prevent the positive pressure inside the sampling tube from causing the sample liquid in the sampling head 5 to be output before the buffer solution is released; thereby improving the mixing effect of the sample liquid and the buffer solution.

[0042] This embodiment provides a preferred non-essential technical solution: the sampling head 5 adopts a tubular structure, which can quantitatively absorb samples by utilizing capillary effect and its own hydrophilic properties; in conjunction with the quantitative buffer solution output in the push rod 1, it can achieve precise mixing of liquid samples and buffer solution in a specific ratio.

[0043] The working principle of this invention is as follows:

[0044] First, when sampling is required, remove the liquid sampler and pull out the outer cover. Use the sampling head 5 to contact the liquid sample; the sampling head 5 absorbs the liquid sample.

[0045] Next, take the test reagent plate or test kit with the sample application well and align the sampling head 5 of the liquid sampler with the sample application well of the test reagent plate or test kit.

[0046] Finally, push the push rod inward so that the positioning groove 11 passes over the positioning protrusion 10, the sharp tip on the conduction post pierces the flow barrier membrane, the conduction post is inserted into the push rod storage cavity, compressing the space of the storage cavity, so that the buffer solution flows through the flow channel 9 on the conduction post, through the sampling head, and carries the liquid sample into the sample application hole of the test reagent plate or test kit; the test reagent plate or test kit automatically detects whether the liquid sample contains the target substance.

[0047] Example 2

[0048] like Figure 4 As shown, a sampling and detection device includes a detector 100 and a liquid sampler 200 as described in Example 1. The liquid sampler 200 is used to collect liquid samples. By pushing the push rod on the liquid sampler 200, the collected liquid sample and buffer solution can be mixed and sent into the detector 100. The detector 100 is used to detect whether the liquid sample contains a target substance.

[0049] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown, the detector 100 includes an upper plate 21, a test strip 22, and a lower plate 23. The upper plate 21 and the lower plate 23 are fixed together. The test strip 22 is disposed between the upper plate 21 and the lower plate 23. The upper plate 21 has a sample dispensing hole 24 and an observation window 25; the positions of the sample dispensing hole 24 and the observation window 25 correspond to the positions of the sample dispensing area and the detection area of ​​the test strip 22, respectively.

[0050] The sampling head 5 on the sampling tube 4 can be inserted into the sample application hole 24, so that the sampling head 5 contacts the sample application area of ​​the test strip 22, and the mixture of liquid sample and buffer solution on the sampling head 5 is transferred to the test strip 22.

[0051] The sample application port 24 is stepped, comprising a large-diameter section on the outer side and a small-diameter section on the inner side. The diameter of the large-diameter section is greater than or equal to the diameter of the detection end of the sampling tube 4, allowing the detection end of the sampling tube 4 to be inserted into the large-diameter section and restrained by the stepped surface between the large-diameter and small-diameter sections. The diameter of the small-diameter section is greater than or equal to the diameter of the mounting portion on the sampling tube 4, allowing the mounting portion on the sampling tube 4 to be inserted into the small-diameter section; thereby ensuring that the sampling head 5 accurately contacts the test strip 22.

[0052] Two inwardly buckling protrusions 26 are symmetrically arranged on the side wall of the large-diameter section; an inwardly buckling groove 13 is provided on the side of the detection end of the sampling tube 4; when the detection end of the sampling tube 4 is inserted into the large-diameter section of the sample feeding hole 24, the inwardly buckling protrusions 26 and the inwardly buckling groove 13 form a snap-fit ​​engagement, so that the sampling tube 4 is stably fixed on the upper plate 21 and is not easy to fall off.

[0053] This embodiment provides a preferred non-essential technical solution: when not in use, the liquid sampler 200 and the detector 100 are engaged by a snap-fit ​​structure; the snap-fit ​​structure on the sampling tube includes two snap-fit ​​plates spaced apart from each other; the outer edges of the opposite sides of the two snap-fit ​​plates are provided with a locking block for connecting the detector 100; the locking block is arc-shaped; the vent is located between the opposite sides of the two snap-fit ​​plates, so that the snap-fit ​​structure can integrate the liquid sampler 200 and the detector 100 while also protecting the vent.

[0054] The working principle of this invention is as follows:

[0055] First, when sampling is required, remove the liquid sampler from the side of the detector and pull out the outer cover. Use the sampling head 5 to contact the liquid sample. After the sampling head 5 absorbs the liquid sample, insert the sampling end of the sampling tube 4 into the sample application port on the detector 100.

[0056] After that, as Figure 7 As shown, pushing the push rod inward causes the positioning groove 11 to pass over the positioning protrusion 10. The sharp tip on the conductive post pierces the flow barrier membrane, and the conductive post is inserted into the storage cavity of the push rod, compressing the space of the storage cavity. This allows the buffer solution to flow through the flow channel 9 on the conductive post, through the sampling head, and carry the liquid sample into the sample addition of the reagent strip, triggering the detection reagent strip 22 to run.

[0057] Finally, we await the test results.

Claims

1. A liquid sampler comprising a sampling tube (4) and a sampling head (5); characterized in that: It also includes a push rod (1) and a flow barrier membrane (2); a guide post (8) is provided on the inner end face of the sampling tube (4); a sampling head (5) and a push rod (1) are provided at both ends of the sampling tube (4); the sampling head (5) is connected to the inner cavity of the sampling tube (4); the push rod (1) is slidably connected to the inner cavity of the sampling tube (4); a sealing structure is provided between the outer side of the push rod (1) and the inner side wall of the sampling tube (4); an exhaust hole is provided on the side of the sampling tube; in the initial state, the projection distance between the sealing structure near the guide post (8) and the exhaust hole on the plane parallel to the sliding direction of the push rod (1) is a, and the distance from the flow barrier membrane to the outer end of the guide post is b; a≤b; The push rod (1) is provided with a storage cavity (7); the opening of the storage cavity (7) faces the guide post (8) and is provided with a flow barrier membrane (2) to seal the storage cavity (7); the outer end of the guide post (8) is sharp; a flow channel (9) is provided inside the guide post (8); the sampling end of the sampling tube (4) is provided with a hollow mounting part; the internal space of the mounting part is connected to the inner cavity of the sampling tube (4) through the flow channel (9); the sampling head (5) is embedded in the mounting part; the sampling head (5) is connected to the inner cavity of the sampling tube (4) through the flow channel (9); the shape of the guide post (8) is the same as the shape of the storage cavity (7); the sampling head (5) is made of hydrophilic material; The storage chamber (7) contains a buffer solution; initially, there is a gap between the flow barrier membrane (2) and the conductive column (8); when the push rod (1) slides inward to its limit position, the flow barrier membrane (2) is destroyed by the conductive column (8); the conductive column is inserted into the storage chamber of the push rod, compressing the space of the storage chamber; the pressure generated after the cavity in the sampling tube (4) shrinks can push the buffer solution through the flow channel (9) on the conductive column into the sampling head, so that the buffer solution is mixed with the sample liquid in the sampling head and output.

2. A liquid sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sampling tube (4) has a positioning protrusion (10) on its inner wall; the push rod (1) has a positioning groove (11) on its outer side; the positioning groove (11) is located on the side of the sealing structure away from the inner end of the push rod (1); in the initial state, the positioning protrusion (10) and the positioning groove (11) form a snap-fit ​​fit.

3. A liquid sampler according to claim 2, characterized in that: The portion of the push rod (1) located on the side of the positioning groove (11) away from the flow barrier membrane (2) is a reduced diameter section; the outline of the reduced diameter section and the projection of the outer outline of the positioning protrusion (10) on a plane perpendicular to the sliding direction of the push rod (1) are either separate or tangent.

4. A liquid sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the sampling tube is provided with several anti-slip stripes; the mounting part is a convex structure; the outer end of the sampling head (5) extends beyond the mounting part; the sampling end of the sampling tube (4) is detachably connected to an outer cover (6); the outer cover (6) is fitted on the outside of the sampling head (5).

5. A liquid sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sampling head (5) is a tubular structure.

6. A liquid sampler according to claim 1, characterized in that: A number of sealing rings (3) are provided between the outer side of the push rod (1) and the inner wall of the sampling tube (4); the sealing rings (3) are embedded in the annular groove on the outer side of the push rod (1).

7. A sampling and detection device, comprising a detector (100); characterized in that: It also includes a liquid sampler as described in any one of claims 1-6; the detector (100) includes a housing and a test strip (22); the test strip (22) is disposed inside the housing; the housing is provided with a sample application hole (24) and an observation window (25); the sampling head (5) on the liquid sampler (200) can be inserted into the sample application hole (24) and contact the test strip (22).

8. The sampling and detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: When not in use, the liquid sampler and detector are connected together via a detachable connection.

9. A sampling and detection device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The sampling tube has an exhaust port on its side; when not in use, the liquid sampler and detector are engaged by a snap-fit ​​structure; the exhaust port on the sampling tube is located at the position of the snap-fit ​​structure.

10. A sampling and detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The sample application hole (24) is stepped, including a large diameter section on the outside and a small diameter section on the inside; the detection end of the sampling tube (4) can be inserted into the large diameter section and is limited by the stepped surface between the large diameter section and the small diameter section; when the detection end of the sampling tube (4) is limited by the stepped surface, the sampling head (5) passes through the small diameter section and contacts the test reagent strip (22).

11. A sampling and detection device according to claim 10, characterized in that: Several inwardly buckling protrusions (26) are symmetrically arranged on the side wall of the large-diameter section; an inwardly buckling groove is provided on the side of the detection end of the sampling tube (4); when the detection end of the sampling tube (4) is inserted into the large-diameter section of the sample feeding hole (24), the inwardly buckling protrusions (26) and the inwardly buckling groove form a snap-fit ​​fit.

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