Fluid sample collection container with removable tube holder

By designing a removable sample collection tube holder and a rotating or pulling mechanism for the container cap, the problems of large volume of sharp object waste and needle puncture injuries in existing fluid sample collection containers are solved, achieving safe and efficient sample processing.

CN116096303BActive Publication Date: 2026-02-27BECTON DICKINSON & CO
View PDF 2 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202180058736.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-07-01
Filing Date
2021-06-30
Publication Date
2026-02-27
Estimated Expiration
2041-06-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing fluid sample collection containers, sharp objects are large in size and pose a risk of needle prick injury, resulting in high processing costs and safety hazards.

Method used

Design a removable sample collection tube holder that separates from the container cap via a rotation or pull mechanism, reducing the volume of sharp object waste and lowering the risk of needlestick injuries by handling the sample collection tube holder and container cap separately.

Benefits of technology

It effectively reduces the volume of sharp object waste, lowers processing costs, improves safety, avoids needle prick injuries, and simplifies the processing procedure.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN116096303B_ABST
    Figure CN116096303B_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

A container assembly includes a collection container and a container cap couplable to the collection container. A sample collection tube holder is provided having an elongated receiver formed therein configured to receive a sample collection tube. The sample collection tube holder is removably couplable to a central portion of the container cap such that when the container cap is coupled to the collection container and the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container cap, at least a portion of the elongated receiver extends into a chamber of the collection container.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 047,077, filed July 1, 2020, entitled "Fluid Sample Collection Container with Removable Tube Holder," the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to a container assembly for collecting fluid samples. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a container assembly including a removable sample collection tube holder. Background Technology

[0004] For laboratory testing of biological fluid samples, such as urine, a container for collecting the fluid sample is required. These collection containers typically consist of a cup-shaped container with a removable lid. Once the fluid sample has been collected in the container, the lid is reapplied. The collection container can then be transported to a laboratory or other testing facility, where the collected sample is extracted for testing purposes.

[0005] To simplify the sample extraction process, existing collection containers utilize caps that not only cover and seal the collection container but also provide a sample extraction device that allows for the extraction of fluid samples. Such caps may contain a receptacle or cavity supporting a tube extending within the cavity to the lower end of the cup-shaped container, the tube being in fluid communication with the sample contained within the container. The tube or cap may include an integrated elongated receptacle housing a cannula and needle, allowing a vacuum-sealed collection device (e.g., a sample collection tube) to be attached to the integrated elongated receptacle to aspirate a portion of the collected sample into the vacuum-sealed collection device without removing the cap. In this configuration, the sample can be removed without spilling or contaminating the sample and / or the cavity area. Subsequent samples can be extracted from the collection container using multiple collection tubes.

[0006] However, in existing collection containers, a needle is provided within the elongated receiver as part of a finger grip luer adapter (FGLA) that is non-removably integrated into the container cap. Thus, when a user has completed all sample collection and wishes to dispose of the container assembly, the entire removable cap must be discarded in an appropriate sharps container or sharps biohazard container. Because of the bulk, the removable cap will quickly fill a sharps container, requiring frequent service by a qualified disposal company to safely handle sharps and / or biohazard waste. Because such disposal services are significantly more expensive than regular waste disposal services, healthcare providers typically seek to minimize the cumulative volume of sharps and / or biohazard waste.

[0007] Additionally, because the finger grip luer adapter is integrated into the cap, patients and / or healthcare workers can be at greater risk of needle stick injuries during sample collection, transport, and / or disposal. SUMMARY

[0008] In view of the foregoing, there is a need for a fluid sample collection container that reduces the volume of sharps waste and protects users and / or healthcare workers from potential needle stick injuries.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a container assembly for collecting a fluid sample includes a collection container defining a chamber for receiving the fluid sample and a container cap couplable to an open end of the collection container to at least partially enclose the open end of the collection container. The container assembly further includes a container cap couplable to an open end of the collection container to at least partially enclose the open end of the collection container and a sample collection tube holder having an elongated receiver formed therein configured to receive a sample collection tube, wherein the sample collection tube holder is removably couplable to a central portion of the container cap such that at least a portion of the elongated receiver extends into the chamber of the collection container when the container cap is coupled to the collection container and the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container cap.

[0010] In certain configurations, the central portion of the container cap includes an opening sized and configured to receive the elongated receiver of the sample collection tube holder. The container cap can further include at least one retention member configured to secure the sample collection tube holder to the container cap. The sample collection tube holder can include at least one flange disposed peripherally relative to a receiving cavity of the elongated receiver.

[0011] Optionally, the at least one flange can be configured to engage the at least one retention member. The at least one retention member can include a slot, and the at least one flange can be configured to engage the slot when the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container cap. The sample collection tube holder can further include a pair of opposing upwardly extending wings disposed peripherally relative to the receiving cavity of the elongated receiver.

[0012] The sample collection tube holder can be coupled to the container cap by a quarter turn rotation in a first direction, and can be decoupled from the container cap by a quarter turn rotation in a second direction. Optionally, the sample collection tube holder can be coupled to the container cap by a perforated seam. The sample collection tube holder can further include a pull tab. In certain configurations, an upwardly directed pulling force applied to the pull tab tears the perforated seam and separates the sample collection tube holder from the container cap.

[0013] According to another embodiment of the present disclosure, a container cap assembly for use with a container assembly for collecting a fluid sample includes a container cap configured to be couplable to an open end of a collection container, and a sample collection tube holder having an elongated receiver formed therein. The elongated receiver is configured to receive a sample collection tube, and the sample collection tube holder is removably coupled to a central portion of the container cap.

[0014] In certain configurations, the container cap further includes at least one retention member configured to secure the sample collection tube holder to the container cap. The sample collection tube holder can include at least one flange disposed peripherally relative to a receiving cavity of the elongated receiver. The flange can be configured to engage a slot formed in the at least one retention member when the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container cap.

[0015] In other configurations, the sample collection tube holder further includes a pair of opposing upwardly extending wings disposed peripherally relative to a receiving cavity of the elongated receiver. The sample collection tube holder can also be coupled to the container cap by a perforated seam. Optionally, the sample collection tube holder can further include a pull tab, and an upwardly directed pulling force applied to the pull tab can tear the perforated seam and separate the sample collection tube holder from the container cap.

[0016] According to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of forming a container assembly for collecting a fluid sample includes the steps of providing a collection container defining a chamber for receiving the fluid sample, providing a container cap couplable to the collection container, and providing a sample collection tube holder separate from the container cap. The sample collection tube holder can include an elongated receiver formed therein configured to receive a sample collection tube. The method can further include the step of coupling the sample collection tube holder to a central portion of the container cap such that at least a portion of the elongated receiver extends into the chamber of the collection container when the container cap is coupled to the collection container and the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container cap.

[0017] The method can further include the steps of decoupling the sample collection tube holder from the container cap when a sample collection task is complete, and disposing of the sample collection tube holder separate from both the container cap and the collection container.

[0018] Further details and advantages of the present disclosure will be understood by reading the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0019] Figure 1 a side view of a fluid sample collection container assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure;

[0020] Figure 2 a top perspective view of a fluid sample collection container assembly of Figure 1

[0021] Figure 3 a top perspective view of a container cap assembly of a fluid sample collection container assembly of Figure 1

[0022] Figure 4 a perspective cutaway view of a fluid sample collection container assembly of Figure 1

[0023] Figure 5 a top perspective view of a container cap for use with a fluid sample collection container assembly according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0024] Figure 6A a top perspective view of a fluid sample collection container assembly in a first use configuration according to another aspect of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 6B a top perspective view of a fluid sample collection container assembly in a second use configuration of Figure 6A

[0026] ​​​​Figure 7 A bottom perspective view of a container cap assembly for use with a fluid sample collection container assembly, according to another aspect of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the described embodiments intended for carrying out the invention. However, various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0028] For the purposes of the following description, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” and their derivatives shall be used in connection with the invention when it has the orientation shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the invention may take various alternative variations unless explicitly stated otherwise. It should also be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary aspects of the invention. Therefore, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the aspects disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0029] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a fluid sample collection container assembly 20 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The fluid sample collection container assembly 20 includes a collection container 22 and a container cap 24. The exemplary collection container assembly 20 according to the present disclosure can be used to safely collect fluid samples (e.g., urine), transport fluid samples, and extract fluid samples.

[0030] In one embodiment, the collection container 22 and the container lid 24 can be formed of any conventional material, such as a polymer resin. Polymer resins are well known in the art and include, for example, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and similar polymer resin materials. However, it should be understood that the collection container 22 and / or the container lid 24 can be formed of other suitable materials, and can be formed of different materials.

[0031] The collection container 22 typically includes a sidewall 30 extending between a first open end (not shown) and a second closed end 34. The sidewall 30 defines an inner chamber for receiving a fluid sample (e.g., urine). In one embodiment, the sidewall 30 of the collection container 22 comprises a slightly tapered tubular vessel having continuous tapered sidewalls 30. In one embodiment, the collection chamber of the collection container 22 is adapted to hold biohazardous material. In one embodiment, the sidewall 30 of the collection container 22 may include at least one fill level indicator that identifies the fluid level of the collected fluid sample.

[0032] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the container lid 24 typically includes a flange 28 extending around its outer edge, wherein the flange 28 is sized to provide a tight fit with the collection container 22 when the container lid 24 is placed over the first open end of the collection container 22. Figure 4 As shown, flange 28 includes an inner surface that includes means or mechanisms for sealingly engaging container cap 24 with a corresponding connection interface 27 of collection container 22. In one embodiment, flange 28 includes an internal thread portion, thereby enabling container cap 24 to be threadedly connected to a corresponding external thread portion of connection interface 27 of collection container 22. In other embodiments, the sealing portion of container cap 24 may include a snap-fit ​​mechanism, ball stop, interference fit mechanism, locking tab, spring-loaded locking mechanism, latch, or other similar mechanism to seal container cap 24 to collection container 22, thereby substantially preventing leakage of fluid samples contained within collection container 22 and container cap 24, while also preventing contaminant ingress. In other embodiments, the engagement between container cap 24 and collection container 22 may be configured to allow air to enter and exit fluid sample collection container assembly 20, while substantially preventing fluid from leaving fluid sample collection container assembly 20. In this way, the formation of a vacuum within fluid sample collection container assembly 20 can be substantially avoided.

[0033] In one embodiment, the container lid 24 includes a central portion 62. A pair of retaining members 64 extend upward from the central portion 62. Figure 3 As shown, each retaining member 64 includes a slot 65. Additionally, in one embodiment, a protrusion 66 may extend circumferentially around an opening (not shown) formed in the central portion 62 of the container lid 24. In one embodiment, both the retaining member 64 and the protrusion 66 are integrally formed with the central portion 62 of the container lid 24. In another embodiment, at least one of the retaining member 64 and the protrusion 66 may be formed separately from the central portion 62 and secured to the central portion 62 by any suitable method. Furthermore, although in Figures 2-4Two retaining members 64 are illustrated in the example, but it should be understood that more or fewer retaining members 64 can be utilized in accordance with other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0034] Still referring to Figures 1-4 , the fluid sample collection container assembly 20 further includes a sample collection tube holder 50, wherein the sample collection tube holder 50 is removably coupled to the container lid 24. The sample collection tube holder 50 includes an elongated receiver 52, wherein the elongated receiver 52 is configured to extend into the collection container 22 and toward the second closed end 34 of the collection container 22 when the container lid 24 is coupled to the collection container 22 and the sample collection tube holder 50 is coupled to the container lid 24.

[0035] The sample collection tube holder 50 includes a receiving cavity 58 defined therein, wherein a pair of tube holder flanges 54 are disposed radially outward of the open end of the receiving cavity 58. An opposing lower end portion 56 is defined below the elongated receiver 52. In one embodiment, the receiving cavity 58 is sized and shaped to receive a sample collection tube, such as a vacuumed tube (not shown). As Figure 4 illustrated in the example, in one embodiment, the lower end portion 56 is configured as a sleeve that is coupled to (or integrated with) a connection interface 53 formed at a lower portion of the sample collection tube holder 50. In one embodiment, the lower end portion 56 is threadedly engaged with the connection interface 53. The lower end portion 56 includes a needle 46 that extends into the elongated receiver 52, wherein the needle 46 is configured to pierce a stopper of a sample collection tube when the sample collection tube is inserted into the receiving cavity 58. In this manner, a fluid sample within the collection container 22 can be transferred to the sample collection tube via the needle 46 and a through-hole 44 formed within the lower end portion 56, thus eliminating the need to remove the container lid 24 to collect the sample.

[0036] Prior to use of the fluid sample collection container assembly 20, the sample collection tube holder 50 is secured to the container lid 24. As Figure 3 illustrated in the example, the tube holder flanges 54 are sized and positioned to at least partially engage the slots 65 of the retaining members 64. Thus, upon a predetermined amount of rotation of the sample collection tube holder 50 (e.g., a quarter turn clockwise rotation), the sample collection tube holder 50 can be securely coupled to the container lid 24 via the interface between the tube holder flanges 54 and the retaining members 64.

[0037] Conversely, the sample collection tube holder 50 can be manually removed from the container cap 24 by reverse rotation of the tube holder flange 54. For example, the user can rotate the sample collection tube holder 50 counterclockwise, thereby releasing the tube holder flanges 54 from their engagement with the slot 65 of the retaining member 64. The sample collection tube holder 50 can then be separated from the container cap 24. The tube holder flanges 54 can be sized to extend at least partially beyond the protrusion 66 of the container cap 24, thereby providing the user with at least one surface by means of which the sample collection tube holder 50 can be lifted away from the container cap 24.

[0038] Although the quarter-turn connection / disconnection is disclosed herein, it should be understood that other types of connection interfaces between the sample collection tube holder 50 and the container cap 24 are also possible, such as bayonet connection, snap-fit ​​connection, etc.

[0039] After using the fluid sample collection container assembly 20, the user (e.g., a healthcare worker) can separate the sample collection tube holder 50 from the container cap 24, discarding only the sample collection tube holder 50 into a sharps container or sharps biohazard container, while discarding the container cap 24 and the rest of the collection container 22 into a general waste container. This significantly reduces the volume of waste disposed of in sharps containers or sharps biohazard containers. Furthermore, when disposing of the various components of the fluid sample collection container assembly 20, the user does not need to come into contact with any part of the sample collection tube holder 50, container cap 24, and / or collection container 22 that came into contact with the fluid sample (e.g., urine).

[0040] In one embodiment, the sample collection tube holder 50 is a conventional sample collection tube holder, such as the registered trademark of Beckton Dickinson, BD. The sample collection tube holder 50 is a disposable component. Therefore, many healthcare workers will become accustomed to handling the sample collection tube holder 50 and will therefore understand that it should be discarded in a suitable sharps container after use. Furthermore, using a conventional sample collection tube holder allows for a reduction in the overall size and material required to form the container cap 24, which reduces the processing and manufacturing costs of the device. Additionally, because conventional sample collection tube holders are mass-produced for a variety of other applications, they can be manufactured more efficiently and cost-effectively compared to container caps with integrated tube holders.

[0041] Next, refer to Figure 5 The figure shows a fluid collection container assembly 70 according to another aspect of this disclosure. Components of the fluid collection container assembly 70 that are equivalent to those of the fluid collection container assembly 20 are referred to by common reference numerals and will therefore not be repeated herein.

[0042] The fluid sample collection container assembly 70 includes a sample collection tube holder 80, which is removably coupled to the container lid 24. The sample collection tube holder 80 includes an elongated receiver 82, which is configured to extend into the collection container 22 when the container lid 24 is coupled to the collection container 22 and the sample collection tube holder 80 is coupled to the container lid 24.

[0043] The sample collection tube holder 80 includes a receiving cavity 88 defined therein, with the tube holder flanges 85 disposed radially outward of the open end of the receiving cavity 88. In one embodiment, the receiving cavity 88 is sized and shaped to receive a sample collection tube, such as a vacuumed tube (not shown). Although not shown, a needle is disposed within the elongated receiver 82, which is configured to pierce a stopper of the sample collection tube when the sample collection tube is inserted into the receiving cavity 88. In this manner, a fluid sample within the collection container 22 can be transferred to the sample collection tube without the need to remove the container lid 24.

[0044] Prior to use of the fluid sample collection container assembly 70, the sample collection tube holder 80 is secured to the container lid 24. As shown in FIG. 6, the tube holder flanges 85 are sized and positioned to at least partially engage the slots of the retention members 64. Accordingly, with a predetermined amount of rotation of the sample collection tube holder 80 (e.g., a quarter turn clockwise rotation), the sample collection tube holder 80 can be securely coupled to the container lid 24 via the interface between the tube holder flanges 85 and the retention members 64. Figure 5

[0045] The sample collection tube holder 80 further includes a pair of opposing upwardly extending wings 86, which provide an ergonomic interface by which a user can rotate the sample collection tube holder 80 to connect / disconnect from the container lid 24. Each wing 86 is coupled to the rim 84 of the sample collection tube holder 80, and each wing 86 further includes a support element 87, which reinforces the wing 86 and maintains the wing 86 in an upwardly extending position when a rotational force is applied to the wing 86.

[0046] In addition to being secured to the container lid 24, the sample collection tube holder 80 can also be manually removed from the container lid 24 by opposing rotation of the tube holder flanges 85 with the aid of the wings 86. For example, a user can rotate the sample collection tube holder 80 in a counter-clockwise direction, thereby releasing the tube holder flanges 85 from their engagement with the slots of the retention members 64. The sample collection tube holder 80 can then be separated from the container lid 24. The user can also use the wings 86 to lift the sample collection tube holder 80 away from the container lid 24. ​

[0047] Although the quarter-turn connection / disconnection is disclosed herein, it should be understood that other types of connection interfaces (e.g., bayonet connection, snap-fit ​​connection) between the sample collection tube retainer 80 and the container cap are also possible.

[0048] Next, refer to Figure 6A and 6B This illustrates a fluid sample collection container assembly 90 according to another aspect of this disclosure.

[0049] The fluid sample collection container assembly 90 includes a collection container 92 and a container cap 94 removably coupled to the collection container. The exemplary collection container assembly 90 according to this disclosure can be used to safely collect fluid samples (e.g., urine), transport fluid samples, and extract fluid samples.

[0050] Related to the above Figures 1-5 The fluid sample collection container assemblies 20 and 70 (each comprising a separate sample collection tube holder 50 and 80) are described in contrast to the fluid sample collection container assembly 90, whose container cap 94 includes an initially integrated sample collection tube holder 100. The sample collection tube holder 100 includes a receiving cavity sized and shaped to receive a sample collection tube, such as a vacuum-sealed tube (not shown). Although not shown, a needle is disposed within the sample collection tube holder 100, configured to pierce the plug of the sample collection tube when it is inserted into the receiving cavity. In this way, a fluid sample within the collection container 92 can be transferred to the sample collection tube without removing the container cap 94.

[0051] The sample collection tube holder 100 is connected to the center portion 96 of the container cap 94 via a perforated joint 104, wherein the perforated joint 104 extends circumferentially around the receiving cavity of the sample collection tube holder 100. Additionally, a pull tab 102 is connected to the sample collection tube holder 100 and extends above the center portion 96 of the container cap 94. Figure 6B As shown, after the user has completed all sample collection via the sample collection tube holder 100, the user (e.g., a healthcare worker) can pull up the pull tab 102, which tears or otherwise breaks the perforated seam 104 and separates the sample collection tube holder 100 from the container cap 94. Once completely separated, the sample collection tube holder 100 can be disposed of in a suitable sharps container or sharps biohazard container, while the container cap 94 and the remainder of the collection container 92 can be disposed of in a general waste container.

[0052] Now for reference Figure 7 This illustrates a container lid assembly 110 according to another aspect of this disclosure. While the above relates to...Figures 1-6B The described fluid sample collection container assemblies each include a sample collection tube holder that can be separated from the respective container cap, but the container cap assembly 110 includes an integrated sample collection tube holder. Specifically, the container cap assembly 110 includes a container cap 112 having a central portion 114. A receiving cavity 116 is integrally formed in the container cap 112, extending downward from the central portion 114. The receiving cavity 116 is formed within an elongated receiver 118, where the elongated receiver 118 and the receiving cavity 116 are sized and shaped to receive a sample collection tube, such as a vacuumed tube (not shown). Although not shown, a needle is disposed within the elongated receiver 118, where the needle is configured to puncture a stopper of the sample collection tube when the sample collection tube is inserted into the receiving cavity 116. In this manner, a fluid sample can be transferred to the sample collection tube without the need to remove the container cap 112.

[0053] At a distal end of the elongated receiver 118 is a coupling interface 120 that is configured to be coupled to a finger grip luer adapter (FGLA) 122. One end of the finger grip luer adapter 122 includes an opening that is configured to allow a fluid sample to be drawn therethrough, while the other end of the finger grip luer adapter 122 includes the needle described above. The finger grip luer adapter 122 can be coupled to the coupling interface 120 via any suitable connection type, such as a threaded connection, a press fit connection, or the like.

[0054] After the user has completed all sample collection using the container cap assembly 110, the entire container cap assembly 110 can be removed from the collection container (not shown). The user, such as a healthcare worker, can then decouple the finger grip luer adapter 122 from the elongated receiver 118 by, for example, rotating or pulling the finger grip luer adapter 122. With the finger grip luer adapter 122 decoupled from the rest of the container cap 112, the finger grip luer adapter 122 (with the attached needle) can be discarded in a suitable sharps container, while the remaining container cap 112 (and collection container) can be discarded in a general waste container. Thus, the amount of waste that needs to be discarded in a sharps container is greatly reduced.

[0055] While several embodiments of the fluid sample collection container assemblies have been illustrated in the drawings and described above in detail, it should be understood that other embodiments can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the application, and that the application is not limited to the embodiments described herein. For example, it should be understood that the present disclosure contemplates that one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment within the scope and spirit of the application. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative instead of limiting.

Claims

1. A container assembly for collecting a fluid sample, comprising: a collection container defining a chamber for receiving the fluid sample; and a container lid couplable to an open end of the collection container to at least partially enclose the open end of the collection container, the container lid including at least one retention member; and a sample collection tube holder at least partially within the interior of the collection container and having a needle and an elongated receiver formed therein configured to receive a sample collection tube, the at least one retention member configured to secure the sample collection tube holder to the container lid; wherein the sample collection tube holder is removably couplable to a central portion of the container lid such that when the container lid is coupled to the collection container and the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container lid, at least a portion of the elongated receiver extends into the chamber of the collection container.

2. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein, the central portion of the container lid includes an opening sized and configured to receive the elongated receiver of the sample collection tube holder.

3. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein, the sample collection tube holder includes at least one flange peripherally disposed relative to a receiving cavity of the elongated receiver.

4. The container assembly of claim 3, wherein, the at least one flange is configured to engage the at least one retention member.

5. The container assembly of claim 4, wherein, the at least one retention member includes a slot and the at least one flange is configured to engage the slot when the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container lid.

6. The container assembly of claim 3, wherein, the sample collection tube holder further includes a pair of opposing upwardly extending wings peripherally disposed relative to the receiving cavity of the elongated receiver.

7. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein the sample collection tube holder is couplable to the container lid by a quarter turn rotation in a first direction and is decouplable from the container lid by a quarter turn rotation in a second direction.

8. The container assembly of claim 1, wherein, the needle is entirely within the sample collection tube holder.

9. A container lid assembly for use with a container assembly for collecting a fluid sample, the container lid assembly comprising: a container lid configured to be couplable to an open end of a collection container; and a sample collection tube holder at least partially within the interior of the collection container and having an elongated receiver formed therein configured to receive a sample collection tube, the sample collection tube holder being coupled to the container lid by a perforated seam, the sample collection tube holder including a pull tab, wherein an upwardly directed pulling force on the pull tab tears the perforated seam and decouples the sample collection tube holder from the container lid; wherein the sample collection tube holder is removably couplable to a central portion of the container lid.

10. The container lid assembly of claim 9, wherein, the container lid further includes at least one retention member and wherein the at least one retention member is configured to secure the sample collection tube holder to the container lid.

11. The container lid assembly of claim 10, wherein, the sample collection tube holder includes at least one flange peripherally disposed relative to a receiving cavity of the elongated receiver.

12. The container lid assembly of claim 11, wherein, The at least one flange is configured to engage a slot formed in the at least one retention member when the sample collection tube retainer is coupled to the container lid.

13. The container lid assembly of claim 11, wherein, The sample collection tube retainer further includes a pair of opposing upwardly extending wings disposed peripherally relative to the receiving cavity of the elongated receiver.

14. A method of forming a container assembly for collecting a fluid sample, the method comprising: providing a collection container defining a chamber for receiving the fluid sample; providing a container lid couplable to the collection container; providing a sample collection tube retainer separate from the container lid, the sample collection tube retainer at least partially within an interior of the collection container and having an elongated receiver formed therein, the elongated receiver configured to receive a sample collection tube, the sample collection tube retainer coupled to the container lid by a perforated seam, the sample collection tube retainer including a pull tab, wherein an upward pulling force on the pull tab tears the perforated seam and separates the sample collection tube retainer from the container lid; and coupling the sample collection tube retainer to a central portion of the container lid such that at least a portion of the elongated receiver extends into the chamber of the collection container when the container lid is coupled to the collection container and the sample collection tube retainer is coupled to the container lid.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising separating the sample collection tube retainer from the container lid when a sample collection task is complete, and disposing the sample collection tube retainer separately from the container lid and the collection container.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Liquid specimen collection system

    US20030036742A1

  • Rotatable closure device

    US4020970A