Sample collection stick

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sample collection rod. The present invention discloses the following technology: a sample collection portion is supported by a hub portion and includes a spiral blade formed in a spiral shape centered on the longitudinal central axis of the hub portion. A plurality of concave and convex portions corresponding to collection grooves are alternately formed on the outer edge of the spiral blade. This can increase the amount of sample collected from a subject and increase the amount of the collected sample dissolved or dispersed from the sample collection rod into a reagent or solution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sample collection stick, and more particularly to a sample collection stick that can collect samples such as saliva from the oral cavity or nasal cavity of a subject by scraping the saliva from the oral cavity or nasal cavity of the subject. Background Art

[0002] Microbiological testing is a test that screens samples for contamination with pathogens that can cause disease. Specifically, when microorganisms are believed to be the cause of a disease, these tests are used to establish diagnostic, treatment, and prevention methods. Microbiological testing screens individuals for contamination with pathogens that can cause disease, such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

[0003] Typically, for microbial testing, a sample is collected from a subject, mixed with a test reagent or solution, and then tested for the presence of pathogens.

[0004] When collecting samples from a subject's saliva, body fluids, or body tissue, a tool called a sample collection stick, brush, or swab is used. Specifically, the sample is collected by inserting the sample collection swab into the subject's body, where the sample adheres to the swab and is extracted.

[0005] Conventional swabs for collecting samples have a circular collection portion formed at the end of a stick-shaped swab. This collection portion is provided with a fiber layer composed of small, fine fibers. As described above, the sample is allowed to penetrate the fiber layer formed in the collection portion of the conventional swab, and the swab is then pulled from the subject to collect the sample.

[0006] As mentioned above, in order for saliva and other substances to penetrate the fiber layer, conventional sample collection swabs must remain inserted into the oral and nasal cavities of the subject for a considerable period of time, causing significant inconvenience to the subject. In particular, the fiber layer of the sample collection swab can cause portions of the fiber layer to separate from the collection portion of the swab and remain within the subject's body. The presence of foreign matter, such as fiber layers, within the subject's body is a serious medical problem. Furthermore, the amount of material collected using conventional swabs is insufficient, frequently resulting in poor test accuracy.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop technology that can solve this problem. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned existing problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a sample collection stick that can not only increase the amount of sample collected, but also shorten the time required for sample collection and prevent the fiber portion of the fiber layer constituting the existing swab from separating from the swab.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a support portion in the form of a rod or stick having an arbitrary length; and a sample collection portion located at the front end of the support portion and used to collect samples contacted with the body of the subject, the sample collection portion including: a hub portion coupled to the front side of the support portion; and a spiral blade arranged on the outer surface of the hub portion, supported by the hub portion, and formed into a spiral shape centered on the longitudinal central axis of the hub portion, wherein a plurality of concave and convex portions equivalent to collection grooves are alternately formed on the outer edge of the spiral blade, and the spiral blade or the hub portion is made of a flexible or elastic material.

[0012] Among them, another feature may be that a protruding coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the support portion, or a cover fastening groove is formed, so as to be able to be coupled to the cover fixed to the sample container, and the sample container accommodates the sample collection part inside.

[0013] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a support portion in the form of a rod or stick having an arbitrary length; and a sample collection portion located at the front end of the support portion and used to collect samples contacted with the body of the subject, the sample collection portion including: a hub portion coupled to the front side of the support portion; and a plurality of collection discs arranged on the outer surface of the hub portion, supported by the hub portion, and arranged along the length direction of the hub portion, wherein a plurality of recesses and protrusions equivalent to collection grooves are alternately formed on the outer edges of each of the plurality of collection discs, and the collection discs or the hub portion are made of a flexible or elastic material.

[0014] Among them, another feature may be that a protruding coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the support portion, or a cover fastening groove is formed to form a coupling with the cover fixed to the sample container, and the sample container accommodates the sample collection part inside.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] The sample collection stick according to the present invention has the following advantages: since it does not require the flocking process required in the production process of existing sample collection swabs, the production cost of the sample collection stick can be reduced. Since the sample collection stick does not have a fiber layer, the problem of partial detachment of the fiber layer and retention in the body of the examinee, as occurs with existing sample collection swabs, can be eliminated, thereby increasing the safety of the test.

[0017] Furthermore, the sample collection stick according to the present invention increases the amount of sample collected from the subject's body and eliminates the absorption time required for the sample to penetrate the fiber layer, as is the case with conventional swabs. This shortens the time required for sample collection and reduces discomfort experienced by the subject during sample collection. This increases the amount of sample collected, thereby improving test accuracy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 A perspective view briefly illustrating a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 A perspective view briefly illustrating a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 A diagram briefly illustrating the top surface of a sample collection portion in a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view briefly illustrating a portion of a hub and a spiral blade in a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 5 A perspective view briefly illustrating a sample collection rod according to an application embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 6 A perspective view briefly illustrating a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an application embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 7 A diagram briefly illustrating the top surface of a sample collection portion in a sample collection rod according to an application embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 8 The cross-sectional view briefly shows a portion of the hub and the collection disk in a sample collection rod according to an application embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The present invention can be subjected to various transformations and can have various embodiments, which are described in detail below by illustrating specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, but rather includes all transformations, equivalent technical solutions or alternative technical solutions within the scope of the concept and technology of the present invention. This embodiment is used to explain the present invention in more detail to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Therefore, in order to emphasize a clearer description, the shapes of the various elements shown in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated. In the process of explaining the present invention, when it is judged that the specific description of the relevant known technology may confuse the main purpose of the present invention, its detailed description may be omitted.

[0027] The terms "first" and "second" can be used to describe various structural elements, but the structural elements are not limited to these terms. The terms are used to distinguish one structural element from other structural elements for the purpose of description and understanding.

[0028] The terms used in the present invention are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated in the context, an expression in the singular includes an expression in the plural.

[0029] In the present invention, it should be understood that terms such as "including" or "having" are only used to specify the existence of features, numbers, steps, actions, structural elements, parts or their combinations recorded in the specification, and do not preclude the existence or additional possibilities of one or more other features, numbers, steps, actions, structural elements, parts or their combinations.

[0030] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals may be used for similar parts.

[0031] Hereinafter, a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0032] Figure 1 To briefly illustrate a perspective view of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 To briefly illustrate a perspective view of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 The figure briefly shows the top surface of the sample collection portion in the sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 3 The sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a support portion 200 and a sample collection portion 300, and may further include a handle portion.

[0034] First, as shown in the figure, the support portion 200 is in the form of a rod or bar, and has any length. The sample collection portion 300 is coupled to the front end of the support portion 200. The support portion 200 supports the sample collection portion 300. The handle portion 100 is connected to the rear side of the support portion 200. The support portion 200 supports the sample collection portion 300, allowing it to be inserted into the body of the subject.

[0035] The support portion 200 is not limited to a specific form as long as it can support the sample collection portion 300 to enter the body of the subject and collect the sample.

[0036] Furthermore, preferably, the support portion 200 is made of a polymer material having flexibility and elasticity so as to be able to flexibly deform and restore to its original shape according to the force received.

[0037] On the other hand, when extracting the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200 of the sample collection stick 10 stored in a sample container (not shown), if they are taken out using tools such as tweezers, the tweezers must be cleaned in advance. After the support portion 200 of the sample collection stick 10 is taken out of the sample container using the tweezers, the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200 of the sample collection stick 10 must be placed at the desired position by the tester, and then the tweezers used must be cleaned again.

[0038] As described above, since the tweezers used each time the sample collection stick is removed from the sample container need to be cleaned, this also reduces the efficiency of the sample testing process. Therefore, a structure can be provided so that the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200 of the sample collection stick 10 can be removed from the sample container without using tweezers.

[0039] That is, a coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210 protruding from the outer surface may be formed on the outer surface of the support portion 200 so as to be coupled to the cover portion or the lid portion of the sample container.

[0040] A securing groove or locking shoulder (not shown) may be provided on the inner side of the cover or lid (not shown) of the sample container (not shown) to secure the support portion 200 of the sample collection rod to the cover or lid (not shown) of the sample container. The securing groove or locking shoulder provided on the inner side of the cover or lid of the sample container can engage with the coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210 of the support portion in an engaging or inserting manner.

[0041] As described above, preferably, the cover or lid of the sample container can fix the support part 200, thereby, even without using tools such as tweezers, the support part 200 can be easily removed from the sample container together with the lid or lid of the sample container by simply opening the cover or lid of the sample container.

[0042] Figure 1 As an example of such a coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210, a coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210 formed along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the support portion 200 and in a ring shape is shown. Figure 1 As shown, preferably, on the rear side of the support portion 200 , one or more coupling shoulders or coupling protrusions 210 in a ring shape or the like are provided on the outer surface of the support portion 200 .

[0043] As described above, preferably, if the support portion 200 can be combined with the cover portion of the sample container, the convenience of use can be increased.

[0044] As described above, the handle portion 100 is provided at the rear side of the support portion 200 . That is, the rear end of the support portion 200 is connected to the handle portion 100 .

[0045] The handle portion 100 is connected to the rear end of the support portion 200 and has a certain length that can be grasped by the hand or fingers of the inspector.

[0046] As shown in the figure, the handle 100 is in the form of a rod or stick of a certain length. This handle 100 is held by the hand or fingers of the examinee. The examinee can use the handle 100 to control the sample collection unit 300 to enter or insert into the examinee's body.

[0047] Therefore, by controlling the handle 100 by the examiner, the sample collection part 300 can be inserted into the body through the oral cavity or nasal cavity of the examinee.

[0048] As shown in the figure, preferably, a segmented groove 120 is provided between the rear end of the handle portion 100 and the support portion 200, which can distinguish the handle portion 100 from the support portion 200. That is, preferably, a segmented groove 120 is provided between the handle portion 100 and the support portion 200 so that the handle portion 100 and the support portion 200 can be separated.

[0049] According to the needs of the tester as a user, the sample collecting part 300 is extracted from the body of the test person, and then the sample collecting part 300 and the support part 200 are housed in a sample container.

[0050] Here, the handle portion 100 does not necessarily need to be housed in the sample container, and therefore, it is preferred that the handle portion 100 be separated from the support portion 200. Therefore, as shown in the figure, a segmented end or segmented groove 120 is preferably provided between the support portion 200 and the handle portion 100 so that the support portion 200 and the handle portion 100 can be separated according to the needs of the tester.

[0051] After the support portion 200 and the handle portion 100 are segmented, as described above, the support portion 200 can be coupled to the cover or lid of a sample container. Preferably, a protruding coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210, or a lid fastening groove, is formed on the outer circumference of the support portion to form a coupling with the cover or lid of the sample container, which houses the sample collection portion.

[0052] The sample collecting portion 300 is inserted into or enters the body of the subject and contacts the sample. The sample collecting portion 300 is located at the front end of the support portion 200 and collects or takes the sample contacted in the body of the subject.

[0053] Such a sample collecting portion 300 includes a hub 310 and a spiral blade 320 .

[0054] The hub 310 is coupled to the front side of the support portion 200. Preferably, the hub 310 is coupled to the support portion 200 so that the longitudinal center axis of the hub 310 coincides with the longitudinal center axis of the support portion 200. The hub 310 is coupled to or formed in such a manner that a portion of the front side of the support portion 200 is inserted into the hub 310. Furthermore, the hub 310 supports the spiral blades 320 disposed on the outside of the hub 310.

[0055] Furthermore, the spiral blade 320 is disposed outside the hub 310 and supported by the hub 310 , and is formed in a spiral shape centered on the longitudinal central axis of the hub.

[0056] The spiral blade 320 formed in a spiral shape is arranged outside the hub 310 so as to adhere to or retain the sample it contacts and extract it from the body of the subject.

[0057] In addition, the hub 310 is preferably made of a flexible or elastic material, that is, it can be made of a polymer material or an elastomeric material having flexibility and elasticity.

[0058] As shown in the drawings, the hub portion 310 may have a rod shape with a circular cross section, but is not limited thereto.

[0059] The sample collecting portion 300 includes a spiral blade 320 formed in a spiral shape centered on the longitudinal central axis of the supporting portion 200 or the hub 310 .

[0060] That is, the sample collecting portion 300 includes a spiral blade 320 formed in a spiral shape, so as to be able to adhere to or retain the sample it contacts and extract it from the body of the subject.

[0061] In other words, the spiral blade 320 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion 310 with the hub portion 310 as the center. The spiral blade 320 formed in this way is supported by the hub portion 310.

[0062] The hub 310 supporting the spiral blade 320 is coupled to a front portion of the support portion 200. Thus, the hub 310 is supported by the support portion 200 and supports the spiral blade 320. Thus, the spiral blade 320 is provided in the sample collection portion 300, thereby increasing the surface area of ​​the sample collection portion 300 in contact with the sample, thereby increasing the amount of sample collected.

[0063] The outer edge of the spiral blade 320 can be referred to as the pitch. If any pitch portion of the spiral blade 320 is defined as the first pitch, and the next pitch after a 360-degree rotation about the longitudinal axis of the hub 310 is defined as the second pitch, a gap is formed between the first and second pitches. This gap is the portion of the hub 310's outer circumference that is exposed to the outside. This gap allows for contact with a sample within the subject's body, and the sample can remain within the gap and be removed from the subject's body.

[0064] In short, the sample can adhere to the portion remaining between the spiral blade and the outer peripheral surface of the hub and be taken out from the body of the subject.

[0065] Each spiral blade 320 is flexible and elastic. Therefore, each of the multiple spiral blades 320 comes into contact with body tissue within the subject's body. The examiner uses the handle 100 to stir or scrape the sample collection unit 300 within the subject's body. This causes the spiral blades 320 to contact and scrape the body tissue where the sample is located. As a result, the sample adheres to the surface of the spiral blades 320 or remains in the space between two adjacent spiral pitches of the spiral blades 320.

[0066] That is, when the sample collection portion 300 is inserted into the body of the subject, the sample adheres to the surface of the spiral blade 320 or remains in the space between two adjacent pitches of the spiral blade 320. Therefore, when the sample collection portion 300 is removed from the body of the subject, the sample will remain in the sample collection portion 300.

[0067] As described above, the gap portion between two adjacent pitches of the collecting blade 320 may also be referred to as a collecting space or a collecting gap.

[0068] Therefore, in the sample collection portion 300 , the sample in contact with the spiral blade 320 or the hub 310 can maintain a state of being retained by the spiral blade 320 or a state of being adhered to the sample.

[0069] Preferably, multiple concave portions 323 and convex portions 321, corresponding to collection grooves, are alternately formed on the outer edge of the spiral blade 320. In other words, preferably, multiple collection grooves 323 are formed on the circumference of the spiral blade 320. The concave and convex portions 321, 323, or the collection grooves 323, can have various configurations and are not limited to a specific configuration.

[0070] As described above, when the spiral blade 320 is formed with a plurality of collecting grooves 323 or concave-convex portions 321 , 323 , the surface area of ​​the outer edge portion of the spiral blade 320 is increased, thereby facilitating an increase in the amount of sample collected.

[0071] The sample can be retained in the concave portion 323, i.e., the collection groove 323, of the concave and convex portions 321 and 323 of the spiral blade 320. Here, the sample retention can be achieved by increasing the elasticity of the spiral blade 320 with the viscosity and flexibility of the sample and the surface area of ​​the contact between the sample and the spiral blade 320.

[0072] exist Figure 3 The embodiment of the invention exemplifies the configuration of the outer edge portion having angled concave and convex portions, but is not limited to this configuration. For example, the outer edge portion, i.e., the outer peripheral portion, of the spiral blade 320 may be curved in a sinusoidal wave configuration with alternating concave and convex portions, which is also feasible and preferred.

[0073] For reference, reference symbol AX represents the longitudinal center axis of the support portion 200 or the hub portion 310 .

[0074] Preferably, the thickness of the spiral blade 320 may be fixed from one side end of the spiral blade 320 connected to the outer circumference of the hub 310 to the other side end of the spiral blade 320 as the outer edge. Figure 4 As shown, preferably, the thickness may be reduced in a portion.

[0075] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram briefly showing a side cross-section of the hub and a portion of the spiral blade of the sample collection portion in the sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram showing a side cross-section of a surface including a position on the outer edge of the spiral blade 320 and the longitudinal center axis of the hub 310 .

[0076] exist Figure 4In the embodiment, one side of the spiral blade 320 is connected to the hub 310. The outer edge of the spiral blade 320 is the other side end of the spiral blade 320. In the spiral blade 320, the thickness T0 and TE may gradually decrease from at least a portion LD2 of the longitudinal length L0 toward the other side.

[0077] Reference symbol T0 represents the thickness T0 of the spiral blade 320 at a point where the thickness starts to decrease from at least a portion LD2 of the longitudinal length L0 toward the other side, and reference symbol TE represents the thickness TE at the other end of the spiral blade 320 .

[0078] Preferably, in at least a portion LD2 of the longitudinal length L0 , the thickness decreases from T0 to TE. In other words, the thickness is preferably formed in a tapered shape.

[0079] Preferably, as described above, in the spiral blade 320 , the lateral width WD gradually decreases, or the thicknesses T0 and TE gradually decrease, from at least a portion LD of the longitudinal length L0 toward the other side.

[0080] Preferably, the thickness of the spiral blade 320 is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, more preferably, in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0081] In addition, the spiral blade 320 may be made of a polymer material or elastomer having flexibility and elasticity.

[0082] As described above, preferably, when the thickness of the spiral blade 320 gradually decreases toward the outer edge, ie, the other side end, the outer edge portion of the spiral blade 320 can be flexibly bent and restored to its original shape, thereby retaining the contacted sample.

[0083] As described above, the spiral blades 320, which are spirally shaped around the hub 310, prevent the leakage of samples that have contacted or adhered to the sample and maintain the sample between the spiral blades 320. This further increases the amount of sample collected compared to conventional techniques. Furthermore, by alternately forming concave portions 323 and convex portions 321 on the outer sides of the spiral blades 320 as collection grooves 323, it is possible to prevent the leakage of samples that have contacted or adhered to the sample and maintain the sample within the collection grooves 323, thereby increasing the amount of sample collected.

[0084] Preferably, the spiral blade 320 is shaped and manufactured to a predetermined size according to the location of insertion into the subject's body, such as the nasal cavity, oral cavity, anus, or cervix. Furthermore, the sample collection portion 300, including the spiral blade 320 and the hub 310, can be made of a flexible and elastic polymer material or elastomer.

[0085] On the other hand, the following embodiments are also possible and preferable.

[0086] Figure 5 To briefly illustrate a perspective view of a sample collection rod according to an application embodiment of the present invention, Figure 6 To briefly illustrate a perspective view of the sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an application embodiment of the present invention, Figure 7 The figure briefly shows the top surface of the sample collection portion of the sample collection rod according to the application embodiment of the present invention.

[0087] Reference Figures 5 to 7 The sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a support portion 200 and a sample collection portion 300, and may further include a handle portion.

[0088] First, as shown in the figure, the support portion 200 is in the form of a rod or bar, and has any length. The sample collection portion 300 is coupled to the front end of the support portion 200. The support portion 200 supports the sample collection portion 300. The handle portion 100 is connected to the rear side of the support portion 200. The support portion 200 supports the sample collection portion 300, allowing it to be inserted into the body of the subject.

[0089] The support portion 200 is not limited to a specific form as long as it can support the sample collection portion 300 to enter the body of the subject and collect the sample.

[0090] Furthermore, preferably, the support portion 200 is made of a polymer material having flexibility and elasticity so as to be able to flexibly deform and restore to its original shape according to the force received.

[0091] On the other hand, when extracting the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200 of the sample collection stick 10 stored in a sample container (not shown), if they are taken out using tools such as tweezers, the tweezers must be cleaned in advance. After the support portion 200 of the sample collection stick 10 is taken out of the sample container using the tweezers, the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200 of the sample collection stick 10 must be placed at the desired position by the tester, and then the tweezers used must be cleaned again.

[0092] As described above, since the tweezers used each time the sample collection stick is removed from the sample container need to be cleaned, this also reduces the efficiency of the sample testing process. Therefore, a structure can be provided so that the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200 of the sample collection stick 10 can be removed from the sample container without using tweezers.

[0093] That is, a coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210 protruding from the outer surface may be formed on the outer surface of the support portion 200 so as to be coupled to the cover portion or the lid portion of the sample container.

[0094] A securing groove or locking shoulder (not shown) may be provided on the inner side of the cover or lid (not shown) of the sample container (not shown) to secure the support portion 200 of the sample collection rod to the cover or lid (not shown) of the sample container. The securing groove or locking shoulder provided on the inner side of the cover or lid of the sample container can engage with the coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210 of the support portion in an engaging or inserting manner.

[0095] As described above, preferably, the cover or lid of the sample container can fix the support part 200, thereby, even without using tools such as tweezers, the support part 200 can be easily removed from the sample container together with the lid or lid of the sample container by simply opening the cover or lid of the sample container.

[0096] Figure 5 As an example of such a coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210, a coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210 formed along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the support portion 200 and in a ring shape is shown. Figure 5 As shown, preferably, on the rear side of the support portion 200 , one or more coupling shoulders or coupling protrusions 210 in a ring shape or the like are provided on the outer surface of the support portion 200 .

[0097] As described above, preferably, if the support portion 200 can be combined with the cover portion of the sample container, the convenience of use can be increased.

[0098] As described above, the handle portion 100 is provided at the rear side of the support portion 200 . That is, the rear end of the support portion 200 is connected to the handle portion 100 .

[0099] The handle portion 100 is connected to the rear end of the support portion 200 and has a certain length that can be grasped by the hand or fingers of the inspector.

[0100] As shown in the figure, the handle 100 is in the form of a rod or stick of a certain length. This handle 100 is held by the hand or fingers of the examinee. The examinee can use the handle 100 to control the sample collection unit 300 to enter or insert into the examinee's body.

[0101] Therefore, by controlling the handle 100 by the examiner, the sample collection part 300 can be inserted into the body through the oral cavity or nasal cavity of the examinee.

[0102] As shown in the figure, preferably, a segmented groove 120 is provided between the rear end of the handle portion 100 and the support portion 200, which can distinguish the handle portion 100 from the support portion 200. That is, preferably, a segmented groove 120 is provided between the handle portion 100 and the support portion 200 so that the handle portion 100 and the support portion 200 can be separated.

[0103] According to the needs of the tester as a user, the sample collecting part 300 is extracted from the body of the test person, and then the sample collecting part 300 and the support part 200 are housed in a sample container.

[0104] Here, the handle portion 100 does not necessarily need to be housed in the sample container, and therefore, it is preferred that the handle portion 100 be separated from the support portion 200. Therefore, as shown in the figure, a segmented end or segmented groove 120 is preferably provided between the support portion 200 and the handle portion 100 so that the support portion 200 and the handle portion 100 can be separated according to the needs of the tester.

[0105] After the support portion 200 and the handle portion 100 are segmented, as described above, the support portion 200 can be coupled to the cover or lid of a sample container. Preferably, a protruding coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210, or a lid fastening groove, is formed on the outer circumference of the support portion to form a coupling with the cover or lid of the sample container, which houses the sample collection portion.

[0106] The sample collecting portion 300 is inserted into or enters the body of the subject and contacts the sample. The sample collecting portion 300 is located at the front end of the support portion 200 and collects or takes the sample contacted in the body of the subject.

[0107] Such a sample collecting portion 300 includes a hub 310 and a spiral blade 320 .

[0108] The hub 310 is coupled to the front side of the support portion 200. Preferably, the hub 310 is coupled to the support portion 200 so that the longitudinal center axis of the hub 310 coincides with the longitudinal center axis of the support portion 200. The hub 310 is coupled to or formed in such a manner that a portion of the front side of the support portion 200 is inserted into the hub 310. Furthermore, the hub 310 supports the spiral blades 320 disposed on the outside of the hub 310.

[0109] Furthermore, the spiral blade 320 is disposed outside the hub 310 and supported by the hub 310 , and is formed in a spiral shape centered on the longitudinal central axis of the hub.

[0110] As described above, the spiral blade 320 formed in a spiral shape is arranged outside the hub 310 to adhere to or retain the sample it contacts and remove it from the body of the subject.

[0111] In addition, the hub 310 is preferably made of a flexible or elastic material, that is, it can be made of a polymer material or an elastomeric material having flexibility and elasticity.

[0112] As shown in the drawings, the hub portion 310 may have a rod shape with a circular cross section, but is not limited thereto.

[0113] Multiple collection trays 320 are arranged along the length of the hub 310 to adhere or retain samples that come into contact with the sample and remove them from the subject's body. Preferably, the multiple collection trays 320 are spaced apart at arbitrary intervals. Furthermore, the center of each collection tray 320 is preferably aligned with the longitudinal central axis of the hub.

[0114] The collecting tray 320 has a plate shape with at least one side being a curved or flat surface. Furthermore, the edge of the collecting tray 320 is circular or oval. The collecting tray 340 may also be in the shape of a disk or a round plate.

[0115] The collecting tray 320 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the hub 310 with the hub 310 as the center. The collecting tray 320 formed in this manner is supported by the hub 310.

[0116] The hub 310, which supports the collection tray 320, is coupled to a portion of the front side of the support 200. Thus, the hub 310, while being supported by the support 200, also supports the collection tray 320. When the collection tray 320 is positioned in this manner within the sample collection section 300, the surface area of ​​the sample collection section 300 that comes into contact with the sample increases, thereby increasing the amount of sample collected.

[0117] A gap is formed between adjacent collection plates 320, i.e., a portion of the outer circumference of the hub 310 exposed to the outside. This gap allows the sample to come into contact with the subject's body, allowing the sample to be retained in the gap and removed from the subject's body.

[0118] In short, the sample can adhere to and remain between the adjacent collection disks 320 and the outer peripheral surface portion of the hub, and be taken out from the body of the subject.

[0119] The collection trays 320 are flexible and resilient. Therefore, the multiple collection trays 320 come into contact with the body tissue within the subject's body. The examiner uses the handle 100 to stir or scrape the sample collection unit 300 within the subject's body, causing the collection trays 320 to contact and scrape against the body tissue containing the sample. As a result, the sample adheres to the surface of the collection trays 320 or remains in the space between two pitches of adjacent collection trays 320.

[0120] That is, when the sample collection unit 300 is inserted into the body of the subject, the sample adheres to the surface of the collection disk 320 or remains in the space between adjacent collection disks 320. Therefore, when the sample collection unit 300 is removed from the body of the subject, the sample will remain in the sample collection unit 300.

[0121] As described above, the gap portion between the adjacent collecting trays 320 may also be referred to as a collecting space or a collecting gap.

[0122] Furthermore, among the plurality of collection trays 320, the diameters or major radii of adjacent collection trays 320 in at least a portion of the collection trays 320 may be different. Of course, it is also feasible that the plurality of collection trays 320 all have the same diameter or major radius.

[0123] Therefore, in the sample collection portion 300 , the sample in contact with the collection disk 320 or the hub 310 can be maintained in a state of being retained or adhered by the collection disk 320 .

[0124] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, preferably, a plurality of concave portions 323 and convex portions 321, corresponding to collection grooves, are alternately formed on the outer edge of the collection tray 320. In other words, preferably, a plurality of collection grooves 323 are also formed on the periphery of the collection tray 320. The shapes of the concave and convex portions 321, 323, or the shape of the collection grooves 323, can have various forms and are not limited to a specific form.

[0125] As described above, when the collecting plate 320 is formed with a plurality of collecting grooves 323 or a plurality of concave and convex portions 321 and 323 , the surface area of ​​the outer edge portion of the spiral blade 320 is increased, thereby facilitating an increase in the amount of sample collected.

[0126] The sample can be retained in the concave portion 323, i.e., the collection groove 323, of the concave and convex portions 321 and 323 of the collection plate 320. The sample retention can be achieved by increasing the elasticity of the spiral blade 320, which has the viscosity and flexibility of the sample, and the surface area of ​​contact between the sample and the collection plate 320.

[0127] Although Figure 7 The outer edge portion of the collecting tray 320 may be formed as a curved, sinusoidal shape with alternating concave and convex portions.

[0128] For reference, reference symbol AX represents the longitudinal center axis of the support portion 200 or the hub portion 310 .

[0129] Preferably, the thickness of the collecting tray 320 may be fixed from one end of the collecting tray 320 connected to the outer circumference of the hub 310 to the other end of the collecting tray 320 as the outer edge. Figure 8 As shown, preferably, the thickness may be reduced in a portion.

[0130] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram briefly showing a side cross-section of the hub of the sample collection portion and a portion of the collection disk in a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 8 3 is a schematic diagram showing a side cross-section of a surface including a position on the outer edge of the collection plate 320 and the longitudinal central axis of the hub 310 .

[0131] exist Figure 8 In the embodiment, one side of the collection tray 320 is connected to the hub 310. The outer edge of the collection tray 320, i.e., the outer periphery, is the other side of the collection tray 320. In the collection tray 320, the thicknesses T0 and TE may gradually decrease from at least a portion LD2 of the longitudinal length L0 toward the other side.

[0132] Reference symbol T0 represents the thickness T0 of the collecting tray 320 at a point where the thickness starts to decrease from at least a portion LD2 of the longitudinal length L0 toward the other side, and reference symbol TE represents the thickness TE at the other end of the collecting tray 320.

[0133] Preferably, in at least a portion LD2 of the longitudinal length L0 , the thickness decreases from T0 to TE. In other words, the thickness is preferably formed in a tapered shape.

[0134] Preferably, as described above, in the collecting tray 320 , the lateral width WD gradually decreases, or the thicknesses T0 and TE gradually decrease, from at least a portion LD of the longitudinal length L0 toward the other side.

[0135] Preferably, the thickness of the spiral blade 320 is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, more preferably, in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0136] Moreover, the collecting tray 320 may be made of a polymer material or elastomer having flexibility and elasticity.

[0137] As described above, preferably, when the thickness of the collection tray 320 gradually decreases toward the outer edge, ie, the other side end, the outer edge portion of the collection tray 320 can be flexibly bent and restored to its original shape, thereby retaining the contacted sample.

[0138] As described above, the multiple collection discs 320 arranged along the length of the hub 310 prevent the loss of contact or adhered samples and maintain the sample between the collection discs 320, thereby further increasing the sample collection volume compared to the prior art. Furthermore, by alternately forming concave portions 323 and convex portions 321 on the outer sides of the collection discs 320 as collection grooves 323, the loss of contact or adhered samples is prevented and the sample is maintained within the collection grooves 323, thereby increasing the sample collection volume.

[0139] Preferably, the collection tray 320 is shaped and manufactured to a predetermined size based on the intended location within the patient's body, such as the nasal cavity, oral cavity, anus, or cervix. Furthermore, the sample collection portion 300, including the collection tray 320 and the hub 310, can be made of a flexible and elastic polymer material or elastomer.

[0140] As described above, the sample collection stick according to the embodiment of the present invention can collect a relatively larger amount of sample than the existing sample collection swab by using the spiral blade or the collection disk included in the sample collection portion 300 .

[0141] Therefore, the amount of sample collected from the examinee can be increased, and the amount of the collected sample dissolved or dispersed from the sample collection stick into the reagent or solution can be increased.

[0142] As described above, the sample collection stick according to the present invention has the following advantages: since the flocking process required in the production process of existing sample collection swabs is not required, the production cost of the sample collection stick can be reduced. Since the sample collection stick has no fiber layer, the problem of the fiber layer partially falling off and remaining in the body of the examinee, as in existing sample collection swabs, can be eliminated.

[0143] Furthermore, the sample collection stick according to the present invention has the following advantages: compared with existing swabs, the amount of sample collected from the examinee can be increased, and the amount of the collected sample dissolved or dispersed from the sample collection stick into the reagent or solution can be increased, thereby improving the accuracy of the test by increasing the amount of sample collected.

[0144] The sample collection stick according to the present invention can also shorten the time required to collect samples, reducing discomfort experienced by the examinee during sample collection. Furthermore, the sample collection portion inserted into the examinee's oral or nasal cavity is made of a flexible and elastic polymer or elastomeric material, thereby alleviating user discomfort.

[0145] As described above, although the specific description of the present invention is achieved by referring to the embodiments of the accompanying drawings, since the above embodiments are merely examples of preferred embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be understood based on the claims described below and their equivalent concepts.

[0146] 100: handle

[0147] 200: Support

[0148] 300: Sample Collection Department

[0149] 310: Hub

[0150] 320: Collection blades, spiral blades

Claims

1. A sample collection stick, characterized in that: include: The supporting part is in the form of a rod or a stick; as well as The sample collecting part is located at the front end of the support part and collects the sample in contact with the body of the person being examined. The sample collection unit includes: a hub portion coupled to a front side of the support portion; as well as The spiral blade is arranged on the outer surface of the hub, supported by the hub, and formed into a spiral shape centered on the longitudinal central axis of the hub, so as to be able to adhere to or retain the sample. The outer edge of the spiral blade is alternately formed with a plurality of concave and convex portions equivalent to the collecting grooves. In the spiral blade, the thickness gradually decreases from at least a portion of the longitudinal length section toward the outer edge. The spiral blade or the hub is made of a flexible or elastic material.

2. The sample collection stick according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer peripheral surface of the support portion is formed with a protruding coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion, or is formed with a cover fastening groove, so as to be coupled with a cover fixed to a sample container, wherein the sample container accommodates the sample collecting portion therein.

3. A sample collection stick, characterized in that: include: The supporting part is in the form of a rod or a stick; as well as The sample collecting part is located at the front end of the support part and collects the sample in contact with the body of the person being examined. The sample collection unit includes: a hub portion coupled to a front side of the support portion; as well as A plurality of collecting plates are arranged on the outer surface of the hub, supported by the hub, and arranged along the length direction of the hub. The outer edges of the plurality of collecting plates are each alternately formed with a plurality of concave and convex portions equivalent to collecting grooves. In the collecting plate, the thickness gradually decreases from at least a portion of the longitudinal length section toward the outer periphery. The collecting tray or the hub is made of a flexible or elastic material.

4. The sample collection stick according to claim 3, characterized in that: The outer peripheral surface of the support portion is formed with a protruding coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion, or is formed with a cover fastening groove, so as to be coupled with a cover fixed to a sample container, wherein the sample container accommodates the sample collecting portion therein.

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