Sample collection stick

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sample collection rod. The present invention discloses the following technology: a sample collection portion includes a plurality of collection discs arranged along the length of a hub portion, and an empty storage space for accommodating a sample is provided on the longitudinal central axis side of the hub portion of the sample collection portion. This increases the amount of sample collected from a subject and increases 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 existing 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, the 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, which collects 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 outside of the hub portion, supported by the hub portion, and arranged along the length direction of the hub portion, wherein an empty receiving space is formed in the hub portion on the side of the central axis in the length direction of the hub portion.

[0012] Among them, another feature may be that the hub includes: a rear hub frame, which is combined with a front part of the support part; a front hub frame, which is arranged at a position separated from the front side by a certain distance relative to the rear hub frame; and a plurality of columns, the front ends of which are connected to the front hub frame, the rear ends of which are connected to the rear hub frame, and a hole is formed in the center of the front hub frame.

[0013] Another feature may be that the plurality of column portions are respectively separated from mutually adjacent column portions.

[0014] In addition, another feature may be that a plurality of collecting grooves are formed on the outer side edge of the front hub frame or the rear hub frame.

[0015] Furthermore, another feature may be that at least a portion of the multiple collection grooves formed on the outer edge of the front hub frame or the rear hub frame are formed along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the hub or the support portion.

[0016] Another feature may be that the hub is made of a flexible or elastic material.

[0017] Among them, another feature may be that at least one collection groove is formed at an arbitrary depth on the outer edge of the collection tray, and the collection groove is formed along a direction perpendicular to an arbitrary virtual plane including the longitudinal central axis of the hub, and the collection tray or the hub is made of a flexible or elastic material.

[0018] 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.

[0019] Effects of the Invention

[0020] 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.

[0021] 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

[0022] Figure 1 A perspective view briefly illustrating a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 A perspective view briefly illustrating a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 A side view briefly illustrating a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 A side view briefly illustrating a hub portion of a sample collection portion in a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 A diagram briefly illustrating a cross section of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 A side view briefly illustrating the column and the collection blades in the sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 A perspective view briefly showing a sample collection rod according to a modified embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 A perspective view briefly illustrating a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to a modified embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 9 The figure is a side view briefly showing a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The present invention can be subjected to various transformations and can have various embodiments. Specific embodiments are illustrated and described in detail below by way of examples in 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 skilled in the art of 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.

[0032] The terms "first" and "second" may 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 explanation and understanding.

[0033] 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 clearly indicated in the context, an expression in the singular includes an expression in the plural.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] Hereinafter, a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] Figure 1 To briefly illustrate a perspective view of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2This is a perspective view briefly showing a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 The figure is a side view briefly showing a sample collection portion in a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] 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 100 .

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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 that allows the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200 of the sample collection stick 10 to be removed from the sample container without using tweezers.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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 .

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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 .

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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 test subject. The test subject can use the handle 100 to control the sample collection unit 300 to enter or insert into the test subject's body.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] The sample collecting portion 300 is inserted into or enters the body of the subject and contacts the sample, and is the portion that collects the sample. The sample collecting portion 300 is located at the front end of the support portion 200 and collects or takes the sample that contacts the body of the subject.

[0058] The sample collection portion 300 includes a hub 310 and a plurality of collection discs 320 .

[0059] Here, further reference Figure 4 .

[0060] Figure 4 This is a side view of the hub of the sample collection portion of the sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 The hub 310 is shown with the plurality of collection discs 320 removed in the sample collection portion.

[0061] Further references Figure 4 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 is aligned with the longitudinal center axis of the support portion 200. The hub 310 is coupled to or formed in a manner such that it is inserted into a portion of the front side of the support portion 200. The hub 310 also supports a plurality of collection trays 320 disposed on the outside of the hub 310.

[0062] Furthermore, the plurality of collecting trays 320 are disposed outside the hub portion 310 and supported by the hub portion 310 , and are arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the support portion 200 .

[0063] At least one collection tray 320 is disposed on the outside of the hub 310 so as to adhere to or retain the contacted sample and extract it from the body of the examinee.

[0064] First, the hub portion 310 of the sample collection portion 300 will be described in further detail below.

[0065] like Figure 4 As shown, the hub 310 of the sample collection portion 300 includes a rear hub frame 3120 , a front hub frame 3110 and a plurality of columns 3130 .

[0066] The front hub frame 3110 corresponds to the front portion of the hub 310 , and together with the rear hub frame 3120 and the column 3130 , constitutes a part of the hub 310 .

[0067] The front hub frame 3110 is provided at a position spaced apart from the front side of the rear hub frame 3120 coupled to a front portion of the support portion 200 .

[0068] Preferably, a hole 3115 is formed at the center of the front hub frame 3110. The hole 3115 formed at the center of the front hub frame 3110 communicates with a receiving space 3150 described later.

[0069] The rear hub frame 3120 is coupled to a front portion of the support portion 200. The rear hub frame 3120 corresponds to the rear portion of the hub 310 and, together with the front hub frame 3110 and the column portion 3130, constitutes a portion of the hub 310. The rear hub frame 3120 is disposed at a position spaced a certain distance rearward from the front hub frame 3110.

[0070] Like the front hub frame 3120, the rear hub frame 3120 may also have a hole formed in the center. The rear hub frame 3120 may be combined with the support portion 200 in a manner such that a front portion of the support portion 200 is inserted into the hole formed in the center of the rear hub frame 3120.

[0071] As described above, since the rear hub frame 3120 is combined with the support portion 200 , the hub portion 310 can be supported by the support portion 200 .

[0072] The front end of the column 3130 is connected to the front hub frame 3110, and the rear end is connected to the rear hub frame 3120. Multiple columns 3130 are arranged between the front hub frame 3110 and the rear hub frame 3120. Preferably, each of the multiple columns 3130 is spaced apart from adjacent columns 3130. The multiple columns 3130 can be arranged between the front hub frame 3110 and the rear hub frame 3120 in a rotationally symmetrical or axially symmetrical configuration with respect to the longitudinal center axis of the hub 310.

[0073] In the hub portion 310 , an empty accommodation space 3150 is formed on the longitudinal central axis side of the hub portion 310 connecting the center of the front hub frame 3110 and the center of the rear hub frame 3120 .

[0074] The empty receiving space 3150 formed inside the hub 310 can receive the collected sample. That is, since there are gaps between the plurality of pillars 3130, the sample can flow from the outside of the hub 310 and be received in the receiving space 3150 formed inside the hub 310.

[0075] Therefore, compared with the existing sample collection rod without the receiving space 3150 of the hub 310 , the sample collection rod 10 according to the present invention can collect a larger amount of sample.

[0076] Furthermore, it is also feasible and preferred to form a plurality of collection slots 3113 , 3114 , 3124 on the outer edge of the front hub frame 3110 or the rear hub frame 3120 , which can accommodate and collect samples.

[0077] Preferably, when multiple collection grooves 3113, 3114, 3123, 3124 are formed on the outer edge of the front hub frame 3110 or the rear hub frame 3120, at least a portion of the multiple collection grooves 3113, 3114, 3124 formed on the outer edge of the front hub frame 3110 or the rear hub frame 3120 are formed along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the hub 310 or the support part 200.

[0078] In other words, preferably, the collecting grooves 3113, 3114, 3124 formed on the outer edge of the front hub frame 3110 or the rear hub frame 3120 are formed along a direction perpendicular to any virtual plane including the longitudinal center axis of the hub.

[0079] Here, the plurality of collecting grooves 3113 , 3114 , and 3124 formed on the outer edge of the front hub frame 3110 or the rear hub frame 3120 may be formed in a symmetrical arrangement with respect to any virtual plane.

[0080] Furthermore, the plurality of collection grooves 3113, 3114, 3124 formed on the outer edge of the front hub frame 3110 or the rear hub frame 3120 can be formed to any depth or width. For example, the depth or width of adjacent collection grooves 3113, 3114, 3124 can be the same, or the depth or width of adjacent collection grooves 3113, 3114, 3124 can be different.

[0081] Preferably, the hub 310 is made of a flexible or elastic material, that is, it can be made of a polymer material or an elastomeric material that is flexible and elastic.

[0082] Here, further reference Figure 5 , the collection disk 320 is described.

[0083] Figure 5 The figure briefly shows the cross section of the sample collection portion in the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Further references Figure 5 As mentioned above, the sample collecting portion 300 includes a plurality of collecting plates 320 arranged along the length direction of the supporting portion 200 or the hub portion 310 .

[0085] Specifically, the sample collection unit 300 includes multiple collection trays 320 arranged along the length of the hub, allowing samples to adhere to or be retained and then extracted from the subject's body. Preferably, the multiple collection trays 320 are separated by arbitrary intervals. Furthermore, the centers of the collection trays 320 are preferably located along the longitudinal central axis of the hub.

[0086] The collecting tray 320 is in the form of a plate with at least one side being curved or flat. Furthermore, the edge of the collecting tray 320 is in a circular or oval shape. Alternatively, the collecting tray 340 is in the form of a circular disk or a round plate.

[0087] The collecting tray 320 may be formed outside the hub 310 , that is, on the column 3130 , with the hub 310 as the center. The collecting tray 320 formed in this manner is supported by the hub 310 .

[0088] The hub 310, which supports the collection tray 320, is coupled to a portion of the front side of the support portion 200. Therefore, the hub 310 is supported by the support portion 200 and supports the collection tray 320. As described above, when the collection tray 320 is disposed on the sample collection portion 300, the surface area of ​​the sample collection portion 300 that contacts the sample increases, thereby increasing the amount of sample collected.

[0089] The portion between adjacent collection plates 320 where the column portion 3130 of the hub 310 is exposed to the outside, i.e., a gap, is formed. This gap also allows contact with the sample within the subject's body, and the sample can remain in the gap and be extracted from the subject's body.

[0090] In short, the sample can adhere to and be retained between the adjacent collection plates 320 and the column portion 3130 of the hub, and can be extracted from the body of the examinee.

[0091] Each collection tray 320 is flexible and elastic. Therefore, each of the multiple collection trays 320 comes 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 tray 320 to contact and scrape the body tissue where the sample is located. As a result, the sample adheres to the surface of the collection tray 320 or remains in the space between two pitches of adjacent collection trays 320.

[0092] That is, when the sample collection part 300 is inserted into the body of the subject, the sample will adhere to the surface of the collection plate 320 or remain in the space between adjacent collection plates 320. Therefore, when the sample collection part 300 is extracted from the body of the subject, the sample will remain in the sample collection part 300.

[0093] As described above, the interval between adjacent collecting plates 320 , that is, the gap portion, may also be referred to as a collecting space or a collecting interval.

[0094] Furthermore, in at least a portion of the plurality of collecting trays 320, adjacent collecting trays 320 may have different diameters or major radii. Of course, it is also feasible that all of the plurality of collecting trays 320 have the same diameter or major radius.

[0095] Therefore, in the sample collecting portion 300 , the sample in contact with the collecting disk 320 or the hub 310 can be maintained in a state of being retained or adhered by the collecting disk 320 .

[0096] Furthermore, as shown in the figure, at least one collecting groove 323, 324 is formed at an arbitrary depth on the outer edge of the collecting plate 320. Furthermore, preferably, such collecting grooves 323, 324 are formed in a direction perpendicular to an arbitrary virtual plane IP including the longitudinal center axis of the hub.

[0097] Among the at least one collecting groove 323 , at least a portion of the collecting groove 323 may be formed along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the hub 310 or the support portion 200 .

[0098] In at least one of the collection slots 323, at least a portion of adjacent collection slots 323, 324 are formed side by side within a certain error range, that is, parallel to each other. In other words, the longitudinal directions of the adjacent collection slots 323, 324 can be parallel to each other.

[0099] For reference, in Figure 5In the figure, reference numeral 321 is a portion of the collecting plate 320 where the collecting grooves 323 and 324 are not formed, and refers to a portion between the collecting grooves 323 and 324 adjacent to each other.

[0100] Among the collection grooves 323 and 324 formed in a direction perpendicular to any virtual plane IP including the longitudinal center axis of the hub 310, the collection groove 323 whose depth direction or the center line of the collection groove 323 passes through the longitudinal center axis of the hub 310 can be called the first collection groove 323.

[0101] Moreover, the collecting groove 324 adjacent to the first collecting groove 323 or the collecting groove 324 whose depth direction or center line does not intersect with the longitudinal central axis of the hub 310 can be called the second collecting groove 324.

[0102] The depth of the first collection groove 323 and the depth of the second collection groove 324 can be any depth. Therefore, the depth of the first collection groove 323 and the depth of the second collection groove 324 can be the same or different. The depth of the first collection groove 323 and the depth of the second collection groove 324 can be pre-set as needed and formed on the outer edge of the collection tray 320.

[0103] Furthermore, the width GW1 of the first collecting groove 323 and the width GW2 of the second collecting groove 324 can be any size. The width GW1 of the first collecting groove 323 and the width GW2 of the second collecting groove 324 can be the same or different. The widths GW1 and GW2 can be set according to design requirements to form the collecting grooves 323 and 324.

[0104] Furthermore, the sample may be received and stored in at least one collecting groove 323 , 324 formed on the outer edge of the collecting plate 320 .

[0105] As described above, when at least one collection groove 323 or 324 is formed in the collection tray 320, the amount of sample collected from the subject's body can be increased. Preferably, the first collection groove 323 or the second collection groove 324 is formed on the outer edge of the collection tray 320.

[0106] As described above, it is fully feasible and preferred to form at least one collecting groove 323, 324 on the collecting plate 320.

[0107] As described above, compared with the existing swab for sample collection, the sample collection stick according to the embodiment of the present invention can further increase the sample collection amount by using the collection disk 320 included in the sample collection part 300 .

[0108] 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.

[0109] The thickness of the collecting tray 320 may be preferably constant from one end of the collecting tray 320 connected to the column 3130 of the hub 310 to the other end of the collecting tray 320 as the outer edge. Figure 6 As shown, it is preferable that the thickness is reduced in a portion.

[0110] Figure 6 This schematic diagram briefly illustrates a side cross-section of the hub and a portion of the collection disk of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the schematic diagram depicts a side cross-section taken along a plane including a location on the outer edge of the collection disk 320 and the longitudinal center axis of the hub 310.

[0111] exist Figure 6 In the embodiment, one side of the collection tray 320 is connected to the column portion 3130 of the hub 310. The outer edge of the collection tray 320 is the other side of the collection tray 320. In the collection tray 320, the thicknesses T0 and TE can gradually decrease from at least a portion LD2 within the longitudinal length L0 toward the other side.

[0112] 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 of the other side end of the collecting tray 320 .

[0113] 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.

[0114] Preferably, as described above, the collecting tray 320 is formed in a configuration in which the lateral width WD gradually decreases, or the thickness T0 and TE gradually decrease, from at least a portion LD of the longitudinal length L0 toward the other side.

[0115] Preferably, the thickness of the collecting tray 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.

[0116] Moreover, the collecting tray 320 may be made of a polymer material or elastomer having flexibility and elasticity.

[0117] As described above, preferably, if the thickness of the collection tray 320 gradually decreases along the outer edge, that is, gradually decreases toward the other end, the outer edge portion of the collection tray 320 flexibly bends and returns to its original shape, thereby retaining the contacted sample.

[0118] As described above, the spiral collection disk 320 centered on the hub 310 can prevent contacted or adhered samples from being missed and maintain a state where samples are retained between the collection disks 320 , thereby further increasing the amount of sample collection compared to conventional methods.

[0119] At the same time, the collection grooves 323 and 324 formed on the outer side of the collection plate 320 can prevent the contacted or adhered samples from being missed and maintain the state of the samples remaining in the collection grooves 323 and 324, thereby increasing the sample collection amount.

[0120] Preferably, the collection tray 320 is molded and manufactured to a predetermined size based on the intended location within the subject's body, such as the nasal cavity, oral cavity, anus, or cervix. Furthermore, the sample collection portion 300, including the collection tray 320 and hub 310, can be made of a flexible and elastic polymer material or elastomer.

[0121] For reference, the following modified implementations are also fully feasible.

[0122] Figure 7 To briefly illustrate a perspective view of a sample collection rod according to a modified embodiment of the present invention, Figure 8 This is a perspective view briefly showing the sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 This is a side view briefly showing the sample collection portion of the sample collection rod according to a modified embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 The figure briefly shows a side view of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0123] Reference Figures 7 to 9 The sample collection rod of the modified embodiment of the present invention includes a support portion 200 and a sample collection portion 300, and may also include a handle portion. Figures 1 to 3 The contents described are the same, so they can be directly replaced by the previous description.

[0124] The sample collection portion 300 is inserted into or enters the body of the subject and contacts the sample. The sample collection portion 300 is located at the front end of the support portion 200 and is used to collect or take the sample from the subject's body.

[0125] like Figure 9As shown, such a sample collection portion 300 includes a hub 310 and a plurality of collection plates 320. Of course, it may also include Figure 10 A hub 310 and a plurality of collection trays 340 are shown.

[0126] 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 is aligned 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 interior of the hub 310. Furthermore, the hub 310 supports a plurality of collection trays 320 disposed on the outside of the hub 310.

[0127] In addition, a plurality of collecting plates 320 are disposed outside the hub 310 and supported by the hub 310 , and are arranged along the length direction of the hub.

[0128] As described above, a plurality of collection plates 320 arranged along the length direction of the hub are disposed on the outside of the hub 310 so as to adhere to or retain the contacted samples and extract them from the body of the examinee.

[0129] Furthermore, preferably, the hub 310 is made of a flexible or elastic material, that is, it can be made of a flexible and elastic polymer material or an elastomer material.

[0130] As shown in the drawings, the hub portion 310 may have a rod shape with a circular cross section, but is not limited thereto.

[0131] like Figure 9 or Figure 10 As shown, with the hub 310 as the center, collecting plates 320 and 340 may be formed on the outer circumference of the hub 310. The collecting plates 320 and 340 formed in this way are supported by the hub 310.

[0132] In the sample collection part 300, the sample in contact with the collection disks 320, 340 or the hub 310 can be maintained in a state of being retained or adhered to the collection disks 320, 340. Figure 10 In the figure, reference numeral 330 refers to a space 330 between adjacent collection plates 340 in which samples can be retained and accommodated.

[0133] Moreover, if Figure 10 The collecting tray 320 shown does not have a collecting groove formed on the outer edge, but Figure 9 The collection tray 320 is shown with collection slots formed on the outer edge.

[0134] like Figures 7 to 9 As shown, at least one collecting groove 323, 324 is formed at an outer edge of the collecting plate 320 with an arbitrary depth.

[0135] Preferably, the collecting grooves 323 and 324 are formed in a direction perpendicular to any virtual plane including the longitudinal center axis of the hub. Figure 5 The contents of the description are the same, therefore, the above description is directly used to replace it. At the same time, the description of the thickness of the collection plate 320 is the same as that of the above reference. Figure 6 The contents described are the same, so this part of the content can also be directly replaced by the above description.

[0136] Alternatively, for reference, multiple recessed and raised portions, corresponding to collection grooves, may be formed alternately on the outer edge of the collection tray. In other words, preferably, multiple recessed and raised portions, corresponding to the collection grooves, are formed alternately on the outer circumference of the collection tray. The recessed and raised portions, or the collection grooves, may have various configurations and are not limited to a specific configuration.

[0137] As described above, when the collecting disc is formed with a plurality of collecting grooves or concave-convex portions, the surface area of ​​the outer edge portion of the spiral blade is increased, thereby contributing to an increase in the amount of sample collected.

[0138] In the concave and convex parts of the collection plate, the sample can be retained in the concave collection groove formed by the depression. Here, the retention of the sample can be achieved by increasing the elasticity of the spiral blade with sample viscosity and flexibility and the surface area of ​​the sample in contact with the collection plate 320.

[0139] For example, it is also feasible and preferable that the outer edge portion of the collecting tray, that is, the outer peripheral portion, is formed into a sinusoidal wave or an angular rectangular wave shape in which concave portions and convex portions alternately appear in a curved shape.

[0140] As described above, the sample collection stick according to the embodiment of the present invention can further increase the amount of sample collected by the spaces between adjacent collection plates and the collection grooves compared to conventional sample collection swabs.

[0141] As described above, the amount of sample collected from a subject 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, in the sample collection rod of the embodiment of the present invention, since the collected sample can be accommodated in the accommodation space of the hub, the amount of sample collected can be relatively increased compared to the existing sample collection swabs due to the spacing between the multiple collection plates.

[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] 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.

[0145] 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.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] 100: handle

[0149] 200: Support

[0150] 300: Sample Collection Department

[0151] 310: Hub

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; and A plurality of collecting plates are arranged on the outside of the hub, supported by the hub, and arranged along the length direction of the hub. The hub portion has an empty storage space capable of storing the sample formed on the side of the hub portion's longitudinal central axis. Wherein, the hub portion comprises: a rear hub frame coupled to a front portion of the support portion; A front hub frame provided at a position spaced apart from the rear hub frame toward the front; and A plurality of columns, the front ends of which are connected to the front hub frame, and the rear ends of which are connected to the rear hub frame, A hole is formed in the center of the front hub frame.

2. The sample collection stick according to claim 1, characterized in that: A plurality of collecting grooves are formed on the outer edge of the front hub frame or the rear hub frame.

3. The sample collection stick according to claim 2, characterized in that: At least a portion of the plurality of collecting grooves formed on the outer edge of the front hub frame or the rear hub frame is formed along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal central axis of the hub or the support portion.

4. The sample collection stick according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hub is made of a flexible or elastic material.

5. The sample collection stick according to claim 1, characterized in that: At least one collecting groove is formed on the outer edge of the collecting plate. The collecting groove is formed along a direction perpendicular to any virtual plane including the longitudinal central axis of the hub. The collecting tray or the hub is made of a flexible or elastic material.

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

Images