Sample collection stick

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sample collection rod, according to the present invention, a sample collection part of the sample collection rod includes: a hub part combined at a front side of a support part; and a plurality of collection blades configured in an axisymmetric form with respect to a length direction center axis of the hub part on an outer surface of the hub part, in the collection blades in a plate form, since a transverse width at a middle position of a longitudinal length is equal to or less than the longitudinal length, and a thickness is less than the transverse width, thus it is possible to increase a collection amount of a collected sample, and it is possible to increase an amount of the collected sample dissolved or dispersed into a fixing solution from the sample collection rod.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a sample collection rod, and more particularly, to a sample collection rod capable of collecting a sample such as saliva in a mouth or a nose of a subject by scraping the saliva in the mouth and the nose of the subject. BACKGROUND

[0002] Microorganism detection refers to a detection for screening whether a sample is contaminated with a pathogenic bacterium that can cause a disease. That is, when it is considered that a microorganism is a cause of a disease, a detection for establishing a diagnosis, a treatment, and a prevention method. The microorganism detection is a detection for screening whether a subject is contaminated with a pathogenic bacterium such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas, and the like that can cause a disease.

[0003] Generally, a sample is collected from a subject's body in order to perform the microorganism detection. The collected sample is mixed with a reagent or a solution for detection, and then it is detected whether a pathogenic bacterium exists.

[0004] When a sample is collected from a subject's saliva, a body fluid, or a body tissue, a tool called a sample collection rod, a brush, or a swab, and the like is used. That is, a sample is collected by inserting a sample collection swab into a subject's body in such a manner that the sample is adhered to and extracted from the swab.

[0005] For the conventional sample collection swab, a circular collection portion is formed at a distal end of a swab in a stick shape. A fiber layer formed by attachment of a small and fine fiber, and the like is provided at the collection portion of the swab. As described above, a sample is penetrated into the fiber layer formed at the collection portion of the conventional swab, and the sample is collected by extracting the collection portion of the swab from a subject.

[0006] As described above, in order for a sample such as saliva to be penetrated into the fiber layer, the conventional sample collection swab for collecting a sample needs to be maintained in a state of being inserted into a subject's mouth and nose for a certain time or more, and thus a subject can feel extremely inconvenient. Especially, in the fiber layer provided at the sample collection swab, a problem of a part of the fiber layer being separated from and detached from the collection portion of the swab and remaining in the subject's body occurs. The foreign matter such as the fiber layer remaining in the subject's body is a serious problem in medicine. Also, the collection amount collected by the conventional swab is insufficient, and thus a situation of low accuracy of detection frequently occurs.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology that can solve such a problem. SUMMARY

[0008] TECHNICAL PROBLEM

[0009] To solve the existing problems as described above, the present application aims to provide a sample collection rod which, when collecting a sample, not only increases the amount of the collected sample, but also shortens the time required for sample collection and prevents the fibers constituting the fiber layer of the existing swab from separating from the swab.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] To achieve the above object, a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application can include a support portion in the form of a rod or a stick having an arbitrary length, and a sample collection portion located at a front side end of the support portion to collect a sample contacted in a body of a subject, the sample collection portion including a hub portion coupled to a front side of the support portion, and a plurality of collection blades supported by the hub portion to be arranged in a rotationally or axially symmetrical form with respect to a length direction central axis of the hub portion on an outer side of the hub portion, each of the plurality of collection blades having a form of a plate, and a longitudinal length from one side end contacting an outer surface of the hub portion to the other side end being equal to or greater than a transverse width at a middle position of the longitudinal length, and a thickness being less than the transverse width, the collection blades or the hub portion being made of a material having flexibility or elasticity.

[0012] Further, another feature can be in that, on an outer circumferential surface of the hub portion, a plurality of the collection blades arranged on the same circumference constitute one blade group, and a plurality of the blade groups adjacent to each other are each spaced apart from the other blade groups adjacent thereto by an arbitrary interval and are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion along the length direction of the hub portion.

[0013] In addition, another feature can be in that, in the blade groups adjacent to each other, the collection blades included in an arbitrary one of the blade groups and the collection blades included in the other blade groups adjacent thereto are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion in a manner of being aligned in parallel in the length direction of the hub portion.

[0014] Alternatively, still another feature can be in that, in the blade groups adjacent to each other, the collection blades included in an arbitrary one of the blade groups are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion in a form having a configuration rotated by an arbitrary angle with respect to the length direction central axis of the hub portion, compared to the collection blades included in the other blade group adjacent thereto.

[0015] Alternatively, still another feature can be in that, among the plurality of collection blades, a horizontal plane of the collection blade or a horizontal direction central axis of the collection blade parallel to a width of the collection blade is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion in a form inclined by an arbitrary angle with respect to the length direction central axis of the hub portion.

[0016] Also, a further feature can be that the lateral width of the collection blade gradually decreases or the thickness gradually decreases from at least a portion of the sections of the longitudinal length toward the other side.

[0017] Also, a further feature can be that a plurality of the collection blades are formed in a spiral arrangement centered on the lengthwise central axis of the hub portion on the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion.

[0018] Also, a further feature can be that a coupling shoulder or a coupling protrusion in a protruding form is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the support portion, or a cap fastening groove is formed to be able to constitute coupling with a cap of a sample container that houses the sample collection portion inside.

[0019] To achieve the above object, a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application can be characterized by including: a support portion in a rod or stick form having an arbitrary length; and a sample collection portion at a front side end of the support portion that collects a sample contacted in a body of a subject, the sample collection portion including: a hub portion coupled to a front side of the support portion; and a plurality of collection blades supported by the hub portion to be arranged in a rotationally or axially symmetric form with respect to a lengthwise central axis of the hub portion on an outer side of the hub portion, each of the plurality of collection blades having a form of a plate and having a longitudinal length from one side end contacting an outer surface of the hub portion to the other side end equal to or smaller than a lateral width at a middle position of the longitudinal length, and a thickness smaller than the longitudinal length, the collection blades or the hub portion being made of a material having flexibility or elasticity.

[0020] Also, a further feature can be that a plurality of the collection blades arranged on the same circumference on the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion constitute one blade group, and a plurality of the blade groups adjacent to each other are each spaced apart from other adjacent blade groups by an arbitrary interval and are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion along the lengthwise direction of the hub portion.

[0021] Also, a further feature can be that, in the blade groups adjacent to each other, the collection blades included in an arbitrary one of the blade groups and the collection blades included in the adjacent other blade group are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion in a manner of being aligned in parallel in the lengthwise direction of the hub portion.

[0022] Also, a further feature can be that, in the blade groups adjacent to each other, the collection blades included in an arbitrary one of the blade groups are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion in a form having a configuration rotated by an arbitrary angle with respect to the lengthwise central axis of the hub portion compared to the collection blades included in the adjacent other blade group.

[0023] Also, a further feature can be that, in the plurality of the collection blades, a horizontal plane of the collection blade or a horizontal direction central axis of the collection blade parallel to a width of the collection blade is arranged on an outer circumferential surface of the hub portion in a state of being inclined at an arbitrary angle with respect to a length direction central axis of the hub portion.

[0024] Also, a further feature can be that, from at least a part of the intervals of the longitudinal length, toward the other side, the transverse width of the collection blade gradually decreases, or the thickness gradually decreases.

[0025] Also, a further feature can be that, on the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion, the plurality of the collection blades are arranged in a spiral shape centered on the length direction central axis of the hub portion.

[0026] Also, a further feature can be that, on the outer circumferential surface of the support portion, a coupling shoulder or a coupling protrusion in a protruding shape is formed, or a cap fastening groove is formed, so as to be able to form a coupling with a cap fixed to a sample container that accommodates the sample collection portion inside.

[0027] Inventive Effects

[0028] The sample collection rod according to the present application has the following effects. Since a flocking process required in a conventional sample collection swab manufacturing process is not required, the manufacturing cost of the sample collection rod can be reduced. Since there is no fiber layer in the sample collection rod, the problem of the fiber layer part of the conventional sample collection swab or the like falling off and remaining in the body of the examinee can be eliminated, thereby increasing the safety of the test.

[0029] In addition, the sample collection rod according to the present application increases the amount of the sample collected from the body of the examinee, and does not require an absorption time required for the sample to penetrate into the fiber layer as in the conventional swab or the like, thereby shortening the time required for sample collection. Thus, the present application not only shortens the time required for sample collection, but also reduces the discomfort of the examinee at the time of sample collection, and can improve the accuracy of the test by increasing the amount of the sample collected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 to briefly show a side view of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Figure 2 to briefly show a side view of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Figure 3 to briefly show a top view of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0033] Figure 4 Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Figure 5 Fig. 2 is a view of a hub portion and one collection blade of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0035] Figure 6 Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a side cross-section of a hub portion and collection blades of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0036] Figure 7 Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a side cross-section of a hub portion and collection blades of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0037] Figure 8 Fig. 5 is a side view of a hub portion and collection blades of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application, with the collection blades arranged in another configuration;

[0038] Figure 9 Fig. 6 is a front view of a hub portion and collection blades of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application, with the collection blades arranged in another configuration;

[0039] Figure 10 Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a hub portion and collection blades of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application, with the collection blades arranged in another configuration;

[0040] Figures 11 to 13 Fig. 8 is a schematic view of a portion of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0041] Figure 14 Fig. 9 is a schematic view of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application, with the sample collection portion unfolded into a virtual planar configuration; Figure 15

[0042] Fig. 10 is a top view of a hub portion and collection blades of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application, with the collection blades arranged in yet another configuration; Figure 16

[0043] Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a hub portion and collection blades of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application, with the collection blades arranged in yet another configuration. Figure 17 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] ​The present application can be variously changed and can have various embodiments, and a specific embodiment will be illustrated in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the application to the particular embodiment, but all changes, equivalents, or substitutes that come within the spirit and technical scope of the application are included. The present embodiment is to more specifically explain the present application to one of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the present application pertains. Therefore, in order to emphasize a more explicit explanation, the shape of each element shown in the accompanying drawings can be exaggerated, and in the process of explaining the present application, when it is judged that a specific explanation of the related known art can confuse the gist of the present application, a detailed explanation thereof can be omitted.

[0045] The first, second, and the like terms can be used to explain 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, thereby to explain and understand.

[0046] The terms used in the present application are used only to explain specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present application. Unless clearly indicated in the context, the expression of the singular includes the expression of the plural.

[0047] In the present application, it is to be understood that the terms "include" or "have" or the like are used to designate the presence of characteristics, numbers, steps, actions, structural elements, components, or combinations thereof described in the specification, and do not preclude the presence or additional possibility of one or more other characteristics, numbers, steps, actions, structural elements, components, or combinations thereof.

[0048] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present application pertains can easily implement the present application. However, the present application can be embodied in various different forms, and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals can be used for similar parts.

[0049] Hereinafter, a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] Figure 1 To briefly show a side view of the sample collection rod of the embodiment of the present application.

[0051] Referring to Figure 1 The sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application can include a support portion 200 and a sample collection portion 300, and can further include a handle portion 100.

[0052] First, as shown in the drawing, the support portion 200 is in a form such as a rod or a bar, and has an arbitrary length. A sample collection portion 300 is coupled to the front side end of the support portion 200. The support portion 200 supports the sample collection portion 300. A handle portion 100 is connected to the rear side of the support portion 200. The support portion 200 supports the sample collection portion 300 so that the sample collection portion 300 can be inserted into the body of a subject.

[0053] The support portion 200 is not limited to a specific form as long as it can support the sample collection portion 300 to be inserted into the body of a subject and collect a sample.

[0054] Also, preferably, the support portion 200 is made of a high-molecular material having flexibility and elasticity so as to be deformed flexibly according to a received force and restored to the original form.

[0055] On the other hand, when the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200 of the sample collection rod 10 stored in a sample container (not shown) are extracted, in the case of being taken out using a tool such as a forceps, the forceps is cleaned in advance, and after the support portion 200 of the sample collection rod 10 is picked up from the sample container with the forceps, the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200 of the sample collection rod 10 are placed at a desired position of an examiner, and the used forceps needs to be cleaned again.

[0056] As such, since the used forceps needs to be cleaned every time in the process of extracting the sample collection rod from the sample container, this is also a cause of reducing the efficiency of sample examination work. Therefore, a structure can be provided so that the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200 of the sample collection rod 10 can be extracted from the sample container even without using a forceps.

[0057] That is, a coupling shoulder or a coupling protrusion 210 in a form protruding from the outer surface can be formed on the outer surface of the support portion 200 so as to be able to be coupled to a cover portion or a cap portion of the sample container.

[0058] A fixing groove or a latching shoulder (not shown) can be provided inside the cover portion or the cap portion (not shown) of the sample container (not shown) so that the support portion 200 of the sample collection rod can be fixed to the cover portion or the cap portion (not shown) of the sample container. The fixing groove or the latching shoulder provided inside the cover portion or the cap portion of the sample container can be coupled to the coupling shoulder or the coupling protrusion 210 of the support portion in a form of engagement or insertion.

[0059] As described above, preferably, the cover portion or the cap portion of the sample container can fix the support portion 200, and thus, even without using a tool such as a forceps, the support portion 200 can be easily taken out from the sample container together with the cap portion or the cover portion of the sample container as long as the cover portion or the cap portion of the sample container is opened.

[0060] Figure 1 As an example of the coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210, a coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210 formed in a ring shape or the like along the circumferential direction on the outer side surface of the support portion 200 is shown. As shown, preferably, one or more coupling shoulders or coupling protrusions 210 in a ring shape or the like are provided on the outer side surface of the support portion 200 on the rear side of the support portion 200. Figure 1

[0061] As described above, preferably, if the support portion 200 can be coupled to the cover portion of the sample container, the convenience of use can be increased.

[0062] As described above, the handle portion 100 is provided on the rear side of the support portion 200. That is, the rear side end of the support portion 200 is connected to the handle portion 100.

[0063] The handle portion 100 is connected to the rear side end of the support portion 200 and has a certain length that can be held by the hand or fingers of the examiner.

[0064] As shown, the handle portion 100 has a rod or bar shape having a certain length. This handle portion 100 is held by the hand or fingers of the examiner. The examiner can control the sample collection portion 300 to enter or be inserted into the body of the examinee using the handle portion 100.

[0065] Therefore, by the control of the examiner using the handle portion 100, the sample collection portion 300 can be caused to enter or be inserted into the body of the examinee through the oral cavity or nasal cavity or the like of the examinee.

[0066] As shown, preferably, a joint groove 120 such as a joint end is provided between the handle portion 100 and the rear side end of the support portion 200, which can distinguish the handle portion 100 from the support portion 200. That is, preferably, the joint 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.

[0067] After the sample collection portion 300 is extracted from the body of the examinee according to the needs of the examiner who is the user, the sample container accommodates the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200.

[0068] Here, it is not necessary to accommodate the handle portion 100 in the sample container, and therefore, preferably, the handle portion 100 is separated from the support portion 200. Thus, as shown, preferably, a joint end or a joint groove 120 is 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 examiner.

[0069] ​After the support part 200 is divided from the handle part 100, the support part 200 can be coupled to the cap part or the cover part of the sample container as described above. Preferably, a coupling shoulder or a coupling protrusion 210 in a protruding form is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support part, or a cover fastening groove is formed, so that coupling to the cap part or the cover part of the sample container, which houses the sample collection part inside, can be constituted.

[0070] The sample collection part 300 is located at the front end of the support part 200, and is a part that is inserted into or enters the body of the examinee and comes into contact with the sample, thereby collecting the sample. For convenience of explanation and understanding of the sample collection part 300, further reference will be made to Figures 2 to 4 .

[0071] Figure 2 To briefly show a side view of the sample collection part of the sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 3 To briefly show a top view of the sample collection part of the sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 4 To briefly show a perspective view of the sample collection part of the sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application.

[0072] Further reference will be made to Figures 2 to 4 The sample collection part 300 is located at the front end of the support part 200, and collects or takes the sample that comes into contact with the body of the examinee. Such a sample collection part 300 includes a hub part 310 and a plurality of collection blades 320.

[0073] The hub part 310 is coupled to the front side of the support part 200. Preferably, the hub part 310 is coupled to the support part 200 such that the lengthwise central axis of the hub part 310 coincides with the lengthwise central axis of the support part 200. The hub part 310 is coupled or formed to the support part 200 in a form in which a portion of the front side of the support part 200 is inserted into the inside of the hub part 310. Also, the collection blades 320 are disposed on the outer side surface of the hub part 310.

[0074] The collection blades 320 are supported by the hub part 310, and are disposed in a plurality of forms that are rotationally or axially symmetrical with respect to the lengthwise central axis of the hub part 310 on the outer circumferential surface of the hub part 310.

[0075] That is, the sample collection part 300 includes at least one collection blade 320, so that the contacted sample can be adhered or retained and can be taken out to the outside of the examinee's body.

[0076] Also, as shown, as part of the plurality of collection blades 320, one side end is formed in a manner combined with the hub portion 310. The plurality of collection blades 320 formed in the above-described manner are supported by the hub portion 310. That is, the collection blades 320 are formed in a manner in which one side end is connected to the outer surface of the hub portion 310, and are supported by the hub portion 310.

[0077] Preferably, the hub portion 310 is made of a material having flexibility or elasticity. That is, it can be made of a high molecular material or an elastomer having flexibility and elasticity.

[0078] The hub portion 310 supporting the collection blades 320 is combined with a part of the front side of the support portion 200. Also, the hub portion 310 is supported by the support portion 200. Preferably, the lengthwise central axis of the hub portion 310 coincides with the lengthwise central axis of the support portion 200.

[0079] As shown, the hub portion 310 can have a rod shape having a circular cross section, but is not limited thereto.

[0080] The collection blades 320 are formed in a manner protruding in an outward direction from the central axis of the hub portion 310 or the support portion 200, that is, in a centrifugal direction, by an arbitrary size, to achieve contact with the sample.

[0081] Here, further description will be made of Figure 5 and Figure 6 the collection blades.

[0082] Figure 5 To briefly show a drawing of a hub portion of a sample collection portion and one collection blade in a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application, Figure 6 To briefly show a drawing of a hub portion of a sample collection portion and a side cross section of a collection blade in a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application. Here, for convenience of explanation and understanding, Figure 5 and Figure 6 Only one collection blade combined with a part of the hub portion is shown.

[0083] The plurality of collection blades 320 each have a plate shape. Also, as Figure 5 Briefly shown, the plurality of collection blades 320 each having a plate shape have a transverse width WC at a central position CP of a longitudinal length L0, which is the same as or smaller than the longitudinal length L0 from one side end contacting the outer surface of the hub portion 310 to the other side end, and a thickness T0 smaller than the transverse width WC.

[0084] That is, the transverse width WC of the collection blade 320 is the same as or smaller than the longitudinal length L0. Also, the thickness T0 is smaller than the transverse width WC.

[0085] For example, preferably, the longitudinal width L0 of the collecting blade 320 is 1 to 3 times the transverse width WC.

[0086] Figure 5 LC represents the longitudinal length section from the middle position CP of the longitudinal length L0 to the other side end, which is equivalent to half the longitudinal length L0. For reference, CL represents the longitudinal center axis of the collecting blade 320.

[0087] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least a portion LD of the section having the longitudinal length L0 has a configuration in which the lateral widths WD and WE gradually decrease toward the other side.

[0088] The reference symbol WD represents the lateral width WD at the point where the lateral width starts to decrease from at least a portion of the interval LD ​​toward the other side in the longitudinal length L0 of the collecting blade 320 , and the reference symbol WE represents the lateral width WE at the other side end of the collecting blade 320 .

[0089] As shown in the figure, preferably, the transverse width of the collecting blade 320 has a decreasing configuration according to WD>WC>WE.

[0090] like Figure 6 As shown, preferably, the thickness of the collecting blade 320 is constant from one side end to the other side end of the collecting blade 320, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown, a configuration having a reduced thickness in a portion of the region is also preferred.

[0091] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram briefly showing the side cross-section of the hub and the collection blades of the sample collection portion in the sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention. For the convenience of explanation and understanding, Figure 7 Only one collecting blade 320 is also shown in conjunction with a portion of the hub 310 .

[0092] like Figure 7 As shown, in the collecting blade 320 , in the interval of the longitudinal length L0 , the thicknesses T0 and TE may also gradually decrease from at least a portion of the interval LD2 to the other side.

[0093] Reference symbol T0 represents the thickness T0 of the collecting blade 320 at a point where the thickness starts to decrease from at least a portion of the section LD2 toward the other side within the longitudinal length L0 , and reference symbol TE represents the thickness TE at the other end of the collecting blade 320 .

[0094] Preferably, in at least a portion of the section LD2 in the longitudinal length L0 , the thickness decreases from T0 to TE. In other words, the thickness is preferably formed in a tapered shape.

[0095] Preferably, as described above, the collection leaf 320 is gradually reduced in transverse width WD or thickness TO, TE from at least a part of the longitudinal length LO in the range LD toward the other side.

[0096] Preferably, the thickness of the collection leaf 320 is in the range of 0.1 mm to 1 mm, and more preferably, the thickness thereof is in the range of 0.2 mm to 0.8 mm.

[0097] As described above, the collection leaf can be preferably formed to have a shape in which Figure 5 As shown in the drawing, it is also feasible to form the collection leaf to have a shape in which

[0098] That is, in the collection leaf having a shape of a plate, the longitudinal length from the one side end contacting the outer surface of the hub portion to the other side end is equal to or less than the transverse width at the middle point of the longitudinal length, and the thickness is formed to be smaller than the longitudinal length, which is feasible and preferable.

[0099] That is, the longitudinal length LO of the collection leaf 320 is equal to or less than the transverse width WC, and the thickness TO can be smaller than the longitudinal length.

[0100] For example, preferably, the transverse width of the collection leaf 320 is 1 to 2 times the longitudinal length.

[0101] The collection leaf 320 can have a shape of a plate having at least one side surface curved or flat. That is, at least a part of the surface of the collection leaf 320 can be formed to be curved or flat. Also, preferably, the outer side corner portion of the collection leaf having a shape of a plate can be formed to be a smooth curve or surface.

[0102] Preferably, the outer side corner portion of the collection leaf 320 having a shape of a plate is formed to be a smooth curve or surface, because thereby the possibility of causing a wound in the body during the collection can be reduced.

[0103] Also, as described above, preferably, the collection leaf 320 or the hub portion 310 is made of a material having flexibility or elasticity. That is, the collection leaf 320 or the hub portion 310 can be made of a high molecular material or an elastomer material having flexibility and elasticity.

[0104] In addition, as shown in the drawing, at the outer circumferential surface of such a hub portion 310, a plurality of collection leaves 320 are arranged or aligned on one same circumference. As Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, as an example, a shape in which 6 collection leaves 320 are arranged on one same circumference is shown, but there is no particular limitation on the number of collection leaves 320.

[0105] As described above, the plurality of collection blades 320 arranged or aligned on one same circumference on the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion 310 can constitute one blade crew or blade group. As a reference, the center of the circumference is formed on the center axis of the hub portion in the length direction as shown in the drawing.

[0106] Also, as shown in Figure 2 or Figure 4 , the blade groups are spaced apart at arbitrary intervals along the length direction of the center axis of the hub portion 310 and arranged in plurality.

[0107] The plurality of blade groups can have a form in which they are aligned in sequence along the length direction of the center axis of the hub portion 310.

[0108] Preferably, the plurality of blade groups adjacent to each other are spaced apart at arbitrary intervals with respect to the other blade groups adjacent thereto, spaced apart along the length direction of the hub portion, and arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion 310. Of course, preferably, the intervals between the respective blade groups are constant.

[0109] As shown in Figure 2 , the blade groups adjacent to each other are spaced apart from each other. The sample flowing into or into the space between the blade groups spaced apart from each other contacts or adheres to the surface of the collection blade 320 or the hub portion 310. Thereby, an effect of retaining the sample by the surface of the collection blade 320 and the hub portion 310 through the periphery of the sample is exhibited.

[0110] Also, the embodiment applied as Figures 8 to 10 is also fully feasible.

[0111] Figure 8 To briefly show the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application in which the collection blades are arranged in another form on the side surface of the hub portion; Figure 9 To briefly show the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application in which the collection blades are arranged in another form on the front view of the hub portion, Figure 10 To briefly show the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application in which the collection blades are arranged in another form on the perspective view of the hub portion.

[0112] As shown in Figures 8 to 10 , the position at which the collection blades 320 of one blade group are arranged is different from the position at which the collection blades 320 of the blade group adjacent to the one blade group are arranged.

[0113] That is, in the above-described Figures 2 to 4 , the collection blades 320 of an arbitrary blade group and the collection blades 320 of the adjacent blade group can be aligned in a row, but in Figures 8 to 10In the embodiment, the collecting blades 320 are not aligned, but are arranged to rotate at any angle around the longitudinal central axis of the hub 310 .

[0114] As described above, it is also feasible that the collecting blades 320 of each blade group are arranged at positions different from each other.

[0115] Here, if Figure 8 As shown, if the collecting blades 320 of the blade group indicated by reference numeral a and the collecting blades 320 of the blade group indicated by reference numeral b are rotated at any angle around the longitudinal central axis of the hub 310 , they will form axial symmetry or rotational symmetry aligned with each other.

[0116] Moreover, if Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the blade group indicated by reference numeral a and the blade group indicated by reference numeral b are arranged alternately. Preferably, the configuration of the multiple collection blades 320 and the blade groups arranged in different directions on the hub 310 and arranged alternately along the axial direction of the hub 320 helps to increase the amount of sample collected.

[0117] Next, refer to Figures 11 to 13 , the form of the collecting blade combined with the hub is explained.

[0118] Figures 11 to 13 The diagram briefly illustrates a portion of the sample collection portion of the sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention, that is, briefly illustrates a state in which the collection blades 320 are combined with the hub 310 .

[0119] For the convenience of understanding and explanation, Figures 11 to 15 Only one collecting blade 320 coupled to the hub 310 is shown.

[0120] like Figure 11 As shown, the horizontal center axis of the collecting blade 320 can also be combined with the longitudinal center axis of the hub 310 in a right-angled manner. Figure 5 The directions of the illustrated lateral widths WC are the same or parallel.

[0121] Furthermore, it is also possible that the horizontal center axes of the plurality of collecting blades are inclined at any angle relative to the longitudinal center axis of the hub.

[0122] like Figure 12 As shown, preferably, the collecting blade 320 is formed on the surface of the hub 310 in a form in which the horizontal center axis of the collecting blade 320 is tilted upward and rightward at an arbitrary angle θ relative to the longitudinal center axis of the hub 310. Figure 13As shown, preferably, the collection leaf 320 is formed on the surface of the hub 310 in a manner in which the horizontal direction central axis of the collection leaf 320 is inclined at an arbitrary angle θ downward to the right with respect to the length direction central axis of the hub 310.

[0123] As described above, preferably, the collection leaf 320 is combined in a manner in which the horizontal axis or horizontal plane of the collection leaf 320 is inclined at an arbitrary angle with respect to the length direction central axis of the hub 310.

[0124] Figure 14 and Figure 15 A diagram for briefly showing a state in which the sample collection portion of the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application is spread into a virtual plane shape is shown.

[0125] For convenience of understanding and explanation, an example in which 6 collection leaves 320 are arranged in the same row (rowl) to form one leaf group, and 4 such leaf groups are arranged, is briefly shown, which briefly shows a state in which the outer surface of the hub 310 having a circular shape in a longitudinal cross section is spread into a plane.

[0126] In this case, Figure 14 and Figure 15 Reference numeral A of the hub 310 indicates an arbitrary point on the surface of the hub 310, and when the left A point and the right A point are bent to contact each other, the hub can be in the shape as described above.

[0127] First, as Figure 14 shown, 6 collection leaves 320 belonging to the first row (rowl) form one leaf group. Also, in the second row (row2), the third row (row3), and the fourth row (row4), one leaf group is formed by 6 collection leaves, respectively.

[0128] As described above, Figure 12 6 collection leaves 320 belonging to the first row (rowl) and 6 collection leaves 320 belonging to the third row (row3) are combined in a manner in which each collection leaf 320 is inclined upward to the right at an arbitrary angle with respect to the central axis of the hub 310.

[0129] Also, as described above, Figure 13 6 collection leaves 320 belonging to the second row (row2) and 6 collection leaves 320 belonging to the fourth row (row4) are combined in a manner in which each collection leaf 320 is inclined downward to the right at an arbitrary angle with respect to the central axis of the hub 310.

[0130] As described above, as Figure 14 and Figure 15As shown, preferably, it is also possible to form a configuration in which the respective collection blades 320 are arranged on the surface of the hub portion 310 so that the directions in which the collection blades 320 belonging to one blade group are obliquely combined are different from the directions in which the collection blades 320 belonging to the adjacent other blade groups are obliquely combined.

[0131] Preferably, as such, the inclination angles of the collection blades 320 belonging to any one blade group are different from the inclination angles of the collection blades 320 belonging to the adjacent other blade groups.

[0132] Also, as Figure 14 shown, the respective collection blades 320 are aligned in one column. That is, the collection blades 320 are arranged in a state in which they are aligned along the central axis length direction of the hub portion 310.

[0133] As a configuration applied in Figure 14 , reference is made to Figure 15 As described in Figure 12 , the six collection blades 320 belonging to the first row (rowl) and the six collection blades 320 belonging to the third row (row3) are combined in a configuration in which each collection blade 320 is obliquely inclined to the right and upward at an arbitrary angle with respect to the central axis of the hub portion 310.

[0134] Also, as in the column indicated by reference numeral Col1`, the collection blades 320 belonging to the first row (rowl) and the collection blades 320 belonging to the third row (row3) are aligned in one column.

[0135] Also, as previously Figure 13 described, the six collection blades 320 belonging to the second row (row2) and the six collection blades 320 belonging to the fourth row (row4) are combined in a configuration in which each collection blade 320 is obliquely inclined to the right and downward at an arbitrary angle with respect to the central axis of the hub portion 310. Among them, as in the column indicated by reference numeral Col2`, the collection blades 320 belonging to the second row (row2) and the collection blades 320 belonging to the fourth row (row4) are aligned in one column.

[0136] Also, the collection blades 320 belonging to the first row (rowl) and the collection blades 320 belonging to the second row (row2) are arranged in a non-aligned configuration. Preferably, a configuration in which such collection blades 320 are arranged is also feasible.

[0137] As described above, since the hub portion and the plurality of collection blades 320 are provided, as shown, the surface area of the sample collection portion 300 can be increased compared to the conventional swab.

[0138] Also, as described above, the plurality of collection blades 320 each have flexibility and elasticity. Therefore, the plurality of collection blades 320 each come into contact with the body tissue in the body of the examinee. The examiner causes the collection blades 320 to come into contact with and scrape the body tissue portion where the sample is present by performing an action of agitating or scraping the sample collection portion 300 in the body of the examinee, and as a result, the sample adheres to the surface of the collection blades 320 or remains in the space between the collection blades 320 adjacent to each other.

[0139] That is, in a state where the sample collection portion 300 is inserted into the body of the examinee, the sample adheres to the surface of the collection blades 320 and the space between the collection blades 320 adjacent to each other, and as a result, when the sample collection portion 300 is taken out of the body of the examinee, the sample remains in the sample collection portion 300. As described above, the space between the collection blades 320 adjacent to each other can also be referred to as a collection space or a collection gap.

[0140] Preferably, the size of the collection blades 320 is shaped to a set size according to the portion to be inserted into the body of the examinee, such as the nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the anus, or the cervix. Also, the sample collection portion 300 including the collection blades 320 and the hub portion 310 can be made of a high-molecular material or an elastomer having flexibility and elasticity.

[0141] As such, in the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application, the plurality of collection blades 320 included in the sample collection portion 300 allow a relatively larger amount of the collected sample than the conventional sample collection swab.

[0142] Therefore, it is possible to increase the amount of the sample collected from the examinee and to increase the amount of the collected sample dissolved or dispersed into the reagent or the solution from the sample collection rod.

[0143] For reference, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application can be used in various application modes. Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application can be used in various application modes.

[0144] Figure 16 For brief illustration of the top view of the hub portion in which the collection blades are arranged in another mode in the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application, Figure 17 For brief illustration of the perspective view of the hub portion in which the collection blades are arranged in another mode in the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application.

[0145] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application can be used in various application modes. Figure 16 and Figure 17 As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application can be used in various application modes.

[0146] In the plurality of collection leaves 321 arranged in this manner, the sample can be adhered and remain in the spaced apart spaces between the collection leaves 321 adjacent to each other. Therefore, it is also preferable that the plurality of collection leaves 321 be arranged in a spiral shape on the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion 310.

[0147] Although Figure 16 and Figure 17 An example in which the transverse width of the collection leaves 321 is greater than the longitudinal length is shown, but it is not limited thereto, and it is also sufficiently feasible that the longitudinal length is greater than the transverse width.

[0148] As described above, the sample collection stick according to the embodiment of the present application, by the plurality of collection leaves included in the sample collection portion and the spaced apart spaces between the collection leaves adjacent to each other, the collection amount of the sample is relatively further increased compared to the conventional sample collection swab.

[0149] As described above, the sample collection stick according to the present application has the advantages that, since the flocking process required in the manufacturing process of the conventional sample collection swab is not required, the manufacturing cost of the sample collection stick can be reduced, and since the sample collection stick does not have a fiber layer, the problem of the fiber layer part being detached and remaining in the body of the examinee, which occurs in the conventional sample collection swab, can be eliminated.

[0150] Further, the sample collection stick according to the present application has the advantages that, compared to the conventional swab, the collection amount of the sample collected from the examinee can be increased, and the amount of the collected sample dissolved or dispersed into the reagent or solution from the sample collection stick can be increased, and by increasing the collection amount of the sample, the accuracy of the detection can be improved.

[0151] Meanwhile, the sample collection stick according to the present application can shorten the time required to collect the sample, and at the time of sample collection, the discomfort of the examinee can be alleviated. Further, the sample collection portion inserted into the oral cavity or nasal cavity of the examinee is made of a high polymer material or an elastomer material having flexibility and elasticity, and thus the discomfort of the user can be alleviated.

[0152] As described above, although the specific description of the present application is implemented by the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, since the above-described embodiments are merely described to explain the preferred embodiments of the present application, the present application is not limited only to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of protection of the present application should be understood based on the following claims and the equivalent concepts thereof.

[0153] 100: handle portion

[0154] 200: support portion

[0155] 300: sample collection portion

[0156] 310: hub

[0157] 320: collection blade

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 A plurality of collecting blades are supported by the hub and arranged on the outside of the hub in a rotationally symmetrical or axisymmetric manner with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the hub. Each of the plurality of collecting blades has a plate shape, and a longitudinal length from one end contacting the outer surface of the hub portion to the other end is equal to or greater than a transverse width at a midpoint of the longitudinal length, and a thickness is less than the transverse width. The collecting blades or the hub are made of a flexible or elastic material. On the outer circumferential surface of the hub, a plurality of collecting blades arranged on the same circumference constitute a blade group, and the plurality of adjacent blade groups are each separated from the other adjacent blade groups by any interval and are arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the hub along the longitudinal direction of the hub. In the blade groups adjacent to each other, the collecting blades included in any one of the blade groups are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion in a configuration that is rotated by an arbitrary angle around the longitudinal central axis of the hub portion compared to the collecting blades included in the other adjacent blade group. In the longitudinal length range, from one side end contacting the outer surface of the hub portion to the other side end, the transverse width of the collecting blade first increases and then decreases.

2. The sample collection stick according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the adjacent blade groups, the collecting blades included in any one blade group and the collecting blades included in the other adjacent blade group are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion in a parallel and aligned manner in the longitudinal direction of the hub portion.

3. The sample collection stick according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the plurality of collecting blades, the horizontal planes of the collecting blades or the horizontal central axes of the collecting blades parallel to the widths of the collecting blades are arranged on the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion in a manner inclined at an arbitrary angle relative to the longitudinal central axis of the hub portion.

4. The sample collection stick according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of collecting blades are arranged in a spiral shape on the outer peripheral surface of the hub portion with the longitudinal central axis of the hub portion as the center.

5. 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 so as to be coupled with a cover fixed to a sample container, wherein the sample container accommodates the sample collecting portion.

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