Sample collection stick

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sample collection rod, and according to the present invention, there is disclosed a technique in which a sample collection portion includes a hub portion and a spiral blade in a spiral shape, and at least one or more collection grooves are formed at an outer side edge of the spiral blade, and are made of a material having flexibility or elasticity, whereby the amount of a sample collected from a test subject can be increased, and the amount of the collected sample dissolved or dispersed into a reagent or a solution from the sample collection rod can be increased.

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 of the fiber layer constituting the existing swab from separating from the swab.

[0010] Technical Solution

[0011] To achieve the object, a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application can include a support part in the form of a rod or a stick having an arbitrary length, and a sample collection part located at a front side end of the support part to collect a sample contacted in a body of a subject, the sample collection part including a hub part coupled at a front side of the support part, and a spiral blade disposed on an outer surface of the hub part, supported by the hub part, formed in a spiral shape with a length direction center axis of the hub part as a center, at least one or more collection grooves formed at an arbitrary depth at an outer side edge of the spiral blade, the collection grooves formed in a direction perpendicular to an arbitrary virtual plane including the length direction center axis of the hub part, the spiral blade or the hub part made of a material having flexibility or elasticity.

[0012] Further, another feature can be that a coupling shoulder or a coupling protrusion in a protruding form is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the support part, or a cap fastening groove is formed so as to be able to constitute a coupling with a cap of a sample container that accommodates the sample collection part inside.

[0013] To achieve the object, a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application can include a support part in the form of a rod or a stick having an arbitrary length, and a sample collection part located at a front side end of the support part to collect a sample contacted in a body of a subject, the sample collection part including a hub part coupled at a front side of the support part, and a spiral blade disposed on an outer surface of the hub part, supported by the hub part, formed in a spiral shape with a length direction center axis of the hub part as a center, at least one or more collection grooves formed at an arbitrary depth at an outer side edge of the spiral blade, the collection grooves formed in a direction perpendicular to an arbitrary virtual plane including the length direction center axis of the hub part, the spiral blade or the hub part made of a material having flexibility or elasticity.

[0014] Further, another feature can be that a coupling shoulder or a coupling protrusion in a protruding form is formed on an outer circumferential surface of the support part, or a cap fastening groove is formed so as to be able to constitute a coupling with a cap of a sample container that accommodates the sample collection part inside.

[0015] Effects of the Invention

[0016] The sample collection rod according to the present application has the effect of reducing the manufacturing cost of the sample collection rod since the flocking process required in the manufacturing process of the conventional sample collection swab is not required, and the problem of the fiber layer part of the conventional sample collection swab or the like being separated and remaining in the body of the examinee is eliminated since the sample collection rod does not have a fiber layer, thereby increasing the safety of the detection.

[0017] 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 the absorption time required for the sample to permeate the fiber layer as in the conventional swab or the like, thereby shortening the time required for the sample collection. Thus, the present application not only shortens the time required for the sample collection, but also reduces the discomfort of the examinee at the time of the sample collection, and increases the accuracy of the detection by increasing the amount of the sample collected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a perspective view briefly showing a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0019] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a perspective view briefly showing a sample collection part of the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0020] Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a side view briefly showing the sample collection part of the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a view briefly showing a top surface of the sample collection part of the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a sectional view briefly showing a hub part and a part of a spiral blade of the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is a perspective view briefly showing a sample collection rod according to an application embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 7 FIG. 7 is a perspective view briefly showing a sample collection part of the sample collection rod according to the application embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 8 FIG. 8 is a side view briefly showing the sample collection part of the sample collection rod according to the application embodiment of the present application.

[0026] Figure 9 FIG. 9 is a view briefly showing a top surface of the sample collection part of the sample collection rod according to the application embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 10 The cross-sectional view briefly shows a portion of the hub and the collection disk in a sample collection rod according to an application embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The present invention can be subjected to various transformations and can have various embodiments, which are described in detail below by illustrating specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the present invention to a specific embodiment, but rather includes all transformations, equivalent technical solutions or alternative technical solutions within the scope of the concept and technology of the present invention. This embodiment is used to explain the present invention in more detail to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. Therefore, in order to emphasize a clearer description, the shapes of the various elements shown in the accompanying drawings may be exaggerated. In the process of explaining the present invention, when it is judged that the specific description of the relevant known technology may confuse the main purpose of the present invention, its detailed description may be omitted.

[0029] The terms "first" and "second" can be used to describe various structural elements, but the structural elements are not limited to these terms. The terms are used to distinguish one structural element from other structural elements for the purpose of description and understanding.

[0030] The terms used in the present invention are only used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated in the context, an expression in the singular includes an expression in the plural.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] Hereinafter, a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] Figure 1 To briefly illustrate a perspective view of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 To briefly illustrate a perspective view of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figure 3 The figure briefly shows a side view of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] Referring to Figures 1 to 3 , 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.

[0036] First, as shown in the drawing, the support portion 200 is in the form of a rod or a bar, and has an arbitrary length. The 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. The handle portion 100 is coupled 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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 taken out from the sample container using 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.

[0040] As such, since the used forceps needs to be cleaned every time during the extraction of the sample collection rod from the sample container, this is also a cause of reducing the efficiency of a 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.

[0041] That is, a coupling shoulder or a coupling protrusion 210 in the form of protruding from the outer surface can be formed on the outer surface of the support portion 200 so as to be coupled to the cover portion or the cap portion of the sample container.

[0042] 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 the form of being engaged or inserted.

[0043] As described above, preferably, the cover or lid portion of the sample container can be fixed to the support portion 200, whereby the support portion 200 can be easily taken out from the sample container together with the cover or lid portion of the sample container, even without using a tool such as a forceps, as long as the cover or lid portion of the sample container is opened.

[0044] Figure 1 For such an example of the coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210, a coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210 is shown which is formed in a ring shape or the like on the outer side surface of the support portion 200 in the circumferential direction. 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 at the rear side of the support portion 200. Figure 1

[0045] As described above, preferably, if the support portion 200 can be coupled to the cover of the sample container, the convenience of use can be increased.

[0046] As described above, the handle portion 100 is provided at 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.

[0047] The handle portion 100 is connected to the rear side end of the support portion 200 and has a certain length which can be held by the hand or fingers of the examiner.

[0048] As shown, the handle portion 100 is in the shape of a rod or bar having a certain length. Such a handle portion 100 is held by the hand or fingers of the examiner. The examiner can control the sample collection portion 300 to be inserted into the body of the examinee by using the handle portion 100.

[0049] Therefore, by the control of the examiner using the handle portion 100, the sample collection portion 300 can be inserted into the body through the oral cavity or nasal cavity or the like of the examinee.

[0050] As shown, preferably, a segmented groove 120 such as a segmented 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 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.

[0051] According to the needs of the examiner as the user, after the sample collection portion 300 is extracted from the body of the examinee, the sample container accommodates the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200.

[0052] ​Here, the handle portion 100 does not necessarily have to be accommodated in the sample container, and thus, it is preferable that the handle portion 100 is separated from the support portion 200. Thus, as shown in the drawing, it is preferable that 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 tester.

[0053] After the support portion 200 is separated from the handle portion 100, the support portion 200 can be coupled to the cover portion or the cap portion of the sample container, as described above. It is preferable that a coupling shoulder or a coupling protrusion 210 in a protruding form is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support portion, or a cap fastening groove is formed, so that a coupling to the cover portion or the cap portion of the sample container, which accommodates the sample collection portion inside, can be formed.

[0054] The sample collection portion 300, which is a portion inserted into or into the body of the testee and contacts the sample, is a portion in which the sample is collected. The sample collection portion 300 is located at the front end of the support portion 200, and collects or takes the sample contacted in the body of the testee.

[0055] The sample collection portion 300 includes a hub portion 310 and a spiral blade 320.

[0056] The hub portion 310 is coupled to the front side of the support portion 200. It is preferable that the hub portion 310 is coupled to the support portion 200 such that the lengthwise central axis of the hub portion 310 coincides with the lengthwise central axis of the support portion 200. The hub portion 310 is coupled or formed to the support portion 200 in a form in which a portion of the front side of the support portion 200 is inserted into the inside of the hub portion 310. Further, the spiral blade 320 is disposed on the outside of the hub portion 310.

[0057] Further, the spiral blade 320 is disposed on the outside of the hub portion 310, that is, on the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion 310, and is supported by the hub portion 310, and is formed in a spiral form centered on the lengthwise central axis of the hub portion.

[0058] The spiral blade 320 formed in a spiral form as such is disposed on the outside of the hub portion 310 to be able to adhere or retain the contacted sample and to be able to extract it to the outside of the body of the testee.

[0059] Further, it is preferable that 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 material having flexibility and elasticity.

[0060] As shown in the drawing, the hub portion 310 can have the form of a rod having a circular cross section, but is not limited thereto.

[0061] Further, the spiral blade 320 will be described. Figure 4 ​

[0062] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a plan view of a sample collection portion of a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present application, as viewed from a front side of the sample collection rod.

[0063] Further referring to Figure 4 As described above, the sample collection portion 300 includes the support portion 200 and the helical blades 320 formed in a helical shape around the lengthwise central axis of the hub portion 310.

[0064] That is, the sample collection portion 300 includes the helical blades 320 in a helical shape to be able to adhere or retain the contacted sample and to be taken out of the body of the examinee.

[0065] It can be said that the helical blades 320 are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion 310 around the hub portion 310. The helical blades 320 thus formed are supported by the hub portion 310.

[0066] The hub portion 310 supporting the helical blades 320 is combined with a part of the front side of the support portion 200. Thus, the hub portion 310 is supported by the support portion 200 while supporting the helical blades 320. As such, the helical blades 320 are provided at the sample collection portion 300 to increase the surface area of the sample in contact with the sample collection portion 300, thereby increasing the amount of the collected sample.

[0067] In the helical blades 320 in a helical shape, the outer edge can be referred to as a pitch. If an arbitrary pitch portion of the helical blades 320 is taken as a first pitch, and the next pitch after a 360-degree rotation from the first pitch around the lengthwise central axis of the hub portion 310 is taken as a second pitch, a gap portion is formed between the first pitch and the second pitch, i.e., a portion in which the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion 310 is exposed to the outside. This gap portion can also come into contact with the sample in the body of the examinee, and the sample can be retained in the gap portion and taken out of the body of the examinee.

[0068] In short, the sample can be adhered and retained in the portion between the helical blades and the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion, and can be taken out of the body of the examinee.

[0069] The helical blades 320 each have flexibility and elasticity. Thus, the plurality of helical blades 320 each come into contact with the body tissue in the body of the examinee. The examiner performs an action of agitating or scraping the sample collection portion 300 in the body of the examinee by the handle 100, thereby causing the helical blades 320 to come into contact with and be scraped across the body tissue portion in which the sample is present, as a result of which the sample will be adhered to the surfaces of the helical blades 320 or retained in the intervals between two pitches of the helical blades 320 adjacent to each other.

[0070] That is, in a state where the sample collection section 300 is inserted into the body of the examinee, the sample is caused to adhere to the surface of the spiral blade 320 or to remain in the interval between two pitches adjacent to each other in the spiral blade 320, whereby, when the sample collection section 300 is taken out to the outside of the body of the examinee, the sample remains in the sample collection section 300.

[0071] As described above, as the interval between two pitches adjacent to each other of the collection blade 320, the slit portion can also be referred to as a collection space or a collection interval.

[0072] Therefore, in the sample collection section 300, the sample in contact with the spiral blade 320 or the hub section 310 can maintain a state of remaining by the spiral blade 320 or a state of adhering the sample.

[0073] Also, as shown in the drawing, at least one or more collection grooves 323, 324 are formed at an arbitrary depth at the outer side edge of the spiral blade 320. Also, preferably, such collection grooves 323, 324 are formed in a direction perpendicular to an arbitrary virtual plane IP with respect to the length direction central axis of the hub section 310.

[0074] In the at least one or more collection grooves 323, at least a part of the collection grooves 323 can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the length direction central axis of the hub section 310 or the support section 200.

[0075] In at least a part of the at least one or more collection grooves 323, the collection grooves 323, 324 adjacent to each other are formed in a side-by-side direction, i.e., a direction parallel to each other within a certain error range. In other words, the length direction of the collection grooves 323, 324 adjacent to each other can be parallel to each other.

[0076] For reference, in Figure 4 , the reference numeral 321 is a portion in the spiral blade 320 where the collection grooves 323, 324 are not formed, i.e., a portion between the collection grooves 323, 324 adjacent to each other.

[0077] In the collection grooves 323, 324 formed in a direction perpendicular to an arbitrary virtual plane IP with respect to the length direction central axis of the hub section 310, the collection groove 323 whose depth direction or center line of the collection groove 323 passes through the length direction central axis of the hub section 310 can be referred to as a first collection groove 323.

[0078] Also, the collection groove 324 adjacent to the first collection groove 323, or the collection groove 324 whose depth direction or center line of the collection groove 324 does not cross the length direction central axis of the hub section 310 can be referred to as a second collection groove 324.

[0079] The depth of the first collection groove 323 and the depth of the second collection groove 324 are formed at an arbitrary depth. Accordingly, the depth of the first collection groove 323 and the depth of the second collection groove 324 can be the same or different from each other. The depth of the first collection groove 323 and the depth of the second collection groove 324 can be previously set as necessary and formed on the outer side edge of the spiral blade 320.

[0080] In addition, the width GW1 of the first collection groove 323 and the width GW2 of the second collection groove 324 can also be formed at an arbitrary size. The width GW1 of the first collection groove 323 and the width GW2 of the second collection groove 324 can be the same or different from each other. The size of the width GW1, GW2 can be set as necessary according to the design, and the collection grooves 323, 324 can be formed.

[0081] Furthermore, at least one or more collection grooves 323, 324 formed on the outer side edge of the spiral blade 320 can accommodate and retain the sample.

[0082] As described above, in the case where at least one or more collection grooves 323, 324 are formed in the spiral blade 320, as described above, the amount of collection of the sample collected from the body of the examinee can be increased. Preferably, such a first collection groove 323 or a second collection groove 324 is formed on the outer side edge of the spiral blade 320.

[0083] As described above, the formation of at least one or more collection grooves 323, 324 in the spiral blade 320 is also feasible, and can also be a preferred formation.

[0084] Thus, compared to the conventional sample collection swab, the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application increases the amount of collection of the sample by the spiral blade 320 included in the sample collection portion 300.

[0085] Accordingly, the amount of collection 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 rod can be increased.

[0086] As for the thickness of the spiral blade 320, preferably, the thickness can be fixed from one end of the spiral blade 320 connected to the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion 310 to the other end thereof as the outer side edge of the spiral blade 320, as shown in Figure 5 or can preferably be in a form in which the thickness is reduced at a portion.

[0087] Figure 5 A side cross-sectional view of a portion of the hub portion and the spiral blade of the sample collection portion of the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application is briefly shown. That is, the Figure 5FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a side cross section of a spiral vane 320 including one position on an outer side edge and a face of a lengthwise central axis of a hub 310.

[0088] In Figure 5 In the spiral vane 320, a thickness T0, TE can gradually decrease from at least a portion LD2 of the interval L0 toward the other side.

[0089] In the spiral vane 320, a thickness T0, TE can gradually decrease from at least a portion LD2 of the interval L0 toward the other side.

[0090] Preferably, in at least a portion LD2 of the interval L0, the thickness decreases from T0 to TE, in other words, preferably, the thickness is tapered.

[0091] Preferably, as described above, in the spiral vane 320, the lateral width WD gradually decreases from at least a portion LD of the interval L0 toward the other side, or the thickness T0, TE gradually decreases.

[0092] Preferably, the thickness of the spiral vane 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.

[0093] Also, such a spiral vane 320 can be made of a high polymer material or an elastomer having flexibility and elasticity.

[0094] As described above, preferably, when the spiral vane 320 gradually decreases in thickness toward the outer side edge, i.e., the other side end, the outer side edge portion of the spiral vane 320 is flexibly bent and restored to the original shape, so that the contacted sample can be retained.

[0095] As described above, the spiral vane 320 in the spiral shape centered on the hub 310 can prevent the contacted or adhered sample from being missed and maintain the state of retaining the sample between the spiral vanes 320, so that the amount of sample collection can be further increased compared to the prior art. At the same time, by forming the collection grooves 323, 324 on the outer side of the spiral vane 320, the contacted or adhered sample can be prevented from being missed and the state of retaining the sample in the collection grooves 323, 324 can be maintained, so that the amount of sample collection can be increased.

[0096] Preferably, the helical blade 320 is formed in a set size according to a site into which the subject's body is inserted, such as a nasal cavity, a mouth, an anus, or a cervix. Also, the sample collection part 300 including the helical blade 320 and the hub part 310 can be made of a high molecular material or an elastomer having flexibility and elasticity.

[0097] In addition, the sample collection rod of the present application can also have the following application examples.

[0098] Figure 6 To briefly show a perspective view of the sample collection rod according to the application example of the present application, Figure 7 To briefly show a perspective view of a sample collection part portion of the sample collection rod according to the application example of the present application, Figure 8 To briefly show a side view of a sample collection part portion of the sample collection rod according to the application example of the present application.

[0099] Referring to Figures 6 to 8 The sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application can include the support part 200 and the sample collection part 300, and can further include a handle part.

[0100] First, as shown in the drawing, the support part 200 is in a form such as a rod or a bar, and has an arbitrary length. The sample collection part 300 is coupled to a front side end of the support part 200. The support part 200 supports the sample collection part 300. The handle part 100 is connected to a rear side of the support part 200. The support part 200 supports the sample collection part 300 so that the sample collection part 300 can be inserted into the subject's body.

[0101] The support part 200 is not limited to a specific form as long as it can support the sample collection part 300 to be inserted into the subject's body and collect a sample.

[0102] Also, preferably, the support part 200 is made of a high molecular material having flexibility and elasticity so as to be flexibly deformed according to a received force and restored to the original form.

[0103] On the other hand, when the sample collection part 300 and the support part 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 previously cleaned, after the support part 200 of the sample collection rod 10 is picked out from the sample container using the forceps, the sample collection part 300 and the support part 200 of the sample collection rod 10 are placed at a desired position of the examiner, and the used forceps needs to be cleaned again.

[0104] As such, since the used tweezers need to be cleaned each time during the process of extracting the sample collection stick from the sample container, this is also a cause of reducing the efficiency of the sample detection work. Therefore, a structure can be provided such that the sample collection part 300 and the support part 200 of the sample collection stick 10 can be extracted from the sample container even without using the tweezers.

[0105] 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 part 200 so as to be coupled to the cover or cap of the sample container.

[0106] A fixing groove or a latching shoulder (not shown) can be provided on the inner side of the cover or cap (not shown) of the sample container so that the support part 200 of the sample collection stick can be fixed to the cover or cap (not shown) of the sample container. The fixing groove or latching shoulder provided on the inner side of the cover or cap of the sample container can be coupled to the coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210 of the support part in a form of engagement or insertion.

[0107] As described above, preferably, the cover or cap of the sample container can fix the support part 200, whereby even without using a tool such as tweezers, the support part 200 can be easily taken out from the sample container together with the cover or cap of the sample container as long as the cover or cap of the sample container is opened.

[0108] Figure 6 For such a coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210, an example form is shown in which the coupling shoulder or coupling protrusion 210 is formed in a ring shape on the outer side surface of the support part 200 along the circumferential direction. Figure 6 A coupling shoulder or a coupling protrusion 210 formed in a ring shape on the outer side surface of the support part 200 along the circumferential direction is shown. As shown, preferably, one or more coupling shoulders or coupling protrusions 210 in a ring shape are provided on the outer side surface of the support part 200 at the rear side of the support part 200. Figure 6

[0109] As described above, preferably, if the support part 200 can be coupled to the cover of the sample container, the convenience of use can be increased.

[0110] As described above, the handle part 100 is provided at the rear side of the support part 200. That is, the rear side end of the support part 200 is connected to the handle part 100.

[0111] The handle part 100 is connected to the rear side end of the support part 200 and has a certain length that can be held by the hand or fingers of the person to be detected.

[0112] As shown, the handle part 100 is in the form of a rod or stick having a certain length. Such a handle part 100 is held by the hand or fingers of the person to be detected. The person to be detected can control the sample collection part 300 to enter or be inserted into the body of the person to be detected using the handle part 100. ​

[0113] Therefore, by using the control of the examiner by the handle portion 100, it is possible to make the sample collection portion 300 enter or be inserted into the body of the examinee through the oral cavity or the nasal cavity, etc.

[0114] As shown in the drawing, 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.

[0115] 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.

[0116] 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 in the drawing, 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.

[0117] After the support portion 200 and the handle portion 100 are separated, as described above, the support portion 200 can be combined with the cover portion or the cap portion of the sample container. Preferably, a combination shoulder or a combination protrusion 210 in the form of a protrusion is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support portion, or a cap fastening groove is formed so that the combination with the cover portion or the cap portion of the sample container, which accommodates the sample collection portion inside, can be constituted.

[0118] The sample collection portion 300, which is a portion inserted or entered into the body of the examinee and contacted with a sample, is a portion in which the sample is collected. The sample collection portion 300 is located at the front side end of the support portion 200, and collects or takes a sample contacted in the body of the examinee.

[0119] Such a sample collection portion 300 includes a hub portion 310 and a plurality of collection disks 320.

[0120] The hub portion 310 is combined with the front side of the support portion 200. Preferably, the hub portion 310 is combined with the support portion 200 so that the lengthwise central axis of the hub portion 310 coincides with the lengthwise central axis of the support portion 200. The hub portion 310 is combined or formed with the support portion 200 in a form in which a portion of the front side of the support portion 200 is inserted into the inside of the hub portion 310. Also, a plurality of collection disks 320 disposed on the outside of the hub portion 310.

[0121] 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 longitudinal direction of the hub.

[0122] The plurality of collection plates 320 arranged along the longitudinal direction of the hub are disposed outside the hub 310 to adhere to or retain the contacted samples and remove them from the body of the subject.

[0123] In addition, the hub 310 is preferably made of a flexible or elastic material, that is, it can be made of a polymer material or an elastomeric material having flexibility and elasticity.

[0124] As shown in the drawings, the hub portion 310 may have a rod shape with a circular cross section, but is not limited thereto.

[0125] Further reference is made to Figure 9 , the collection disk 320 is described.

[0126] Figure 9 To briefly illustrate a sample collection rod according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plan view of a sample collection portion viewed from the front side of the sample collection rod is provided.

[0127] Further references Figure 9 As mentioned above, the sample collecting portion 300 includes the supporting portion 200 and a plurality of collecting plates 320 arranged along the length direction of the hub portion 310 .

[0128] Specifically, the sample collection unit 300 includes multiple collection trays 320 arranged along the length of the hub 310, enabling the collection of contacted samples to be adhered to or retained and then removed from the subject's body. Preferably, the multiple collection trays 320 are spaced apart at arbitrary intervals. Furthermore, the centers of the collection trays 320 are preferably located along the longitudinal central axis of the hub.

[0129] The collection tray 320 may be in the form of a plate with at least one side being curved or flat. Furthermore, the edge of the collection tray 320 may be circular or oval. Alternatively, the collection tray 320 may be in the form of a disk or a rounded plate.

[0130] The collecting tray 320 may be formed on the outer circumferential surface of the hub 310 with the hub 310 as the center. The collecting tray 320 formed in this manner is supported by the hub 310.

[0131] The hub 310, which supports the collection tray 320, is coupled to a portion of the front side of the support 200. Thus, the hub 310 is supported by the support 200 and simultaneously supports the collection tray 320. When the collection tray 320 is positioned in this manner within the sample collection portion 300, the surface area of ​​the sample collection portion 300 that comes into contact with the sample increases, thereby increasing the amount of sample collected.

[0132] A gap portion, i.e., a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the hub 310 exposed to the outside, is formed between the collection disks 320 adjacent to each other. This gap portion can also achieve contact with the sample in the body of the examinee, and the sample can also be retained therein and taken out to the outside of the examinee's body.

[0133] In short, the sample can be adhered to and retained in the gap portion between the collection disks 320 adjacent to each other and the outer circumferential surface of the hub, and taken out to the outside of the examinee's body.

[0134] The collection disks 320 each have flexibility and elasticity. Therefore, the plurality of collection disks 320 each come into contact with the body tissue in the examinee's body. The examiner performs an action of agitating or scraping the sample collection portion 300 in the examinee's body by holding the handle 100, thereby causing the collection disks 320 to come into contact with and be scraped across the portion of the body tissue where the sample exists, as a result of which the sample adheres to the surface of the collection disks 320 or is retained in the gap between the two adjacent collection disks 320.

[0135] That is, in a state where the sample collection portion 300 is inserted into the examinee's body, the sample adheres to the surface of the collection disks 320 or is retained in the gap between the collection disks 320 adjacent to each other, whereby when the sample collection portion 300 is taken out to the outside of the examinee's body, the sample remains in the sample collection portion 300.

[0136] As described above, the gap portion between the collection disks 320 adjacent to each other can also be referred to as a collection space or a collection gap.

[0137] Furthermore, in at least some of the plurality of collection disks 320, the diameters or major radii of the collection disks 320 adjacent to each other can be different from each other. Of course, it is also feasible that the plurality of collection disks 320 each have diameters or major radii of the same size.

[0138] Therefore, in the sample collection portion 300, the sample in contact with the collection disks 320 or the hub 310 can maintain a state of being retained by the collection disks 320 or a state of adhering to the sample.

[0139] Furthermore, as shown in the drawing, at least one or more collection grooves 323, 324 are formed at an arbitrary depth in the outer side edge of the collection disk 320. Furthermore, it is preferable that such collection grooves 323, 324 are formed in a direction perpendicular to an arbitrary virtual plane IP with respect to the central axis of the length direction of the hub.

[0140] In the at least one or more collection grooves 323, at least some of the collection grooves 323 can be formed in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the length direction of the hub 310 or the support portion 200.

[0141] In the at least one or more collection grooves 323, at least some of the collection grooves 323, 324 adjacent to each other are formed in a parallel direction, i.e., a direction parallel to each other, within a certain error range. In other words, the length direction of the collection grooves 323, 324 adjacent to each other can be parallel to each other.

[0142] For reference, in Figure 9 , the reference numeral 321 is a portion of the collection disc 320 in which the collection grooves 323, 324 are not formed, i.e., a portion between the collection grooves 323, 324 adjacent to each other.

[0143] In the collection grooves 323, 324 formed in a direction perpendicular to an arbitrary virtual plane IP with respect to the length direction central axis of the hub portion 310, the collection groove 323 whose depth direction or center line of the collection groove 323 passes through the length direction central axis of the hub portion 310 can be referred to as a first collection groove 323.

[0144] Also, the collection groove 324 adjacent to the first collection groove 323, or the collection groove 324 whose depth direction or center line of the collection groove 324 does not cross the length direction central axis of the hub portion 310 can be referred to as a second collection groove 324.

[0145] The depth of the first collection groove 323 and the depth of the second collection groove 324 are formed at an arbitrary 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 from each other. The depth of the first collection groove 323 and the depth of the second collection groove 324 can be set in advance as needed and formed on the outer side edge of the collection disc 320.

[0146] Also, the width GW1 of the first collection groove 323 and the width GW2 of the second collection groove 324 can also be formed at an arbitrary size. The width GW1 of the first collection groove 323 and the width GW2 of the second collection groove 324 can be the same or different from each other. The size of the width GW1, GW2 can be set as needed according to the design, and the collection grooves 323, 324 are formed.

[0147] Also, the at least one or more collection grooves 323, 324 formed on the outer side edge of the collection disc 320 can accommodate and store the sample.

[0148] As described above, in the case where the at least one or more collection grooves 323, 324 are formed in the collection disc 320, as described above, the amount of collection of the sample collected from the inside of the examinee can be increased. Preferably, such a first collection groove 323 or a second collection groove 324 is formed on the outer side edge of the collection disc 320.

[0149] As described above, it is feasible that at least one or more collecting grooves 323, 324 are formed in the collecting disk 320, and this can be a preferred form.

[0150] Thus, compared to the conventional sample collection swab, the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application increases the amount of collected sample by the collecting disk 320 included in the sample collection portion 300.

[0151] Therefore, the amount of collected sample 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 rod can be increased.

[0152] As for the thickness of the collecting disk 320, it is preferable that the thickness is constant from the one side end of the collecting disk 320 connected to the outer circumferential surface of the hub portion 310 to the other side end which is the outer edge of the collecting disk 320, as shown in Figure 10 and it is also preferable that the thickness is reduced at a part.

[0153] Figure 10 A side cross-sectional view of a part of the hub portion and the collecting disk in the sample collection rod according to the embodiment of the present application is briefly shown. That is, the Figure 10 is a view showing a side cross-section of a plane including one position on the outer edge of the collecting disk 320 and the lengthwise central axis of the hub portion 310.

[0154] In Figure 10 , the one side of the collecting disk 320 is connected to the hub portion 310. Here, the outer edge of the collecting disk 320 is the other side end of the collecting disk 320. In the collecting disk 320, the thicknesses T0, TE can gradually decrease toward the other side from at least a part of the interval LD2 in the longitudinal length L0.

[0155] Here, the reference numeral T0 denotes the thickness T0 at the point where the thickness begins to decrease toward the other side from at least a part of the interval LD2 in the longitudinal length L0 in the collecting disk 320, and the reference numeral TE denotes the thickness TE at the other side end of the collecting disk 320.

[0156] Preferably, in at least a part of the interval LD2 in the longitudinal length L0, the thickness decreases from T0 to TE, in other words, it is preferable that the thickness is formed in a tapered shape.

[0157] Preferably, as described above, in the collecting disk 320, the lateral width WD gradually decreases or the thicknesses T0, TE gradually decrease toward the other side from at least a part of the interval LD in the longitudinal length L0.

[0158] Preferably, the thickness of the collection disk 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.

[0159] Also, such a collection disk 320 can be made of a high-molecular material or an elastomer having flexibility and elasticity.

[0160] As described above, preferably, when the collection disk 320 gradually decreases in thickness toward the outer side edge, i.e., the other side end, the outer side edge portion of the collection disk 320 is flexibly bent and restored to the original form, so that the contacted sample can be retained.

[0161] As described above, the collection disk 320 in the spiral shape centered on the hub 310 can prevent the contacted or adhered sample from being missed and maintain the state in which the sample is retained between the collection disks 320, so that the collection amount of the sample can be further increased compared to the prior art.

[0162] Meanwhile, by forming the collection grooves 323, 324 on the outer side of the collection disk 320, it is possible to prevent the contacted or adhered sample from being missed and maintain the state in which the sample is retained in the collection grooves 323, 324, so that the collection amount of the sample can be increased.

[0163] Preferably, the collection disk 320 is formed in a set size according to the site, such as a nasal cavity, an oral cavity, an anus, or a cervix, which is inserted into the body of a subject. Also, the sample collection part 300 including the collection disk 320 and the hub 310 can be made of a high-molecular material or an elastomer having flexibility and elasticity.

[0164] Thus, compared to the prior sample collection swab, the sample collection stick according to the application embodiment further increases the sample collection amount through the intervals between the collection disks adjacent to each other and the collection grooves.

[0165] Accordingly, it is possible to increase the collection amount of the sample collected from the subject and increase the amount of the collected sample dissolved or dispersed into a reagent or a solution from the sample collection stick.

[0166] As described above, the sample collection stick according to the application embodiment increases the collection amount of the sample relatively more compared to the prior sample collection swab through the plurality of collection disks included in the sample collection part 300 and the intervals between the collection disks.

[0167] As described above, the sample collection stick according to the application has the advantages that the manufacturing cost of the sample collection stick can be reduced since the flocking process required in the manufacturing process of the prior sample collection swab is not needed, and the problem of the fiber layer portion of the prior sample collection swab or the like being detached and remaining in the body of the subject can be eliminated since the sample collection stick does not have a fiber layer.

[0168] Also, the sample collection rod according to the present application has an advantage in that, compared to the conventional swab, the amount of sample collected from the examinee can be increased, and the amount of the collected sample dissolved or dispersed into the reagent or solution can be increased, and thus the accuracy of the detection can be improved by increasing the amount of the sample.

[0169] Meanwhile, the sample collection rod according to the present application can shorten the time required for collecting the sample, and can reduce the discomfort of the examinee at the time of collecting the sample. Also, the sample collection part inserted into the mouth or the 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 reduced.

[0170] As described above, although the specific description of the present application is achieved 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 to the above-described embodiments, and the scope of the present application should be understood based on the following claims and the equivalent concepts thereof.

[0171] 100: handle part

[0172] 200: support part

[0173] 300: sample collection part

[0174] 310: hub part

[0175] 320: spiral blade, collection disc

Claims

1. A sample collection stick, characterized in that: The sample collection stick includes: a support portion in the form of a rod or bar; and 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 The spiral blade is arranged on the outer surface of the hub portion, supported by the hub portion, and formed into a spiral shape centered on the longitudinal central axis of the hub portion. A plurality of collecting grooves are formed on the outer edge of the spiral blade. The collecting groove is formed along a direction perpendicular to any virtual plane including the longitudinal central axis of the hub. In the spiral blade, the thickness gradually decreases from at least a portion of the longitudinal length section toward the outer edge. The sample adheres to the surface of the spiral blade or remains in the space between adjacent spiral blades. The spiral blade or the hub is made of a flexible or elastic material.

2. The sample collection stick according to claim 1, characterized in that: 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.

3. A sample collection stick, characterized in that: The sample collection stick includes: a support portion in the form of a rod or bar; and 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 outer surface of the hub, supported by the hub, and arranged along the length direction of the hub. A plurality of collecting slots are 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. In the collecting tray, the thickness gradually decreases from at least a portion of the longitudinal length section toward the outer edge. The sample adheres to the surface of the collection plate or remains in the space between adjacent collection plates. The collecting tray or the hub is made of a flexible or elastic material.

4. The sample collection stick according to claim 3, characterized in that: 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 containing the sample collecting portion therein.

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