A straw-type saliva collection device and method

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of human saliva sample collection and storage, and discloses a straw-type saliva collection device and method, wherein a straw-type saliva collection device includes a chewing tube and a tray, one end of the chewing tube is fixedly connected to a liquid guide tube, and one end of the liquid guide tube is installed with a collector; the surface of the chewing tube is provided with a plurality of chewing holes, and the surface of the chewing tube is installed with a plurality of protrusions; the surface of the collector is provided with tear marks, and the chewing tube is made of silicone material, and the liquid guide tube and the collector are integrally formed by blow molding. By chewing the straw, the salivary glands can be stimulated by the user, and the salivary glands in the mouth can be stimulated by chewing the straw, thereby promoting saliva secretion. The tray has a timing device that can be used to remind the sample collector to store the saliva sample in a low-temperature container at 80°C within 2 hours, thereby ensuring that the DNA in the saliva is prevented from being decomposed and causing the sample to become invalid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of human saliva collection and storage, and in particular to a straw-type saliva collection device and method. Background Art

[0002] Compared to surgical biopsies, such as surgical puncture, liquid biopsies are less invasive and can detect disease markers in blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, semen, or saliva. These methods are gaining increasing clinical attention. Saliva contains a wealth of bioinformatics, including its own components (mucins, mucopolysaccharides, salivary amylase, lysozyme, immunoglobulins, DNA, etc.) and exogenous substances (microorganisms, drugs, toxins, etc.). Therefore, it can be used for early diagnosis, treatment selection, disease progression monitoring, and efficacy monitoring of a growing number of diseases. The clinical efficacy of saliva analysis in the assessment of systemic diseases has recently been confirmed. The clinical significance and promise of saliva in the early detection of cancer have attracted increasing attention and are expected to develop into personalized medicine. The effectiveness of saliva diagnostics in cancer detection is strongly correlated with clinical diagnosis, and further research is underway into its use as a biomarker for histological grade and clinical stage. Therefore, the collection and long-term storage of saliva from patients participating in cancer (or other systemic disease) cohort studies has become essential.

[0003] There are many problems in existing saliva collection technology that lead to unqualified saliva samples, thus making it impossible to conduct subsequent research effectively. For example, the straw design of most saliva collectors cannot effectively collect saliva, and users need to take additional steps to inject saliva, which increases the complexity of operation and reduces the user experience; the saliva collector structure is not well sealed, causing saliva to splash and introduce external contamination; the lack of effective identification in the saliva collector can easily cause confusion between samples; saliva often contains impurities such as food residues, which cannot be effectively filtered out; if the saliva is not stored in a -80°C low-temperature container within two hours from the time of saliva collection, the DNA in the saliva will be decomposed; saliva samples stored in a -80°C low-temperature container for a long time will freeze and crack due to the material of the storage container, resulting in contamination of the saliva sample; Therefore, those skilled in the art provide a straw-type saliva collection device and method to solve the problems raised in the above background technology. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In response to the shortcomings of the existing technology, the present invention provides a straw-type saliva collection device and method to solve the problems of low saliva collection efficiency in most saliva collectors, poor sealing of saliva storage containers, easy freezing and cracking, confusing labels, and inability to freeze saliva specimens in time.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented through the following technical solutions:

[0006] A straw-type saliva collection device comprises a chewing tube and a tray, wherein one end of the chewing tube is fixedly connected to a liquid guide tube, one end of the liquid guide tube is equipped with a collector, and the tray is equipped with a timer;

[0007] The surface of the chewing tube is provided with a plurality of chewing holes, and the surface of the chewing tube is provided with a plurality of protrusions;

[0008] The lower end of the catheter is provided with an air bag, the upper end of the air bag is provided with an air hole, the surface of the collector is provided with a tear mark, the surface of the collector is provided with an indicator light, the function of the indicator light is to indicate whether the collected saliva has reached the required volume, the surface of the collector is provided with a liquid level line, and the surface of the collector is provided with a blank label, which can be used to fill in the name, sampling time or to paste the patient's identification code;

[0009] A filter is provided just above the tear mark to filter out food residues and other impurities in the saliva.

[0010] There is a buckle just below the tear mark, which is slightly raised and surrounds the inner wall of the collector. There is a platform at the bottom of the collector, which allows the subject to place the device with the opening facing upward on the table to prevent saliva from spilling. In addition, the device is used in conjunction with a buckle cover and a tray.

[0011] There is a card slot on the bottom side of the buckle cover, and the buckle can be pressed in and locked by utilizing the elasticity of the plastic material;

[0012] There are 2×5 receiving holes arranged on the tray. The diameter of the receiving holes is smaller than the diameter of the collector and larger than the platform, and can hold 10 groups of samples.

[0013] Preferably, the chewing tube is made of silicone material, and the liquid guide tube and the collector are integrally formed by blow molding. The liquid guide tube and the collector are both made of PVC, PE, and PP materials, which can effectively prevent saliva from freezing and increasing in volume at low temperatures, causing freeze cracking.

[0014] Preferably, the multiple chewing holes are regularly arranged and opened on the surface of the chewing tube, and the multiple protrusions are regularly arranged and installed on the surface of the chewing tube. The tear marks are formed by dense breakpoints and are easily destroyed by lateral forces. After destruction, a circular opening is left, the diameter of which is larger than that of a dropper, which is convenient for detection and sampling.

[0015] The chewing tube is designed to allow users to improve the efficiency of collecting saliva samples. The chewing hole helps saliva flow into the tube, while the protrusions can stimulate saliva secretion and improve collection efficiency. The silicone material provides a comfortable user experience; the connection of the catheter allows saliva to flow smoothly to the collector, facilitating collection and storage. The one-piece molding through blow molding can reduce the risk of leakage at the connection and avoid contamination of the collected saliva samples; the air bag at the lower end of the catheter can accelerate the flow of saliva to the collector, and at the same time accelerate the passage of saliva through the filter, thereby improving saliva collection efficiency; the tear marks on the surface of the collector make it easier for users to open the collector after collecting the saliva sample, remove the sample or perform subsequent processing, thereby improving the convenience of user operation; the regular arrangement of chewing holes and protrusions helps saliva to be evenly distributed on the surface of the chewing tube, improving the efficiency and speed of collection. This design can promote the flow and collection of saliva.

[0016] A straw-type saliva collection method comprises the following steps:

[0017] Step 1: Ensure the environment is clean and sanitary to prevent saliva samples from being contaminated by the outside world;

[0018] Step 2: Open the disposable packaging of the saliva sample collector and check its integrity;

[0019] Step 3: The patient fills in his / her name and sampling time on the blank label or pastes the patient's identification code;

[0020] Step 4. Wash your hands, turn on the indicator light so that it stays green, and prepare to collect saliva;

[0021] Step 5: Place the chewing tube in your mouth, completely hold it in your mouth, and make sure your mouth fully covers the surface of the chewing tube;

[0022] Step 6: Continue chewing the chew tube;

[0023] Step 7: During chewing, press the airbag with your fingers. When you release your fingers, the airbag rebounds and creates negative pressure, accelerating saliva through the catheter and eventually into the collector.

[0024] Step 8: When the indicator light turns from green to red, it indicates that a sufficient amount of saliva has been collected;

[0025] Step 9: The patient places the sealed saliva collector in the tray;

[0026] Step 10: The tray begins to count down after receiving the first sample. When the countdown ends, the tray emits a prompt sound / light / text message. The sample collector tears or cuts all the collectors on the tray along the tear marks and seals the saliva sample with a snap cap.

[0027] Step 11: The sample collector collects the sealed saliva sample into a low-temperature container;

[0028] Step 12: Laboratory personnel can take out the saliva sample from the cryogenic container, re-thaw it, open the sealed lid and extract the saliva sample for testing.

[0029] 1. The tear mark design allows users to easily open the collector and collect saliva. This design simplifies the operation process, improves the user experience, and ensures the sealing of the collector and the purity of the saliva sample.

[0030] Second, sufficient coverage of the oral cavity can ensure the full collection of saliva samples, improve collection efficiency and accuracy, and the correct position and method of use can ensure that saliva samples are effectively collected;

[0031] 3. The sequence of steps and operation methods ensure the effective collection and extraction of saliva samples. Continuous chewing stimulates saliva secretion, and saliva flows smoothly into the collector. Finally, the saliva sample is extracted by tearing the tear mark on the collector to ensure the integrity and accuracy of the collected sample.

[0032] 4. The collected saliva samples should be properly stored to ensure the accuracy of subsequent analysis.

[0033] Preferably, in step 1, the temperature range of the environment is 20° C.-25° C., the humidity range of the environment is 40%-60%, and the PM2.5 concentration in the environment is ≤50 μg / m3.

[0034] Preferably, in the step five, the chewing tube is placed in the mouth and held for 1-2 minutes, and in the step six, the chewing tube is continuously chewed for 1-2 minutes.

[0035] Preferably, in the step 11, the saliva sample is stored at a temperature range of -80°C or below, and an ambient humidity range of 35% to 75%.

[0036] The present invention provides a straw-type saliva collection device and method. It has the following beneficial effects:

[0037] The core of the design of the present invention is to stimulate the salivary glands by chewing the straw. By chewing the straw, the user can stimulate the salivary glands in the mouth and promote saliva secretion.

[0038] The present invention adopts a chewable design of silicone. The silicone material is soft, durable, and has good elasticity and chewing resistance, which can effectively reduce irritation to the oral mucosa. At the same time, the raised design can effectively collect saliva, simplify the operation process, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of saliva collection.

[0039] The present invention adopts the blow molding method to form an integral body, which can reduce the risk of leakage at the connection and prevent the collected saliva sample from being contaminated.

[0040] The air bag design of the present invention can accelerate the collection of saliva and simultaneously accelerate the passage of saliva through the filter.

[0041] The present invention holds saliva samples on a tray with a capacity of 2*5. The tray is provided with a countdown timer, and the countdown length can be set between 0h and 2h. After the tray receives the first saliva sample, the countdown starts. When the countdown ends, the tray will flash lights, make sounds, and send a text message to the designated sample recipient, prompting the sample recipient to store the saliva sample in a low-temperature container to prevent the saliva sample from deteriorating or becoming invalid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0042] Figure 1 It is a front view of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the protrusion structure of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 3 is a flow chart of the method of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the collector structure of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the buckle cover structure of the present invention;

[0047] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the buckle cover and the collector of the present invention;

[0048] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the tray structure of the present invention;

[0049] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the collector and tray of the present invention;

[0050] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid level detection module of the present invention.

[0051] Legend:

[0052] 1. Chewing tube; 11. Chewing hole; 12. Protrusion;

[0053] 2. Catheter; 21. Stoma; 22. Air bag;

[0054] 3. Collector; 31. Tear mark; 32. Indicator light; 33. Liquid level line; 34. Blank label; 35. Filter; 36. Buckle; 37. Platform;

[0055] 4. Buckle cover; 41. Card slot;

[0056] 5. Tray; 51. Receiving hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0057] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0058] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the description and claims of the present invention and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the numbers used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, system, product or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0059] The present invention is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0060] A straw-type saliva collection device comprises a chewing tube 1 and a tray 5. One end of the chewing tube 1 is fixedly connected to a liquid guide tube 2, one end of the liquid guide tube 2 is installed with a collector 3, and the tray 5 is installed with a timer.

[0061] The surface of the chewing tube 1 is provided with a plurality of chewing holes 11, and the surface of the chewing tube 1 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 12;

[0062] The lower end of the catheter 2 is provided with an air bag 22, and the upper end of the air bag 22 is provided with an air hole 21. The surface of the collector 3 is provided with a tear mark 31, and the surface of the collector 3 is provided with an indicator light 32. The function of the indicator light 32 is to indicate whether the collected saliva has reached the required volume. The surface of the collector 3 is provided with a liquid level line 33. The surface of the collector 3 is provided with a blank label 34, which can be used to fill in the name, sampling time, or to paste the patient's identification code;

[0063] A filter 35 is provided just above the tear mark 31 to filter food residue and other impurities from saliva. A buckle 36 is provided just below the tear mark 31. The buckle 36 is slightly raised 12 in a circular shape and surrounds the inner wall of the collector 3. A platform 37 is provided at the lower end of the collector 3 to facilitate the subject to place the device flat on a table with the opening facing upward to prevent saliva from spilling. The device is also used in conjunction with a buckle cover 4 and a tray 5.

[0064] The buckle cover 4 has a slot 41 on the lower side, and the buckle 36 can be pressed into the buckle 36 by utilizing the elasticity of the plastic material.

[0065] There are accommodating holes 51 arranged in a 2×5 pattern on the tray 5. The diameter of the accommodating holes 51 is smaller than the diameter of the collector 3 and larger than the platform 37, and can accommodate 10 groups of samples.

[0066] The chewing tube 1 is made of silicone material, and the liquid guide tube 2 and the collector 3 are integrally formed by blow molding. The liquid guide tube 2 and the collector 3 are both made of PVC, PE, and PP materials, which can effectively prevent saliva from freezing and increasing in volume at low temperatures, causing freeze cracking.

[0067] The plurality of chewing holes 11 are regularly arranged on the surface of the chewing tube 1, and the plurality of protrusions 12 are regularly arranged and installed on the surface of the chewing tube 1. The tear marks 31 are formed by dense breakpoints and are easily destroyed by lateral forces. After destruction, a circular opening is left, the diameter of which is larger than that of a dropper, which is convenient for detection and sampling.

[0068] The chewing tube 1 is designed to allow users to improve the efficiency of collecting saliva samples. The setting of the chewing hole 11 helps saliva flow into the tube, while the protrusion 12 can stimulate saliva secretion and improve collection efficiency. The silicone material can provide a comfortable user experience; the connection of the liquid guide tube 2 allows saliva to flow smoothly to the collector 3, facilitating collection and storage. The one-piece molding by blow molding can reduce the risk of leakage at the connection and prevent the collected saliva sample from being contaminated; the air bag 22 at the lower end of the liquid guide tube 2 can accelerate the flow of saliva to the collector 3, while also accelerating the passage of saliva through the filter 35, thereby improving saliva collection efficiency; the tear marks 31 on the surface of the collector 3 make it easier for users to open the collector 3 after collecting the saliva sample, remove the sample or perform subsequent processing, thereby improving user convenience; the regular arrangement of the chewing holes 11 and protrusions 12 helps saliva to be evenly distributed on the surface of the chewing tube 1, improving the efficiency and speed of collection. This design can promote the flow and collection of saliva.

[0069] A straw-type saliva collection method comprises the following steps:

[0070] Step 1: Ensure the environment is clean and sanitary to prevent saliva samples from being contaminated by the outside world;

[0071] Step 2: tear open the disposable packaging of the saliva sample collector 3 and check its integrity;

[0072] Step 3: The patient fills in his / her name and sampling time on the blank label 34 or pastes the patient's identification code;

[0073] Step 4: Wash your hands, turn on the indicator light 32 so that it is always green, and prepare to collect saliva;

[0074] Step 5: Place the chewing tube 1 in your mouth, completely hold it in your mouth, and make sure your mouth fully covers the surface of the chewing tube 1;

[0075] Step 6: Continue chewing the chewing tube 1;

[0076] Step 7: During chewing, press the airbag 22 with your fingers. When you release your fingers, the airbag 22 rebounds and generates negative pressure, which accelerates the flow of saliva through the catheter 2 and finally into the collector 3.

[0077] Step 8: When the indicator light 32 turns from green to red, it indicates that a sufficient amount of saliva has been collected;

[0078] Step 9: The patient places the sealed saliva collector 3 in the tray 5;

[0079] Step 10: After receiving the first sample, the tray 5 starts counting down. When the countdown ends, the tray 5 emits a prompt sound / light / text message. The sample collector tears or cuts all the collectors 3 in the tray 5 along the tear marks 31 and seals the saliva sample with the buckle cover 4.

[0080] Step 11: The sample collector places the sealed saliva sample into a low-temperature container, wherein the low-temperature container includes a refrigerator;

[0081] Step 12: Laboratory personnel can take out the saliva sample from the cryogenic container, re-thaw it, open the sealed lid and extract the saliva sample for testing.

[0082] 1. The design of the tear mark 31 allows the user to easily open the collector 3 and collect saliva. This design simplifies the operation process, improves the user experience, and ensures the sealing of the collector and the purity of the saliva sample;

[0083] Second, sufficient coverage of the oral cavity can ensure the full collection of saliva samples, improve collection efficiency and accuracy, and the correct position and method of use can ensure that saliva samples are effectively collected;

[0084] 3. The sequence of steps and the operation method ensure the effective collection and extraction of the saliva sample. Continuous chewing stimulates saliva secretion, and the saliva flows smoothly into the collector 3. Finally, the saliva sample is extracted by tearing the tear mark 31 on the collector 3, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the collected sample.

[0085] 4. The collected saliva samples should be properly stored to ensure the accuracy of subsequent analysis.

[0086] In the step 1, the temperature range of the environment is 20° C.-25° C., the humidity range of the environment is 40%-60%, and the PM2.5 concentration in the environment is ≤50 μg / m3.

[0087] In the step 5, the chewing tube 1 is placed in the mouth and held for 1-2 minutes. In the step 6, the chewing tube 1 is chewed continuously for 1-2 minutes.

[0088] In the step 11, the saliva sample is stored at a temperature range of -80°C or below, and an ambient humidity range of 35% to 75%.

[0089] The present invention provides a straw-type saliva collection device and method. It has the following beneficial effects:

[0090] The core of the design of the present invention is to stimulate the salivary glands by chewing the straw. By chewing the straw, the user can stimulate the salivary glands in the mouth and promote saliva secretion.

[0091] The present invention adopts a chewable design of silicone. The silicone material is soft, durable, and has good elasticity and chewing resistance, which can effectively reduce irritation to the oral mucosa. At the same time, the design of the protrusion 12 can effectively collect saliva, simplify the operation process, and improve the efficiency and accuracy of saliva collection.

[0092] The present invention adopts the blow molding method to form an integral body, which can reduce the risk of leakage at the connection and prevent the collected saliva sample from being contaminated.

[0093] The design of the air bag 22 of the present invention can accelerate the collection of saliva and accelerate the passage of saliva through the filter 35.

[0094] Example 1:

[0095] In step 1, the ambient temperature is 20°C, the ambient humidity is 40%, and the PM2.5 concentration is 20 μg / m3;

[0096] In step five, the chewing tube 1 is placed in the mouth and held for 1 minute. In step six, the chewing tube 1 is continuously chewed for 1 minute.

[0097] In step 11, the collected saliva samples are stored in a low-temperature container at a temperature of -80°C and a humidity of 35%.

[0098] Example 2:

[0099] In step 1, the temperature in the environment is 22° C., the humidity in the environment is 50%, and the PM2.5 concentration in the environment is 35 μg / m3.

[0100] In step five, the chewing tube 1 is placed in the mouth and held therein for 1.5 minutes. In step six, the chewing tube 1 is continuously chewed for 1.5 minutes.

[0101] In step 11, the collected saliva samples are stored in a low-temperature container at a temperature of -85°C and a humidity of 55%.

[0102] Example 3:

[0103] In step 1, the temperature in the environment is 25° C., the humidity in the environment is 60%, and the PM2.5 concentration in the environment is 50 μg / m3.

[0104] In step five, the chewing tube 1 is placed in the mouth and held for 2 minutes. In step six, the chewing tube 1 is continuously chewed for 2 minutes.

[0105] In step 11, the saliva sample is stored at a temperature of -90°C and an ambient humidity of 75%.

[0106] Summarize:

[0107] The examples all emphasize the importance of environmental conditions, as well as the requirements for temperature, humidity, and PM2.5 concentration; the consistency of the saliva collection process helps to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the collected saliva samples.

[0108] Comparative experiment

[0109] Comparative experiment 1: comparison of saliva collection equipment

[0110] Experimental purpose: To compare the performance of different saliva collection devices in terms of saliva collection efficiency and ease of operation;

[0111] Experimental design:

[0112] Example A: Plastic Collection Tube

[0113] Example B: Silicone Collector Example C: Paper Collector

[0114] Experimental steps:

[0115] Example A (Plastic Collection Tube)

[0116] Prepare clean plastic collection tubes;

[0117] Allow the subject to accumulate a small amount of saliva in the mouth;

[0118] Place a plastic collection tube in your mouth to collect a saliva sample;

[0119] Example B (Silica gel collector)

[0120] Use a clean silicone sampler to collect saliva;

[0121] Place the silicone collector in the subject's mouth to collect saliva samples;

[0122] Example C (Paper Collector)

[0123] Use a clean paper collector to collect saliva;

[0124] Gently move the paper collector inside your mouth to collect a saliva sample;

[0125] Experimental data table:

[0126] Example Ease of operation Collection efficiency Cost-effectiveness A high medium Low B medium high high C high medium medium

[0127] Working principle description:

[0128] Step 1: Ensure the environment is clean and sanitary to prevent saliva samples from being contaminated by the outside world;

[0129] Step 2: tear open the disposable packaging of the saliva sample collector 3 and check its integrity;

[0130] Step 3: The patient fills in his / her name and sampling time on the blank label 34 or pastes the patient's identification code;

[0131] Step 4: Wash your hands, turn on the indicator light 32 so that it is always green, and prepare to collect saliva;

[0132] Step 5: Place the chewing tube 1 in your mouth, completely hold it in your mouth, and make sure your mouth fully covers the surface of the chewing tube 1;

[0133] Step 6: Continue chewing the chewing tube 1;

[0134] Step 7: During chewing, press the airbag 22 with your fingers. When you release your fingers, the airbag 22 rebounds and generates negative pressure, which accelerates the flow of saliva through the catheter 2 and finally into the collector 3.

[0135] Step 8: When the indicator light 32 turns from green to red, it indicates that a sufficient amount of saliva has been collected;

[0136] like Figure 9 As shown, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a liquid level detection module for controlling the indicator light 32 is provided in the collector 3. Specifically, the indicator light 32 includes a red light and a green light connected in parallel to the power supply. A resistor for shunting is connected in series on the closed circuit of the red light. The liquid level detection module includes a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The liquid level detection module is connected in series on the closed circuit of the green light. The liquid level detection module is configured at a preset liquid level in the collector 3. Before the liquid level reaches the set height, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the liquid level detection module are disconnected, the closed circuit where the green light is located is broken, and the closed circuit where the red light is located is connected, and the red light is always on; when the liquid level reaches the set height, the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the liquid level detection module are connected, the closed circuit where the green light is located is connected, the green light is on, and the closed circuit where the red light is located is shunted by the resistor and is shunted by the green light, and the rated power is not reached, and the red light is off. The control of the indicator light 32 from green to red is achieved in the above manner.

[0137] Step 9: The patient places the sealed saliva collector 3 in the tray 5;

[0138] Step 10: After receiving the first sample, the tray 5 starts counting down. When the countdown ends, the tray 5 emits a prompt sound / light / text message. The sample collector tears or cuts all the collectors 3 in the tray 5 along the tear marks 31 and seals the saliva sample with the buckle cover 4.

[0139] Step 11: The sample collector places the sealed saliva sample into a low-temperature container, wherein the low-temperature container includes a refrigerator;

[0140] Step 12: Laboratory personnel can take out the saliva sample from the cryogenic container, re-thaw it, open the sealed lid and extract the saliva sample for testing.

[0141] While embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions, and variations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, and that the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A straw-type saliva collection device, comprising a chewing tube (1) and a tray (5), characterized in that: One end of the chewing tube (1) is fixedly connected to a liquid guide tube (2), one end of the liquid guide tube (2) is installed with a collector (3), and the tray (5) is installed with a timer; The surface of the chewing tube (1) is provided with a plurality of chewing holes (11), and the surface of the chewing tube (1) is provided with a plurality of protrusions (12); The lower end of the catheter (2) is provided with an air bag (22), the upper end of the air bag (22) is provided with an air hole (21), the surface of the collector (3) is provided with a tear mark (31), the surface of the collector (3) is provided with an indicator light (32), the function of the indicator light (32) is to prompt whether the collected saliva reaches the required volume, the surface of the collector (3) is provided with a liquid level line (33), and the surface of the collector (3) is provided with a blank label (34), which can be used to fill in the name, sampling time or to paste the patient's identification code; A filter (35) is provided on the upper side of the tear mark (31) for filtering food residues and other impurities in the saliva; a buckle (36) is provided on the lower side of the tear mark (31), and the buckle is slightly raised in a circular shape and surrounds the inner wall of the collector (3); a platform (37) is provided at the lower end of the collector (3) to facilitate the subject to place the device with the opening facing upward on the table to prevent saliva from spilling; in addition, the device is used in conjunction with a buckle cover (4) and a tray (5); The lower side of the buckle cover is provided with a card slot (41), and the buckle (36) can be pressed into and clamped by utilizing the elasticity of the plastic material; The tray (5) is provided with 2×5 accommodating holes (51), the aperture of which is smaller than the diameter of the collector (3) and larger than the platform (37), and can accommodate 10 groups of samples.

2. A straw-type saliva collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The chewing tube (1) is made of silicone material, the liquid guide tube (2) and the collector (3) are integrally formed by blow molding, and the liquid guide tube (2) and the collector (3) are both made of PVC, PE, or PP material.

3. The straw-type saliva collection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of chewing holes (11) are regularly arranged and opened on the surface of the chewing tube (1); the plurality of protrusions (12) are regularly arranged and installed on the surface of the chewing tube (1); the tear marks (31) are formed by dense breakpoints and are easily destroyed by lateral forces. After destruction, a circular opening is left, the diameter of which is larger than that of a dropper, which is convenient for detection and sampling.

4. A straw-type saliva collection method, according to a straw-type saliva collection device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step 1: Ensure the environment is clean and sanitary to prevent saliva samples from being contaminated by the outside world; Step 2: tear open the disposable packaging of the saliva sample collector (3) and check its integrity; Step 3: The patient fills in his / her name and sampling time on the blank label (34) or pastes the patient's identification code; Step 4: Wash your hands, turn on the indicator light (32) so that it is always green, and prepare to collect saliva; Step 5: Place the chewing tube (1) in your mouth, completely hold it in your mouth, and make sure that your mouth fully covers the surface of the chewing tube 1; Step 6: Continue chewing the chewing tube (1); Step 7: During chewing, the finger presses the air bag (22). After releasing the finger, the air bag (22) rebounds to generate negative pressure, which accelerates the saliva to pass through the catheter (2) and finally flow into the collector (3); Step 8: When the indicator light (32) turns from green to red, it indicates that a sufficient amount of saliva has been collected; Step 9: The patient places the sealed saliva collector (3) in the tray (5); Step 10: After receiving the first sample, the tray (5) begins a countdown. When the countdown ends, the tray (5) emits a prompt sound / light / text message, and the sample receiver tears or cuts all the collectors (3) in the tray (5) along the tear marks (31) and seals the saliva sample with a snap cover (4); Step 11: The sample collector places the sealed saliva sample into a low-temperature container, wherein the low-temperature container includes a refrigerator; Step 12: Laboratory personnel can take out the saliva sample from the cryogenic container, re-thaw it, open the sealed lid and extract the saliva sample for testing.

5. A straw-type saliva collection method according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the step 1, the temperature range of the environment is 20° C.-25° C., the humidity range of the environment is 40%-60%, and the PM2.5 concentration in the environment is ≤50 μg / m3.

6. The straw-type saliva collection method according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the step 5, the chewing tube is placed in the mouth and held for 1-2 minutes. In the step 6, the chewing tube is chewed continuously for 1-2 minutes.

7. The straw-type saliva collection method according to claim 4, characterized in that: In the step 11, the saliva sample is stored at a temperature range of -80°C or below, and an ambient humidity range of 35% to 75%.

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