Pretreatment centrifugal tube suitable for breast milk detection

Abstract

The pretreatment centrifuge tube comprises an outer-layer sleeve, a cap, a supporting frame and at least two filter tubes with different filter apertures, the cap sleeves the top end of the outer-layer sleeve and is in threaded connection with the outer-layer sleeve, an inlet is formed in the top end of the outer side of the cap, a first sealing gasket is fixed to the top wall of the inner side of the cap, and a second sealing gasket is fixed to the top wall of the inner side of the cap. The supporting frame is arranged in the outer-layer sleeve, the edge part of the top end of the supporting frame is lapped on the top end wall of the outer-layer sleeve and is fixed through extrusion of the cover cap, and at least two filtering pipes which are sequentially arranged in the length direction of the outer-layer sleeve and are partially nested together are mounted on the supporting frame; each filter pipe forms an independent filter cavity under the action of the supporting frame to achieve step-by-step filtration, the filter pipes with the required number can be installed in the outer sleeve through the supporting frame, so that the step-by-step filtration function is achieved, the function suitable for detecting different compositions of breast milk is separated through one-time centrifugation, and the detection efficiency is improved. And medical staff can conveniently take different components for detection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of sample testing technology, and in particular to a pretreatment centrifuge tube suitable for breast milk testing. Background Technology

[0002] Breast milk is the ideal natural food for infants, and its nutrients and bioactive substances play a vital role in their growth, development, and health. Comprehensive and accurate analysis of breast milk helps to gain a deeper understanding of its nutritional value and biological functions, providing a scientific basis for breastfeeding guidance, infant formula development, and maternal and infant health research. Breast milk has a complex composition, containing milk fat globules (0.55-10 μm in diameter), milk proteins (such as casein and whey protein), small molecule compounds (such as oligosaccharides, amino acids, and vitamins), and trace elements (calcium, iron, zinc, etc.). Traditional separation methods require multiple centrifugations and filtrations, which are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to introducing errors that affect the accuracy of the test results.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new pretreatment centrifuge tube suitable for breast milk testing to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, namely, to solve the problem that the existing traditional separation methods require multiple centrifugations and filtrations, which are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to introducing errors, affecting the accuracy of the test results.

[0005] To this end, the present invention provides a pretreatment centrifuge tube suitable for breast milk testing, comprising an outer sleeve, a cap, a support frame, and at least two filter tubes with different pore sizes. The cap is fitted over the top of the outer sleeve and threadedly connected thereto. An inlet is provided at the outer top of the cap, and a first sealing gasket is fixed on the inner top wall of the cap to seal the inlet. The support frame is disposed inside the outer sleeve, and its top edge rests on the top wall of the outer sleeve and is fixed by the cap. At least two filter tubes are mounted on the support frame, arranged sequentially along the length of the outer sleeve and partially nested together. Under the action of the support frame, each filter tube forms an independent filtration chamber to achieve step-by-step filtration.

[0006] In the specific embodiment of the pretreatment centrifuge tube applicable to breast milk testing described above, the filter tube includes a straight tube, a transition tube, and a separation tube. The top edge of the straight tube extends outward with an outer edge plate. The bottom end of the straight tube is integrally formed with the top end of the separation tube through the transition tube. The bottom end of the separation tube is a closed structure. A filter membrane communicating with the interior is installed on the side wall of the separation tube. The transition tube has a conical structure. The outer edge plate is provided with at least three first through holes distributed in a ring array. In the specific embodiment of the pretreatment centrifuge tubes applicable to breast milk testing described above, an annular limiting ring plate is fixed on the inner wall of the outer sleeve. The support frame includes a support plate, a sealing ring, and at least three connecting posts. The support plate is annular in shape, and an annular second sealing gasket is fixed at the bottom end of the support plate. The edge of the second sealing gasket rests on the top wall of the outer sleeve and is fixed by a cap. At least three connecting posts are located inside the outer sleeve, and their top ends pass through the second sealing gasket to be fixedly connected to the bottom end of the support plate. At least two filter tubes are sleeved on each connecting post through a first through hole on the outer edge plate to achieve an arrangement along the length direction of the outer sleeve. A sealing ring is provided between the outer edge plates of two adjacent filter tubes. The connecting post passes through the sealing ring. The outer edge plate of the lowest filter tube rests on the limiting ring plate. The sealing ring seals the space between two adjacent filter tubes under the pressure of the cap to form an independent filter chamber. The bottom end of the connecting post passes through the limiting ring plate.

[0007] In the specific embodiment of the pretreatment centrifuge tube applicable to breast milk testing described above, a locking ring made of rubber is provided between the outer edge plate of the bottom filter tube and the limiting ring plate, and the connecting post passes through the locking ring to form an interference fit.

[0008] In the specific embodiment of the pretreatment centrifuge tube applicable to breast milk testing described above, when the cap and the outer sleeve are connected, the outer edge plate on the uppermost filter tube is in contact with the bottom wall of the first sealing gasket to achieve a seal.

[0009] In the specific embodiment of the pretreatment centrifuge tube applicable to breast milk testing described above, the outer sheath is under negative pressure.

[0010] In the specific embodiment of the pretreatment centrifuge tube applicable to breast milk testing described above, both the outer sleeve and the filter tube are transparent tubes, and scale lines are provided on their outer walls.

[0011] In the specific embodiment of the pretreatment centrifuge tubes applicable to breast milk testing described above, when there are two filter tubes, the filter membrane on the upper filter tube has a pore size of 0.45 μm and is made of hydrophilic polyethersulfone, while the filter membrane on the lower filter tube is an ultrafiltration membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of 10 KD and is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This invention enables the installation of the required number of filter tubes inside the outer sleeve via a support frame, thereby achieving a step-by-step filtration function. Through a single centrifugation, it can simultaneously separate the components suitable for detecting different compositions of breast milk, making it convenient for medical personnel to collect different components for testing. This device significantly improves separation efficiency, reduces sample loss and operating steps, and is suitable for clinical testing, nutritional research, and maternal and infant health management.

[0013] 2. The support frame designed in this invention can install and nest filter tubes of the same size together. When there are many filter tubes, there is no need to increase the diameter of the outer sleeve, making it more convenient to use. Moreover, since the diameter of the top filter tube does not need to be reduced, it can accommodate more sample liquid.

[0014] 3. A locking ring is installed between the limiting ring plate and the bottom filter tube to lock the entire filter tube onto the connecting column. When taking the separated liquid, multiple filter tubes can be taken out at once, making the removal more convenient. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The preferred embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall appearance of the pretreatment centrifuge tube for breast milk testing provided by the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A sectional view; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Overall structural diagram of the installation of the central support frame and filter tube; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A bottom view of the central connecting column mounted on the support plate; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a centrifuge tube with three filter tubes.

[0016] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram: 1. Cap; 101. Inlet; 2. First sealing gasket; 3. Outer sleeve; 4. Filter tube; 401. Outer edge plate; 5. Support frame; 501. Support plate; 502. Connecting column; 503. Sealing ring; 504. Second sealing gasket; 505. Locking ring; 6. Limiting ring plate. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the system or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the convenience of distinguishing the aforementioned components. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "setting," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0020] This invention relates to the field of sample testing technology, and in particular to a pretreatment centrifuge tube suitable for breast milk testing. The aim is to solve the problem that existing traditional separation methods require multiple centrifugations and filtrations, which are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to introducing errors that affect the accuracy of the test results. For this purpose, the present invention provides a pretreatment centrifuge tube suitable for breast milk testing, comprising an outer sleeve, a cap, a support frame, and at least two filter tubes with different pore sizes. The cap is fitted over the top of the outer sleeve and threadedly connected thereto. An inlet is provided on the outer top of the cap, and a first sealing gasket is fixed on the inner top wall of the cap to seal the inlet. The support frame is disposed inside the outer sleeve, with its top edge resting on the top wall of the outer sleeve and fixed by the cap. At least two filter tubes are installed on the support frame, arranged sequentially along the length of the outer sleeve and partially nested together. Under the action of the support frame, each filter tube forms an independent filtration chamber to achieve step-by-step filtration. The present invention can install the required number of filter tubes inside the outer sleeve through the support frame, thereby realizing the step-by-step filtration function. Through a single centrifugation, it can simultaneously separate the components suitable for testing different parts of breast milk, making it convenient for medical personnel to take different components for testing.

[0021] The following is a detailed description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of the pretreatment centrifuge tubes for breast milk testing provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0022] See Figure 1-3This invention provides a pretreatment centrifuge tube suitable for breast milk testing, comprising an outer sleeve 3, a cap 1, a support frame 5, and at least two filter tubes 4 with different pore sizes. The cap 1 is fitted onto the top of the outer sleeve 3 and threadedly connected thereto. The outer top of the cap 1 has an inlet 101, and a first sealing gasket 2 is fixed on the inner top wall of the cap 1 to seal the inlet 101. The support frame 5 is disposed inside the outer sleeve 3, and its top edge rests on the top wall of the outer sleeve 3 and is fixed by the cap 1. At least two filter tubes 4 are installed on the support frame 5, arranged sequentially along the length of the outer sleeve 3 and partially nested together. Under the action of the support frame 5, each filter tube 4 forms an independent filtration chamber to achieve step-by-step filtration.

[0023] In the above embodiments, preferably, the outer sleeve 3 is under negative pressure.

[0024] Specifically, the first sealing gasket 2 inside the cap 1 not only seals the inlet 101, but also seals the outer sleeve 3. The first sealing gasket 2 corresponding to the inlet 101 can be pierced into the outer sleeve 3 by a metal puncture needle, and can automatically draw milk into the filter tube 4 under negative pressure, making it more flexible and convenient to use. In the above embodiments, preferably, see [reference needed]. Figure 2 The filter tube 4 includes a straight tube, a transition tube, and a separation tube. The top edge of the straight tube extends outward with an outer edge plate 401. The bottom end of the straight tube is integrally formed with the top end of the separation tube through the transition tube. The bottom end of the separation tube is a closed structure. A filter membrane communicating with the interior is installed on the side wall of the separation tube. The transition tube is a conical structure. The outer edge plate 401 is provided with at least three first through holes distributed in a ring array. In the above embodiment, the transition tube is designed to be tapered, so that the lower filter tube 4 can be fitted onto the transition tube portion of the upper filter tube 4 without changing its size, thereby ensuring that each filter tube 4 has the same size and can be nested together.

[0025] In one embodiment, see Figure 1-4An annular limiting ring plate 6 is fixed on the inner wall of the outer sleeve 3. The support frame 5 includes a support plate 501, a sealing ring 503, and at least three connecting posts 502. The support plate 501 is annular in shape, and an annular second sealing gasket 504 is fixed to the bottom end of the support plate 501. The edge of the second sealing gasket 504 rests on the top wall of the outer sleeve 3 and is pressed by the cap 1 to fix the support plate 501. The at least three connecting posts 502 are located inside the outer sleeve 3 and their top ends pass through the second sealing gasket 504 to be fixedly connected to the bottom end of the support plate 501. Next, at least two filter tubes 4 are sleeved on each connecting post 502 through the first through hole on the outer edge plate 401 to achieve an arrangement along the length direction of the outer sleeve 3. A sealing ring 503 is provided between the outer edge plates 401 on two adjacent filter tubes 4. The connecting post 502 passes through the sealing ring 503. The outer edge plate 401 on the lowest filter tube 4 rests on the limiting ring plate 6. Under the squeezing action of the cap 1, the sealing ring 503 seals the space between two adjacent filter tubes 4 to form an independent filter chamber. The bottom end of the connecting post 502 passes through the limiting ring plate 6.

[0026] Specifically, the inner holes of the support plate 501 and the second sealing gasket 504 are aligned with the inlet 101, and the top opening of the filter tube 4 (i.e., the inner hole of the straight tube) corresponds to the inner hole of the second sealing gasket 504. This facilitates the direct collection of milk into the filter tube 4 through the inlet 101. The inner diameter of the second sealing gasket 504 is less than or equal to the inner diameter of the straight tube. When the cap 1 and the outer sleeve 3 are in a threaded connection, the cap 1 presses against the outer edge plate 401 of the uppermost filter tube 4 to achieve a tight seal with the second sealing gasket 504. This ensures that milk can only enter the filter tube 4 after passing through the inner hole of the second sealing gasket 504, preventing leakage. Furthermore, a sealing ring 503 is provided between adjacent filter tubes 4, sealing the unnested portion of the filter tube 4 within the sealing ring 503. The cap 1 then presses against the sealing ring 503 to achieve a tight seal with the adjacent outer edge plate 401, thus forming an independent filtration chamber and achieving step-by-step filtration. The sealing ring 503 is made of rubber. The outer wall of the connecting column is in a close fit with the sealing ring.

[0027] Furthermore, the installation position of the limiting ring plate 6 inside different outer sleeves 3 varies, and is selected according to the number of filter tubes 4 installed. For example, if two filter tubes 4 are installed, an outer sleeve 3 that can accommodate two filter tubes 4 is selected; if four filter tubes are installed, an outer sleeve 3 that can accommodate four filter tubes 4 is selected. The position of the limiting ring plate 6 is set according to the number of filter tubes 4 installed. In the above embodiments, preferably, see [reference needed]. Figure 2A locking ring 505 made of rubber is provided between the outer edge plate 401 and the limiting ring plate 6 on the bottom filter tube 4. The connecting post 502 passes through the locking ring 505 and forms an interference fit. The interference fit means that the locking ring 505 needs to be subjected to a lot of force to detach from the connecting post 502. In this way, when the filter tube 4 needs to be removed after centrifugation, after removing the cap 1, all the filter tubes 4 can be removed directly by holding the support plate 501. With the support of the locking ring 505, the filter tubes 4 will not fall off during the process of being removed from the outer sleeve 3, so as to achieve the purpose of removing all the filter tubes 4 at once. After removal, the operator pulls the locking ring 505 off the connecting post 502, and the filter tubes 4 can be removed from the connecting post 502 one by one.

[0028] With the cap 1 and the outer sleeve 3 connected, the outer edge plate 401 of the uppermost filter tube 4 is sealed to the bottom wall of the first sealing gasket 2, forming an independent filter chamber inside the uppermost filter tube 4. The lower filter tubes 4 also form independent filter chambers through the sealing ring 503.

[0029] In addition, when the support frame 5 is in the installed state, the bottom end of the connecting column 502 passes through the limiting ring plate 6, which plays a limiting role on the bottom end of the connecting column 502. This can prevent the connecting column 502 from shifting due to centrifugal force during the centrifugal process and ensure the overall sealing performance.

[0030] In the above embodiments, preferably, the centers of the first sealing ring 503, the second sealing ring 503, and the inlet 101 are on the same straight line.

[0031] In the above embodiments, preferably, both the outer sleeve 3 and the filter tube 4 are transparent tubes, and both have graduation lines on their outer walls. This facilitates the operator in accurately collecting a fixed volume of breast milk.

[0032] It should be noted that the number of filter tubes 4 can be flexibly set according to the actual situation, such as... Figure 5 As shown, there are three filter tubes 4. This invention, through the support frame 5, allows the installation of the required number of filter tubes 4 within the outer sleeve 3, thereby achieving a step-by-step filtration function. Through a single centrifugation, it simultaneously separates components suitable for detecting different parts of breast milk, facilitating the collection of different components for testing by medical personnel. This device significantly improves separation efficiency, reduces sample loss and operational steps, and is suitable for clinical testing, nutritional research, and maternal and infant health management.

[0033] In this application, both the outer sleeve 3 and the filter tube 4 are made of transparent, high-strength, highly chemically inert, low-background trace element content, and low-adsorption polypropylene (PP) material. This material possesses excellent optical properties, facilitating observation of sample separation within the tube. Simultaneously, it exhibits high chemical stability, resisting acids, alkalis, organic solvents, and high temperatures (autoclaving is possible), and can withstand the pressure during high-speed centrifugation. The cap 1 is threadedly connected to the outer sleeve 3, and the support frame 5 and filter tube 4 are fixed inside the outer sleeve 3 by compression, ensuring the tube's seal during centrifugation and preventing sample leakage.

[0034] In this application, the detection of breast milk is used as an example. Two filter tubes 4 are set inside the outer sleeve 3. The filter membrane on the upper filter tube 4 has a pore size of 0.45 μm and is made of hydrophilic polyethersulfone, which has good chemical stability and biocompatibility and can effectively retain milk fat globules. Under the action of centrifugal force, the milk fat globules in breast milk, due to their larger particle size (generally greater than 0.55 μm), are blocked by the first filter membrane and aggregate above the filter membrane to form an upper milk fat globule layer. The filter membrane on the lower filter tube 4 is an ultrafiltration membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of 10 KD and is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, which has high mechanical strength and selective permeability. When the breast milk after being filtered by the first filter tube 4 continues to move downward under the action of centrifugal force, the protein molecules, due to their molecular weight being greater than 10 KD, are retained by the second ultrafiltration membrane and aggregate in the second filter tube 4 to form a middle protein layer. Small molecule compounds and inorganic elements (molecular weight less than 10KD) can pass smoothly through the second ultrafiltration membrane and aggregate at the bottom of the outer sleeve 3 to form the lower layer. Therefore, after centrifugation, three layers of solution can be collected: the upper layer of milk fat globules, the middle layer of proteins, and the lower layer of small molecule compounds and inorganic elements. The efficient separation of milk fat globules, proteins, and small molecule compounds is achieved through the synergistic effect of multiple filter membranes and centrifugal force. These can be used for subsequent detection and analysis.

[0035] The specific steps for removing the filter tube 4 from the outer sleeve 3 after centrifugation are as follows: unscrew the cap 1 from the outer sleeve 3, manually remove the support plate 501 to drive the connecting column 502 to pull all the filter tubes 4 out of the outer sleeve 3, then remove the locking ring 505 from the connecting column 502, and then remove the filter tube 4 next to the locking ring 505. Then remove the sealing ring 503 and the other filter tubes 4 in sequence to complete the disassembly. Pour the solution in the filter tubes 4 and the outer sleeve 3 into other devices for subsequent testing. When the cap 1 and the outer sleeve 3 are connected, the cap 1 squeezes the first sealing gasket 2, the first sealing gasket 2 squeezes the support plate 501, and the support plate 501 squeezes the second sealing gasket 504 and the sealing ring 503, so that the sealing ring 503 between two adjacent filter tubes 4 is squeezed to achieve a tight fit, thereby achieving the sealing requirements.

[0036] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the protection scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pretreatment centrifuge tube suitable for breast milk testing, characterized in that, The device includes an outer sleeve, a cap, a support frame, and at least two filter tubes with different pore sizes. The cap is fitted over the top of the outer sleeve and threaded to it. The cap has an inlet on its outer top. A first sealing gasket is fixed on the inner top wall of the cap to seal the inlet. The support frame is disposed inside the outer sleeve, with its top edge resting on the top wall of the outer sleeve and fixed by the cap. At least two filter tubes are installed on the support frame, arranged sequentially along the length of the outer sleeve and partially nested together. Under the action of the support frame, each filter tube forms an independent filtration chamber to achieve step-by-step filtration.

2. The pretreatment centrifuge tube for breast milk testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filter tube includes a straight tube, a transition tube, and a separation tube. The top edge of the straight tube extends outward with an outer edge plate. The bottom end of the straight tube is integrally formed with the top end of the separation tube through the transition tube. The bottom end of the separation tube is a closed structure. A filter membrane communicating with the interior is installed on the side wall of the separation tube. The transition tube has a conical structure. The outer edge plate is provided with at least three first through holes distributed in a ring array.

3. The pretreatment centrifuge tube for breast milk testing according to claim 2, characterized in that, An annular limiting ring plate is fixed on the inner wall of the outer sleeve. The support frame includes a support plate, a sealing ring, and at least three connecting posts. The support plate is annular in shape, and an annular second sealing gasket is fixed at the bottom end of the support plate. The edge of the second sealing gasket rests on the top wall of the outer sleeve and is fixed by a cap. At least three connecting posts are located inside the outer sleeve, and their top ends pass through the second sealing gasket to be fixedly connected to the bottom end of the support plate. At least two filter tubes are sleeved on each connecting post through a first through hole on the outer edge plate to achieve an arrangement along the length of the outer sleeve. A sealing ring is provided between the outer edge plates of two adjacent filter tubes. The connecting post passes through the sealing ring. The outer edge plate of the lowest filter tube rests on the limiting ring plate. The sealing ring seals the space between two adjacent filter tubes under the pressure of the cap to form an independent filter chamber. The bottom end of the connecting post passes through the limiting ring plate.

4. The pretreatment centrifuge tube for breast milk testing according to claim 3, characterized in that, A locking ring made of rubber is provided between the outer edge plate of the bottom filter tube and the limiting ring plate, and the connecting post passes through the locking ring to form an interference fit.

5. The pretreatment centrifuge tube for breast milk testing according to claim 3, characterized in that, When the cap and the outer sleeve are connected, the outer edge plate on the uppermost filter tube is in contact with the bottom wall of the first sealing gasket to achieve a seal.

6. The pretreatment centrifuge tube for breast milk testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer sleeve is under negative pressure.

7. The pretreatment centrifuge tube for breast milk testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the outer sleeve and the filter tube are transparent tubes, and scale lines are provided on their outer walls.

8. The pretreatment centrifuge tube for breast milk testing according to claim 1, characterized in that, When there are two filter tubes, the filter membrane on the upper filter tube has a pore size of 0.45 μm and is made of hydrophilic polyethersulfone, while the filter membrane on the lower filter tube is an ultrafiltration membrane with a molecular weight cutoff of 10 KD and is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

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