Novel virus sampling tube and sampling method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of virus sampling, and discloses a novel virus sampling tube and a sampling method thereof.The novel virus sampling tube comprises a tube body, sample liquid is arranged in the tube body, threads are formed in the outer side of a port of the tube body, a tube cover is arranged at the top of the tube body, a sealing plug is arranged at the bottom of the tube cover, and the sealing plug is in sealing fit with the port of the tube body; a spiral groove is formed in the pipe cover, the spiral groove is matched with the thread at the end opening of the pipe body, and a power assisting assembly is further arranged on the pipe cover and used for assisting the opening action of the pipe cover. Through the upward prying effect of the extending end part of the lever on the sealing plug, the joint of the power-assisted cover body and the pipe cover part is broken and separated, so that the power-assisted cover body drives the sealing plug and the pipe body to be separated from an initial tight sealing state, and at the moment, the power-assisted cover body only needs to be slightly pulled out with the other hand; and the situation that two hands are strenuous to screw can be effectively relieved through the lever effect.

Description

A novel virus sampling tube and its sampling method Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of virus sampling, specifically to a novel virus sampling tube and its sampling method. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing complexity and variability of global infectious disease outbreaks and the continuous emergence of new pathogens, the requirements for the accuracy, timeliness, and safety of virus sampling are growing daily. Public health systems need to quickly and accurately pinpoint the source of infection and transmission routes, which demands that sampling tubes provide high-quality, uncontaminated samples. Currently, infectious disease transmission is characterized by its concealment and complexity, with an increase in asymptomatic infections, making the accurate identification of each potential source of infection increasingly crucial. This sets extremely high standards for the quality of samples collected by sampling tubes; the samples must accurately reflect the current infection status of the sampled individual, allowing no room for error. Otherwise, epidemiological investigations and control measures based on incorrect samples will become ineffective, and the transmission chain of the epidemic will be difficult to break precisely.

[0003] In infectious disease surveillance and control, virus sampling tubes are a crucial basic tool. Traditional virus sampling tubes have simple cap designs, relying primarily on manual screw tightening. During high-intensity sampling tasks, such as large-scale epidemic screening, medical staff frequently open and close the caps, easily leading to hand muscle strain and a gradual slowdown in operation. Furthermore, wearing protective gloves increases friction, making opening or closing the caps more strenuous and reducing the precision of fine movements. This not only slows down individual sample collection but also significantly impacts overall sampling efficiency. Moreover, frequent hand contact with the caps greatly increases the risk of cross-contamination, threatening sample purity and the safety of medical personnel. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a novel virus sampling tube and its sampling method, which solves the technical problem that traditional virus sampling tubes often adopt a simple design with simple screw caps. When opening them, medical staff need to operate with both hands and twist them forcefully. Under large-scale sampling work, the frequent repetitive hand movements can easily cause fatigue and slow down the sampling efficiency.

[0005] The objective of this invention can be achieved through the following technical solution: a novel virus sampling tube, comprising a tube body containing sample liquid, a threaded opening on the outer side of the tube body's port, a tube cap at the top of the tube body, a sealing plug at the bottom of the tube cap, the sealing plug sealingly engaging with the tube body's port, a spiral groove inside the tube cap that matches the threaded opening at the tube body's port, and an assisting component on the tube cap for assisting in opening the tube cap.

[0006] Furthermore, the assistive component includes a mounting groove, which is opened on one side of the tube cap. A lever is rotatably connected to the mounting groove via a rotating shaft. One end of the lever is located in a groove opened on the sealing plug, and the other end of the lever extends out of the tube cap as a pressing operation end and is set in an arc shape to fit the natural curvature of human fingers, allowing medical staff to apply force precisely with a single fingertip or fingertip.

[0007] Furthermore, a stepped groove is provided in the middle of the pipe cover, and an assisting cover body is provided in the stepped groove. The bottom of the assisting cover body is fixedly connected to the sealing plug. A thin-walled structure is provided at the connection between the top surface of the assisting cover body and the pipe cover. When an external force that exceeds a set threshold is applied, the assisting cover body will detach upward from the stepped groove.

[0008] Furthermore, one end of the lever arc structure is provided with an anti-slip texture, and the texture is an interlaced diamond grid.

[0009] Furthermore, the tube body is provided with two isolation components, which are used to selectively isolate the samples inside the tube body.

[0010] Furthermore, the isolation component includes multiple isolation sheets, each of which is configured in a fan-shaped structure. The multiple isolation sheets are equidistantly distributed circumferentially, and the end of each isolation sheet facing the center of the tube is curled upwards. A shape memory alloy sheet is embedded and connected inside the isolation sheet. When the internal temperature of the tube is lower than the set temperature of the shape memory alloy sheet, the shape memory alloy sheet causes the curled ends of the multiple isolation sheets to deform and abut against each other, forming a circular isolation layer to isolate the sample inside the tube.

[0011] Furthermore, a self-cleaning component is provided inside the tube near the port. The self-cleaning component is used to remove excess sample liquid from the inserted swab, so that the excess sample liquid automatically flows back into the tube.

[0012] Furthermore, the self-cleaning component includes a self-cleaning swab storage slot, which is located inside the tube near the port, and the inner wall of the self-cleaning swab storage slot is provided with hydrophobic bristles; the edge of the self-cleaning swab storage slot is also provided with a silicone baffle.

[0013] A novel virus sampling method, using any one of the novel virus sampling tubes described herein, comprises the following steps: S1, placing the swab after collecting the virus sample into the tube body and agitating it in the preservation solution within the tube body to detach the virus sample from the swab; S2, removing the swab after removing excess preservation solution through the self-cleaning swab storage slot of the self-cleaning component; S3, placing the tube cap on the tube body, inserting the sealing plug into the tube body, and rotating the tube cap to lock the tube cap and tube body together, thus completing the virus sampling.

[0014] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: (1) The present invention is equipped with an assist component. After sampling, the tube cap and tube body are aligned and rotated to a certain extent. Then, the finger can be used to push the extended end of the lever, thereby driving the entire tube cap to continue to rotate. Even if the outer surface of the tube cap is slippery, it will not affect the subsequent sealing action of the tube cap. When it is necessary to open the test tube, especially when it is necessary to open the test tube quickly, there is no need to twist with both hands. You only need to hold the tube body with one hand and press one finger on the extended end of the lever to achieve the upward prying action of the sealing plug. At this time, the tightened tube cap is still in a locked state. However, the connection between the assist cap and the tube cap is relatively weak. Once the load is exceeded, it will break and separate. At this time, the assist cap will drive the sealing plug and the tube body to separate from the initial tight sealing state. At this time, you only need to gently pull out the assist cap with the other hand. In comparison, the lever action can effectively alleviate the situation of twisting with both hands.

[0015] (2) The present invention sets up a ring of isolation sheets. At room temperature, the isolation sheets maintain their initial state, that is, the tails of multiple isolation sheets are bent upwards. At this time, the confluence groove formed in the middle can maintain the communication of the preservation liquid inside the tube. Once in the cold chain transportation situation, the isolation sheets are embedded with shape memory alloy sheets, so they maintain the bent state at room temperature and the stretched state at low temperature, so that the tails of the isolation sheets abut against each other to form a relatively whole, that is, a circular isolation layer. Since there are two isolation components, the upper and lower circular isolation layers restrict the virus sample to the middle of the test tube to reduce the adverse effects caused by excessive mixing between the virus sample and the preservation liquid. When the transportation is completed, the isolation sheets are restored to room temperature and then restored again. At this time, the circular isolation layer disappears, and the virus sample and the preservation liquid are in full contact again, which can realize subsequent opening and detection actions.

[0016] (3) The present invention has a self-cleaning swab storage groove in the neck of the test tube. The inner wall of the storage groove is densely covered with nano-level hydrophobic bristles. After the swab is inserted, the bristles automatically clean the excess sample liquid on its surface, allowing the liquid to flow back into the test tube. This not only avoids sample waste, but also keeps the swab clean and reduces external environmental pollution, thus preserving a more ideal sample state for possible secondary testing or sample transfer. Moreover, the hydrophobic bristles are not easily contaminated with dirt, making it convenient for regular cleaning and disinfection. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The invention will now be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0018] Figure 1 is an overall framework diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the tube cap in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the clamping component in the present invention; Figure 4 is an exploded view of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of the isolation component.

[0019] Figure descriptions: 1. Tube body; 2. Tube cap; 3. Sealing plug; 4. Assist component; 41. Mounting groove; 42. Rotating shaft; 43. Receptacle; 44. Pressing operation end; 45. Step groove; 46. Assist cover body; 47. Thin-walled structure; 5. Anti-slip texture; 6. Isolation component; 61. Isolation sheet; 62. Shape memory alloy sheet; 63. Circular isolation layer; 7. Self-cleaning component; 71. Self-cleaning swab storage slot; 72. Hydrophobic bristles; 73. Silicone barrier. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] Please refer to Figures 1-5. This invention is a novel virus sampling tube, comprising a tube body 1 containing sample liquid. The tube body 1 has threads on the outer side of its port. A tube cap 2 is provided at the top of the tube body 1, and a sealing plug 3 is provided at the bottom of the tube cap 2. The sealing plug 3 is sealed to the port of the tube body 1. A spiral groove is provided inside the tube cap 2, which is adapted to the threads at the port of the tube body 1. An assisting component 4 is also provided on the tube cap 2 to assist in opening the tube cap 2.

[0022] Furthermore, the assistive component 4 includes a mounting groove 41, which is formed on one side of the tube cap 2. A lever 48 is rotatably connected to the mounting groove 41 via a rotating shaft 42. One end of the lever 48 is located in a groove 43 formed on the sealing plug 3, and the other end of the lever 48 extends out of the tube cap 2 as a pressing operation end 44 and is set in an arc shape to fit the natural curvature of human fingers, allowing medical staff to apply force precisely with a single fingertip or fingertip.

[0023] Furthermore, a stepped groove 45 is provided in the middle of the tube cap 2, and an auxiliary cover body 46 is provided in the stepped groove 45. The bottom of the auxiliary cover body 46 is fixedly connected to the sealing plug 3. A thin-walled structure 47 is provided at the connection between the top surface of the auxiliary cover body 46 and the tube cap 2. When an external force that exceeds the set threshold is applied, the auxiliary cover body 46 will detach upward from the stepped groove 45.

[0024] Furthermore, one end of the lever 48 arc-shaped structure is provided with an anti-slip texture 5, and the texture shape is an interlaced diamond grid.

[0025] In this invention, to address the problem that traditional sampling tube caps (2) are mostly simple screw caps, requiring both hands to twist and causing hand fatigue and cross-contamination, an assistive component 4 is provided. After sampling, after aligning the cap 2 with the tube body 1 and rotating it a certain distance, one can use their fingers to push the extended end of the lever 48, thereby driving the entire cap 2 to continue rotating. Even if the outer surface of the cap 2 is slippery, this provides a point of leverage and does not affect the subsequent sealing action. When it is necessary to open the test tube, especially quickly, there is no need for both hands to twist. Simply hold the tube body 1 with one hand and press one finger on the extended end of the lever 48 to pry the sealing plug 3 upwards. At this time, the screwed-on cap 2 is still locked, but the connection between the auxiliary cap 46 and the cap 2 is relatively weak. Once the load is exceeded, it will break and detach. At this time, the auxiliary cap 46 will cause the sealing plug 3 to detach from the initial tight seal of the tube body 1. At this time, you only need to gently pull out the auxiliary cap 46 with your other hand. In comparison, the lever action can effectively alleviate the difficulty of twisting with both hands. Under the action of the lever 48 principle, the test tube can be opened more easily and conveniently, and it is also very safe and reliable to operate with one hand. Medical staff can press one end of the lever 48 with one hand to easily pry up the cap 2 with the help of the lever principle, saving more than 50% of the effort. The anti-slip texture 5 on the surface of the lever 48 allows for precise application of force even when wearing latex gloves.

[0026] Meanwhile, the structure of the stepped groove 45 prevents the auxiliary cover 46 from being damaged under the pressure exerted on the outside of the tube cap 2. Only when the lever 48 provides an outward force can the auxiliary cover 46 be forcibly separated from the tube cap 2 to quickly open the test tube.

[0027] Furthermore, two isolation components 6 are provided inside the tube body 1, which are used to selectively isolate the samples inside the tube body 1.

[0028] Furthermore, the isolation component 6 includes multiple isolation sheets 61, each of which is configured in a fan-shaped structure. The multiple isolation sheets 61 are equidistantly distributed circumferentially. The end of each isolation sheet 61 facing the center of the tube body 1 is curled upwards. A shape memory alloy sheet 62 is embedded and connected inside each isolation sheet 61. When the internal temperature of the tube body 1 is lower than the set temperature of the shape memory alloy sheet 62, the shape memory alloy sheet 62 causes the curled ends of the multiple isolation sheets 61 to deform and abut against each other, forming a circular isolation layer 63 to isolate the sample inside the tube body 1.

[0029] This invention addresses the problem of excessive mixing between virus samples and preservation solutions during cold chain transportation, which can lead to diluted sample concentration and reduced detection sensitivity due to vehicle bumps and other factors. It employs an isolation component 6 to isolate the virus samples from the preservation solution during low-temperature transport, thereby reducing excessive mixing. Specifically, a ring of isolation sheets 61 is initially installed. At room temperature, the isolation sheets 61 maintain their initial state, with the tails of multiple isolation sheets 61 bent upwards. The resulting confluence groove in the center maintains the continuity of the preservation solution inside the tube 1. However, under cold chain transportation conditions, the isolation sheets... Because of the embedded shape memory alloy sheet 62, the isolation sheet 61 remains bent at room temperature and stretched at low temperature, so that the tail of the isolation sheet 61 abuts to form a relatively whole, namely a circular isolation layer 63. Since there are two isolation components 6, the upper and lower circular isolation layers 63 confine the virus sample to the middle of the test tube to reduce the adverse effects of excessive mixing between the virus sample and the preservation solution. After transportation, the isolation sheet 61 returns to room temperature and then returns to its original shape. At this time, the circular isolation layer 63 disappears, and the virus sample and the preservation solution are in full contact again, which can realize subsequent opening and testing.

[0030] Furthermore, a self-cleaning component 7 is provided inside the tube 1 near the port. The self-cleaning component 7 is used to remove excess sample liquid from the inserted swab, so that the excess sample liquid automatically flows back into the tube 1.

[0031] Furthermore, the self-cleaning component 7 includes a self-cleaning swab storage slot 71, which is located inside the tube body 1 near the port, and the inner wall of the self-cleaning swab storage slot 71 is provided with hydrophobic bristles 72; the edge of the slot of the self-cleaning swab storage slot 71 is also provided with a silicone baffle layer 73.

[0032] This invention addresses the problem of improper placement of swabs after sampling, which can easily contaminate the surrounding environment. The neck of the test tube is equipped with a self-cleaning swab storage slot 71. The inner wall of the slot is densely covered with nano-scale hydrophobic bristles 72. After the swab is inserted, the bristles automatically clean excess sample liquid from its surface, allowing the liquid to flow back into the test tube. This not only avoids sample waste but also keeps the swab clean, reducing external environmental contamination and preserving a more ideal sample condition for possible secondary testing or sample transfer. Furthermore, the hydrophobic bristles 72 are not easily stained, facilitating regular cleaning and disinfection. A silicone baffle 73 guides the swab for precise insertion and prevents accidental spillage of trace amounts of sample liquid, maintaining a clean surrounding environment and ensuring efficient and safe sample cleaning and return in all aspects.

[0033] A novel virus sampling method using any of the novel virus sampling tubes described herein, comprising the following steps: S1, placing the swab after collecting the virus sample into the tube body 1 and agitating it in the preservation solution of the tube body 1 to detach the virus sample from the swab; S2, removing the swab after removing excess preservation solution through the self-cleaning swab storage groove 71 of the self-cleaning component 7; S3, placing the tube cap 2 on the tube body 1, inserting the sealing plug 3 into the tube body 1 and rotating the tube cap 2 to lock the tube cap 2 and the tube body 1, thus completing the virus sampling.

[0034] The foregoing has provided a detailed description of one embodiment of the present invention, but this description is merely a preferred embodiment and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. All equivalent variations and modifications made within the scope of the claims of this invention should still fall within the patent coverage of this invention.

Claims

1. A novel virus sampling tube, characterized in that, The tube includes a tube body (1), which contains a sample solution. The tube body (1) has a thread on the outside of its port. The tube body (1) has a cap (2) on its top and a sealing plug (3) on its bottom. The sealing plug (3) is sealed to the port of the tube body (1). The cap (2) has a spiral groove inside, which is adapted to the thread at the port of the tube body (1). The cap (2) also has an assist component (4) which is used to assist the cap (2) in opening.

2. The novel virus sampling tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, The assist component (4) includes a mounting groove (41) which is opened on one side of the tube cap (2). A lever (48) is rotatably connected in the mounting groove (41) via a rotating shaft (42). One end of the lever (48) is located in a groove (43) opened on the sealing plug (3). The other end of the lever (48) extends out of the outside of the tube cap (2) as a pressing operation end (44) and is set in an arc shape to fit the natural curvature of human fingers, allowing medical staff to apply force precisely with one fingertip or fingertip.

3. The novel virus sampling tube according to claim 2, characterized in that, The tube cap (2) is provided with a stepped groove (45) in the middle, and an auxiliary cover (46) is provided in the stepped groove (45). The bottom of the auxiliary cover (46) is fixedly connected to the sealing plug (3). A thin-walled structure (47) is provided at the connection between the top surface of the auxiliary cover (46) and the tube cap (2). When the load-bearing capacity exceeds the set threshold, the auxiliary cover (46) will detach from the stepped groove (45) upwards.

4. The novel virus sampling tube according to claim 3, characterized in that, One end of the lever (48) arc structure is provided with an anti-slip texture (5), and the texture is an interlaced diamond grid.

5. The novel virus sampling tube according to claim 1 or 4, characterized in that, The tube (1) is provided with two isolation components (6), which are used to selectively isolate the samples inside the tube (1).

6. The novel virus sampling tube according to claim 5, characterized in that, The isolation component (6) includes multiple isolation sheets (61), each of which is configured as a fan-shaped structure. The multiple isolation sheets (61) are distributed equidistantly along the circumference. The end of the isolation sheet (61) facing the center of the tube (1) is curled upward. A shape memory alloy sheet (62) is embedded and connected inside the isolation sheet (61). When the internal temperature of the tube (1) is lower than the set temperature of the shape memory alloy sheet (62), the shape memory alloy sheet (62) causes the curled ends of the multiple isolation sheets (61) to deform and abut against each other, and together they form a circular isolation layer (63) to achieve isolation of the sample inside the tube (1).

7. The novel virus sampling tube according to claim 1, characterized in that, A self-cleaning component (7) is also provided inside the tube (1) near the port. The self-cleaning component (7) is used to remove excess sample liquid from the inserted swab, so that the excess sample liquid automatically flows back into the tube (1).

8. The novel virus sampling tube according to claim 7, characterized in that, The self-cleaning component (7) includes a self-cleaning swab storage slot (71), which is located inside the tube (1) near the port, and the inner wall of the self-cleaning swab storage slot (71) is provided with hydrophobic bristles (72); the edge of the opening of the self-cleaning swab storage slot (71) is also provided with a silicone baffle (73).

9. A novel method for sampling viruses, characterized in that: The sampling method uses the novel virus sampling tube described in any one of claims 1-8. The steps of the method are as follows: S1, after collecting the virus sample, put the swab into the tube body (1) and stir it in the preservation solution of the tube body (1) to make the virus sample detach from the swab; S2, remove the swab after removing excess preservation solution through the self-cleaning swab storage groove (71) of the self-cleaning component (7); S3, put the tube cap (2) on the tube body (1), first insert the sealing plug (3) into the tube body (1) and rotate the tube cap (2) to lock the tube cap (2) and the tube body (1) to complete the virus sampling.

Images