Needle tube stripping device
By designing an enlarged ampulla and a reasonable inner diameter in the oocyte extraction needle, the problems of oocyte swallowing and operational errors in existing oocyte extraction needles have been solved, the transfer process of oocytes and trophoblast cells has been optimized, and the success rate of assisted reproductive technology has been improved.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-06
AI Technical Summary
Existing oocyte transfer needles have problems in assisted reproductive technologies, such as oocyte swallowing, high risk of operational errors, difficulty in transferring multiple oocytes, and difficulty in transferring biopsy samples. In particular, they are difficult to effectively remove granulosa cells and transfer trophoblast cells around oocytes during ICSI and PGT procedures.
A stripping needle device was designed, comprising a hollow, through-hole stripping needle and a squeezing tip. The inner diameter of the needle tip matches that of the oocyte, while the inner diameter of the handheld end is larger. A swollen ampulla is provided in the middle to provide a buffer space, reduce the effects of capillary effect and surface tension, and lower the risk of adhesion. The combination design of the handheld lever and the squeezing tip improves the accuracy of operation.
It effectively reduces oocyte ingestion, lowers the risk of operational errors, improves the efficiency of multiple oocyte transfer and the success rate of biopsy sample transfer, and ensures the safe handling and accurate transfer of oocytes and trophoblast cells.
Smart Images
Figure CN223974091U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of assisted reproductive technology, specifically to a device for separating needle tubes. Background Technology
[0002] Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is an important micro-manipulation technique in assisted reproductive technology, primarily used to address severe male infertility. Its core principle is to inject a single sperm directly into the cytoplasm of an oocyte under a microscope using a microinjection needle, thereby achieving fertilization. The most crucial steps in ICSI are oocyte preparation and sperm selection.
[0003] The cumulus coronae complex (COC) is obtained by aspirating follicular fluid using a retrieval needle. The COC consists of four layers with different functions, arranged sequentially from the inside out. At its core is the oocyte, approximately 130-140 micrometers in diameter; surrounding the oocyte is the second layer—the zona pellucida; closely adhering to the zona pellucida is the third layer—the granulosa cell layer. The outermost layer consists of loosely arranged COC cells. Before ICSI, the outermost COC cells and the third granulosa cells must be removed sequentially to fully expose the zona pellucida. This is because the granulosa cell layer tightly surrounds the zona pellucida; without removing the granulosa cells, it is impossible to accurately observe the oocyte's position and condition, assess its maturity, determine the location of the first polar body, and allow the microinjection needle to penetrate the oocyte precisely. Furthermore, the granulosa cells must also be removed before Day 1 fertilization testing; otherwise, fertilization cannot be confirmed.
[0004] Before ICSI (day 0), the specific steps for removing the outermost cumulus cells and the third layer of granulosa cells are as follows: 1. Hyaluronidase treatment: Place COC in hyaluronidase solution, observe the degree of loosening of the cumulus cells, and digest the surrounding cumulus cells. 2. Mechanical removal: Prepare MOPS droplets in a treatment dish and cover with mineral oil to prevent evaporation. 3. Oocyte transfer: Pre-aspirate approximately 1 μL of MOPS phosphate buffer, transfer the oocyte to the MOPS droplet, and remove the perivitelline granulosa cells by repeated gentle aspiration and ejection. 4. Washing process: Wash repeatedly in fresh MOPS droplets to remove residual granulosa cells and ensure the oocyte surface is clean. Transfer the oocytes with the granulosa cells removed to a culture droplet for culture and proceed to the next step of ICSI.
[0005] Day 1: Fertilization examination. Embryos are transferred to MOPS buffer drops, and any remaining granulosa cells are gently removed using a needle. The embryos are then carefully observed under a 200-400x microscope. The new culture dish containing the normally fertilized embryos is then returned to the CO2 incubator for further culture.
[0006] In third-generation IVF, trophoblastic biopsy is typically performed on Day 5-6 of blastocyst development. The procedure begins by transferring the blastocyst from a four-well dish to MOPS buffer for fixation. After ensuring blastocyst stability, a region away from the inner cell mass and rich in trophoblastic cells is selected, and 3-4 small wells (approximately 20-25 μm) are precisely made on the zona pellucida using a laser. The biopsy needle is then gently brought close to the well site to obtain 3-5 trophoblastic cells. The isolated trophoblastic cell samples are transferred using a pipette to numbered PCR tubes for amplification and subsequent genetic analysis.
[0007] As described above, oocyte processing is a crucial step in assisted reproductive technology (ART). During fertilization testing before ICSI (Day 0) or on Day 1, an oocyte-removing needle is used to remove the granulosa cells surrounding the oocyte. Currently, the oocyte-removing needles widely used clinically have a relatively simple design, consisting of a handle with a silicone extrusion tip and a fine, straight tube at the needle tip. However, this traditional design has several significant technical limitations:
[0008] 1. The Occurrence and Management Challenges of Oocyte Swallowing
[0009] In practice, because oocytes need to be transferred from a culture dish covered with mineral oil to a droplet containing hyaluronidase, and then repeatedly aspirated and expelled from the MOPS buffer droplet to remove periovarian granulosa cells, oil droplets are inevitably aspirated into the tube. Although the standard procedure requires pre-aspirating about 1-2 μL of MOPS buffer before oocyte retrieval, due to the small diameter of the oocyte retrieving needle (134-145 μm), the oocytes, under the combined effects of capillary effect and surface tension, will deviate from their intended position in the middle of the liquid, rapidly moving towards the upper part of the lumen and adhering to the oil droplet. Once adhesion occurs, the straight tube structure lacks sufficient space for buffering, and even increasing the volume of MOPS liquid is insufficient to generate enough separation force. Forced aspiration and expulsion can easily generate air bubbles, further exacerbating the separation difficulty. Ultimately, this leads to the difficult-to-handle phenomenon of oocyte engulfment.
[0010] 2. High risk of operational errors
[0011] The fragility of the straight tube structure is mainly manifested in the following situations: if the operator accidentally loosens the silicone tip, or if the needle tip accidentally leaves the liquid surface, the liquid inside the tube will rapidly surge upwards. Due to the lack of buffer space, liquid may directly enter the inside of the tip, causing the liquid column to break into multiple segments. Once these situations occur, they are often difficult to remedy and may result in the loss of precious oocytes or the inability to expel oocytes successfully.
[0012] 3. Technical bottlenecks in multiple ovarian transfer
[0013] When transferring 3-4 oocytes simultaneously, some oocytes may be successfully transferred while others remain. The straight tube structure lacks sufficient operating space for effective flushing, and the retained oocytes are prone to adhering to the oil surface. Once adhesion occurs, separation and recovery become extremely difficult.
[0014] 4. High risk of biopsy sample transfer
[0015] As can be seen from the above description, the transfer of trophoblast biopsy samples is a critical and challenging step in third-generation in vitro fertilization (PGT) technology. There are significant technical risks in the transfer of trophoblast cells obtained from blastocyst biopsies on Day 5-6 from MOPS buffer to PCR amplification tubes, mainly due to the following factors: (1) Challenges brought about by sample characteristics: Trophoblast cells are extremely small in size (only 25-30 μm in diameter), much smaller than oocytes (130-140 μm in diameter), and the number of cells is small (usually only 3-4), making it difficult to observe the cell position directly with the naked eye. (2) Technical difficulties in the transfer process: Difficulty in cell positioning: Due to their small size, it is difficult to track the cell position in real time, and cells are easily lost during the transfer process. (3) Influence of physical properties: Cells are susceptible to surface tension and tend to adhere to the surface of the droplet rather than sink to the bottom of the tube. Once adhesion occurs, it is extremely difficult to detect and correct. (4) Potential consequences: Transfer failure directly affects DNA amplification efficiency and may lead to the failure of the entire PGT test.
[0016] Therefore, it is essential to design a dissection needle device that can reduce egg swallowing, lower the risk of operational errors, and facilitate the transfer of biopsy samples. Utility Model Content
[0017] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a simple, effective, and easy-to-use dissection needle device that reduces egg swallowing, lowers the risk of operational errors, and facilitates the transfer of biopsy samples.
[0018] The solution to the above-mentioned technical problems provided by this utility model is as follows:
[0019] A stripping needle device includes a stripping needle and a squeezing head. The stripping needle is a hollow through-tube. The squeezing head is sleeved on the handheld end of the stripping needle. The length of the stripping needle is 70-100 mm. The inner diameter of the needle tip of the stripping needle is 134-145 μm. The inner diameter of the handheld end of the stripping needle is 1.2-1.5 mm. An enlarged ampulla is provided 20-35 mm away from the handheld end of the stripping needle. The ampulla communicates with the straight tube cavity of the stripping needle.
[0020] Furthermore, the liquid volume of the straight tube cavity of the stripping needle is 15-32 μL, and the liquid volume of the ampulla is 15-48 μL.
[0021] Furthermore, the ampulla expands outwards along the diameter of the dissecting needle tube.
[0022] Furthermore, the cross-section of the body of the vessel is circular, spindle-shaped, or elliptical.
[0023] Furthermore, the tip of the stripping needle faces the hand-held end, forming a transition section with a gradually decreasing inner diameter.
[0024] In this design, the inner diameter of the needle tip of the dissecting needle is 134-145 μm, the inner diameter of the handheld end of the dissecting needle is 1.2-1.5 mm, the volume of the fluid in the straight tube cavity of the dissecting needle is 15-32 μL, and the diameter of the oocyte is approximately 130-140 μm. Therefore, when the oocyte is aspirated from the MOPS solution using the needle tip of the dissecting needle, and the periovarian granulosa cells are removed by repeated gentle aspiration and ejection, the inner diameter of the needle tip precisely matches the diameter of the oocyte, ensuring complete oocyte containment while effectively removing periovarian granulosa cells through repeated aspiration and ejection. The larger inner diameter of the handheld end (1.2-1.5 mm) ensures a sufficient reserve of MOPS solution, making the removal of periovarian granulosa cells more efficient. However, as mentioned earlier, during aspiration and ejection, due to the combined effects of capillary effect and surface tension, the oocyte will deviate from the intended position in the middle of the fluid, rapidly moving towards the upper end of the lumen and adhering to the oil droplets. Once adhesion occurs, the straight tube structure lacks spatial buffering, making it difficult to generate sufficient separation force even with increased MOPS solution volume. Forced suction and spitting can easily generate air bubbles, which actually makes separation more difficult. This ultimately leads to the unmanageable phenomenon of egg engulfment.
[0025] The designer previously attempted to solve the problem by increasing the length of the straight tube cavity of the dissection needle, thereby increasing the MOPS buffer capacity. However, this method was largely ineffective because, when the oocyte adheres to the mineral oil droplets, simply increasing the buffer volume is insufficient to generate enough separation force to overcome the surface tension between them.
[0026] Subsequently, the designers attempted to forcibly separate the oocyte from the oil droplet by increasing the suction force. This method aimed to use the instantaneous impact force to flush the adhered oocyte back to the middle of the lumen. However, this approach had serious drawbacks: the sudden increase in suction force caused the fluid level to rise uncontrollably, and the out-of-control fluid could easily enter the squeezing tip directly. Violent fluid movement increased the risk of oocyte damage. Ultimately, this often resulted in the oocyte becoming uncontrollable, leading to oocyte loss.
[0027] Therefore, the designer attempted to incorporate an enlarged ampulla 20-35 mm from the handle of the dissection needle. The ampulla expands outwards along the diameter of the dissection needle, and its fluid volume is 15-48 μL. Its function is as follows:
[0028] 1. Effectively solves the problem of egg engulfment: By setting an enlarged ampulla 20-35mm from the handle, a liquid buffer zone is formed, which rapidly increases the diameter of the straight tube cavity of the dissection needle, reduces capillary effect and surface tension, and allows mineral oil to disperse over a larger area, reducing the risk of egg adhesion to oil droplets. When eggs and oil droplets adhere, they are easier to separate within the larger space of the ampulla.
[0029] 2. Provides ample buffer space: The ampulla provides an additional volume of 15-48 μL, which can hold more MOPS buffer, increasing the likelihood that the oocytes will be successfully flushed out of the tube and avoiding sample loss.
[0030] 3. Reduce the risk of operational errors: When the operator accidentally releases the silicone tip, the ampulla can buffer the fluid upwards, allowing the liquid to directly enter the tip and cause egg loss. Alternatively, if the needle tip accidentally leaves the liquid surface, it provides a buffer space to prevent the liquid from breaking into multiple segments, which would generate a large amount of foam during the suction and expulsion process, leading to egg loss.
[0031] 4. Optimized biopsy sample transfer: Due to the extremely small size of trophoblast cells (only 25-30 μm in diameter), much smaller than oocytes (130-140 μm in diameter), and their low cell count, they are virtually impossible to separate once they adhere to oil droplets. This dissecting needle is particularly suitable for the transfer of trophoblast biopsy samples, offering a more user-friendly experience, reducing the risk of cell adhesion to oil droplets, and improving the success rate of biopsy sample transfer.
[0032] 5. Improves the efficiency of multiple oocyte transfer: It is more advantageous when 3-4 oocytes need to be transferred. The larger space in the ampulla makes it easier to perform effective flushing, reducing the risk of some oocytes being retained. Even if adhesions occur, they are easier to handle.
[0033] Furthermore, the length of the peeling needle is 70 mm, the inner diameter of the needle tip is 134 μm, the inner diameter of the handle end is 1.2 mm, and an enlarged ampulla is located 20 mm from the handle end. The cross-section of the ampulla is circular, and the liquid volume of the straight tube cavity of the peeling needle is 15 μL, as is the liquid volume of the ampulla. This is a relatively optimal design solution obtained by the designers after repeated attempts.
[0034] Furthermore, the length of the peeling needle is 100 mm, the inner diameter of the needle tip is 145 μm, the inner diameter of the handle end is 1.5 mm, and an enlarged ampulla is located 35 mm from the handle end. The cross-section of the ampulla is circular, the liquid volume of the straight tube cavity of the peeling needle is 32 μL, and the liquid volume of the ampulla is 48 μL. This is another superior design proposed by the designers after repeated attempts.
[0035] Furthermore, the extrusion head is provided with a clamping section and an extrusion section, which are connected. The clamping section is sleeved on the outer periphery of the handheld end, and the extrusion section is provided with a cavity to allow air to enter and exit. The extrusion head can be made of silicone, making it convenient to control the extrusion section with fingers for suction and discharge operations.
[0036] Furthermore, the needle stripping device also includes a hand-held lever for easy gripping. The sleeve end of the hand-held lever is fitted around the outer periphery of the squeezing tip, and the sleeve end of the hand-held lever has a slotted hole for pressing the squeezing tip with fingers. The design of the hand-held lever provides a more stable grip support for the squeezing tip, and the slotted hole design enables precise pressing of the squeezing tip, facilitating control of the suction and discharge force, avoiding excessive force, and improving the accuracy of micro-liquid operations.
[0037] Furthermore, the dissecting needle and ampulla are made of quartz glass or plastic, while the handle is made of hard metal. Quartz glass offers excellent optical transparency, facilitating observation of the oocytes inside the tube; it is chemically stable, does not react with the culture medium, has a smooth surface reducing the risk of cell adhesion, and is easily sterilized at high temperatures, meeting aseptic operation requirements.
[0038] This invention has the following advantages over the prior art:
[0039] 1. Solving the problem of egg swallowing: An innovative design features an enlarged ampulla structure located 20-35mm from the handheld end. The ampulla forms a liquid buffer zone with a volume of 15-48μL. By increasing the lumen diameter, the capillary effect and surface tension are effectively reduced, thus reducing the risk of egg adhesion to oil droplets. Even if adhesion occurs, it is easier to separate the egg.
[0040] 2. Reduce the risk of operational errors
[0041] The ampulla provides a buffer space to prevent: liquid from entering the tip directly if the tip is accidentally released; liquid from breaking when the needle tip leaves the liquid surface; and the generation of a large amount of foam during the suction and expulsion process. This effectively prevents egg loss.
[0042] 3. Optimized biopsy sample transfer: It is particularly suitable for processing tiny trophoblast cells (25-30μm in diameter), reducing the risk of cell adhesion to oil droplets and improving the success rate of biopsy sample transfer.
[0043] 4. Improved efficiency of multiple oocyte transfer: The ampulla space facilitates the simultaneous transfer of 3-4 oocytes, provides ample flushing space, reduces the risk of oocyte retention, and makes it easy to handle even if adhesions occur.
[0044] 5. Optimized structural design: The inner diameter of the needle tip (134-145μm) is precisely matched with the diameter of the oocyte (130-140μm), and the larger inner diameter of the handheld end (1.2-1.5mm) ensures sufficient liquid volume. Reasonable material selection: Quartz glass provides excellent optical transparency, is chemically stable, does not react with the culture medium, has a high surface smoothness, reduces cell adhesion, is easy to sterilize at high temperature, and meets aseptic requirements. Attached Figure Description
[0045] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the needle stripping device with a hand handle in Embodiment 1.
[0046] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Cross-sectional view.
[0047] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the needle stripping device of this utility model.
[0048] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 Cross-sectional view.
[0049] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the extrusion head.
[0050] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Cross-sectional view.
[0051] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the handheld lever.
[0052] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 Cross-sectional view.
[0053] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the stripping needle device in Example 2.
[0054] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 Cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation
[0055] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0056] Example 1
[0057] like Figure 1The peeling needle device 1 shown includes a peeling needle tube 2 and a squeezing head 3. The peeling needle tube 2 is a hollow through tube. The squeezing head 3 is sleeved on the hand-held end 4 of the peeling needle tube 2. The length of the peeling needle tube 2 is 70-100mm. The inner diameter of the needle tip 5 of the peeling needle tube 2 is 134-145μm. The inner diameter of the hand-held end 4 of the peeling needle tube 2 is 1.2-1.5mm. An enlarged ampulla 6 is also provided 20-35mm away from the hand-held end of the peeling needle tube 2. The ampulla 6 communicates with the straight tube cavity of the peeling needle tube 2.
[0058] In this embodiment, the liquid volume of the straight tube cavity of the stripping needle 2 is 15-32 μL, and the liquid volume of the ampulla 6 is 15-48 μL.
[0059] In this embodiment, the ampulla 6 expands outwards along the diameter of the dissecting needle tube 2.
[0060] In this embodiment, the needle tip 5 of the stripping needle tube 2 faces the hand-held end 4 and is a transition section 12 with a gradually decreasing inner diameter.
[0061] In this embodiment, the length of the peeling needle tube 2 is 100 mm, the inner diameter of the needle tip 5 of the peeling needle tube 2 is 145 μm, the inner diameter of the handheld end 4 of the peeling needle tube 2 is 1.5 mm, and an enlarged ampulla 6 is provided 35 mm away from the handheld end of the peeling needle tube 2. The cross-section of the ampulla 6 is circular, the liquid volume of the straight tube cavity of the peeling needle tube 2 is 32 μL, and the liquid volume of the ampulla 6 is 48 μL.
[0062] In this embodiment, the extrusion head 3 is provided with a clamping section 7 and an extrusion section 8, which are connected. The clamping section 7 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the handheld end 4, and the extrusion section 8 is provided with a cavity to accommodate air in and out. The extrusion head 3 is made of silicone, which facilitates the suction and discharge operation by controlling the extrusion section 5 with fingers.
[0063] In this embodiment, the needle stripping device 1 further includes a hand-held lever 9 for easy gripping. The sleeve end 10 of the hand-held lever 9 is fitted around the outer periphery of the squeezing tip 3, and the sleeve end 10 of the hand-held lever 9 has a slotted hole 11 for pressing the squeezing tip 3 with fingers. The design of the hand-held lever 9 provides a more stable grip support for the squeezing tip 3, and the slotted hole 11 allows for precise pressing of the squeezing tip 3, facilitating control of the suction and discharge force, avoiding excessive force, and improving the accuracy of micro-liquid operations.
[0064] In this embodiment, the dissecting needle 2 and the ampulla 6 are made of quartz glass, and the handle 9 is made of hard metal. Quartz glass has excellent optical transparency, facilitating observation of the oocyte state inside the tube; it is chemically stable and does not react with the culture medium; it has a high surface smoothness, reducing the risk of cell adhesion; and it is easy to sterilize at high temperatures, meeting the requirements for aseptic operation.
[0065] Example 2
[0066] Unlike Example 1,
[0067] In this embodiment, the length of the peeling needle tube 2 is 70 mm, the inner diameter of the needle tip 5 of the peeling needle tube 2 is 134 μm, the inner diameter of the handheld end 4 of the peeling needle tube 2 is 1.2 mm, and an enlarged ampulla 6 is provided 20 mm away from the handheld end of the peeling needle tube 2. The cross-section of the ampulla 6 is circular, the liquid volume of the straight tube cavity of the peeling needle tube 2 is 15 μL, and the liquid volume of the ampulla 6 is 15 μL.
[0068] The above are preferred embodiments of the present utility model, but the embodiments of the present utility model are not limited to the above content. Any changes, modifications, substitutions, combinations, or simplifications made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present utility model shall be considered equivalent substitutions and shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A stripping needle tube device, comprising a stripping needle tube and a squeeze head, the stripping needle tube being a hollow through tube, the squeeze head being sleeved on the hand-held end of the stripping needle tube, characterized in that: The length of the stripping needle tube is 70-100 mm, the inner diameter of the needle tip end of the stripping needle tube is 134-145 μm, the inner diameter of the hand holding end of the stripping needle tube is 1.2-1.5 mm, and an enlarged ampulla part is arranged at a distance of 20-35 mm from the hand holding end of the stripping needle tube, and the ampulla part is in communication with the straight tube cavity of the stripping needle tube.
2. The peel-away needle sheath device of claim 1, wherein: The liquid containing volume of the straight tube cavity of the stripping needle tube is 15-32 μL, and the liquid containing volume of the ampulla part is 15-48 μL.
3. The peel-away needle sheath device of claim 1, wherein: The ampulla part is enlarged along the diameter of the stripping needle tube.
4. The peel-away needle sheath device of claim 2, wherein: The cross section of the ampulla part is circular, shuttle-shaped or elliptical.
5. The peel-away needle sheath apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The needle tip end of the stripping needle tube is directed towards the hand holding end, and is a transition section with gradually decreasing inner diameter.
6. The peel-away needle sheath apparatus of claim 4, wherein: The length of the stripping needle tube is 70 mm, the inner diameter of the needle tip end of the stripping needle tube is 134 μm, the inner diameter of the hand holding end of the stripping needle tube is 1.2 mm, an enlarged ampulla part is arranged at a distance of 20 mm from the hand holding end of the stripping needle tube, the cross section of the ampulla part is circular, the liquid containing volume of the straight tube cavity of the stripping needle tube is 15 μL, and the liquid containing volume of the ampulla part is 15 μL.
7. The peel-away needle sheath apparatus of claim 4, wherein: The length of the stripping needle tube is 100 mm, the inner diameter of the needle tip end of the stripping needle tube is 145 μm, the inner diameter of the hand holding end of the stripping needle tube is 1.5 mm, an enlarged ampulla part is arranged at a distance of 35 mm from the hand holding end of the stripping needle tube, the cross section of the ampulla part is circular, the liquid containing volume of the straight tube cavity of the stripping needle tube is 32 μL, and the liquid containing volume of the ampulla part is 48 μL.
8. The peel-away needle sheath apparatus of claim 1, wherein: The extrusion head is provided with a clamping section and an extrusion section, the clamping section and the extrusion section are in communication, the clamping section is sleeved on the outer periphery of the hand holding end, and the extrusion section is provided with a cavity for containing air.
9. The peel-away needle sheath apparatus of claim 1 wherein: The stripping needle tube device further comprises a hand holding rod for convenient hand holding, the sleeving end of the hand holding rod is sleeved on the outer periphery of the extrusion head, and the sleeving end of the hand holding rod is provided with a strip-shaped hole for pressing the extrusion head by fingers.
10. The peel-away needle sheath apparatus of claim 9, wherein: The stripping needle tube and the ampulla part are made of quartz glass or plastic, and the hand holding rod is made of hard metal.