Sample collector
By setting up an isolation component in the sample collector to separate the space between the pipette tip and the pharyngeal swab, the problem of pipette tip blockage is solved, the operation process is simplified, the detection efficiency is improved, and the cost is reduced.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-17
AI Technical Summary
Existing sample collectors often experience clogging of the suction tip by the pharyngeal swab after collection, making it difficult to extract and preserve the sample. This problem is particularly difficult to solve and is costly in automated equipment.
By setting an isolation component inside the collector tube, the space is divided into a suction tip space for the suction tip to pass through and a swab space for the pharyngeal swab to pass through, ensuring that the suction tip can only move under the restriction of the isolation component and avoids contact with the pharyngeal swab.
It effectively avoids the problem of throat swabs clogging the suction tip, simplifies the operation process, reduces reliance on automated equipment, improves testing efficiency, and reduces costs.
Smart Images
Figure CN224004733U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sample collection supplies, and more specifically, to a sample collector. Background Technology
[0002] A throat swab is a medical testing method used to collect secretions from the pharynx and tonsils for bacterial culture or viral isolation, thus providing information about a patient's condition. After collecting the throat swab, the swab head should be inserted vertically into the collection tube and then broken off along the crease, leaving the swab head inside the tube. When culturing bacteria or viruses in the sample, the process of inserting a pipette into the collection tube to aspirate the preservation solution may cause the pipette tip to come into contact with the swab head, potentially clogging the pipette tip. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sample collector that solves the problem in existing sample collectors where, after collecting a pharyngeal swab, the pharyngeal swab is in a preservation solution, and when the suction tip is used to draw out the preservation solution, the suction tip may come into contact with the pharyngeal swab, causing the pharyngeal swab to block the suction tip.
[0004] The embodiments of this utility model are achieved through the following technical solutions:
[0005] A sample collector includes: a tube body and an isolation component; the isolation component is disposed inside the tube body and divides the internal space of the tube body into a suction tip space and a swab space; the suction tip space is for the passage of suction tips, and the swab space is for the passage of swabs and the storage of swab tips, and the suction tip space is connected to the swab space; when the suction tip moves in the suction tip space, the suction tip can only move in the suction tip space under the restriction of the isolation component.
[0006] Preferably, the isolation component includes: an isolation plate, the two sides of the isolation plate in the width direction are connected to the inner sidewall of the pipe body, and a gap is left between the lower end of the isolation plate and the inner bottom wall of the pipe body.
[0007] Preferably, the isolation member includes: a plurality of stiffeners, one end of each stiffener in the width direction is connected to the inner wall of the tube, the other end of the stiffener in the width direction extends toward the central axis of the tube and the extension distance is less than half of the inner diameter of the tube, and a gap is left between the ends of adjacent stiffeners away from the inner wall of the tube.
[0008] Preferably, the thickness of the end of the rib away from the inner wall of the tube is greater than the thickness of the end where the rib connects to the inner wall of the tube.
[0009] Preferably, the end of the rib away from the inner wall of the tube is an arc-shaped wall.
[0010] Preferably, the bottom end of the stiffening plate is connected to the inner bottom wall of the tube.
[0011] Preferably, the inner bottom wall of the tube is an inverted cone shape.
[0012] Preferably, it includes: an annular support member, wherein the outer bottom wall of the tube body is connected to the upper end of the annular support member, and the bottom wall of the tube body is located within the enclosed space of the annular support member.
[0013] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects:
[0014] This invention uses an isolation component to divide the internal space of the tube into a swab space for the throat swab and a suction tip space for the suction tip. This prevents the suction tip from entering the swab space during use, thus avoiding the throat swab from obstructing the suction tip from drawing the preservation fluid. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the clogging of the suction tip by a throat swab when using a conventional sampling tube.
[0017] Figure 2 Schematic diagram a of the sample collector provided by this utility model;
[0018] Figure 3 In order to be in Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a sample collector using a pipette tip;
[0019] Figure 4 In order to be in Figure 2 Top view of the sample collector using the suction tip;
[0020] Figure 5 Schematic diagram b of the sample collector provided by this utility model;
[0021] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the sample collector when no pipette tip is used;
[0022] Figure 7 for Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a sample collector using a pipette tip;
[0023] Figure 8 In order to be in Figure 5Top view of the sample collector using the suction tip;
[0024] Figure 9 This is an external view of the sample collector;
[0025] Icons: 1-tube body, 11-suction head space, 12-swab space, 21-isolation plate, 22-rib plate, 3-ring support, 4-suction head, 5-swab head, 6-cap. Detailed Implementation
[0026] To make the objectives, methods, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the method solutions in the embodiments of this utility model are described clearly and completely. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0027] A throat swab is a medical testing method used to collect secretions from the pharynx and tonsils for bacterial culture or viral isolation, thus helping to understand a patient's condition. After collecting the throat swab, the swab head needs to be inserted vertically into the collection tube, and then broken off along the crease, leaving the swab head inside the collection tube. Figure 1 As shown, when culturing bacteria or viruses in a sample, the process of inserting a pipette into the collection tube to aspirate the preservation solution may cause the pipette tip to become clogged due to contact between the pipette tip and the swab head. While this problem can be solved manually by adjusting the relative positions of the pipette tip and the swab head, the operation is cumbersome, prolonging the time to obtain test results and affecting timely treatment of patients. For example, when sampling and testing are performed in batches, although the extra time consumed by a single collection tube may not be significant, the total time will increase substantially.
[0028] If automated equipment is used for sample testing, the insertion and suction of the pipettes are all intelligently controlled, making it difficult to perform precise adjustments to the relative positions of the pipette tip and swab head, or to address the issue of swab head clogging. Even if such precise operations could be achieved, the equipment cost would be high. Furthermore, monitoring whether the relative position adjustment of the pipette tip and swab head is needed further increases the requirements for the equipment's intelligence. For example, when a gripping structure holds multiple pipettes for simultaneous suction, the movement of the multiple pipettes is synchronized. If the position of one or more pipettes needs to be adjusted, the requirements for the structure and automatic control of the automated equipment will be further increased. Therefore, the applicant hopes to reduce reliance on automated equipment by improving the collection tube structure, and has conceived a technical solution to address the aforementioned problems, as follows:
[0029] Example 1
[0030] like Figure 1and Figure 9 As shown, a sample collector includes: a cover 6, a tube 1, and an isolation component; the cover 6 has an internal thread, and the tube 1 has an external thread that mates with the internal thread. The cover 6 is connected to the tube 1 via the thread to achieve a seal on the tube 1. The isolation component is disposed inside the tube 1 and divides the internal space of the tube 1 into a suction head 4 space 11 and a swab space 12; the suction head 4 space 11 is used for the passage of the suction head 4, and the swab space 12 is used for the passage of the swab and the storage of the swab head. The suction head 4 space 11 and the swab space 12 are connected; when the suction head 4 moves in the suction head 4 space 11, the suction head 4 can only move in the suction head 4 space 11 under the restriction of the isolation component.
[0031] In the specific implementation process, such as Figure 1 As shown, if the storage space for the pharyngeal swab shares a portion with the space where the pipette enters the sampling tube for liquid aspiration, the pharyngeal swab may obstruct the aspiration operation of the pipette tip, or even make it difficult for the pipette tip to enter the preservation solution. Therefore, the inventors conceived of using an isolation component to divide the internal space of the tube body 1, with one part of the space used for storing the pharyngeal swab sample after collection and the other part used for the pipette tip 4 to enter. Since the pipette tip 4 needs to aspirate the preservation solution, and the pharyngeal swab needs to be immersed in the preservation solution, the space 11 of the pipette tip 4 and the space 12 of the swab cannot be completely isolated, so that the preservation solution fills both spaces simultaneously. Because the two spaces are not completely isolated, the passage between the two spaces may allow the pipette tip 4 to enter the swab space 12 from the space 11 of the pipette tip 4, thus losing the isolation effect. Therefore, when conceiving the technical solution, attention needs to be paid to the structure of the isolation component and its connection position with the tube body 1. This utility model provides, exemplarily, the structures and connection methods of two types of isolation components. One type has a lower manufacturing cost and is suitable for manual reagent aspiration operations, while the other type has a higher manufacturing cost and is suitable not only for manual aspiration operations but also for automated detection, reducing reliance on automated equipment control, increasing detection speed, and reducing process costs. Specific structures are shown in the following embodiments.
[0032] Example 2
[0033] This embodiment provides a sampler suitable for manual reagent aspiration.
[0034] like Figure 2-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the isolation component includes: an isolation plate 21, the two sides of the isolation plate 21 in the width direction are connected to the inner sidewall of the tube body 1, and a gap is left between the lower end of the isolation plate 21 and the inner bottom wall of the tube body 1.
[0035] In the specific implementation process, such as Figure 2As shown in the figure, the shaded area represents the preservation fluid. The gap between the lower end of the separator 21 and the inner bottom wall of the tube body 1 is used for the flow of the preservation fluid between the swab space 12 and the pipette head 4 space 11. The upper end of the separator 21 can be a certain distance from the tube opening to avoid the separator 21 affecting the closing of the cap 6. At the same time, the pipette is generally shaped with a larger top and a smaller bottom. If the upper end of the separator 21 extends all the way to the tube opening, the space for accommodating the upper part of the pipette will become smaller, which may affect the depth to which the pipette can enter the tube body 1. During operation, it may be necessary to replace it with a smaller pipette.
[0036] During the procedure, after collecting the sample with the pharyngeal swab, insert the pharyngeal swab vertically into the swab space 12, and then break the pharyngeal swab, as shown. Figure 2 As shown, leave the swab head 5 in the swab space 12, and then... Figure 9 As shown, the tube body 1 is sealed using the cap 6. When it is necessary to aspirate a sample, as... Figure 3 As shown, the pipette enters the tube body 1 from the space 11 of the pipette head 4 to draw up the sample.
[0037] Example 3
[0038] This embodiment provides a sampler that is suitable for both manual aspiration and automatic aspiration of reagents by automated detection equipment.
[0039] like Figure 5-8 As shown, in this embodiment, the isolation component includes: a plurality of stiffening plates 22, one end of each stiffening plate 22 in the width direction is connected to the inner wall of the tube body 1, the other end of the stiffening plate 22 in the width direction extends toward the central axis of the tube body 1 and the extension distance is less than half of the inner diameter of the tube body 1, and a gap is left between the ends of adjacent stiffening plates 22 that are away from the inner wall of the tube body 1.
[0040] In specific implementation, stiffener 22 can be as follows: Figure 8 The ring-shaped distribution shown is on the inner wall of the pipe body 1. Six stiffening plates 22 can be provided, such as... Figure 5 and Figure 8 As shown, the gap between adjacent stiffeners 22 is used to place the swab head 5, and the middle part of the tube body 1 serves as the channel for the suction head 4 to draw the sample. Since there is a gap between the ends of each stiffener 22 away from the inner wall of the tube body 1, the preservation solution can flow through the aforementioned gaps in the swab space 12 and the suction head 4 space 11. Because the suction head 4 can enter from the middle of the tube body 1, it is suitable for automated testing equipment.
[0041] During the procedure, after collecting the sample with the pharyngeal swab, insert the pharyngeal swab vertically into the swab space 12, and then break the pharyngeal swab, as shown. Figure 6 As shown, leave the swab head 5 in the swab space 12, and then... Figure 9 As shown, the tube body 1 is sealed using the cap 6. When it is necessary to aspirate a sample, as... Figure 7As shown, the pipette enters the tube body 1 from the space 11 of the pipette head 4 to draw up the sample.
[0042] Example 4
[0043] To maximize the cross-sectional area of each swab space 12 while preventing the suction tip 4 from entering the swab space 12, improvements were made based on Example 3, such as... Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the thickness of the end of the stiffening plate 22 away from the inner wall of the tube body 1 is greater than the thickness of the end of the stiffening plate 22 connected to the inner wall of the tube body 1.
[0044] In specific implementation, if the thickness of the end of the rib 22 away from the inner wall of the tube body 1 is small, the gap between adjacent ribs 22 will be wide, making it difficult to restrict the suction head 4 from entering the swab space 12. Therefore, the end of the rib 22 away from the inner wall of the tube body 1 needs to have a certain thickness. However, if the thickness of the rib 22 is consistent throughout, it will result in the rib 22 occupying a large space, thus reducing the swab space 12. Therefore, in this embodiment, for example... Figure 8 As shown, the thickness of the end of the stiffening plate 22 away from the side wall of the pipe body 1 is set to be greater than the thickness of the end connected to the inner side wall of the pipe body 1. Ideally, the thickness of the stiffening plate 22 can be gradually increased as it extends from the pipe wall end to the pipe core.
[0045] Example 5
[0046] To better accommodate the shape of the straw in the suction head 4 space 11, improvements were made based on embodiment 3, such as... Figure 8 As shown in this embodiment, the end of the stiffener 22 away from the inner wall of the tube body 1 is an arc-shaped wall.
[0047] In the specific implementation process, such as Figure 8 As shown, since the straw has a circular cross-section, if the end of the rib 22 away from the inner wall of the tube body 1 is a flat wall, part of the space in the suction head 4 space 11 will be unusable by the straw, reducing space utilization. Therefore, in this embodiment, the end of the rib 22 away from the inner wall of the tube body 1 is set as an arc-shaped wall. Ideally, the arcs corresponding to the arc-shaped walls of each rib 22 are on the same circle. The straw has freedom of movement within the space enclosed by each arc-shaped wall.
[0048] Example 6
[0049] To increase the structural strength of the stiffener 22, improvements were made based on Example 3, such as... Figure 5-7 As shown, in this embodiment, the bottom end of the stiffening plate 22 is connected to the inner bottom wall of the tube body 1.
[0050] In the specific implementation process, the application of the basic function of the acquisition tube will not be affected when the bottom end of the stiffener 22 is not connected to the inner bottom wall of the tube body 1. However, when the stiffener 22 is only connected to the inner side wall of the tube body 1 at one end, the stiffener 22 may bend or even break in the width direction when subjected to external force. Therefore, in this embodiment, the stiffener 22 is connected to the inner bottom wall of the tube body 1 to limit the bending of the stiffener 22 in the width direction.
[0051] Example 7
[0052] To increase the maximum amount of sample that can be drawn using the pipette, improvements were made based on Examples 1-6, such as... Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner bottom wall of the tube 1 is an inverted cone shape.
[0053] In practical implementation, because the isolation component in this invention restricts the movement range of the pipette, when the inner bottom wall of the tube 1 is flat, a large amount of sample will be located in the swab space 12, and the pipette will be unable to pick it up. Therefore, as... Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner bottom wall of the tube body 1 is designed as an inverted cone. When the suction head 4 picks up the sample, the sample can converge from the swab space 12 towards the bottom of the cone under its own gravity, thereby entering the suction head 4 space 11, ultimately increasing the maximum amount of sample that the suction tube can pick up. Of course, the shape of the inner bottom wall of the tube body 1 only needs to be a concave structure to achieve the convergence of the sample towards the suction head 4 space 11, and it does not necessarily have to be cone-shaped.
[0054] Example 8
[0055] To increase the placement stability of tube 1, improvements were made based on Example 7, such as... Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, it includes: an annular support 3, the outer bottom wall of the tube body 1 is connected to the upper end of the annular support 3, and the bottom wall of the tube body 1 is located within the enclosed space of the annular support 3.
[0056] In practice, although the collection tubes are usually placed on a sample rack after sample collection, there are inevitably situations where there is no rack or no placement space. Therefore, the bottom of the tube 1 is best flat so that it can be placed upright on a table, etc. However, simply making the outer bottom wall of the tube 1 flat results in weak stability. In this embodiment, an annular support 3 is provided on the bottom wall of the tube 1 to make the tube 1 stand upright. At the same time, because the conical bottom of the tube 1 is suspended, the preservation fluid, under its own gravity, causes the tube 1 to be subjected to a force towards the central axis of the tube, which can reduce the possibility of the tube 1 tipping over. In addition, as Figure 5 As shown, the conical bottom of tube 1 is suspended, which can also avoid direct collision between the bottom wall of tube 1 and the placement surface, reducing the possibility of damage to tube 1.
[0057] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present utility model. The scope of the present utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.
Claims
1. A sample collector, characterized by, The application relates to a tube body and a separation component; the separation component is arranged inside the tube body and separates the inside space of the tube body into a suction head space and a swab space; the suction head space is used for the passing of a suction head, the swab space is used for the passing of a swab and the storage of a swab head, and the suction head space is communicated with the swab space; when the suction head moves in the suction head space, the suction head can only move in the suction head space under the limitation of the separation component; the separation component comprises: a plurality of rib plates, one end of each rib plate in the width direction is connected with the inner side wall of the tube body, the other end of the rib plate in the width direction extends to the central axis of the tube body and the extending distance is less than half of the inner diameter of the tube body, and a gap is left between the ends, away from the inner side wall of the tube body, of adjacent rib plates; the thickness of the end, away from the inner side wall of the tube body, of the rib plate is greater than the thickness of the end, connected with the inner side wall of the tube body, of the rib plate; the end, away from the inner side wall of the tube body, of the rib plate is an arc wall; the bottom end of the rib plate is connected with the inner bottom wall of the tube body; the inner bottom wall of the tube body is an inverted cone; the application further relates to a tube body and a separation component; the outer bottom wall of the tube body is connected with the upper end of a ring-shaped support, and the bottom wall of the tube body is located in the enclosed space of the ring-shaped support. 2. The sample collector of claim 1, wherein, 3. The sample collector of claim 1, wherein, 4. The sample collector according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, 5. The sample collector of claim 4, wherein,