Sputum sample collecting and smearing device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a sputum sample collecting and smearing device. The sputum sample collecting and smearing device comprises a liquid storage tube, a sample suction tube, a smearing head, a push rod head, a return spring, a push rod and a first plug. The first chock plug is ingeniously arranged in the middle of the push rod, the sample suction pipe is arranged on the side wall of the liquid storage pipe, pretreatment liquid is preset at the bottom of the liquid storage pipe, and the sealing film is arranged at the lower end of the liquid storage pipe, so that suction of a sputum sample can be completed through cooperation of the first chock plug and the liquid suction pipe; the sputum suction device has the advantages that the sputum suction device is simple in structure and convenient to use, a sucked sputum sample can be pretreated through pretreatment liquid, the viscosity of the sputum sample is reduced, smearing of the diluted sputum sample is facilitated, the sealing film can be punctured through the front end of the push rod, the containing cavity is communicated with the smearing head, efficient smearing of the diluted sputum sample on the glass slide is facilitated, and three purposes are achieved through one action.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical testing technology, and in particular to a sputum sample collection and smear device. Background Technology

[0002] In hospital clinical testing and medical research trials, the preparation of sputum smears is involved, as sputum smears are commonly used consumables for microscopic examination of tuberculosis. Currently, in clinical testing, sputum smears are typically prepared manually using a cotton swab to pick up caseous, purulent, or suspicious portions of sputum from the sample and smear it onto the front of a glass slide to form a sputum film. However, due to the high viscosity of the sputum sample, the smearing operation is inconvenient, making it difficult to obtain a uniform sputum film, which negatively impacts subsequent microscopic examination.

[0003] In existing methods, sputum sample collection and smearing are performed separately, making continuous automated instrument operation difficult. Operators are exposed to potentially pathogen-containing sputum samples for extended periods, posing a risk of infection. Furthermore, existing smear machines lack sample collection capabilities and cannot achieve uniform smears, leading to inaccurate testing results.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a device that can simultaneously collect and smear sputum samples, enabling automated and unmanned preparation of sputum smears, reducing the burden on operators and the risk of infection. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this application is to provide a sputum sample collection and smear preparation device to solve the problems existing in the preparation of sputum smears.

[0006] A sputum sample collection and smear device includes: a reservoir tube, a suction tube, a smear head, a push rod head, a return spring, a push rod, and a first stopper;

[0007] The liquid storage tube has a receiving cavity at its bottom for receiving pretreatment liquid; the liquid storage tube includes a first tube section at the top, a second tube section in the middle, and a third tube section at the bottom, located at the upper end of the top and the lower end of the bottom; the inner diameter of the second tube section is larger than the inner diameter of the first tube section, and the inner diameter of the second tube section is larger than the inner diameter of the third tube section.

[0008] The push rod head is connected to the liquid storage tube via the push rod, and the push rod extends into the interior of the liquid storage tube; the first plug is disposed on the push rod and is located within the first tube section, and the push rod extends downward through the first plug; a return spring is disposed between the push rod head and the upper end;

[0009] The sampling tube is disposed on the second tube section and is in communication with the inside of the liquid storage tube;

[0010] The smear head is located at the lower end, and the lower end is provided with a sealing film, which is used to separate the smear head from the receiving cavity.

[0011] Furthermore, the end of the push rod away from the push rod head is a hollow structure, and the push rod also includes a first opening and a second opening, the first opening being connected to the upper part of the hollow structure, and the second opening being connected to the lower part of the hollow structure.

[0012] Furthermore, the sputum sample collection and smear device also includes a second stopper, which is disposed on the push rod and located inside the second tube section.

[0013] Furthermore, the second pipe segment includes a guide segment, which is connected to the third pipe segment. The guide segment has a frustum-shaped structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

[0014] Furthermore, the diameter of the first plug is equal to the inner diameter of the first pipe section, and the diameter of the second plug is equal to the inner diameter of the third pipe section.

[0015] Optionally, the inner diameter of the first pipe segment is equal to the inner diameter of the third pipe segment; or, the inner diameter of the first pipe segment is greater than the inner diameter of the third pipe segment; or, the inner diameter of the first pipe segment is less than the inner diameter of the third pipe segment.

[0016] Furthermore, the sampling tube includes a first sampling tube segment and a second sampling tube segment. The first sampling tube segment extends outward from the side wall of the second tube segment. The second sampling tube segment connects to the first sampling tube segment, and the second sampling tube segment is vertically downward or the central axis of the second sampling tube segment is parallel to the central axis of the liquid storage tube.

[0017] Furthermore, the smear head includes a top surface, two beveled sides, a top opening, a smearing port, and an inner cavity; the top surface is connected to the lower end; the position of the top opening corresponds to the position of the sealing film, and when the sealing film is punctured, the diluted sputum sample is introduced into the inner cavity through the top opening and flows out through the smearing port.

[0018] The application port is located at the lower tip of the two beveled sides.

[0019] Furthermore, the pusher head includes a first working position and a second working position; the first working position is configured to perform sputum sample aspiration; the second working position is configured to perform puncture of the sealing film and sputum dilution application.

[0020] Alternatively, the pusher head may include a first working position, a second working position, and a third working position; the first working position is configured to perform a sputum sample aspiration operation; the second working position is configured to perform a puncture of the sealing film operation; and the third working position is configured to perform a sputum dilution application operation.

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are:

[0022] The sputum sample collection and smear device provided in this application cleverly places the first stopper in the middle of the push rod, and sets a suction tube on the side wall of the reservoir tube. A pre-treatment solution is pre-placed at the bottom of the reservoir tube, and a sealing film is set at the lower end of the reservoir tube. In this way, the first stopper and the suction tube can be used to collect sputum samples, and the pre-treatment solution can be used to pre-treat the collected sputum samples to reduce the viscosity of the sputum samples, making it easier to dilute and smear the sputum samples. In addition, the front end of the push rod can pierce the sealing film to connect the receiving cavity and the smear head, which facilitates the efficient smearing of diluted sputum samples on the glass slide. It achieves three benefits in one go.

[0023] Simultaneously, in the preferred embodiment, a second stopper is further provided. During the sputum smear application process, the pusher head is first pushed downwards to the second working position, causing the tip of the pusher to pierce the sealing film at the lower end of the reservoir tube, connecting the receiving cavity with the smear head, facilitating the application of diluted sputum samples onto the glass slide. Then, the pusher head is slowly pushed downwards to the third working position, completing the sputum smear application. Throughout the movement of the pusher head from the second to the third working position, the second stopper remains within the third tube segment. Thus, the application volume can be controlled based on the stroke of the second stopper from the second to the third working position.

[0024] Furthermore, the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application can be used with an auxiliary device equipped with a placement hole and a mechanical pressure head. The mechanical pressure head of the auxiliary device applies pressure to the push rod head, and the placement hole, in conjunction with the outer wall of the guide section (as the placement surface), constrains the movement of the sputum sample collection and smear device in the vertical downward direction, thereby realizing the automatic collection and automatic smearing of sputum samples. This enables the preparation of sputum smears to be automated and unmanned, reducing the burden on operators and the risk of infection. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a front view of the first embodiment of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the preferred design scheme for push rod 13.

[0028] Figure 3 This is a front view of the second embodiment of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application.

[0029] Figure 4 This is a left view of the second embodiment of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the applicator head in the second embodiment.

[0031] Figure 6 This is a left view of the applicator head in the second embodiment.

[0032] Figure 7 This is a front view of the third embodiment of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application.

[0033] Figure 8 This is a front view of the fourth embodiment of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application.

[0034] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application that automatically aspirates samples.

[0035] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application automatically applying diluted sputum.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 11. Push rod head; 12. Return spring; 13. Push rod; 14. First plug body; 15. Second plug body; 21. First tube section; 22. Second tube section; 23. Third tube section; 24. Guide section; 25. Upper end; 26. Lower end; 30. Smear head; 31. Top surface; 32. Sloping side; 33. Top opening; 34. Smearing port; 35. Inner cavity; 41. First aspiration tube section; 42. Second aspiration tube section; 50. Pretreatment solution; 61. Placement hole; 62. Mechanical pressure head; 70. Glass slide; 80. Sample tube; 131. First opening; 132. Second opening; 133. Hollow structure. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] It should be understood that, when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "comprising" and "including" indicate the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or collections thereof.

[0040] It should also be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of the application. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0041] It should also be further understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0042] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this application is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0043] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a front view of the first embodiment of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application. Figure 1 As shown, the sputum sample collection and smear device includes: a storage tube, a suction tube, a smear head 30, a push rod head 11, a return spring 12, a push rod 13, and a first stopper head 14.

[0044] The reservoir tube has a cavity at its bottom for holding the pretreatment solution 50. The pretreatment solution 50 is used to pretreat sputum samples, reducing their viscosity and making them easier to smear. For example, the pretreatment solution 50 can be a homogenizing solution, or its active ingredient can be N-acetyl-L-cysteine.

[0045] The liquid storage tube includes a first tube section 21 located at the top, a second tube section 22 located in the middle, and a third tube section 23 located at the bottom, an upper end 25 located at the top, and a lower end 26 located at the bottom; the inner diameter of the second tube section 22 is larger than the inner diameter of the first tube section 21, and the inner diameter of the second tube section 22 is larger than the inner diameter of the third tube section 23.

[0046] The push rod head 11 is connected to the liquid storage tube via the push rod 13, which extends into the interior of the liquid storage tube; the first plug 14 is disposed on the push rod 13 and is located inside the first tube section 21, and the push rod 13 passes through the first plug 14 and extends downward; the return spring 12 is disposed between the push rod head 11 and the upper end 25.

[0047] The sampling tube is located in the second tube section 22 and communicates with the inside of the receiving cavity; the sampling tube includes a first sampling tube section 41 and a second sampling tube section 42.

[0048] During sputum collection, the push rod head 11 is moved downwards to the first working position, which correspondingly moves the first stopper head 14 on the push rod 13 downwards. Then, the suction tube is inserted into the sputum sample tube, and the push rod head 11 is returned to its initial position by the return spring 12, thus achieving the aspiration of the sputum sample. The aspirated sputum sample reacts with the pretreatment solution 50 pre-placed at the bottom of the reservoir tube to obtain a diluted sputum sample.

[0049] The lower end of the reservoir tube is also provided with a sealing membrane (not shown), and the smear head 30 is located at the lower end. The sealing membrane is used to separate the smear head 30 from the receiving cavity.

[0050] During the sputum smear application process, the push rod head 11 is moved downwards to the second working position, causing the tip of the push rod to pierce the sealing film at the lower end of the reservoir tube, thus connecting the receiving cavity with the smear head and facilitating the application of diluted sputum samples onto the glass slide. In this embodiment, the second working position is located below the first working position. That is, in the first working position, the tip of the push rod cannot pierce the sealing film at the lower end of the reservoir tube.

[0051] In this application, the sputum sample collection and smear device simultaneously possesses the functions of sputum sample aspiration, sputum sample pretreatment (such as homogenization), and sputum sample smearing, effectively solving the problem that existing sputum smears cannot be prepared automatically and efficiently.

[0052] In this application, the first stopper is cleverly positioned in the middle of the push rod, and a suction tube is installed on the side wall of the reservoir tube. A pretreatment solution is pre-placed at the bottom of the reservoir tube, and a sealing film is installed at the lower end of the reservoir tube. In this way, the first stopper and the suction tube can be used to collect sputum samples, and the pretreatment solution can be used to pre-treat the collected sputum samples, reducing the viscosity of the sputum samples and facilitating the dilution and application of the sputum samples. Furthermore, the front end of the push rod can pierce the sealing film to connect the receiving cavity and the smear head, facilitating the efficient application of the diluted sputum samples on the glass slide. This achieves three benefits in one go.

[0053] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred design for the push rod 13. The end of the push rod 13 furthest from the push rod head 11 is a hollow structure 133, and the push rod 13 also includes a first opening 131 and a second opening 132.

[0054] After the tip of the push rod pierces the sealing film at the lower end of the reservoir tube, the second opening 132 is located inside the smear head 30, and the first opening 131 is located inside the receiving cavity. The receiving cavity and the smear head are connected through the first opening 131, the hollow structure 133, and the second opening 132, facilitating the smearing of diluted sputum samples onto the glass slide. After smearing is completed, the return spring 12 drives the push rod head 11 back to its initial position, causing the second opening 132 to return to the receiving cavity, thus separating the smear head 30 from the receiving cavity again.

[0055] Furthermore, in another preferred embodiment, a second stopper 15 is also included. For example... Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a front view of the second embodiment of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application; as shown. Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a left view of a second embodiment of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application. The sputum sample collection and smear device includes: a reservoir tube, a suction tube, a smear head 30, a push rod head 11, a return spring 12, a push rod 13, a first stopper 14, and a second stopper 15.

[0056] Furthermore, the second section 22 of the reservoir tube includes a guide section 24, which connects to the third section 23 and facilitates the transition from the second section 22 to the third section 23 (i.e., the inner diameter of the guide section 24 is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, and the outer diameter is also larger at the top and smaller at the bottom). The aspirator is positioned in the non-guide section 24 area of ​​the second section 22, or in the upper area of ​​the guide section 24 of the second section 22. The inner wall of the guide section 24 facilitates guiding the aspirated sputum sample to the bottom of the receiving cavity and reacting with the pretreatment solution; the outer wall of the guide section 24 can serve as a placement surface for stably placing the sputum sample collection and smear device (its third section and part of the second section) in the corresponding placement hole. Figure 3-4 (Not shown in the image) This facilitates mechanized sputum sample collection and smearing operations.

[0057] In this embodiment, when the push rod head 11 is pushed downward to the first working position, the first plug 14 remains within the first pipe section 21; when the push rod head 11 is pushed downward to the second working position, the first plug 14 is within the second pipe section 22, and the second plug 15 is located on the guide section 24, or the second plug 15 is located in the connection area between the guide section 24 and the third pipe section 23. Preferably, when the push rod head 11 is pushed downward to the second working position, the first plug 14 is located within the second pipe section 22, and the second plug 15 is located in the connection area between the guide section 24 and the third pipe section 23.

[0058] During the sputum smear application process, the pusher head 11 is first pushed downwards to the second working position, causing the tip of the pusher to pierce the sealing film at the lower end of the reservoir tube, thus connecting the receiving cavity with the smear head and facilitating the application of the diluted sputum sample onto the glass slide. Then, the pusher head 11 is slowly pushed downwards to the third working position to complete the sputum smear application. Throughout the movement of the pusher head 11 from the second to the third working position, the second stopper 15 remains within the third tube segment 23. In this way, the application amount can be effectively controlled via the second stopper (based on the stroke of the second stopper from the second to the third working position).

[0059] Combination Figure 3-4 In this embodiment, the applicator head has a triangular prism structure. For example... Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the applicator head in the second embodiment; as shown. Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a left view of the applicator head in the second embodiment.

[0060] The smear head 30 has a top surface 31, two beveled sides 32, a top opening 33, a smear nozzle 34, and an inner cavity 35. The top surface 31 is connected to the lower end 26 of the reservoir (or the top surface 31 is part of the lower end 26 of the reservoir). The top opening 33 corresponds to the position of the sealing film at the lower end of the reservoir tube. When the sealing film is punctured, the diluted sputum sample is introduced into the inner cavity 35 through the top opening 33 and flows out through the smear nozzle 34. The smear nozzle 34 is located at the lower tip of the two beveled sides 32. The smear head is made of a flexible material.

[0061] See Figure 1 , 3 4. In the first embodiment, the inner diameter of the second pipe section 22 is greater than the inner diameter of the first pipe section 21, the inner diameter of the second pipe section 22 is greater than the inner diameter of the third pipe section 23, and the inner diameter of the first pipe section 21 is equal to the inner diameter of the third pipe section 23. Correspondingly, the diameter of the first plug is equal to the inner diameter of the first pipe section 21, and the diameter of the second plug 15 is equal to the inner diameter of the third pipe section 23.

[0062] See Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a front view of a third embodiment of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the second tube segment 22 is larger than the inner diameter of the first tube segment 21, the inner diameter of the second tube segment 22 is larger than the inner diameter of the third tube segment 23, and the inner diameter of the first tube segment 21 is smaller than the inner diameter of the third tube segment 23. Correspondingly, the diameter of the first plug is equal to the inner diameter of the first tube segment 21, and the diameter of the second plug 15 is equal to the inner diameter of the third tube segment 23.

[0063] See Figure 8 , Figure 8 This is a front view of the fourth embodiment of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application. In this embodiment, the inner diameter of the second tube segment 22 is larger than the inner diameter of the first tube segment 21, the inner diameter of the second tube segment 22 is larger than the inner diameter of the third tube segment 23, and the inner diameter of the first tube segment 21 is larger than the inner diameter of the third tube segment 23. Correspondingly, the diameter of the first plug is equal to the inner diameter of the first tube segment 21, and the diameter of the second plug 15 is equal to the inner diameter of the third tube segment 23.

[0064] In some alternative embodiments, the second pipe segment 22 includes a guide segment 24 and a non-guide segment 24 region (e.g., Figure 3 , 8 In some alternative embodiments, the second pipe section 22 includes only the guide section 24 (e.g., Figure 7 ).

[0065] The sputum sample collection and smear device of this application can be operated manually or automatically. (See also...) Figure 9 , Figure 9This is a schematic diagram of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application that automatically aspirates samples; see reference. Figure 10 , Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the sputum sample collection and smear device of this application automatically applying diluted sputum.

[0066] like Figure 9 As shown, the sputum sample collection and smear device is placed inside the placement hole 61. The placement hole 61, in conjunction with the outer wall of the guide section 24 (serving as the placement surface), constrains the vertical downward movement of the sputum sample collection and smear device. The sample tube 80 is located directly below the second suction tube section 42. By applying pressure to the push rod head 11 through the mechanical pressure head 62, automatic sputum sample collection can be achieved.

[0067] like Figure 10 As shown, the sputum sample collection and smear device is placed inside the placement hole 61. The placement hole 61, in conjunction with the outer wall of the guide section 24 (serving as the placement surface), constrains the movement of the sputum sample collection and smear device in the vertically downward direction. The glass slide 70 is located directly below the smear head 30. By applying pressure to the push rod head 11 through the mechanical pressure head 62, the automatic smearing of diluted sputum can be achieved.

[0068] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various equivalent modifications or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these modifications or substitutions should all be covered within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A sputum sample collection and smear device, characterized in that, include: Storage tube, pipette, smear tip, push rod tip, return spring, push rod, first stopper; The liquid storage tube has a receiving cavity at its bottom for receiving pretreatment liquid; the liquid storage tube includes a first tube section at the top, a second tube section in the middle, and a third tube section at the bottom, located at the upper end of the top and the lower end of the bottom; the inner diameter of the second tube section is larger than the inner diameter of the first tube section, and the inner diameter of the second tube section is larger than the inner diameter of the third tube section. The push rod head is connected to the liquid storage tube via the push rod, and the push rod extends into the interior of the liquid storage tube; the first plug is disposed on the push rod and is located within the first tube section, and the push rod extends downward through the first plug; a return spring is disposed between the push rod head and the upper end; The sampling tube is disposed on the second tube section and is in communication with the inside of the liquid storage tube; The smear head is located at the lower end, and the lower end is provided with a sealing film, which is used to separate the smear head from the receiving cavity.

2. The sputum sample collection and smear device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The end of the push rod away from the push rod head is a hollow structure, and the push rod also includes a first opening and a second opening. The first opening is connected to the upper part of the hollow structure, and the second opening is connected to the lower part of the hollow structure.

3. The sputum sample collection and smear device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sputum sample collection and smear device also includes a second stopper, which is disposed on the push rod and located inside the second tube section.

4. A sputum sample collection and smear device as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The second pipe section includes a guide section, which is connected to the third pipe section; the guide section is a frustum structure that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom.

5. The sputum sample collection and smear device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the first pipe segment is equal to the inner diameter of the third pipe segment; or, the inner diameter of the first pipe segment is greater than the inner diameter of the third pipe segment; or, the inner diameter of the first pipe segment is less than the inner diameter of the third pipe segment.

6. The sputum sample collection and smear device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The sampling tube includes a first sampling tube segment and a second sampling tube segment. The first sampling tube segment extends outward from the side wall of the second tube segment. The second sampling tube segment connects to the first sampling tube segment, and the second sampling tube segment is vertically downward or the central axis of the second sampling tube segment is parallel to the central axis of the liquid storage tube.

7. The sputum sample collection and smear device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The smear head includes a top surface, two beveled sides, a top opening, a smearing port, and an inner cavity; the top surface is connected to the lower end; the position of the top opening corresponds to the position of the sealing film, and when the sealing film is punctured, the diluted sputum sample is introduced into the inner cavity through the top opening and flows out through the smearing port.

8. The sputum sample collection and smear device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The application port is located at the lower tip of the two beveled sides.

9. A sputum sample collection and smear device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The pusher head includes a first working position and a second working position; the first working position is configured to perform sputum sample aspiration; the second working position is configured to perform puncture of the sealing film and sputum dilution application.

10. A sputum sample collection and smear device as claimed in claim 4, wherein, The pusher head includes a first working position, a second working position, and a third working position; the first working position is configured to perform a sputum sample aspiration operation; the second working position is configured to perform a puncture of the sealing film operation; and the third working position is configured to perform a sputum dilution application operation.

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