Sampling tube for collecting exhaled gas

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of biomedical sample collection, and discloses a sampling tube for collecting exhaled gas. The sampling tube comprises a medical-grade bottle body, a leakage-proof bottle cap, an air inlet needle tube, an air blowing silica gel hose, an air exhausting silica gel hose, a nano-silver filtering one-way valve and an extracting agent contained in a containing cavity. Through the synergistic effect of the porous structure design of the air inlet needle tube and the flow guide function of the air blowing silica gel hose, exhaled air can be uniformly diffused into the containing cavity and is in full contact with the extraction agent; the nano-silver filtering one-way valve effectively prevents gas backflow and avoids cross infection; the convenience and safety of the device are improved through the modular connection mode and the disposable assembly design. The sampling tube realizes high efficiency, safety and reliability of sample collection, is suitable for accurately capturing volatile organic compounds in exhaled gas, and provides reliable technical support for disease diagnosis and health monitoring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of biological sample collection equipment technology, and in particular to an exhaled gas sampling device technology for early lung cancer screening. Background Technology

[0002] Lung cancer is currently the leading cause of cancer incidence and death. Studies have shown that the 10-year survival rate for stage I lung cancer patients detected through CT screening can reach 88%, highlighting the importance of early detection of lung cancer in improving patient prognosis.

[0003] Currently, tissue biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosing lung cancer, boasting extremely high accuracy. However, this invasive diagnostic method can cause a range of adverse reactions, such as irritation, pain, and even an increased risk of tumor metastasis. To overcome the limitations of biopsy, the medical community has introduced various non-invasive examination methods, such as X-rays, computed tomography (CT), and liquid biopsy. Among these, low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is currently the only proven effective method for lung cancer screening, with studies showing it can reduce lung cancer-related mortality by 20%. However, LDCT suffers from high false-positive rates, radiation exposure risks, and high examination costs, limiting its widespread application.

[0004] In recent years, exhaled gas analysis has attracted widespread attention as a novel non-invasive diagnostic method. Studies have found that certain components in exhaled gas, especially volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can reflect changes in endogenous metabolic activities in the human body. These substances enter the bloodstream from cancer cell membranes and surrounding tissues, diffuse through the alveolar membrane, and are exhaled through respiration. However, existing exhaled gas sampling devices face several technical challenges: First, there is a risk of cross-infection during sampling, and existing devices are unable to effectively prevent the spread of pathogens; second, the extraction efficiency of VOCs in gas samples is low, affecting the sensitivity and accuracy of detection; third, the sampling devices are complex in structure, inconvenient to operate, and difficult to adapt to diverse application scenarios; finally, samples are susceptible to contamination and interference, affecting the reliability of analytical results.

[0005] Currently, the main methods for collecting exhaled breath on the market involve using various types of gas collection bags, such as Tedlar bags, polyester film bags, and aluminum bags. Among them, Tedlar bags are widely used due to their superior performance. When the concentration of VOCs in the sample is low or the instrument's detection sensitivity is insufficient, pyrolysis adsorption tubes are usually required for enrichment. However, these sampling methods also have significant drawbacks: gas collection bags cannot achieve sample concentration, and condensation on the inner wall can adsorb a large amount of VOCs, leading to a weakened detection signal; furthermore, aerosol particles (including proteins, nucleic acids, etc.) contained in exhaled breath can easily contaminate the pyrolysis adsorption tube, potentially causing cross-infection in severe cases. Without a reliable sampling method, it is difficult to guarantee the reliability of the detection data.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of exhaled gas sampling device that can ensure the safety and reliability of the sampling process, provide an efficient and convenient sample collection solution, and at the same time ensure high VOCs extraction efficiency and detection sensitivity. Utility Model Content

[0007] The purpose of this application is to provide a sampling tube for exhaled gas collection to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0008] This application discloses a sampling tube for exhaled gas collection, comprising:

[0009] A medical-grade bottle body, wherein the medical-grade bottle body has a receiving cavity;

[0010] A leak-proof cap is detachably attached to the upper end of the medical-grade bottle body to seal the receiving cavity;

[0011] An air inlet needle is inserted through the leak-proof bottle cap, with its lower end extending into the receiving cavity to guide exhaled air into the receiving cavity.

[0012] The inflatable silicone tube has one end connected to the upper end of the air inlet needle and the other end serving as an air inlet to guide exhaled air into the air inlet needle.

[0013] The exhaust silicone hose has one end connected to the receiving cavity and the other end serving as an exhaust port to guide the gas in the receiving cavity out.

[0014] A nano-silver filter check valve is located at the exhaust port, and the check valve contains a nano-silver filter layer.

[0015] An extractant, contained within the cavity, is used to extract volatile organic compounds from exhaled breath.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the outer wall of the medical-grade bottle is provided with an explosion-proof protective layer and an anti-slip texture.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the leak-proof cap is detachably connected to the medical-grade bottle body via a threaded connection and is equipped with a medical-grade silicone sealing ring.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the air inlet needle is made of stainless steel with an outer diameter of 1.2-1.5 mm and has a porous structure at its lower end to enhance the diffusion effect of exhaled gas within the receiving cavity.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the inner surface of the inhalation silicone tubing is coated with an antibacterial coating to prevent pathogens in exhaled air from adhering to it.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, a disposable knob self-locking cap is also included, which is detachably disposed at the air inlet end of the inflatable silicone hose. The disposable knob self-locking cap includes a locking thread and a medical silicone sealing ring for engaging with the threaded inflatable silicone hose.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the venting silicone hose is connected to the receiving cavity via a detachable snap-fit ​​structure, and its communication position with the receiving cavity is higher than the liquid level of the extractant.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the nano-silver filter check valve includes a valve body and a filter element disposed within the valve body, the filter element being composed of non-woven fabric and nano-silver particles embedded within the non-woven fabric.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the extractant is an aqueous ethanol solution or a mixture of a polar solvent and a surfactant, used to improve the extraction efficiency of volatile organic compounds.

[0024] This application provides a sampling tube for exhaled gas collection. Through innovative structural design and material selection, it achieves high efficiency, safety, and reliability in sample collection, demonstrating significant technical advantages.

[0025] Regarding sampling efficiency, this application employs a unique gas path design. The connection between the exhaled silicone tubing and the inlet needle ensures that exhaled gas can be quickly and stably introduced into the receiving cavity, while the porous structure at the lower end of the inlet needle significantly enhances the diffusion effect of the gas within the receiving cavity. This design allows volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to fully contact the extractant, thereby greatly improving the efficiency and accuracy of sample collection.

[0026] Optionally, this application incorporates multiple protection mechanisms to ensure sample quality. The nano-silver filter one-way valve not only effectively prevents backflow of impurities in the exhaust gas but also prevents cross-infection through its antibacterial properties. The threaded connection between the medical-grade bottle body and the leak-proof cap, coupled with a sealing ring, achieves airtight sealing, effectively preventing sample contamination and gas leakage. In particular, the design of the exhaust silicone tubing connection position being higher than the extractant liquid level avoids the loss of extractant and ensures sample integrity.

[0027] Optionally, this application employs an optimized extraction system to improve extraction efficiency. By selecting extractants with specific formulations, such as aqueous ethanol solutions or mixtures of polar solvents and surfactants, the capture efficiency of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath is significantly improved. The rational design of the containment chamber ensures sufficient contact between the gas and the extractant, further enhancing sample quality and detection reliability.

[0028] Optionally, this application adopts a modular design concept for ease of use. The various components are connected by threads or snap-fit ​​mechanisms, facilitating assembly and disassembly, as well as cleaning and replacement. The explosion-proof protective layer and anti-slip texture design on the outer wall of the medical-grade bottle enhance the user experience in terms of both safety and ease of operation. Simultaneously, the product exhibits good environmental adaptability, operating stably within a temperature range of 15℃ to 35℃, and is moisture-proof.

[0029] Optionally, regarding safety assurance, this application adopts a disposable component design and specifies a high-pressure steam sterilization process to prevent the risk of pathogen transmission at the source. The core components of the sampling tube are made of high-quality materials such as medical-grade stainless steel and silicone, ensuring that the product has excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength, and can maintain stable performance over a long period of time.

[0030] In summary, this application, through a series of innovative designs and advanced processes, successfully solves the technical problems of low efficiency, high risk of contamination, and inconvenience in the exhaled gas sampling process, providing a safe, efficient, and reliable solution for biological sample collection, and has significant practical application value and promising prospects for promotion.

[0031] The specification of this application contains numerous technical features distributed across various technical solutions. Listing all possible combinations of these technical features (i.e., technical solutions) would make the specification excessively lengthy. To avoid this problem, the various technical features disclosed in the above-described invention, the various technical features disclosed in the following embodiments and examples, and the various technical features disclosed in the accompanying drawings can be freely combined to form various new technical solutions (all of which are considered to have been described in this specification), unless such a combination of technical features is technically infeasible. For example, one example discloses feature A+B+C, and another example discloses feature A+B+D+E. Features C and D are equivalent technical means that serve the same function, and technically only one needs to be used; they cannot be used simultaneously. Feature E can technically be combined with feature C. Therefore, the solution A+B+C+D should not be considered as described because it is technically infeasible, while the solution A+B+C+E should be considered as described. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a sampling tube for exhaled gas collection according to the first embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a partial cross-sectional view of a sampling tube for exhaled gas collection according to a first embodiment of this application, specifically showing the internal details of the upper connecting structure of the sampling tube.

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the nano-silver filter check valve of the sampling tube for exhaled gas collection according to the first embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the nano-silver filter check valve of the sampling tube for exhaled gas collection according to the first embodiment of this application.

[0036] in:

[0037] Inflatable silicone hose: 10

[0038] Inlet check valve: 11

[0039] Connection end of the air-blowing silicone hose: 12

[0040] Inlet syringe: 20

[0041] Upper end of the air inlet syringe: 21

[0042] Lower end of the air inlet syringe: 22

[0043] Reception cavity: 30

[0044] Extractant: 40

[0045] Exhaust silicone hose: 50

[0046] Nano silver filter check valve: 60

[0047] Leak-proof bottle cap: 70

[0048] Leak-proof bottle cap sealing ring: 72

[0049] Medical grade bottle: 80

[0050] One-time self-locking knob cover: 90 Detailed Implementation

[0051] In the following description, many technical details are presented to help the reader better understand this application. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions claimed in this application can be implemented even without these technical details and various variations and modifications based on the following embodiments.

[0052] Explanation of some concepts:

[0053] The sampling tube, as described in this application, refers to a device for collecting exhaled gas samples, including a medical-grade bottle body, a leak-proof cap, an inlet needle, an inhalation silicone tubing, an exhaust silicone tubing, a nano-silver filter check valve, and an extractant, among other components.

[0054] The containment chamber refers to the hollow space inside the medical-grade bottle used to contain the exhaled gas sample and the extractant. The gas is introduced through the inlet needle and comes into contact with the extractant to capture volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

[0055] A silicone inhalation tubing is a flexible tube that connects the exhalation port to the inhalation syringe, used to guide exhaled air into the receiving cavity. It is made of medical-grade silicone, and its inner surface can be coated with an antibacterial coating to prevent pathogen adhesion.

[0056] The air inlet syringe is a hollow tubular component that passes through the leak-proof bottle cap and communicates with the receiving cavity. Its lower end extends into the receiving cavity to guide exhaled air into it. The lower end has a porous structure to enhance gas diffusion, and it is made of medical-grade stainless steel.

[0057] The nano-silver filter check valve is a one-way flow valve device located at the end of the exhaust silicone hose. It prevents gas backflow and cross-contamination through its internal antibacterial layer. The antibacterial layer consists of nano-silver particles and non-woven fabric.

[0058] An extractant is a chemical reagent contained within a cavity and used to capture volatile organic compounds from exhaled breath. Its components may include aqueous solutions of ethanol or mixtures of polar solvents and surfactants.

[0059] Leak-proof bottle caps are detachable sealing devices attached to the upper part of medical-grade bottles to ensure an airtight seal of the containing cavity. They feature an internal sealing ring and are externally connected to the medical-grade bottle body via threads.

[0060] The exhaust silicone tubing is a flexible conduit connecting the receiving chamber to the nano-silver filter check valve, used to guide the discharge of gas after sampling. It is made of medical-grade silicone and features a specific height design to prevent loss of the extractant liquid.

[0061] Disposable knob self-locking cap is a sealing device installed at one end of the blowing silicone hose. It has a self-locking structure to prevent the exhaled air from leaking out and to ensure that it is discarded after one use to prevent cross-contamination.

[0062] Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are small-molecule organic compounds produced by human metabolism in exhaled breath that are volatile and can reflect the body's internal health status. This application describes the capture and analysis of these compounds using an extractant to support disease diagnosis.

[0063] Airway design refers to the structural configuration used to control the flow of exhaled gas, including the overall layout and interconnection of the blowing silicone hose, the inlet needle, the receiving cavity, the exhaust silicone hose, and the nano-silver filter check valve.

[0064] Modular design refers to the design concept of the sampling tube in this application, which allows for quick assembly, disassembly, cleaning, and replacement of various components through threaded or snap-fit ​​structures, thereby enhancing the ease of operation and flexibility of use of the device.

[0065] Disposable components refer to parts that are discarded after use during the sampling process, including blowing silicone tubing, air inlet needles, disposable knob self-locking caps, etc., to avoid the risk of cross-infection caused by reuse.

[0066] High-pressure steam sterilization refers to a process that uses high-temperature, high-pressure steam to disinfect sampling tubes. This effectively kills any pathogens that may be present and ensures the sterility of the sampling process.

[0067] The following is a brief summary of some of the innovative aspects of this application:

[0068] In summary, this application addresses the technical problems existing in the field of exhaled gas sampling and analysis, including high risk of cross-infection during sampling, low extraction efficiency of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in gas samples, insufficient detection sensitivity, and difficulty in adapting sampling devices to diverse operating scenarios. It proposes an innovative sampling tube structure based on the synergistic effect of multi-level functional components, and achieves a comprehensive solution to the above-mentioned technical problems through multi-dimensional technical design.

[0069] This application employs a highly integrated sampling device comprising a medical-grade bottle body, a leak-proof cap, an inlet syringe, an inhalation silicone tubing, an exhaust silicone tubing, a nano-silver filter one-way valve, and an extractant. Each component is functionally independent yet collaborates through specific structural connections and physical interactions, creating a closed, pollution-free, sensitive, and efficient sampling environment. Furthermore, the threaded connection between the leak-proof cap and the medical-grade bottle body ensures a sealed containment cavity, and the silicone sealing ring further enhances the fidelity and purity of the gas sample. The porous design of the inlet syringe, combined with the guiding effect of the inhalation silicone tubing, allows exhaled gas to be evenly distributed within the containment cavity, ensuring sufficient contact with the extractant contained within, thereby effectively enhancing the extraction efficiency of VOCs.

[0070] Furthermore, the antibacterial layer composed of non-woven fabric and nano-silver particles within the nano-silver filter one-way valve effectively blocks the risk of microbial contamination during sample collection while simultaneously enabling gas emission. The unidirectional flow characteristic also prevents gas backflow, significantly reducing the possibility of cross-infection. This design not only improves the safety of the device and sample quality but also ensures high efficiency of gas flow due to the independence of the gas collection and emission paths.

[0071] Furthermore, this application further optimizes the capture effect of volatile organic compounds by using specific chemical components of the extractant (such as an aqueous solution of ethanol or a mixture of polar solvent and surfactant), thereby overcoming the problem of low detection sensitivity caused by insufficient extraction efficiency in the prior art. The synergistic effect of the extractant and the porous gas inlet syringe not only enhances the diffusion and reaction efficiency of the sample gas, but also avoids the need for complex pretreatment, making the entire sampling and detection process more efficient.

[0072] It is worth emphasizing that the design of this application demonstrates significant advantages in modularity. Through precise structural definition and connection method design of components such as the blowing silicone hose, the exhaust silicone hose, and the air inlet needle, including threaded connections and snap-fit ​​structures, convenient disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the device are achieved. This modular design not only meets the needs of multiple application scenarios but also significantly improves the operational flexibility and adaptability of the device.

[0073] From an overall conceptual standpoint, this application constructs a seamless, closed sampling tube system with efficient sample collection and protection functions through the organic integration of the functional characteristics of its components. This significantly improves the reliability, safety, and efficiency of exhaled gas sample collection and testing. Specifically, the technical solution solves key technical problems in exhaled gas sampling, such as insufficient sensitivity, sample contamination, and high sampling complexity, through the highly coupled design of various stages, including the air intake path, sample containment and extraction process, and exhaust path. This demonstrates the significant advantages of this technical solution in terms of overall innovation and application value.

[0074] Therefore, the overall technical solution of this application is not a simple stacking of functions or an optimization of existing technologies, but rather a unique and non-obvious comprehensive solution achieved under complex and multi-variable conditions through the logical connection between technical problems, technical features and technical effects, providing an efficient and innovative technical path for the field of exhaled gas sample collection.

[0075] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0076] The first embodiment of this application relates to a sampling tube for exhaled gas collection, such as... Figures 1 to 4 As shown, it includes:

[0077] The medical-grade bottle body is 80, and its interior has a receiving cavity 30;

[0078] A leak-proof cap 70 is detachably connected to the upper end of the medical-grade bottle body 80 and is used to seal the receiving cavity 30;

[0079] An air inlet needle 20 is inserted through the leak-proof bottle cap 70, with its lower end 22 extending into the receiving cavity 30 to guide exhaled air into the receiving cavity 30.

[0080] The blowing silicone tube 10 has one end connected to the upper end 21 of the air inlet needle tube 20, and the other end serves as an air inlet to guide exhaled air into the air inlet needle tube 20.

[0081] The exhaust silicone hose 50 has one end connected to the receiving cavity 30 and the other end serving as an exhaust port to guide the gas in the receiving cavity out.

[0082] A disposable nano-silver filter check valve 60 is located at the exhaust port of the exhaust silicone hose 50. The check valve is equipped with a nano-silver filter layer for filtering gas, antibacterial properties, and preventing cross-infection.

[0083] Extractant 40 is contained in the receiving cavity 30 and is used to extract volatile organic compounds from exhaled gas.

[0084] Specifically, the core component of the sampling tube in this embodiment is the medical-grade bottle body 80. This is a medical-grade certified container with a dedicated receiving cavity 30 inside, used to store the extractant 40 and provide space for gas to contact the extractant. The medical-grade material ensures the safety and reliability of the sampling process. A leak-proof cap 70 is designed at the top of the bottle body. This cap has a detachable design and can be tightly connected to the medical-grade bottle body 80. Its main function is to ensure the sealing of the receiving cavity 30, preventing gas leakage and the entry of external contaminants. Passing through the leak-proof cap 70 is the air inlet needle 20, a crucial component. The lower end 22 of the air inlet needle extends into the receiving cavity 30, its function being to precisely guide exhaled gas into the receiving cavity. This design ensures that the exhaled gas can fully contact the extractant 40. Connected to the air inlet needle 20 is a blow-through silicone tubing 10, designed for ease of use. Its connecting end 12 is tightly connected to the upper end 21 of the air inlet needle tube 20, and the other end serves as the air inlet, equipped with an air inlet one-way valve 11. Through this hose, the user can easily introduce exhaled gas into the system. Optionally, to ensure the sealing of the sampling process, a disposable knob self-locking cap 90 is installed at the air inlet end of the blowing silicone hose 10. This self-locking cap prevents exhaled gas from leaking from the air inlet, and its disposable design also avoids the risk of cross-infection. The system also includes an exhaust silicone hose 50, which is connected to the receiving cavity 30 and is responsible for guiding the extracted gas out. This design ensures unidirectional gas flow within the system, improving sampling efficiency. A disposable nano-silver filter one-way valve 60 is designed at the exhaust port of the exhaust silicone hose 50. This valve not only controls the unidirectional gas flow, but its internal nano-silver filter layer also has a significant antibacterial effect, effectively preventing the risk of cross-infection. Furthermore, a specially formulated extractant 40 is contained within the receiving cavity 30, which is the core component of the entire system. The role of extractants is to capture and enrich volatile organic compounds from exhaled breath, providing a basis for subsequent analysis and detection.

[0085] Optionally, the outer wall of the medical-grade bottle body 80 is provided with an explosion-proof protective layer and an anti-slip texture to improve safety and convenience.

[0086] Optionally, the leak-proof bottle cap 70 is detachably connected to the medical-grade bottle body 80 via a threaded connection and is provided with a medical silicone sealing ring 72 to improve the sealing effect.

[0087] Specifically, the outer wall of the medical-grade vial 80 features two important protective structures: an explosion-proof protective layer and an anti-slip texture. The explosion-proof protective layer is a special outer coating material that provides protection against accidental impacts or compression, preventing the vial from breaking and protecting the internal sample. It also prevents potential injury to the operator from glass shards. The anti-slip texture is a carefully designed pattern on the vial surface that increases surface friction, allowing for a stable grip on the sampling tube even with sweaty hands or while wearing medical gloves, reducing the risk of dropping or slipping during operation. The combination of these two designs improves both the safety of the equipment and the ease of operation.

[0088] Furthermore, the connection method of the leak-proof cap 70 has also been carefully designed. It uses a threaded connection to connect with the medical-grade bottle body 80. This connection method has several advantages: First, the threaded connection can achieve a stable mechanical lock, ensuring that the cap will not accidentally loosen during use; second, the threaded connection is easy to disassemble and assemble, facilitating cleaning and replacement of parts; most importantly, a medical-grade silicone sealing ring 72 is specially designed at the threaded connection. This sealing ring is made of medical-grade silicone material, which has good elasticity and chemical stability. When the cap is tightened, the sealing ring is moderately compressed, forming a highly airtight sealing barrier between the cap and the bottle body, effectively preventing gas leakage and the intrusion of external contaminants. This design ensures the purity of the sample and the accuracy of the test results during the sampling process.

[0089] These optimized designs reflect a comprehensive consideration of safety, reliability, and ease of use in practical applications, enabling the sampling tube to not only perform basic sampling functions but also provide a better user experience and more reliable performance in actual operation.

[0090] Optionally, the air inlet needle 20 is made of medical-grade stainless steel with an outer diameter of 1.2-1.5 mm, preferably 1.3 mm, and its lower end 22 has a porous structure to enhance the diffusion effect of exhaled gas in the receiving cavity 30.

[0091] Optionally, the inner surface of the inhalation silicone hose 10 is coated with an antibacterial coating to prevent pathogens in exhaled air from adhering to it.

[0092] Optionally, the disposable knob self-locking cover 90 includes a locking component and a medical silicone sealing ring for threaded engagement with the inhalation silicone hose 10 and to prevent exhaled gas leakage.

[0093] Specifically, the material and structural design of the inlet syringe 20 reflects meticulous engineering considerations. Medical-grade stainless steel was chosen because of its excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance, and mechanical strength. A specially specified outer diameter of 1.3 mm was determined through repeated testing, ensuring sufficient gas flow without causing excessive airflow that could affect sampling accuracy. The porous structure of the lower end 22 of the syringe is a significant innovative design: these precise pores disperse a single airflow into multiple fine airflows, allowing exhaled gas to enter the receiving chamber 30 in a more dispersed manner. This significantly increases the contact area and contact time between the gas and the extractant 40, thereby improving the capture efficiency of volatile organic compounds.

[0094] Furthermore, the design of the exhalation silicone tubing 10 also emphasizes protective functions. An antibacterial coating is specially designed on the inner surface of the tubing. This coating effectively inhibits and kills pathogenic microorganisms that may be carried in exhaled air. When exhaled air flows through the tubing, pathogens in it are effectively inhibited upon contact with the antibacterial coating, preventing them from growing and accumulating on the tubing wall. This design not only protects the cleanliness of the sampling system but also reduces the risk of cross-infection, making it particularly suitable for continuous sampling in medical institutions and other similar settings.

[0095] Furthermore, the disposable knob-locking cap 90 incorporates a multi-layered sealing protection mechanism. It comprises two key components: a locking mechanism and a medical-grade silicone sealing ring. The locking mechanism features a precise pitch design that enables a secure mechanical lock with the inhalation silicone tubing 10. When the cap is rotated, the threads provide progressive pressure, ensuring even stress on the sealing ring. The medical-grade silicone sealing ring gradually deforms during tightening, filling the tiny gaps between the threads to create a completely airtight seal. This dual-sealing mechanism ensures reliable sealing performance even when the sampling tube is subjected to minor impacts or shaking, effectively preventing exhaled gas leakage and the entry of external contaminants.

[0096] These features together constitute an efficient, safe, and reliable gas sampling system. Each component has undergone precise engineering calculations and practical application verification, ensuring the stability and reliability of the entire system in actual use.

[0097] Optionally, the exhaust silicone hose 50 is connected to the receiving cavity 30 via a detachable snap-fit ​​structure, and its communication position with the receiving cavity is higher than the liquid level of the extractant 40, for guiding gas out and facilitating cleaning or replacement.

[0098] Optional, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the nano-silver filter check valve 60 adopts an innovative multi-layer structure design, mainly composed of an inlet end, a diaphragm, a nano-silver filter layer, and an outlet end. The nano-silver filter layer uses non-woven fabric as the substrate, with nano-silver particles embedded inside, forming a filter medium with a continuous antibacterial effect. The nano-silver filter check valve 60 operates in two states: forward opening and reverse sealing. In the forward opening state, when gas is pressurized from the inlet end, the diaphragm deforms with the airflow, allowing gas to pass through its surroundings. When the gas passes through the nano-silver filter layer, pathogens and impurities are effectively filtered and trapped, and the purified gas flows out from the outlet end. In the reverse sealing state, if reverse pressure occurs at the outlet end, the airflow will push the diaphragm to fit tightly against the sealing surface. This automatic sealing mechanism effectively prevents gas backflow, thereby avoiding the risk of cross-infection. Simultaneously, the nano-silver particles in the nano-silver filter layer continuously release silver ions, exerting a lasting inhibitory effect on the trapped microorganisms. This structural design not only ensures unidirectional gas flow, but also provides dual protection through the antibacterial properties of nano-silver, achieving safe and reliable gas filtration and protection effects. It is particularly suitable for medical applications with high requirements, such as exhaled gas sampling.

[0099] Optionally, the extractant 40 is an aqueous ethanol solution or a mixture of a polar solvent and a surfactant, used to improve the extraction efficiency of volatile organic compounds.

[0100] Optionally, the sampling tube is made of disposable components to avoid the risk of cross-infection caused by reuse, and is suitable for use in environments with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C, and has moisture-proof properties.

[0101] Specifically, the extractant 40 can be an aqueous ethanol solution or a mixture of a polar solvent and a surfactant. An aqueous ethanol solution has strong dissolving power and stability. Ethanol, as a low-toxicity, renewable organic solvent, has a good affinity for most volatile organic compounds. By adjusting the concentration of the aqueous ethanol solution, extraction efficiency can be ensured while maintaining safety. Furthermore, the preparation of an aqueous ethanol solution is relatively simple, reducing the cost of extractant preparation.

[0102] Optionally, the sampling tube can be designed for single use only. Single-use components refer to parts of the sampling tube that are discarded after a single use by a single person. All components that come into direct or indirect contact with exhaled air, such as the medical-grade bottle body 80, leak-proof cap 70, inlet syringe 20, inhalation silicone tubing 10, self-locking knob cap 90, exhaust silicone tubing 50, and nano-silver filter one-way valve 60, can be made of disposable materials. The single-use design primarily aims to prevent cross-infection. If the sampling tube is reused, aerosol particles remaining in the tubing and valves may carry pathogens. When the sampling tube is used by others, these pathogens can enter the new user's body through the respiratory tract, causing infection. Single-use components not only eliminate this transmission route but also simplify the cleaning and disinfection process of the sampling tube, improving efficiency.

[0103] The applicable environment and moisture resistance of the sampling tube are also important indicators for evaluating its practicality. Optionally, the sampling tube should be able to operate normally in ambient temperatures ranging from 15°C to 35°C. This temperature range covers most indoor and outdoor environments, ensuring stable operation of the sampling tube in different seasons and locations. The main components of the sampling tube should be made of heat-resistant materials, with no significant change in performance within the 15°C to 35°C range. For example, the medical-grade bottle body 80 can be made of glass or certain engineering plastics, which can withstand changes in ambient temperature while ensuring airtightness and transparency.

[0104] In addition to temperature adaptability, the sampling tube also has good moisture-proof performance. Specifically, exhaled breath usually contains a large amount of water vapor. If the tubing and valve components of the sampling tube are highly hygroscopic, the condensed water vapor will block the airflow and affect the sampling effect. Therefore, the inner surface of the sampling tube and the sealing ring can be made of hydrophobic materials, or a hydrophobic coating can be formed through special treatment.

[0105] Optionally, the sampling tube is sterilized by a high-pressure steam sterilizer before use.

[0106] Optionally, the height of the medical-grade bottle body 80 is 61±2mm, the inner diameter is 16±0.5mm, and the volume of the receiving cavity 30 is 13±0.5mL. More preferably, the height of the medical-grade bottle body 80 is 61mm, the inner diameter is 16mm, and the volume of the receiving cavity 30 is 13mL.

[0107] Optionally, O-rings are provided at the connection points of the leak-proof bottle cap 70, the disposable knob self-locking cap 90, and the nano-silver filter one-way valve 60.

[0108] Working principle: The sampling tube for exhaled gas collection in the above embodiment achieves efficient collection and protection of exhaled gas samples through structural optimization and component synergy. Its main working process includes four stages: gas introduction, diffusion and capture, exhaust, and sample protection.

[0109] The user exhales into the sampling tube through the blowing silicone tubing 10, and the gas is introduced into the air inlet needle 20 via the blowing silicone tubing 10. The lower end 22 of the air inlet needle 20 passes through the leak-proof cap 70 and extends into the receiving cavity 30, ensuring that the exhaled gas can smoothly enter the receiving cavity 30. The seamless connection between the air inlet needle 20 and the blowing silicone tubing 10, as well as the porous structure of the lower end 22 of the air inlet needle, effectively improves the stability and uniformity of gas introduction.

[0110] Gas diffusion and capture: Exhaled gas entering the containment chamber 30 diffuses through the porous structure of the inlet needle 20, ensuring full contact with the extractant 40 within the containment chamber 30. The porous structure not only enhances gas diffusion but also increases the gas-liquid contact area through bubble refinement, further improving extraction efficiency. The extractant 40 is typically a highly efficient volatile organic compound (VOC) capture agent, such as an aqueous ethanol solution or a mixture of polar solvents and surfactants. Its unique chemical properties enable rapid adsorption of VOCs from the gas, preventing loss or dilution of the target components in the sample. The optimized volume design of the containment chamber 30 further enhances gas diffusion and improves the capture efficiency of volatile organic compounds.

[0111] After exhaust sampling is completed, the gas is discharged through the exhaust silicone hose 50 out of the receiving cavity 30 and into the nano-silver filter one-way valve 60. The connection point between the exhaust silicone hose 50 and the receiving cavity 30 is higher than the liquid level of the extractant 40 to prevent the extractant from being lost due to exhaust flow. The nano-silver filter one-way valve 60 has an antibacterial layer composed of nano-silver particles and non-woven fabric, which can prevent gas backflow and effectively filter impurities and pathogens in the exhaust, avoiding the risk of cross-infection. The one-way valve design ensures the unidirectional flow of gas, preventing backflow of external gas and forming a complete gas path protection system.

[0112] Sample protection is optional. To prevent exhaled gas leakage and sample contamination, the sampling tube incorporates multiple protective measures in its structure. A leak-proof cap 70 connects to the medical-grade bottle body 80 via threads and works in conjunction with a medical-grade silicone sealing ring 72 to achieve a highly efficient seal. A disposable knob-locking cap 90 is installed at the air inlet of the blowing silicone hose 10 to seal the blowing path and prevent interference from the external environment. Furthermore, all key components of the sampling tube are designed for single use only, effectively avoiding the risk of cross-contamination.

[0113] Throughout the entire sampling process, gas enters the receiving chamber 30 in a unidirectional flow, reacts fully with the extractant 40, and is then discharged through the exhaust path, ensuring both high efficiency and safety in sample collection. The modular design of each component works in concert, not only ensuring unobstructed gas flow but also significantly improving the convenience of the sampling process and the reliability of sample protection. Furthermore, the overall design of the sampling tube fully considers the needs of clinical applications, guaranteeing both standardized operation and improved sample repeatability. Through this scientifically sound design, the above embodiment achieves high-quality collection and protection of exhaled gas samples.

[0114] The above embodiments provide a sampling tube for exhaled gas collection. Through unique structural design and innovative material selection, it successfully achieves high efficiency, safety and reliability in sample collection, demonstrating significant technical effects.

[0115] Regarding sampling efficiency, the above embodiment employs an optimized gas path design to ensure stable introduction and efficient diffusion of exhaled gas. Through the connection between the blowing silicone tubing 10 and the inlet needle 20, exhaled gas can quickly and unobstructedly enter the receiving cavity 30; the porous structure of the lower end 22 of the inlet needle further optimizes the gas distribution within the receiving cavity 30, ensuring sufficient contact between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the extractant 40. This synergistic design of gas guidance and diffusion significantly improves sample collection efficiency and detection accuracy.

[0116] Optionally, the above embodiments employ a multi-layered protection mechanism to ensure sample quality. The nano-silver filter one-way valve 60, as a crucial component of the exhaust end, prevents backflow of impurities in the exhaust gas, while its antibacterial layer effectively prevents the risk of cross-infection. The medical-grade bottle body 80 and the leak-proof cap 70 are connected by threads and fitted with a sealing ring 72, achieving a high degree of airtightness in the receiving cavity 30, thereby avoiding gas leakage and sample contamination. Furthermore, the connection point of the exhaust silicone tubing 50 is higher than the surface of the extractant 40; this innovative design effectively prevents accidental loss of the extractant and ensures the integrity of sample collection.

[0117] Optionally, regarding extraction efficiency, the above embodiments further enhance the capture efficiency of volatile organic compounds through an optimized extraction system. The selected extractant 40 may include an aqueous ethanol solution or a mixture of a polar solvent and a surfactant, and its composition design can significantly improve the affinity and adsorption capacity for volatile organic compounds. Combined with the reasonable volume design of the receiving cavity 30, sufficient contact between the gas and the extractant 40 is ensured, thereby improving sample quality and the reliability of detection results.

[0118] Optionally, regarding ease of use, the above embodiments incorporate a modular design concept. Components can be easily assembled or disassembled via threaded or snap-fit ​​connections. This design not only facilitates cleaning and replacement but also enhances the device's applicability. The outer wall of the medical-grade bottle 80 features an explosion-proof protective layer and anti-slip texture, optimizing the user experience in terms of both safety and ease of operation. Furthermore, the above embodiments are adaptable to a wide range of environmental conditions, operating stably within a temperature range of 15°C to 35°C, and possess excellent moisture-proof properties, further enhancing the product's environmental adaptability.

[0119] Optionally, regarding safety, the above embodiments fundamentally reduce the risk of pathogen transmission by employing disposable component design and high-pressure steam sterilization process. Simultaneously, the core components of the sampling tube are made of high-quality materials such as medical-grade stainless steel and silicone. These materials not only possess excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength but also maintain stable performance over a long period, ensuring the reliability and durability of the device.

[0120] In summary, the above embodiments, through a high degree of integration of structural design, material selection, and functional optimization, successfully solve key technical problems in existing technologies such as low sampling efficiency, high risk of sample contamination, and inconvenient operation, providing an innovative solution for efficient and safe collection of exhaled gas samples. This technical solution has significant practical application value and broad prospects for promotion in the field of biological sample collection.

[0121] It should be noted that in this patent application, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one" does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element. In this patent application, if it refers to performing an action according to an element, it means performing the action at least according to that element, including two cases: performing the action only according to that element, and performing the action according to that element and other elements. Expressions such as "multiple," "repeatedly," and "various" include two, two times, two kinds, and more than two, more than two times, and more than two kinds.

[0122] All documents mentioned in this application are considered to be incorporated in their entirety into the disclosure of this application so that they can serve as a basis for modifications if necessary. Furthermore, it should be understood that after reading the foregoing disclosure of this application, those skilled in the art can make various alterations or modifications to this application, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope of protection claimed in this application.

Claims

1. A sampling tube for collecting exhaled gases, characterized in that, include: A medical-grade bottle body, wherein the medical-grade bottle body has a receiving cavity; A leak-proof cap is detachably attached to the upper end of the medical-grade bottle body to seal the receiving cavity; An air inlet needle is inserted through the leak-proof bottle cap, with its lower end extending into the receiving cavity to guide exhaled air into the receiving cavity. The inflatable silicone tube has one end connected to the upper end of the air inlet needle and the other end serving as an air inlet to guide exhaled air into the air inlet needle. The exhaust silicone hose has one end connected to the receiving cavity and the other end serving as an exhaust port to guide the gas in the receiving cavity out. A nano-silver filter check valve is provided at the exhaust port of the exhaust silicone hose, and the check valve is provided with a nano-silver filter layer. An extractant, contained within the cavity, is used to extract volatile organic compounds from exhaled breath.

2. The sampling tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the medical-grade bottle is equipped with an explosion-proof protective layer and an anti-slip texture.

3. The sampling tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The leak-proof cap is detachably connected to the medical-grade bottle body via a threaded connection and is equipped with a medical-grade silicone sealing ring.

4. The sampling tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The air inlet needle is made of stainless steel with an outer diameter of 1.2-1.5 mm and has a porous structure at its lower end to enhance the diffusion effect of exhaled gas in the receiving cavity.

5. The sampling tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner surface of the inhalation silicone tubing is coated with an antibacterial coating to prevent pathogens in exhaled air from adhering to it.

6. The sampling tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a disposable knob self-locking cap, which is detachably installed at the air inlet end of the air blowing silicone hose. The disposable knob self-locking cap includes a locking thread and a medical silicone sealing ring for engaging with the thread of the air blowing silicone hose.

7. The sampling tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The venting silicone hose is connected to the receiving cavity via a detachable snap-fit ​​structure, and its connection point with the receiving cavity is higher than the liquid level of the extractant.

8. The sampling tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The nano-silver filter check valve includes a valve body and a filter element disposed within the valve body. The filter element is composed of non-woven fabric and nano-silver particles embedded in the non-woven fabric.

9. The sampling tube as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The extractant is an aqueous ethanol solution or a mixture of a polar solvent and a surfactant, used to improve the extraction efficiency of volatile organic compounds.

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