Sputum sampling device

Abstract

This invention provides a sputum sampling device, belonging to the field of medical device technology. The sample tube has a sealing cap at the top. A first one-way exhaust valve and a first one-way intake valve are respectively installed at both ends of the negative pressure airbag. The two ends of the negative pressure tube are connected to the sample tube and the first one-way exhaust valve, respectively. The sputum collection tube includes a first tube segment and a second tube segment connected in sequence. One end of the first tube segment has a sputum collection tip, and one end of the second tube segment is connected to the inner cavity of the sample tube. The backflush assembly includes a three-way switching valve, a backflush airbag, and a backflush tube. The three-way switching valve is located at the end of the second tube segment near the first tube segment. A second one-way exhaust valve and a second one-way intake valve are respectively installed at both ends of the backflush airbag. The backflush tube is connected to the second one-way exhaust valve and the three-way switching valve. This device can collect sputum from patients and simultaneously backflush some of the sputum sample remaining in the sputum collection tube back into the sample tube, reducing sputum sample waste and ensuring the accuracy of the test results.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of sputum sampling devices, and more specifically, relates to a sputum sampling device. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of medical diagnostics, sputum testing plays a crucial role in diagnosing respiratory diseases. Doctors need to analyze patients' sputum to determine whether there are pathogen infections, inflammatory responses, or other abnormalities, thus providing a basis for precise treatment.

[0003] Traditional sputum collection methods often rely on patients coughing up sputum into a container. However, due to factors such as weakness or severe illness, some patients are unable to cough up a sufficient amount of qualified sputum, resulting in insufficient samples for testing. Therefore, sputum sampling devices are typically used. To ensure convenient collection and observation, the collection tube is usually designed to be long enough to be inserted directly into the patient's throat. While this brings some convenience to the collection process, it introduces new problems. After collection, a significant amount of sputum remains in the collection tube, with only a small portion successfully entering the accompanying test tube, resulting in a low final effective sputum volume. This not only wastes sputum samples but may also affect the accuracy of test results due to insufficient sample volume. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sputum sampling device, which aims to solve the problem that after sputum is collected from the patient's throat, a large amount of sputum sample remains in the sputum collection tube, resulting in waste of sputum sample and even affecting the accuracy of test results due to insufficient sample volume.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: to provide a sputum sampling device, comprising:

[0006] A sample tube, wherein the top of the sample tube is provided with a sealing cap;

[0007] A negative pressure airbag, wherein one end of the negative pressure airbag is provided with a first one-way exhaust valve and the other end of the negative pressure airbag is provided with a first one-way intake valve;

[0008] A negative pressure tube, one end of which passes through the sealing cap and extends to the upper part of the inner cavity of the sample tube, and the other end of which is connected to the first one-way exhaust valve;

[0009] The sputum collection tube includes a first tube segment and a second tube segment connected in sequence. The end of the first tube segment away from the second tube segment is provided with a sputum collection end. The end of the second tube segment away from the first tube segment passes through the sealing cap and extends to the lower part of the inner cavity of the sample tube.

[0010] The backflush assembly includes a three-way switching valve, a backflush airbag, and a backflush pipe. The three-way switching valve is located at one end of the second pipe section near the first pipe section. One end of the backflush airbag is provided with a second one-way exhaust valve, and the other end of the backflush airbag is provided with a second one-way intake valve. The backflush pipe is connected between the second one-way exhaust valve and the three-way switching valve.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the outer wall of the sample tube is provided with graduation lines from top to bottom.

[0012] In one possible implementation, a sealing layer is adhered to the inner wall of the sealing cap.

[0013] In one possible implementation, one end of the negative pressure tube is provided with a puncture tip, through which the negative pressure tube penetrates the sealing cap.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first pipe segment is a flexible shaped pipe.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the sputum collection tip is a hollow sphere, the interior of which has a collection chamber that is connected to the first tube segment, and the outer wall of the hollow sphere is uniformly provided with a plurality of suction holes, all of which are connected to the collection chamber.

[0016] In one possible implementation, a flared guide angle is provided circumferentially at one outer end of the suction hole.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the outer wall of the hollow sphere is provided with a plurality of grooves in the circumferential direction, and the plurality of suction holes are correspondingly disposed in the plurality of grooves.

[0018] The beneficial effects of the sputum sampling device provided by this utility model are as follows: Compared with the prior art, the three-way switching valve connects the first and second tube sections, while the backflush tube and the sputum collection tube are in a closed state. The first tube section is inserted into the patient's mouth, with the sputum collection end of the first tube section reaching the throat. The negative pressure cuff is pressed, allowing the gas in the cuff to be discharged through the first one-way exhaust valve. The negative pressure cuff is then released, gradually inflating and restoring its original position, creating a negative pressure inside the sample tube. Under this negative pressure, the sputum collection end draws sputum from the throat into the sample tube through the sputum collection tube. After sample collection is completed, the three-way switching valve connects the second tube section and the backflush tube, while the first and second tube sections are in a closed state. The backflush cuff is pressed, allowing the gas in the backflush cuff to be discharged into the backflush tube through the second one-way exhaust valve. The backflush tube then blows the remaining sputum in the second tube section into the sample tube. The sputum sampling device provided by this utility model can collect sputum from the patient's throat and can also blow some of the sputum sample remaining in the suction tube back into the sample test tube, reducing the waste of sputum sample and ensuring the accuracy of test results. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the sputum sampling device provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial sectional view along the center AA.

[0022] In the diagram: 1. Sample tube; 2. Sealing cap; 3. Negative pressure cuff; 4. First one-way exhaust valve; 5. First one-way intake valve; 6. Negative pressure tube; 7. Sputum collection tube; 8. First tube segment; 9. Second tube segment; 10. Sputum collection tip; 11. Three-way switching valve; 12. Backflush cuff; 13. Second one-way exhaust valve; 14. Second one-way intake valve; 15. Backflush tube; 16. Puncture tip; 17. Suction hole. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the technical problem to be solved, the technical solution, and the beneficial effects of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0024] Unless otherwise explicitly specified, the use of terms such as "first," "second," or "third" is intended to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order.

[0025] Unless otherwise expressly defined, the use of directional terms such as “center,” “lateral,” “longitudinal,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “top,” “bottom,” “inner,” “outer,” “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “left,” “right,” “clockwise,” “counterclockwise,” “high,” and “low” to indicate orientation or positional relationships is based on the orientation and positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and is only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description. It is not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of the present invention.

[0026] Please see Figure 1 The sputum sampling device provided by this utility model will now be described. The sputum sampling device includes a sample tube 1, a negative pressure airbag 3, a negative pressure tube 6, a sputum collection tube 7, and a backflush assembly.

[0027] The sample tube 1 is equipped with a sealing cap 2 at the top. A first one-way exhaust valve 4 is located at one end of the negative pressure airbag 3, and a first one-way intake valve 5 is located at the other end. One end of the negative pressure tube 6 passes through the sealing cap 2 and extends to the upper part of the inner cavity of the sample tube 1. The other end of the negative pressure tube 6 is connected to the first one-way exhaust valve 4. The sputum collection tube 7 includes a first tube segment 8 and a second tube segment 9 connected in sequence. A sputum collection tip 10 is located at the end of the first tube segment 8 furthest from the second tube segment 9. The second tube segment 9… The end away from the first pipe section 8 passes through the sealing cap 2 and extends to the lower part of the inner cavity of the sample tube 1. The backflush assembly includes a three-way switching valve 11, a backflush airbag 12, and a backflush pipe 15. The three-way switching valve 11 is located at the end of the second pipe section 9 near the first pipe section 8. A second one-way exhaust valve 13 is provided at one end of the backflush airbag 12, and a second one-way intake valve 14 is provided at the other end of the backflush airbag 12. The backflush pipe 15 is connected between the second one-way exhaust valve 13 and the three-way switching valve 11.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the sputum sampling device provided by this utility model connects the first tube section 8 and the second tube section 9 through the three-way switching valve 11, while the backflush tube 15 and the sputum collection tube 7 are in a closed state. The first tube section 8 is inserted into the patient's mouth, and the sputum collection end 10 of the first tube section 8 reaches the throat position. The negative pressure air bag 3 is pressed so that the gas in the negative pressure air bag 3 is discharged through the first one-way exhaust valve 4. The negative pressure air bag 3 is released, and the negative pressure air bag 3 gradually expands and recovers, forming a negative pressure in the inner cavity of the sample tube 1. Under the action of negative pressure, the sputum collection end 10 draws the sputum from the throat position into the sample tube 1 through the sputum collection tube 7. After sample collection is completed, the three-way switching valve 11 connects the second tube section 9 and the backflush tube 15, while the first tube section 8 and the second tube section 9 are in a closed state. Pressing the backflush airbag 12 allows the gas in the backflush airbag 12 to be discharged into the backflush tube 15 through the second one-way exhaust valve 13. The backflush tube 15 then blows the sputum remaining in the second tube section 9 into the sample tube 1. The sputum sampling device provided by this utility model can collect sputum from the patient's throat and backflush some of the sputum sample remaining in the sputum collection tube 7 into the sample tube 1, reducing the waste of sputum sample and ensuring the accuracy of the test results.

[0029] Specifically, the outer wall of sample tube 1 has graduated lines running from top to bottom. These lines are evenly spaced, starting from the bottom of sample tube 1 and extending to near the middle. The numerical markings on the lines are in a prominent font for easy reading. Medical staff can use these graduated lines to accurately determine the volume of the collected sputum sample, ensuring that the sample volume meets the standard requirements for various tests.

[0030] Specifically, the inner wall of the sealing cap 2 is bonded with a sealing layer. The sealing layer is usually made of medical-grade rubber or silicone. When the sealing cap 2 is tightened, it can fit tightly against the opening of the sample tube 1, effectively filling any possible tiny gaps, and also effectively sealing the sputum collection tube 7 and the negative pressure tube 6 inserted into the sample tube 1.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 One end of the negative pressure tube 6 is equipped with a puncture tip 16, which allows the negative pressure tube 6 to penetrate the sealing cap 2. The operator simply holds the negative pressure tube 6, aligns the puncture tip 16 with the predetermined position on the sealing cap 2, and applies slight force; the puncture tip 16 will then easily penetrate the sealing cap 2, quickly establishing a channel with the inside of the sample tube 1. This design greatly simplifies the operation process and avoids the sample contamination and volatilization risks that may arise from traditional opening methods.

[0032] Specifically, the first segment 8 is a flexible shaping tube. Made of a polymer material, the flexible shaping tube combines flexibility and shaping ability. This material contains an internal fiber network, allowing the segment to easily bend and deform under certain external forces to adapt to different sampling angles and spatial requirements. When medical staff use the flexible shaping tube for sputum collection, the tube can be bent and easily inserted into the patient's throat, facilitating the operation.

[0033] Please see Figure 2 The sputum collection tip 10 is a hollow sphere with a collection chamber inside, which connects to the first tube segment 8. Multiple suction holes 17 are evenly distributed around the outer wall of the hollow sphere, all of which connect to the collection chamber. The outer diameter of the hollow sphere is 8mm, smaller than the inner diameter at the pharynx, to avoid obstructing the patient's throat and causing breathing difficulties. The rounded and smooth shape of the hollow sphere greatly reduces irritation and damage to mucosal tissues compared to traditional sharp or irregular sampling tips when contacting sensitive areas such as the patient's mouth and throat, effectively improving patient comfort. It is especially suitable for the elderly, children, and people with sensitive throats who have poor tolerance.

[0034] Sputum enters the collection chamber through suction holes 17 evenly distributed on the outer wall. Regardless of the angle or position of the sputum collection tip 10, there is a high probability that sputum will be aspirated, which greatly improves the comprehensiveness and randomness of sputum collection and effectively avoids the situation of missing sputum samples due to poor sampling angle.

[0035] Preferably, the outer end of the suction port 17 is provided with a circumferentially widened guide angle. The widened guide angle is usually funnel-shaped and gradually widens outward. From the perspective of the convenience of sputum collection, the widened guide angle can guide the sputum. Compared with the ordinary suction port 17 without the widened guide angle, it greatly increases the probability of sputum aspiration, making it easier and smoother for sputum to enter the collecting chamber. This guiding effect is more significant, especially for patients with weak cough or thin and scattered sputum.

[0036] Preferably, the outer wall of the hollow sphere is provided with multiple grooves circumferentially, and multiple suction holes 17 are correspondingly arranged in the multiple grooves. The presence of grooves provides a drainage channel for sputum. The grooves have a certain depth and guiding effect, allowing sputum to converge orderly towards the suction holes 17, greatly improving the efficiency of sputum suction. Especially when the sputum has high viscosity, the grooves can effectively reduce the resistance to sputum flow, prevent sputum from accumulating on the surface of the sphere, and ensure that the sputum smoothly reaches the suction holes 17 and then enters the collection chamber. In addition, the grooves can protect the suction holes 17. In actual operation, the sputum collection tip 10 will inevitably come into contact with the patient's oral cavity, pharyngeal mucosa, and other tissues. If the suction holes 17 are directly exposed, they are easily bumped, blocked, or even damaged.

[0037] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A sputum sampling device, characterized in that, include: Sample tube (1), the top of which is provided with a sealing cap (2); A negative pressure airbag (3) is provided with a first one-way exhaust valve (4) at one end and a first one-way intake valve (5) at the other end. A negative pressure tube (6) is provided, one end of which passes through the sealing cap (2) and extends to the upper part of the inner cavity of the sample tube (1), and the other end of the negative pressure tube (6) is connected to the first one-way exhaust valve (4). The sputum collection tube (7) includes a first tube segment (8) and a second tube segment (9) connected in sequence. The end of the first tube segment (8) away from the second tube segment (9) is provided with a sputum collection end (10). The end of the second tube segment (9) away from the first tube segment (8) passes through the sealing cap (2) and extends to the lower part of the inner cavity of the sample tube (1). The backflush assembly includes a three-way switching valve (11), a backflush airbag (12), and a backflush pipe (15). The three-way switching valve (11) is located at one end of the second pipe section (9) near the first pipe section (8). One end of the backflush airbag (12) is provided with a second one-way exhaust valve (13), and the other end of the backflush airbag (12) is provided with a second one-way intake valve (14). The backflush pipe (15) is connected between the second one-way exhaust valve (13) and the three-way switching valve (11).

2. The sputum sampling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the sample tube (1) is marked with graduation lines from top to bottom.

3. The sputum sampling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the sealing cap (2) is bonded with a sealing layer.

4. The sputum sampling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the negative pressure tube (6) is provided with a puncture tip (16), and the negative pressure tube (6) penetrates the sealing cap (2) by means of the puncture tip (16).

5. The sputum sampling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first pipe section (8) is a flexible shaped pipe.

6. The sputum sampling device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sputum collection end (10) is a hollow sphere. The hollow sphere has a collection chamber inside, which is connected to the first tube section (8). The outer wall of the hollow sphere is evenly provided with a plurality of suction holes (17), and the plurality of suction holes (17) are all connected to the collection chamber.

7. The sputum sampling device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The suction hole (17) has a circumferentially flared guide angle at one end of its outer side.

8. The sputum sampling device as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The hollow sphere has multiple grooves circumferentially arranged on its outer wall, and multiple suction holes (17) are correspondingly arranged in the multiple grooves.

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