Sample collection tube with improved collection capacity

Abstract

The application relates to a sample collection tube capable of improving the collection amount, which comprises a tube body, a tube opening, an inner cavity, an inner tube wall and a sampling structure arranged in the tube body. The sampling structure is located below the liquid level of sample processing liquid contained in the inner cavity of the sample collection tube, and a main body area, an opening area and a connecting area are arranged on the sampling structure. The main body area effectively restrains the swab head in the sample processing liquid, effectively prevents the swab head from flying around and effectively guarantees the sample collection amount. Meanwhile, the opening area of the sampling structure is provided with a first breaking structure which is a V-shaped concave structure, and / or a U-shaped concave structure and / or a C-shaped concave structure, which can assist in breaking the sampling swab and simplify the sampling operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of medical testing technology, and in particular to a sample collection tube that can increase the collection volume. Background Technology

[0002] In hospital clinical testing and medical research trials, biological samples are typically collected via swabs. These samples are then transferred to a sample processing solution to ensure effective sample collection. Finally, the sample processing solution containing the collected biological sample is tested, or further pre-processed before testing to obtain the corresponding results.

[0003] It is evident that the effectiveness of sample collection directly impacts the accuracy of test results. Current sample collection methods typically involve using the sampling tip of a swab to collect a sample from the appropriate location, then placing the sample-laden tip into a sampling tube and breaking the swab so that the sample-laden tip falls into the preservation or lysis buffer within the tube. To facilitate breaking the swab, the rim of the collection tube is usually used as a fulcrum to break it, allowing the broken swab tip to fall into the tube. However, this method presents two risks: firstly, breaking the swab at the tube opening can cause the swab tip or liquid to splatter, posing a risk of biocontamination; secondly, the swab tip may sometimes float on the surface of the sample processing solution within the tube, affecting effective sample collection and thus the accuracy of the test results.

[0004] Subsequently, some improved methods involved collecting samples from the swabs via elution. Elution requires manual force to repeatedly squeeze the swab against the container wall or elution structure containing the sample processing solution to elute the sample into the solution. However, this operation is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and the elution effect is poor, affecting the effective collection of samples and the accuracy of the test results.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a biological sample collection scheme that is easy to operate and can effectively control the sample collection volume. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this application is to provide a sample collection tube that can increase the collection volume, and to solve the problems of inconvenience in collection, insufficient collection volume (or invalid collection) and the risk of biological contamination in the existing sample collection methods.

[0007] A sample collection tube for improving sample collection volume includes a tube body, a tube opening, an inner cavity, an inner tube wall, and a sampling structure disposed inside the tube body. The sampling structure is located below the liquid surface of the sample processing solution contained in the inner cavity of the sample collection tube. The sampling structure includes a main body region, an opening region, and a connecting region. The opening region is formed by the inward indentation of the sampling structure and is configured to allow a sampling swab to pass through from top to bottom. The opening region includes a first breaking structure configured to assist in breaking the sampling swab. The first breaking structure is a V-shaped concave structure, and / or a U-shaped concave structure, and / or a C-shaped concave structure. The connecting region is connected to the inner tube wall.

[0008] In this application, the sampling structure is confined below the surface of the sample processing solution contained in the sample collection tube, and includes a main body area. This main body area effectively restrains the swab head within the sample processing solution and prevents the swab head from flying away, thus ensuring sufficient sample collection volume. Simultaneously, the opening area of ​​the sampling structure is equipped with a first break structure to assist in breaking the sampling swab, simplifying the sampling operation.

[0009] Furthermore, the ratio of the distance from the sampling structure to the bottom of the inner cavity to the distance from the tube opening to the bottom of the inner cavity is 0.4-0.7. Typically, the inner diameter of the sample collection tube is approximately 1-2 cm. Insufficient sample processing solution makes effective sample collection difficult; during the sample processing process, the sample processing solution may overflow after the swab is inserted. Therefore, the sample processing solution contained in the sample collection tube should occupy approximately 40%-70% of the total volume of the sample collection tube. Therefore, to ensure that the sampling structure can confine the swab head broken off inside the sample collection tube within the sample processing solution, this application sets the ratio of the distance from the sampling structure to the bottom of the inner cavity to the distance from the tube opening to the bottom of the inner cavity to 0.4-0.7.

[0010] Furthermore, the sampling structure is horizontally positioned inside the tube body, or the sampling structure is inclinedly positioned inside the tube body. Preferably, the sampling structure is inclinedly positioned inside the tube body, and the opening area is closer to the tube opening than the connecting area. In actual use, the inventors found that when a sampling swab is inserted into the sample collection tube from the tube opening and attempts to pass through the opening area of ​​the sampling structure, the operator finds it easier to pass the sampling swab through the upwardly inclined sampling structure. This may be because, in actual operation, the operator usually holds the sampling swab at a small downward tilt angle. Thus, when the sampling structure is inclined and the opening area is closer to the tube opening than the connecting area, the sampling swab passes through the opening area more easily. Therefore, the operator finds it easier to pass the sampling swab through the upwardly inclined sampling structure (the opening area in the sampling structure).

[0011] Furthermore, the angle at which the sampling structure is tilted is 5°-30°, preferably 10°-15°. This tilt angle range is calculated by fully considering factors such as the inner diameter of the sample collection tube, the height of the sampling structure, and the tilt angle of the sampling swab during operation.

[0012] Furthermore, in the V-shaped concave structure, the included angle of the V-shape is 30°-60°. If the included angle is too small, the area of ​​the opening region is insufficient, increasing the difficulty for the sampling swab to pass through the opening region; if the included angle is too large, it cannot effectively break and constrain the swab head.

[0013] In the U-shaped concave structure, the distance between the two opposite sides of the U-shape is 1.1-1.6 times the diameter of the sampling swab; in the C-shaped concave structure, the radius of curvature of the C-shape is 0.55-0.8 times the diameter of the sampling swab. Optionally, in the U-shaped concave structure, the distance between the two opposite sides of the U-shape is 2.2mm-3.2mm; in the C-shaped concave structure, the radius of curvature of the C-shape is 1.1mm-1.6mm.

[0014] Furthermore, the main body area of ​​the sampling structure has a through-hole, configured to allow the sample processing liquid to pass through but not the sampling swab. To prevent the main body area of ​​the sampling structure from obstructing the flow of the sample processing liquid within the sample collection tube, ensuring sufficient contact and reaction between the broken swab head and the sample processing liquid, and effectively restraining the swab head, a through-hole is provided in the main body area of ​​the sampling structure to allow the sample processing liquid to pass through but not the sampling swab.

[0015] Furthermore, the opening is circular, elliptical, or polygonal. Preferably, the opening is circular or triangular. Considering that the first breaking structure of the sampling structure is configured to assist in breaking the sampling swab, and a certain strength of the sampling structure needs to be ensured, it is preferable that the opening in the main area of ​​the sampling structure is circular or triangular.

[0016] Furthermore, the sample collection tube also includes a second breaking structure, which is a protrusion extending from the inner tube wall into the inner cavity. The protrusion includes a connecting end and a free end, with the connecting end connected to the inner tube wall. The second breaking structure is located below the sampling structure and is configured to assist the first breaking structure in breaking the sampling swab. Specifically, the second breaking structure is configured to assist the first breaking structure in breaking the sampling swab through its free end.

[0017] Preferably, the depth of the indentation of the opening region from the main body region is 40%-60% of the inner diameter of the tube. The distance the protruding structure extends from the inner tube wall into the inner cavity is 20%-40% of the inner diameter of the tube. Since the first breaking structure is located in the middle region of the sample collection tube, the range of breakable angles of the sampling swab within the tube is relatively small (compared to the breaking structure being located at the tube opening). For sampling swabs made of some relatively flexible materials, the auxiliary breaking effect of the first breaking structure is not ideal. By setting a second breaking structure below the first breaking structure and cooperating with it, the sampling swab can be broken more effectively. The principle is: using the contact point between the second breaking structure and the sampling swab as the distal support point, compared to using the contact point between the inner tube wall and the sampling swab as the distal support point, it is closer to the intermediate support point used as the contact point between the first breaking structure and the sampling swab, increasing the range of breakable angles of the sampling swab within the sample collection tube and making it easier to break the sampling swab.

[0018] More preferably, the edge of the free end of the protrusion structure is provided with a serrated structure. The serrated structure is configured to loosen the cotton fibers of the swab head as the swab moves up and down within the tube.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are: The sample collection tube provided in this application, which improves sample collection volume, has a sampling structure located below the surface of the sample processing solution contained within the inner cavity of the tube. The sampling structure includes a main body area, an opening area, and a connecting area. The main body area effectively confines the swab head within the sample processing solution and prevents it from flying off, thus ensuring a high sample collection volume. Simultaneously, the opening area of ​​the sampling structure has a first break-off structure to assist in breaking the sampling swab, simplifying the sampling operation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] 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.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the sample collection tube that can increase the collection volume according to this application.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a top view of the first embodiment of the sample collection tube that can increase the collection volume according to this application.

[0023] Figure 3This is a top view of a second embodiment of the sample collection tube that can increase the collection volume according to this application.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a top view of the third embodiment of the sample collection tube that can increase the collection volume according to this application.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view of the fourth embodiment of the sample collection tube that can increase the collection volume according to this application.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the fifth embodiment of the sample collection tube that can increase the collection volume according to this application.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a top view of the fifth embodiment of the sample collection tube that can increase the collection volume according to this application.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the second fracture structure of this application.

[0029] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 1. Sample collection tube; 11. Tube body; 12. Tube opening; 13. Inner tube wall; 14. Inner cavity; 2. Sampling swab; 21. Swab head; 3. Sampling structure; 31. Main area; 32. Opening area; 33. Connecting area; 34. Opening; β, Angle of the sampling structure tilt; 4. First fracture structure; 41. Distance between the two opposite sides of the U-shape; α, Angle of the V-shape; 5. Second fracture structure; 51. Connecting end; 52. Free end; 53. Toothed structure; 6. Depth of the indentation; 7. Extension distance. Detailed Implementation

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the sample collection tube that can increase the collection volume according to this application. Figure 1 As shown, the sample collection tube 1 includes a tube body 11, a tube opening 12, an inner cavity 14, an inner tube wall 13, and a sampling structure 3 disposed inside the tube body 11. During use, the sample processing liquid submerges the sampling structure 3, meaning that the sampling structure 3 is located below the liquid level of the sample processing liquid contained in the inner cavity 14 of the sample collection tube 1.

[0036] In this embodiment, the sampling structure 3 is located in the middle of the inner cavity 14 of the sample collection tube 1, and the ratio of the distance from the sampling structure 3 to the bottom of the inner cavity 14 to the distance from the tube opening 12 to the bottom of the inner cavity 14 is 0.5.

[0037] Typically, the inner diameter of sample collection tube 1 is about 1-2 cm, and the sample processing solution contained in sample collection tube 1 occupies about 50% of the total volume of the sample collection tube. Therefore, in some optional embodiments, this ratio can also be any value between 0.4 and 0.7, which needs to be considered in conjunction with factors such as the actual inner diameter of sample collection tube 1 and the volume of sample processing solution contained in sample collection tube 1. Limiting the ratio of the distance from sampling structure 3 to the bottom of inner cavity 14 to the distance from tube opening 12 to the bottom of inner cavity 14 to 0.4-0.7 can effectively ensure that sampling structure 3 can constrain the swab head 21 broken off inside sample collection tube 1 within the sample processing solution.

[0038] Combination Figure 1-4 As shown, the sampling structure 3 includes a main body region 31, an opening region 32, and a connecting region 33. The opening region 32 is a virtual region formed by indentation from the main body region 31. The opening region 32 is configured to allow the sampling swab 2 to pass through from top to bottom, and the opening region 32 includes a first break structure 4; the connecting region 33 is connected to the inner tube wall 13.

[0039] In a first optional embodiment, the first fracture structure 4 is a V-shaped concave structure, such as... Figure 2 As shown in the figure, the included angle α of the V-shape is 40°. In some alternative embodiments, the included angle α of the V-shape can be any value between 30° and 60°, such as 30°, 35°, 45°, 50°, 55°, and 60°. If the included angle α of the V-shape is too small, the area of ​​the opening region is insufficient, increasing the difficulty for the sampling swab to pass through the opening region; if the included angle α of the V-shape is too large, it cannot effectively break off and constrain the swab head.

[0040] In the second optional embodiment, the first fracture structure 4 is a U-shaped concave structure, such as... Figure 3 As shown. The distance 41 between the two opposite sides of the U-shape is 1.2 times the diameter of the sampling swab. In some alternative embodiments, the distance 41 between the two opposite sides of the U-shape can be 1.1-1.6 times the diameter of the sampling swab. For example, if the diameter of the sampling swab is 2mm, the distance 41 between the two opposite sides of the U-shape is 2.2mm-3.2mm. Generally, the diameter of the sampling swab head 21 is 1.6-2.5 times the diameter of the sampling swab. Setting the distance 41 between the two opposite sides of the U-shape to 1.1-1.6 times the diameter of the sampling swab ensures that the broken sampling swab head 21 is always constrained below the sampling structure.

[0041] In a third optional embodiment, the first fracture structure 4 is a C-shaped concave structure, such as... Figure 4 As shown. The radius of curvature of the C-shape is 0.6 times the diameter of the sampling swab. In some alternative embodiments, the radius of curvature of the C-shape can be 0.55-0.8 times the diameter of the sampling swab. For example, if the diameter of the sampling swab is 2 mm, the radius of curvature of the C-shape is 1.1 mm-1.6 mm.

[0042] In this embodiment, a first breaking structure 4 is synchronously provided in the opening area of ​​the sampling structure 3, which can assist in breaking the sampling swab 2 and simplify the sampling operation. In a preferred embodiment, the first breaking structure 4 also includes a wedge-shaped structure. For example, the wedge-shaped structure can be provided on the inner edge of the V-shaped concave structure, or the inner edge of the U-shaped concave structure, or the inner edge of the C-shaped concave structure. This wedge-shaped structure can better assist in breaking the sampling swab 2.

[0043] In this embodiment, as Figure 1 As shown, the sampling structure 3 is horizontally positioned inside the tube 11. In another preferred embodiment, the sampling structure 3 can be inclinedly positioned inside the tube 11, such as... Figure 5As shown, the opening region 32 of the sampling structure 3 is located at a relatively high position, while the connecting region 33 of the sampling structure 3 is located at a relatively low position, so the opening region 32 is closer to the pipe opening 12 than the connecting region 33.

[0044] Since operators typically insert the sampling swab 2 into the sample collection tube 1 at a small angle during sampling, especially when attempting to pass the sampling swab 2 through the opening region 32 of the sampling structure 3, this method makes it easier for the operator to observe the opening region 32 and pass the sampling swab 2 through it. Therefore, when the sampling structure 3 is tilted and the opening region 32 is positioned closer to the tube opening 12 than the connecting region 33, the sampling swab 2 passes through the opening region more easily, making it easier for the operator to pass the sampling swab 32 through the upwardly tilted sampling structure 3.

[0045] Considering factors such as the inner diameter of the sample collection tube, the height of the sampling structure, and the tilt angle of the sampling swab during operation, in this embodiment, the tilt angle of the sampling structure is 15°. In some optional embodiments, this angle can be any value between 5° and 30°, preferably 10°-15°.

[0046] In an optional embodiment, in order to prevent the main body area of ​​the sampling structure from obstructing the flow of the sample processing liquid in the sample collection tube, to ensure that the broken swab head is in full contact with and reacts with the sample processing liquid, and to effectively constrain the swab head, a through-hole is provided in the main body area of ​​the sampling structure for the sample processing liquid to pass through, but not for the sampling swab to pass through.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, the main body region 31 of the sampling structure 3 has a through-hole 34, which is circular in shape and allows the sample processing liquid to pass through, but not the sampling swab 2. In some other optional embodiments, the through-hole 34 can be circular, elliptical, or polygonal. Considering that the first breaking structure 4 of the sampling structure 3 is configured to assist in breaking the sampling swab 2, and that the sampling structure 3 needs to have a certain strength, it is preferable that the through-hole 34 in the main body region 31 of the sampling structure 3 is circular or triangular.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the sample collection tube 1 further includes a second break structure 5, such as... Figure 6-8 As shown. The second breaking structure 5 is a protruding structure extending from the inner tube wall 13 into the inner cavity 14, located below the sampling structure 3 (specifically below the opening area 32 of the sampling structure 3); the second breaking structure 5 includes a connecting end 51 and a free end 52. The connecting end 51 is connected to the inner tube wall 13; the free end 52 contacts the sampling swab 2 and cooperates with the first breaking structure to assist in breaking the sampling swab 2.

[0049] To better coordinate the first breaking structure 4 and the second breaking structure 5, and to quickly and efficiently break the sampling swab, the depth 6 of the indentation 32 of the opening region 32 from the main body region 31 is 45% of the inner diameter of the tube body 11, and the distance 7 of the second breaking structure 5 extending from the inner tube wall 13 into the inner cavity is 30% of the inner diameter of the tube body 11. In some optional embodiments, the depth 6 of the indentation 32 of the opening region 32 from the main body region 31 can be 40%-60% of the inner diameter of the tube body 11, and the distance 7 of the second breaking structure 5 extending from the inner tube wall 13 into the inner cavity can be 20%-40% of the inner diameter of the tube body 11.

[0050] Because the first breaking structure 4 is located in the middle region of the sample collection tube 1, the range of breakable angles of the sampling swab 2 within the sample collection tube 1 is relatively small (compared to the breaking structure being located at the tube opening). For sampling swabs made of some relatively flexible materials, the auxiliary breaking effect of the first breaking structure 4 is not ideal. By setting a second breaking structure 5 below the first breaking structure 4 and cooperating with the first breaking structure 4, the sampling swab 2 can be broken more effectively. The principle is that using the contact point between the second breaking structure 5 and the sampling swab 2 as the distal support point, compared to the case where the contact point between the inner tube wall 13 and the sampling swab 2 is used as the distal support point, is closer to the intermediate support point used as the contact point between the first breaking structure 4 and the sampling swab 2, increasing the range of breakable angles of the sampling swab 2 within the sample collection tube 1, making it easier to break the sampling swab.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment, the edge of the free end 52 of the second break structure 5 is provided with a toothed structure 53. The toothed structure 53 is configured to loosen the cotton fibers of the swab head 21 during the up-and-down movement of the sampling swab 2 within the tube body 11. Normally, the cotton fibers on the swab head are relatively tight, and during the collection of biological samples, the biological samples may adhere firmly to the cotton fibers, making it difficult for the biological samples to dissolve or react and release into the sample processing solution. By providing a second break structure with a toothed structure, and with the operator moving the sampling swab 2 up and down 1-2 times during use, the cotton fibers of the swab head 21 can be loosened, resulting in better sample collection and ensuring controllable sample volume.

[0052] 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 sample collection tube for increasing sample volume, comprising a tube body, a tube opening, an inner cavity, an inner tube wall, and a sampling structure disposed inside the tube body, characterized in that: The sampling structure is located below the surface of the sample processing solution contained in the inner cavity of the sample collection tube. The sampling structure includes a main body region, an opening region, and a connecting region. The opening region is formed by the inward indentation of the sampling structure and is configured to allow the sampling swab to pass through from top to bottom. The opening region includes a first breaking structure, which is configured to assist in breaking the sampling swab. The first breaking structure is a V-shaped concave structure, a U-shaped concave structure, or a C-shaped concave structure. The connecting region is connected to the inner tube wall.

2. The sample collection tube for improving the collection volume as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The ratio of the distance from the sampling structure to the bottom of the inner cavity to the distance from the tube opening to the bottom of the inner cavity is 0.4-0.

7.

3. A sample collection tube for improving the collection volume as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sampling structure is horizontally placed inside the tube, or the sampling structure is inclined inside the tube, and the opening area is located closer to the tube opening than the connecting area.

4. A sample collection tube for improving sample volume as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The sampling structure is inclined inside the tube, and the opening area is closer to the tube opening than the connecting area. The angle at which the sampling structure is inclined is 5°-30°.

5. A sample collection tube for improving the collection volume as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the V-shaped concave structure, the included angle of the V-shape is 30°-60°; in the U-shaped concave structure, the distance between the two opposite sides of the U-shape is 1.1-1.6 times the diameter of the sampling swab; in the C-shaped concave structure, the radius of curvature of the C-shape is 0.55-0.8 times the diameter of the sampling swab.

6. A sample collection tube for improving sample volume as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, In the U-shaped concave structure, the distance between the two opposite sides of the U-shape is 2.2mm-3.2mm; in the C-shaped concave structure, the radius of curvature of the C-shape is 1.1mm-1.6mm.

7. A sample collection tube for improving sample volume as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The main area of ​​the sampling structure has a through-hole, which is configured to allow the sample processing liquid to pass through but not to allow the sampling swab to pass through; the through-hole is circular, and / or elliptical, and / or polygonal.

8. A sample collection tube for improving sample volume as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The sample collection tube further includes a second break structure, which is a protrusion extending from the inner tube wall into the inner cavity. The protrusion includes a connecting end and a free end, and the connecting end is connected to the inner tube wall. The second breaking structure is located below the sampling structure, and the second breaking structure is configured to cooperate with the first breaking structure to assist in breaking the sampling swab.

9. A sample collection tube for improving sample volume as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The second breaking structure is configured to assist in breaking the sampling swab by means of the free end in conjunction with the first breaking structure; and the depth of the indentation of the opening area from the main body area is 40%-60% of the inner diameter of the tube; the distance from the inner tube wall to the inner cavity of the protruding structure is 20%-40% of the inner diameter of the tube.

10. A sample collection tube for improving sample volume as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The edge of the free end of the protrusion is provided with a toothed structure, which is configured to loosen the cotton fibers of the swab head as the sampling swab moves up and down in the tube.

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