Device for the collection of pathogenic agents
A device with a dust-binding material in a housing automatically collects pathogenic agents, addressing contamination risks and enhancing test reliability in pathogen-free facilities.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-09
AI Technical Summary
In pathogen-free animal facilities, the challenge lies in efficiently collecting pathogenic agents without contamination risks during sample collection, ensuring reliable test results.
A device with a dust-binding material enclosed in a housing that absorbs pathogenic agents automatically, allowing for molecular or chemical analysis, reducing contamination risks and eliminating the need for swab sampling.
Enhances the reliability of pathogen detection by ensuring comprehensive sample collection and minimizing contamination, thereby improving test accuracy.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
[0001] In animals kept in specifically pathogen-free (SPF), specifically and opportunistically pathogen-free (SOPF), or quarantine facilities, as is the case with laboratory rodents and in animal research facilities, the animals' hygiene and health status must be regularly monitored. For this purpose, animal samples, bedding materials, swabs, or ventilation system filters are usually submitted for medical diagnostic testing for pathogenic agents such as bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Pathogenic agents can also be detected in dust samples. Collecting the sample material is a complex process. There is a risk that not all pathogens will be captured during sample collection, and there is a risk of contamination that could affect the test results.
[0002] The invention described in the claim is based on the problem of creating a device that automatically collects pathogenic agents by simply placing it in the animals' housing area, such as cages, and can then be used for medical diagnostics to detect pathogenic agents using established molecular biological (PCR / qPCR) or chemical methods, thereby reducing the risk of contamination.
[0003] This is achieved by the pathogenic agents being absorbed by a dust-binding material. The dust-binding material is enclosed in a housing with openings that allow for exposure. The housing serves as protection and reduces the risk of contamination. The dust-binding material can be removed from the housing. The dust-binding material, or the entire device, can be used for molecular biological or chemical analysis to detect pathogenic agents. The design of the device also allows for combination with an enrichment device for the animals. Obtaining samples via swabs or animal specimens becomes unnecessary. The self-absorption of the pathogenic agents increases the reliability of the test results. The device can be labeled to prevent mix-ups of the sample material.
[0004] An advantageous embodiment of the invention is described in claim 2 and in the exemplary embodiment of the invention in Fig. Figure 1 shows the openings (3) in the spherical housing (1) allowing the pathogenic agents to be absorbed by the dust-binding material (2). The design as a spherical housing (1) allows it to be used as an enrichment device for the animals. Reference symbol list 1 case 2 Dust-binding material 3 openings