Fluid sample collection container with removable tube holder

Abstract

A container assembly including a collection container and a container lid connectable to the collection container. A sampling tube holder is provided having an elongated receptacle formed therein, the elongated receptacle configured to receive a sampling tube. The sampling tube holder is removably connectable to a central portion of a container lid such that at least a portion of the elongated receptacle extends into a chamber of the collection container when the container lid is connected to the collection container and the sampling tube holder is connected to the container lid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 047,077, filed July 1, 2020, entitled "Fluid Sample Collection Container with Removable Tube Holder", the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] Field of the Invention The present disclosure generally relates to a container assembly for collecting fluid samples. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a container assembly including a removable sample collection tube holder.

[0003] Description of Related Art To perform clinical tests on body fluid samples such as urine, it is necessary to provide a container for collecting the body fluid sample. These collection containers typically include cup - shaped containers with removable lids. When a fluid sample is collected in the container, the lid is reapplied. The collection container can then be transported to a laboratory or other testing facility, where a sample of the collected sample is extracted for testing purposes.

[0004] To simplify the sample extraction process, conventional collection containers use a lid that not only covers and seals the collection container but also provides access to an extraction device that allows for the extraction of fluid samples. Such a lid may include a receptacle or cavity that supports a tube, which extends within the cavity to the lower end of a cup-shaped container that is in fluid communication with the sample contained within the container. The tube or lid may include an integrated, elongated receptacle that houses a cannula and needle, and as a result, a vacuum-evacuated collection device (e.g., a sampling tube) can be attached thereto to draw in a portion of the collected sample without removing the lid. In such a configuration, the sample can be extracted without spilling or contaminating the sample and / or cavity area. The sample can then be extracted from the collection container using multiple sampling tubes.

[0005] However, in conventional collection containers, the needle is provided as part of a finger-grip luer adapter (FGLA) that is non-removably integrated into the container lid within the elongated receiving section. Therefore, when a user completes all sample collection(s) and wishes to dispose of the container assembly, the entire removable lid must be disposed of in a suitable sharps container or sharps biohazard container. Due to their large capacity, removable lids frequently require services from a qualified waste disposal company to quickly fill the sharps container and safely dispose of the sharps and / or biohazard waste. Because such disposal services are far more expensive than conventional waste disposal services, healthcare providers generally try to minimize the accumulation of sharps and / or biohazard waste.

[0006] Furthermore, because the FGLA is integrated into the lid, patients and / or healthcare workers may be at a greater risk of needlestick injury during sample collection, transport, and / or disposal. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] In light of the above, there is a need for fluid sample collection containers that reduce the amount of sharp waste and protect users and / or healthcare workers from potential needle-stick injuries. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a container assembly for collecting a fluid sample includes a collection container defining a chamber for receiving a fluid sample, and a container lid that can be coupled to the open end of the collection container and at least partially closes the open end. The container assembly also includes a container lid that can be coupled to the open end of the collection container and at least partially closes the open end, and a sample collection tube holder having an elongated receiving portion formed inside, the elongated receiving portion configured to receive a sample collection tube, and the sample collection tube holder is detachably coupled to the central portion of the container lid, so that at least a portion of the elongated receiving portion extends into the chamber of the collection container when the container lid is coupled to the collection container and the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container lid.

[0009] In certain configurations, the central portion of the container lid includes an opening sized and configured to receive the elongated receiving portion of the sample collection tube holder. The container lid may also include at least one retaining member configured to secure the sample collection tube holder to the container lid. The sample collection tube holder may include at least one flange positioned around the receiving cavity of the elongated receiving portion.

[0010] If necessary, at least one flange may be configured to engage with at least one retaining member. The at least one retaining member may include a slot, and at least one flange may be configured to engage with the slot when the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container lid. The sample collection tube holder may also include a pair of opposing, upward-extending wings positioned around the receiving cavity of the elongated receiving portion.

[0011] The sample collection tube holder can be attached to the container lid by a quarter turn in a first direction and detached from the container lid by a quarter turn in a second direction. If necessary, the sample collection tube holder may be attached to the container lid by a perforated seam. The sample collection tube holder may further include a pull tab. In certain configurations, the force pulling the pull tab upward tears the perforated seam, separating the sample collection tube holder from the container lid.

[0012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a container lid assembly for use with a container assembly for collecting a fluid sample includes a container lid configured to be coupled to the open end of a collection container and a sample collection tube holder having an elongated receiving portion formed inside. The elongated receiving portion is configured to receive a sample collection tube, and the sample collection tube holder is detachably coupled to the central portion of the container lid.

[0013] In one configuration, the container lid further includes at least one retaining member configured to secure the sample collection tube holder to the container lid. The sample collection tube holder may include at least one flange positioned around the receiving cavity of an elongated receiving portion. The flange may be configured to engage with a slot formed in the at least one retaining member when the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container lid.

[0014] In another configuration, the sample collection tube holder includes a pair of opposing, upward-extending wings positioned around the receiving cavity of the elongated receiving portion. The sample collection tube holder may also be attached to the container lid by a perforated seam. If necessary, the sample collection tube holder may further include a pull tab, and the force exerted by pulling the pull tab upward may tear the perforated seam, separating the sample collection tube holder from the container lid.

[0015] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for forming a container assembly for collecting a fluid sample includes providing a collection container defining a chamber for receiving a fluid sample, providing a container lid that can be coupled to the collection container, and separating a sample collection tube holder from the container lid. The sample collection tube holder may include an elongated receiving portion formed therein, which is configured to receive a sample collection tube. The method may also include coupling the sample collection tube holder to the central portion of the container lid, so that at least a portion of the elongated receiving portion extends into the chamber of the collection container when the container lid is coupled to the collection container and the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container lid.

[0016] This method may also include separating the sample collection tube holder from the container lid when the sample collection process is complete, and disposing of the sample collection tube holder separately from the container lid and collection container.

[0017] Further details and benefits of this disclosure will be understood by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0018] [Figure 1] This is a side view of a fluid sample collection container assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the fluid sample collection container assembly. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of the container lid assembly of the fluid sample collection container assembly. [Figure 4] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fluid sample collection container assembly. [Figure 5] This is a top perspective view of a container lid for use with a fluid sample collection container assembly, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] This is a top perspective view of a fluid sample collection container assembly in a first usage configuration, according to another aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B]It is a top perspective view of the fluid sample collection container assembly of FIG. 6A in the second usage configuration. [Figure 7] It is a bottom perspective view of a container lid assembly for use with a fluid sample collection container assembly, according to another aspect of the present disclosure.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0019] Hereinafter, the embodiments described to enable the implementation of the present invention will be described so that those skilled in the art can make and use them. However, various changes, equivalents, modifications, and alternatives will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such changes, modifications, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

[0020] For the purposes of the following description, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "upper part", "lower part", "lateral", "longitudinal", and their derivatives are related to the present invention as oriented in the drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention can assume various alternative modifications, except where specifically stated to the contrary. Also, it should be understood that the specific devices shown in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered limiting.

[0021] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a fluid sample collection container assembly 20 according to one aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The fluid sample collection container assembly 20 includes a collection container 22 and a container lid 24. Using the exemplary collection container assembly 20 according to the present disclosure, a fluid sample (e.g., urine) can be safely collected, transported, and a sample of the fluid sample can be withdrawn.

[0022] In one embodiment, the collection container 22 and the container lid 24 may be formed from any conventional material, such as polymer resin. Polymer resins are well known in the art and include, for example, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polystyrene, and similar polymer resin materials. However, it should be understood that the collection container 22 and / or the container lid 24 may be formed from other suitable materials, and may be formed from different materials.

[0023] The collection container 22 generally includes a side wall 30 extending between a first open end (not shown) and a second closed end 34. The side wall 30 defines an internal chamber for receiving a fluid sample, such as urine. In one embodiment, the side wall 30 of the collection container 22 includes a slightly tapered tubular container with a continuously tapering side wall 30. In one embodiment, the collection chamber of the container 22 is suitable for holding biologically hazardous substances. In one embodiment, the side wall 30 of the collection container 22 includes at least one fill level indicator that can confirm the fluid level of the collected fluid sample.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the container lid 24 generally includes a flange 28 extending around its outer edge, the flange 28 being sized to tread-fit onto the collection container 22 when the container lid 24 is placed over the first open end of the collection container 22. As shown in Figure 4, the flange 28 includes an inner surface, the inner surface including means or mechanisms for sealing-engaging the container lid 24 to the corresponding connection interface 27 of the collection container 22. In one embodiment, the flange 28 includes a female threaded portion, thereby allowing the container lid 24 to screw onto the corresponding male threaded portion of the connection interface 27 of the collection container 22. In another embodiment, the sealing portion of the container lid 24 includes a snap-fit ​​mechanism, a ball retainer, a tread-fit mechanism, a locking tab, a spring-loaded locking mechanism, a latch, or other similar mechanism to seal-engage the container lid 24 to the collection container 22, thereby substantially preventing leakage of the fluid sample contained in the collection container 22 and the container lid 24, while simultaneously preventing the ingress of contaminants. In another embodiment, the engagement between the container lid 24 and the collection container 22 may be configured to allow air to pass in and out of the fluid sample collection container assembly 20 while substantially preventing fluid from flowing out. In this way, the formation of a vacuum within the fluid sample collection container assembly 20 can be substantially avoided.

[0025] In one embodiment, the container lid 24 includes a central portion 62. A pair of retaining members 64 extend upward from the central portion 62. As shown in Figure 3, each retaining member 64 includes a slot 65. Additionally, in one embodiment, a raised portion 66 may extend circumferentially around an opening (not shown) formed in the central portion 62 of the container lid 24. In one embodiment, the retaining members 64 and the raised portion 66 are formed integrally with the central portion 62 of the container lid 24. In another embodiment, at least one of the retaining members 64 and the raised portion 66 may be formed separately from the central portion 62 and attached to the central portion 62 by any suitable method. Furthermore, although two retaining members 64 are shown in Figures 2 to 4, it should be understood that more or fewer retaining members 64 may be available depending on other embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0026] Continuing to refer to Figures 1 to 4, the fluid sample collection container assembly 20 further includes a sample collection tube holder 50, which is removably coupled to the container lid 24. The sample collection tube holder 50 includes an elongated receiving portion 52, which is configured to extend into the collection container 22 toward the second closed end 34 of the collection container 22 when the container lid 24 is coupled to the collection container 22 and the sample collection tube holder 50 is coupled to the container lid 24.

[0027] The sample collection tube holder 50 includes a defined receiving cavity 58, and a pair of tube holder flanges 54 are positioned radially outward from the open end of the receiving cavity 58. The opposite lower end portion 56 is defined below the elongated receiving portion 52. In one embodiment, the receiving cavity 58 is sized and molded to receive a sample collection tube, such as a vacuum tube (not shown). As shown in Figure 4, in one embodiment, the lower end portion 56 is formed on the lower part of the sample collection tube holder 50 and constitutes a cannula coupled to (or integrated with) the connection interface 53. In one embodiment, the lower end portion 56 is screwed into the connection interface 53. The lower end portion 56 includes a needle 46 extending into the elongated receiving portion 52, where the needle 46 is configured to puncture the stopper of the sample collection tube when the sample collection tube is inserted into the receiving cavity 58. In this way, the fluid sample in the collection container 22 is transferred to the sampling tube via the through-hole 44 and needle 46 formed in the lower end portion 56, and therefore the sample can be collected without removing the container lid 24.

[0028] Before using the fluid sample collection container assembly 20, the sample collection tube holder 50 is secured to the container lid 24. As shown in Figure 3, the tube holder flange 54 is sized and positioned to engage at least partially with the slot 65 of the retaining member 64. Thus, a predetermined amount of rotation of the sample collection tube holder 50 (e.g., a quarter turn clockwise) ensures that the sample collection tube holder 50 is securely coupled to the container lid 24 via the interface between the tube holder flange 54 and the retaining member 64.

[0029] Conversely, the sample collection tube holder 50 can be manually removed from the container lid 24 by rotating the tube holder flange 54 in the opposite direction. For example, a user can rotate the sample collection tube holder 50 counterclockwise, thereby releasing the tube holder flange 54 from engagement with the slot 65 of the retaining member 64. The sample collection tube holder 50 can then be separated from the container lid 24. The tube holder flange 54 is sized to extend at least partially beyond the raised portion 66 of the container lid 24, thereby providing the user with at least one surface for lifting and separating the sample collection tube holder 50 from the container lid 24.

[0030] While this specification discloses connection / disconnection by a quarter turn, it should be understood that other types of connection interfaces between the sample collection tube holder 50 and the container lid 24 are also possible, such as bayonet connections and snap-fit ​​connections.

[0031] After using the fluid sample collection container assembly 20, the user (e.g., a healthcare professional) can separate the sample collection tube holder 50 from the container lid 24 and dispose of only the sample collection tube holder 50 in a sharps or sharps biohazard container, while disposing of the container lid 24 and the rest of the collection container 22 in a general waste container. This significantly reduces the amount of waste disposed of in a sharps or sharps biohazard container. Furthermore, when disposing of the various components of the fluid sample collection container assembly 20, the user does not need to touch any part of the sample collection tube holder 50, container lid 24, and / or collection container 22 that has come into contact with the fluid sample (e.g., urine).

[0032] In one embodiment, the sample collection tube holder 50 is a conventional sample collection tube holder, such as the BD Vacutainer® disposable holder. Therefore, many healthcare professionals will be familiar with handling the sample collection tube holder 50 and will understand that it needs to be disposed of in a suitable sharps container after use. Furthermore, the use of a conventional sample collection tube holder allows for a reduction in the overall size and material required to form the container lid 24, thereby reducing the tooling and manufacturing costs of the equipment. In addition, since conventional sample collection tube holders are mass-produced for a variety of other applications, they can be manufactured more efficiently and cost-effectively compared to container lids with integrated tube holders.

[0033] Next, referring to Figure 5, a fluid collection container assembly 70 according to another aspect of the present disclosure is shown. The components of the fluid collection container assembly 70 are equivalent to those of the fluid collection container assembly 20 and use common reference numerals, so they are not repeated here.

[0034] The fluid sample collection container assembly 70 includes a sample collection tube holder 80, which is removably coupled to the container lid 24. The sample collection tube holder 80 includes an elongated receiving portion 82, which is configured to extend into the collection container 22 when the container lid 24 is coupled to the collection container 22 and the sample collection tube holder 80 is coupled to the container lid 24.

[0035] The sample collection tube holder 80 includes a defined receiving cavity 88, and the tube holder flange 85 is positioned radially outward from the open end of the receiving cavity 88. In one embodiment, the receiving cavity 88 is sized and molded to receive a sample collection tube, for example, a vacuum tube (not shown). Although not shown, a needle is positioned in an elongated receiving portion 82, where the needle is configured to puncture the stopper of the sample collection tube when the sample collection tube is inserted into the receiving cavity 88. In this way, the fluid sample in the collection container 22 can be transferred to the sample collection tube without removing the container lid 24.

[0036] Before using the fluid sample collection container assembly 70, the sample collection tube holder 80 is secured to the container lid 24. As shown in Figure 5, the tube holder flange 85 is sized and positioned to engage at least partially with the slots in the retaining member 64. Thus, by a predetermined amount of rotation of the sample collection tube holder 80 (e.g., a quarter turn clockwise), the sample collection tube holder 80 can be securely coupled to the container lid 24 via the interface between the tube holder flange 85 and the retaining member 64.

[0037] The sample collection tube holder 80 further includes a pair of wings 86 that extend symmetrically upward, providing an ergonomic interface that allows the user to rotate the sample collection tube holder 80 to connect / detach it from the container lid 24. Each wing 86 is coupled to the rim 84 of the sample collection tube holder 80, and each wing 86 further includes a reinforcing element 87, which reinforces the wing 86 and maintains the wing 86 in an upward-extending arrangement when a rotational force is applied.

[0038] In addition to being fixed to the container lid 24, the sample collection tube holder 80 can also be manually removed from the container lid 24 by rotating the tube holder flange 85 in the opposite direction using the wings 86. For example, a user can rotate the sample collection tube holder 80 counterclockwise, thereby releasing the tube holder flange 85 from engagement with the slot of the retaining member 64. The sample collection tube holder 80 can then be separated from the container lid 24. The user can also use the wings 86 to lift the sample collection tube holder 80 away from the container lid 24.

[0039] While a quarter-turn connection / separation is disclosed herein, it should be understood that other types of connection interfaces (e.g., bayonet connection, snap-fit ​​connection) between the sample collection tube holder 80 and the container lid are also possible.

[0040] Next, referring to Figures 6A and 6B, a fluid sample collection container assembly 90 according to another aspect of the present disclosure is shown.

[0041] The fluid sample collection container assembly 90 includes a collection container 92 and a container lid 94 that is detachably coupled thereto. An exemplary collection container assembly 90 according to this disclosure can be used to safely collect a fluid sample (e.g., urine), transport the fluid sample, and extract a sample of the fluid sample.

[0042] In contrast to the fluid sample collection container assemblies 20 and 70 described above with respect to Figures 1 to 5, which each incorporate separate sample collection tube holders 50 and 80, the container lid 94 of the fluid sample collection container assembly 90 initially includes an integrated sample collection tube holder 100. The sample collection tube holder 100 includes a receiving cavity that is sized and molded to receive a sample collection tube, such as a vacuum tube (not shown). Although not shown, a needle is positioned within the sample collection tube holder 100, where the needle is configured to puncture the stopper of the sample collection tube when the sample collection tube is inserted into the receiving cavity. In this way, the fluid sample in the collection container 92 can be transferred to the sample collection tube without the need to remove the container lid 94.

[0043] The sample collection tube holder 100 is connected to the central portion 96 of the container lid 94 by a perforated seam 104, which extends circumferentially around the receiving cavity of the sample collection tube holder 100. In addition, a pull tab 102 is connected to the sample collection tube holder 100 and extends over the central portion 96 of the container lid 94. As shown in Figure 6B, after the user has completed all sample collection via the sample collection tube holder 100, the user (e.g., a healthcare worker) can pull the pull tab 102 upward, which will tear or otherwise break the perforated seam 104 and separate the sample collection tube holder 100 from the container lid 94. Once completely separated, the sample collection tube holder 100 can be disposed of in a suitable sharp object or sharp object biohazard container, while the remainder of the container lid 94 and the collection container 92 can be disposed of in a general waste container.

[0044] Referring here to Figure 7, a container lid assembly 110 according to another aspect of the present disclosure is shown. While the fluid sample collection container assemblies described with respect to Figures 1 to 6B each include a sample collection tube holder detachable from their respective container lids, the container lid assembly 110 includes an integrated sample collection tube holder. Specifically, the container lid assembly 110 includes a container lid 112 having a central portion 114. A receiving cavity 116 is integrally formed with the container lid 112 and extends downward from the central portion 114. The receiving cavity 116 is formed within an elongated receiving portion 118, and both the elongated receiving portion 118 and the receiving cavity 116 are sized and molded to receive a sample collection tube, such as a vacuum tube (not shown). Although not shown, a needle is positioned within the elongated receiving portion 118, where the needle is configured to puncture a stopper of the sample collection tube when the sample collection tube is inserted into the receiving cavity 116. In this way, the fluid sample can be transferred to the sampling tube without having to remove the container lid 112.

[0045] The distal end of the elongated receiving portion 118 has a coupling interface 120, which is configured to couple to a finger grip luer adapter (FGLA) 122. One end of the FGLA 122 includes an opening configured to allow a fluid sample to be drawn in therefrom, and the other end of the FGLA 122 includes the aforementioned needle. The FGLA 122 can be coupled to the coupling interface 120 via any suitable type of connection, such as a screw, press-fit connection, etc.

[0046] After the user has completed all sample collection using the container lid assembly 110, the entire container lid assembly 110 can be removed from the collection container (not shown). The user (e.g., a healthcare professional) can then separate the FGLA 122 from the elongated receiving portion 118, for example, by rotating or pulling the FGLA 122. With the FGLA 122 separated from the rest of the container lid 112, the FGLA 122 (with the needle attached) can be disposed of in a suitable sharps container, and the remaining container lid 112 (and collection container) can be disposed of in a general waste container. Thus, the amount of waste that needs to be disposed of in a sharps container is significantly reduced.

[0047] While several embodiments of the fluid sample collection container assembly are shown in the accompanying figures and described in detail above, other embodiments will be apparent and readily compelling to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, it should be understood that this disclosure intends, to the extent possible, that one or more features of any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of another or any embodiment. Accordingly, the foregoing description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. A container assembly for collecting fluid samples, A collection container defining a chamber for receiving the fluid sample, A container lid having at least one retaining member, which can be coupled to the open end of the collection container and which at least partially closes the open end, A sample collection tube holder formed in at least a portion of the inside of the collection container, having an elongated receiving portion and a needle located therein, wherein the elongated receiving portion is configured to receive a sample collection tube, The sample collection tube holder is detachably connectable to the central portion of the container lid, and as a result, at least a portion of the elongated receiving portion extends into the chamber of the collection container when the container lid is connected to the collection container and the sample collection tube holder is connected to the container lid. The at least one holding member is configured to fix the sample collection tube holder to the container lid. Container assembly.

2. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the central portion of the container lid includes an opening configured to be sized to receive the elongated receiving portion of the sample collection tube holder.

3. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sample collection tube holder includes at least one flange positioned around the receiving cavity of the elongated receiving portion.

4. The container assembly according to claim 3, wherein the at least one flange is configured to engage with the at least one retaining member.

5. The container assembly according to claim 4, wherein the at least one retaining member includes a slot, and the at least one flange is configured to engage with the slot when the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container lid.

6. The container assembly according to claim 3, wherein the sample collection tube holder further includes a pair of opposing, upwardly extending wings positioned around the receiving cavity of the elongated receiving portion.

7. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the sample collection tube holder can be coupled to the container lid by a quarter turn in a first direction and can be separated from the container lid by a quarter turn in a second direction.

8. A container lid assembly for use with a container assembly for collecting fluid samples, A container lid configured to be attachable to the open end of the collection container, A sample collection tube holder having an elongated receiving portion formed inside, wherein the elongated receiving portion is configured to receive a sample collection tube, and the sample collection tube holder is connected to the container lid by a perforated joint, The sample collection tube holder can be detachably attached to the central portion of the container lid. Container lid assembly.

9. The container lid assembly according to claim 8, wherein the sample collection tube holder includes at least one flange positioned around the receiving cavity of the elongated receiving portion.

10. The container lid assembly according to claim 9, wherein the at least one flange is configured to engage with a slot formed in the at least one retaining member when the sample collection tube holder is coupled to the container lid.

11. The container lid assembly according to claim 8, wherein the sample collection tube holder further includes a pull tab, and the force exerted by pulling the pull tab upward causes the perforated seam to tear, separating the sample collection tube holder from the container lid.

12. A method for forming a container assembly for collecting a fluid sample, To provide a collection container that defines a chamber for receiving the aforementioned fluid sample, To provide a container lid that can be attached to the aforementioned collection container, The method involves separating a sample collection tube holder, which is attached to the container lid by a perforated seam, from the container lid, wherein the sample collection tube holder includes an elongated receiving portion formed inside, and the elongated receiving portion is configured to receive a sample collection tube. The sample collection tube holder is connected to the central portion of the container lid, and as a result, at least a portion of the elongated receiving portion extends into the chamber of the collection container when the container lid is connected to the collection container and the sample collection tube holder is connected to the container lid. Methods that include...

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising separating the sample collection tube holder from the container lid when the sample collection work is completed, and disposing of the sample collection tube holder separately from the container lid and the collection container.

14. The container assembly according to claim 1, wherein the needle is completely enclosed inside the sample collection tube holder.

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