Virus self-test kit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a virus self-test kit and, more specifically, to a virus self-test kit that reduces pain during the collection of nasal discharge as a specimen, has convenience of use with respect to a collection rod and a reagent container, and allows for simple disposal after use. The present invention relates to the virus self-test kit comprising a tester, a sterilized cotton swab, and a reagent container, wherein the sterilized cotton swab includes a tube part, a collection part, an insertion-fixing part, and a guide indent part.

Description

Virus self-test kit

[0001] The present invention relates to a virus self-test kit, and more specifically, to a virus self-test kit that reduces pain when collecting nasal mucus as a sample for self-testing for viruses transmitted through the respiratory tract, such as coronavirus, has a simple use of a collection stick and reagent container, and is easy to dispose of after use.

[0002]

[0003] The coronavirus that recently emerged in Wuhan, China, has spread not only domestically but also globally, causing numerous casualties. This coronavirus is primarily transmitted through the respiratory system. Once infected and diagnosed, symptoms include sore throat, high fever, cough, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, it progresses to pneumonia and can even lead to death.

[0004] Accordingly, measures are being taken to block the spread of the coronavirus, such as identifying confirmed cases through confirmatory testing and isolating them from unconfirmed cases.

[0005] A confirmatory test is performed by collecting secretions as a sample from the inner mucosa of the nasal or oral cavity, where the actual infection occurs, using a swab and analyzing the sample. Methods include RT-PCR testing and self-diagnosis kits.

[0006] RT-PCR tests are conducted at institutions and have high test accuracy but take a long time, whereas self-test kits are conducted by the test subject on their own and have relatively low test accuracy, but can confirm infection in about 15 minutes.

[0007] Self-test kits are widely used as a preliminary test before RT-PCR testing due to their ease of testing and ability to confirm infection in a short period of time.

[0008] The self-test kit consists of a test device, a sterile swab, a reagent bottle, and a nozzle cap.

[0009] The test subject inserts a sterile swab deep into the nostril, rubs the inner mucosa, and collects secretions. The test subject then places the swab into a reagent bottle and stirs the secretions to mix well with the reagent. The test subject squeezes the swab by pressing the bottle, then removes it from the bottle. The nozzle cap is then used to close the bottle opening to prevent the reagent from spilling. A few drops of the reagent are then applied to the test device. After approximately 15 minutes, the test device is checked to determine whether the test device is infected.

[0010] However, conventional self-test kits have a sterile cotton swab with a cotton ball attached to the end of a thin stick. When collecting secretions using a sterile cotton swab, the cotton ball is pressed against the inner mucosa, and when the stick is shaken several times, the cotton ball locally presses the inner surface of the inner mucosa and moves in a circular path. This has the disadvantage of causing considerable pain due to the cotton ball locally pressing against the sensitive inner wall of the nasal cavity.

[0011] In addition, because the cotton ball comes into local contact with the nasal wall, there was the disadvantage of having to swirl the sterile cotton swab multiple times to collect sufficient secretions, which caused inconvenience and prolonged pain.

[0012] In addition, there was inconvenience in the process of collecting secretions with a sterile cotton swab, mixing them well with the reagent, squeezing the sterile cotton swab, separating it from the reagent container, and placing it in a separate discharge bag.

[0013] Additionally, there was a problem in that the process of squeezing the sterile cotton swab was not sufficient, causing the reagent to drip from the cotton swab and contaminate the surrounding area.

[0014] Meanwhile, conventional sterile cotton swabs have markings on the outside to visually check how much to insert into the nostril, but these are marked for adults, so if the test subject is an infant, toddler, or child, the sterile cotton swab cannot be inserted to the marked area, making the test very inconvenient.

[0015]

[0016] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a simple and clean virus self-test kit that improves the structure of a sterile cotton swab to increase the contact area with the inner wall of the nasal cavity, thereby facilitating the collection of secretions, increasing the amount of secretions collected, minimizing pain by dispersing contact pressure, and allowing the presence or absence of infection to be confirmed by dropping the reagent into the tester without separating the sterile cotton swab from the reagent container.

[0017]

[0018] As a means to achieve the above purpose, the present invention provides a virus self-test kit comprising a test device, a sterile swab, and a reagent bottle.

[0019] The above sterile cotton swab comprises: a tube part formed to a predetermined length and an outer diameter so as to be inserted into the nasal cavity through the nostril of the subject, the tube part having a hollow central portion to form a flow path; a collection part provided at one end of the tube part and made of a cotton ball for collecting secretions from the inner wall of the nasal cavity; a fitting part formed on the outer side of the other end of the tube part with an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the inlet of the reagent container so as to block the inlet of the reagent container when the collection part and the tube part are inserted into the reagent container; and a guide groove part having a portion of an inner side thereof protruding by a predetermined distance so as to guide the reagent from the reagent container mixed with the secretions to fall into the tester without spilling when discharged through the flow path of the tube part.

[0020] In addition, a cylindrical mesh portion having a predetermined mesh and a predetermined outer diameter is further provided at one end of the tube portion, and the extraction portion is provided on the outer surface of the mesh portion.

[0021] The above fitting fixing part has a flange protruding with an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the fitting fixing part so that it is held in the hand of the examinee, and the outer surface of the tube part has a graduation mark part with a number of graduation marks at regular intervals so that the depth to which the sterile cotton swab is introduced into the nasal cavity through the nostril of the examinee can be visually checked.

[0022] Meanwhile, a nozzle cap having a central opening, one side fitted to the inside of the fitting portion, and the other side extended to a certain length with an inner diameter gradually decreasing to form a nozzle that guides a reagent discharged through the path of the tube portion is further provided, and a connecting member connecting one side of the nozzle cap and the outside of the fitting portion is provided.

[0023]

[0024] The present invention has the advantage of reducing pain and allowing easy collection of secretions because the contact area with the inner wall of the nasal cavity is relatively wide when collecting secretions using the collection portion of a sterile cotton swab, and since the air in the nasal cavity during breathing is drawn into the hollow interior of the sterile cotton swab and stored by the mesh-shaped collection portion, viruses in the air can also be collected in addition to secretions, thereby increasing collection efficiency.

[0025] In addition, the present invention has the advantage that the subject can easily control the sterile swab with relatively little force by holding the flange of the sterile swab with a relatively large outer diameter, and has the advantage that the sterile swab from which the secretion was collected can be discharged into the tester with the reagent mixed with the secretion in a state where it is inserted into the reagent container without being separated from the reagent container for post-processing, and can be post-processed in a combined state.

[0026]

[0027] Figure 1 is a drawing showing one embodiment of a virus self-test kit according to the present invention;

[0028] Figure 2 is a drawing showing the structure of the sterile cotton swab in Figure 1;

[0029] Figure 3 is an exploded drawing showing the structure of the extraction section and the mesh section in Figure 2.

[0030] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the reagent container and the sterile cotton swab are combined in Figure 1.

[0031] Fig. 5 is a drawing showing a structure in which a nozzle cap is provided on a sterile cotton swab in Fig. 1.

[0032]

[0033] Hereinafter, a virus self-test kit according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a drawing showing one embodiment of a virus self-test kit according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a drawing showing the structure of a sterile swab in FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is an exploded drawing showing the structure of a collection portion and a mesh portion in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a reagent container and a sterile swab are combined in FIG. 1, and FIG. 5 is a drawing showing a structure in which a nozzle cap is provided on the sterile swab in FIG. 1.

[0035] Referring to the attached drawing, the virus self-test kit according to the present invention is a general self-test kit consisting of a test device (100), a sterile swab (200), a reagent container (300), and a nozzle cap (400), in which the structure of the sterile swab is improved to provide convenience in use, simplification of the manufacturing process, and ease of post-processing.

[0036] In addition, since the reagent in the reagent bottle (300) can be safely dropped into the tester (100) without using the nozzle cap (400), the configuration of the nozzle cap (400) can be excluded, which has the advantage of lowering the manufacturing cost.

[0037] A sterilizing cotton swab (200) according to the present invention is composed of a tube portion (210) having a hollow central portion to form a flow path (211), a collection portion (220) provided at one end of the tube portion (210), a fitting portion (230) provided at the other end of the tube portion (210) to fit and secure the tube portion (210) when it is inserted into a reagent container (300), and a guide groove portion (240) protruding from the fitting portion (230) to guide the reagent in the reagent container (300) so that it does not spill when it is discharged through the flow path of the tube portion (210).

[0038] The tube portion (210) is formed as a circular pipe with a predetermined outer diameter and sufficient length so that it can be inserted into the nasal cavity through the nostril of the subject and secretions from the inner wall can be collected. In addition, when the tube portion (210) is inserted into the reagent container (300), the tube portion (210) and the reagent container (300) are formed to have appropriate outer and inner diameters so that the gap between the inner surface of the reagent container (300) and the outer surface of the tube portion (210) can be minimized.

[0039] Accordingly, when the reagent container (300) is tilted, the reagent mixed with the secretion can easily flow into the inlet of the tip flow path (211) of the tube portion (210).

[0040] Meanwhile, the tube portion (210) may be designed to have an outer diameter that gradually increases from the collection portion (220) to the fitting portion (230) to facilitate introduction into the nostrils of the subject and the reagent container (300). In addition, when inserted into the reagent container (300), the area surrounding the collection portion (220) is spaced apart from the inner surface of the reagent container (300) by a predetermined distance to form a space in which an appropriate amount of reagent is contained and a space in which the reagent and secretions are mixed.

[0041] The outer surface of the tube portion (210) is provided with a graduation marking portion (212) having a number of graduation marks at regular intervals so that the depth to which the sterile cotton swab (200) is introduced into the nasal cavity through the nostril of the subject can be visually confirmed.

[0042] The scale display section (212) can sequentially display the depth of entry for infants / toddlers, the depth of entry for children and adolescents, and the depth of entry for adults.

[0043] The collection section (220) is for collecting secretions from the inner wall of the nasal cavity and is made of a cotton ball with good absorbency. In addition, a mesh section (250) made of a predetermined mesh is further provided at one end of the tube section (210), and the cotton ball, which is the collection section (220), is provided on the outer surface of the mesh section (250).

[0044] The mesh portion (250) has a certain outer diameter and the tip is formed in a convex cylindrical shape. The outer diameter is formed to be 5 to 7 mm corresponding to the inner diameter of the nasal cavity of a typical subject to be examined so as to maximize the contact area with the inner wall of the nasal cavity of the subject to be examined, and the length is preferably formed to be 10 to 15 mm.

[0045] The mesh portion (250) formed in a cylindrical shape in this way has most of the cylindrical outer surface in contact with the inner wall of the nasal cavity, so that compared to a conventional sterile cotton swab, the contact area increases, dispersing the external force when collecting secretions, thereby reducing pain.

[0046] In addition, it is preferable that the mesh portion (250) be formed of rubber, silicone, or synthetic resin, which are elastic materials that can be easily deformed and restored by external force. The elasticity of the mesh portion (250) increases the contact area due to elastic deformation when in contact with the inner wall of the nasal cavity, making it easy to collect secretions and reducing pain by dispersing external force.

[0047] The fitting fixing part (230) is formed by being fitted and fixed to the entrance of the reagent container (300) and extending a certain length from the end of the tube part (210) to an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the entrance of the reagent container (300) so as to shield the entrance. In addition, a flange (231) with an expanded outer diameter is formed in the middle of the fitting fixing part (230). When the fitting fixing part (230) is inserted into the entrance of the reagent container (300), the flange (231) is in close contact with the front of the entrance of the reagent container (300) to improve the shielding ability and determine the insertion depth of the fitting fixing part (230) so that it can be easily checked whether the insertion is correct.

[0048] In addition, the flange (231) having a relatively large outer diameter can be gripped with a finger and controlled with relatively little force, so that the sterile swab (200) is easy to control and the collection of secretions is easy.

[0049] The guide groove (240) is formed by a portion of the inner diameter of the inner surface of the fitting fixing portion (230) protruding a certain distance. This guide groove (240) has a concave groove formed in the center to guide the reagent discharged from the flow path (211) of the tube portion (210).

[0050] Meanwhile, the present invention may also include a nozzle cap (400). The nozzle cap (400) of the present invention is provided with a nozzle (410) that has a central opening, one end fitted to the inside of a fitting fixing member (230), and the other end extended so that the inner diameter gradually decreases. This nozzle cap (400) is connected to a connecting member (500) and is formed as an integral part. When the nozzle cap (400) is provided, the guide groove (240) may not be provided.

[0051] Hereinafter, a virus self-test kit according to the present invention configured as described above will be described in detail.

[0052] The virus self-test kit according to the present invention allows the test subject to collect secretions from the inner wall of the nasal cavity using a sterile cotton swab (200).

[0053] That is, the examinee holds the flange (231) provided on the fitting portion (230) of the sterile cotton swab (200) and inserts the sterile cotton swab (200) deep into the nostril until the collection portion (220) on the opposite side reaches the inner wall of the nasal cavity.

[0054] At this time, the graduation mark (212) indicated on the outer surface of the tube part (210) is checked and the sterile cotton swab (200) is inserted until the corresponding graduation mark reaches the entrance of the nostril, depending on whether the subject is an infant / toddler, child, or adult. Accordingly, the sterile cotton swab (200) can be easily inserted to an appropriate depth according to the subject, whether an infant / toddler, child, or adult.

[0055] Since the collection section (220) is provided on the outer surface of a cylindrical mesh section (250) having a predetermined outer diameter and length, it does not locally contact the inner wall of the nasal cavity but rather contacts a certain area to disperse pressure, thereby alleviating pain. In addition, since the contact area is wide, collection of secretions is possible even with small movements.

[0056] In addition, the mesh portion (250) is easily deformed and restored by external force, and when collecting secretions, it is deformed by external force, thereby increasing the contact area, helping to distribute pressure and relieving pain.

[0057] The flange (231) is a portion that extends from the outer surface of the fitting fixing portion (230) and has an outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the fitting fixing portion (230), and can rotate or control the sterile cotton swab (200) with relatively little force when the examinee holds it by the principle of leverage.

[0058] In this way, when secretions are collected in the collection section (220), a sterile cotton swab (200) is inserted into the reagent container (300).

[0059] The sterile cotton swab (200) inserted into the reagent container (300) is fixed by the fitting fixing part (230) being inserted into the inner surface of the entrance of the reagent container (300).

[0060] The collection portion (220) of the introduced sterile cotton swab (200) is immersed in the reagent stored in the reagent container (300). The reagent container (300) is shaken, or the end of the reagent container (300) in which the collection portion (220) is immersed is rubbed with an external force to mix the secretion and the reagent. At this time, the secretion and the reagent pass through the mesh portion (250) in the form of a mesh several times, thereby generating a stirring effect, thereby better mixing of the secretion and the reagent.

[0061] In the process of mixing the reagent and secretion, the reagent mixed with the secretion flows into the flow path (211) of the tube part (210) through the mesh part (250). Then, when the reagent container (300) is tilted, the reagent on the flow path (211) of the tube part (210) is discharged to the outside. The reagent is discharged in an appropriate amount without spillage by the guide groove part (240) provided in the fitting part (230).

[0062] Meanwhile, when a nozzle cap (400) is provided, the nozzle cap (400) is fitted into the fitting fixing member (230) and fixed before tilting the reagent container (300). Then, when the reagent container (300) is tilted and the outer surface of the reagent container (300) is pressed and tightened, the reagent on the flow path (211) of the tube portion (210) is discharged as drops through the nozzle (410) of the nozzle cap (400).

[0063] The reagent discharged in this way is dropped into the tester (100) and the test result is checked.

[0064] After discharging the reagent, the reagent container (300) is placed in a collection bag with the sterile swab (200) inserted and then post-processed. If a nozzle cap (400) is provided, the reagent container (300), sterile swab (200), and nozzle cap (400) are all combined and then post-processed.

[0065] In the past, sterile swabs and reagent bottles were discharged separately, but in this way, the present invention allows for post-processing relatively easily compared to the past.

[0066] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described in detail as described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and it is natural that the scope of the present invention includes even a scope substantially equivalent to one embodiment of the present invention.

Claims

1. In a virus self-test kit including a test device, sterile swab, and reagent bottle, The above sterile cotton swab is formed into a tube portion having a predetermined outer diameter, a predetermined length, and a hollow central portion to form a flow path so that it can be inserted into the nasal cavity through the nostril of the subject; A collection section consisting of a cotton ball provided at one end of the above tube section for collecting secretions from the inner wall of the nasal cavity; On the outer side of the other end of the tube portion, a fitting portion is formed with an outer diameter corresponding to the inner diameter of the inlet of the reagent container so as to block the inlet of the reagent container while the collection portion and the tube portion are inserted into the reagent container, and is fitted into the inlet of the reagent container; The above fixing member has a guide groove portion in which a portion of the inner surface protrudes a certain distance to guide the reagent of the reagent bottle mixed with the secretion so that it falls into the tester without spilling when it passes through the path of the tube portion and is discharged; A virus self-test kit comprising:

2. In paragraph 1, At one end of the above tube section, a cylindrical mesh section is further provided, which is made of a predetermined mesh and has a predetermined outer diameter. The above-mentioned extraction part is provided on the outer surface of the above-mentioned mesh part, The above fitting fixing part has a flange protruding with an outer diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the fitting fixing part and is held by the hand of the examinee. A virus self-test kit characterized in that the outer surface of the tube part further has a graduation marking part with a number of graduation marks at regular intervals so that the depth to which the sterile cotton swab is introduced into the nasal cavity through the nostril of the subject can be visually checked.

3. In paragraph 2, A nozzle cap is further provided, which is formed by a nozzle that guides a reagent discharged through the path of the tube section by extending a certain length with an inner diameter that gradually decreases while being inserted into the inner side of the fitting fixing portion at one end and having an inner diameter that gradually decreases at the other end. A virus self-test kit characterized in that it comprises a connecting member connecting one side of the nozzle cap and the outer side of the fitting fixing part.

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