Container assembly for sample collection with enhanced cell density

Abstract

The present invention relates to a container assembly for sample collection with enhanced cell density and, more specifically, to a container assembly for sample collection with enhanced cell density, which enables easy collection of samples (cell specimens) from a sample container, prevents cell denaturation during collection, prevents cell loss during transportation or storage, and enables obtaining cell circles with uniform distribution on a membrane filter, thereby improving examination efficiency.

Description

A container assembly for sample collection with improved cell density

[0001] The present invention relates to a container assembly for collecting samples with improved cell density, and more particularly, to a container assembly for collecting samples with improved cell density, which can easily collect samples (specimen cells) from a container, prevent cell denaturation during collection, prevent cell loss during transport or storage, and increase inspection efficiency by obtaining cell circles with a uniform distribution on a membrane filter.

[0002] A cytology test is a method of examining collected cells under a microscope to determine whether the collected cells contain infection, inflammation, abnormal cells, or cancer cells.

[0003] A cytology test is widely used to diagnose cervical cancer by observing cells collected from cervical tissue or secretions to check for the presence of abnormal cells. It is applied to clinical specimens such as sputum, urine, exudates, cerebrospinal fluid, and fine needle aspiration biopsies, as well as tissue cell cultures.

[0004] A cytology test is mainly performed by fixing the cells contained in the collected sample, collecting the cells, smearing them on a slide, and reading them under a microscope, etc.

[0005] An example sample container is disclosed in Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2005-0111724 and illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0006] This is configured to advance the piston (22) to inject cells (C) settled in the cell fixation chamber (211) from the cell fixation chamber (211) into the cell collection chamber (212), and to allow the cells (C) to be directly smeared on the stained glass (G) by being adsorbed on the collection chamber cap (23).

[0007] The collection chamber cap (23) is provided with a filter coupling part (232) having a filter (236) attached to the top, and an intake port (234) is formed to allow a fluid such as air to be sucked from a space (233) formed inside the filter coupling part (232) so that cells (C) are adsorbed to the filter (236), and an injection port (235) is formed to allow a fluid such as air to be injected into the space (233) formed inside the filter coupling part (232) so that cells (C) adsorbed to the filter (236) can be detached when smeared on the surface of stained glass (G) as shown in FIG. 2.

[0008] Meanwhile, in the cell collection room (212), a strainer (24) for filtering out large particles is installed between the inlet (213) and the filter (236) of the collection room cap (23).

[0009] This type of sample container has the advantage of making it easy to fix and collect cells, as cell fixation and collection are performed in a single container, and reducing the possibility of cell contamination during the process.

[0010] However, the sample container with the above configuration has the following problems.

[0011] First, when the cell (C) moves from the cell fixation chamber (211) to the cell collection chamber (212), the cell (C) passes through the gap between the injection port (213) and the injection piston part (222) due to the pressure of the piston (22), so the cell (C) degenerates, making accurate inspection difficult.

[0012] Second, since the piston (22) is transported and stored while being connected to the main body (21), there is a problem that the piston (22) may come off unintentionally and the collected cells (C) may be lost.

[0013] Third, due to the injection piston part (222), the cell density in the central part of the filter (236) is relatively lower than that in the surrounding area, making it difficult to conduct inspection efficiently and accurately.

[0014] The present invention was created to solve the above problems, and its purpose is to provide a sample collection container assembly with improved cell density that facilitates sample collection from a sample container, prevents cell denaturation, and prevents cell loss during transport or storage.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sample collection container assembly with improved cell density so as to increase inspection efficiency and enable accurate inspection by obtaining cell circles with high cell density and uniform distribution in a membrane filter.

[0016] The present invention, which achieves the above-mentioned purpose, provides a container assembly for collecting samples with improved cell density.

[0017] A container having a container body having an opening at one end and containing a solution solution and collected cells, a cap member detachably connected to the container body to open and close the opening and having a through hole formed in the center, and a sealing sheet attached to the cap member to seal the through hole and capable of being perforated;

[0018] A connecting body having a bottom plate formed by perforating the sealing sheet and protruding upwardly to form a protruding tube that enters the interior of the container, an upper connecting portion extending upwardly from an edge of the bottom plate and detachably connecting to the cap member, and a lower connecting portion formed by extending downwardly from an edge of the bottom plate;

[0019] A filter fixture having a cylindrical body, an upper portion of the body being detachably connected to the lower connecting portion, a middle plate having a suction hole formed in the middle portion of the inner surface of the body, and a vacuum suction device connected to the lower portion of the middle plate;

[0020] A cushion body that is placed on the above intermediate plate and passes the above solution;

[0021] A membrane filter is provided on the upper surface of the cushion body and passes the solution and filters the cells;

[0022] A pressing jaw formed on the inner surface of the lower joint to pressurize the edge of the membrane filter and cushion body, and a blocking jaw formed on the inner surface of the lower joint between the pressing jaw and the bottom plate are provided.

[0023] It is characterized in that the blocking jaw contacts an inner edge of the membrane filter that is pressed by the pressing jaw.

[0024] In addition, in the container assembly of the present invention, a filter member for filtering floating matters in the solution solution is further provided on the inside of the cap member.

[0025] First, unlike the conventional method of collecting cells using a piston, the container assembly of the present invention allows cells to be collected easily and prevents cell degeneration by having a protrusion (54) enter the container (100) to extract the cells.

[0026] Second, unlike the conventional case where there was concern about cell loss due to detachment of the piston, the container assembly of the present invention can prevent cell loss during transport or storage by combining the cap member (120).

[0027] Third, when the connecting body (50) and the filter fixing body (60) are combined, even if the edge of the cushion body (64) and the membrane filter (63) is elastically contracted by the pressing jaw (56) and an inclined surface (63a) is formed, the blocking jaw (57) comes into contact with the upper end of the inclined surface (63a), so that the solution and cells do not pass through the inclined surface (63a), thereby improving the density of cells (C) in the central portion of the membrane filter (63).

[0028] Fourth, by providing a cushion body (64) to the filter holder (60), a cushion is provided when the membrane filter (63) comes into contact with the slide (300), so that the cells (C) can be easily transferred and attached to the slide (300), and the cells (C) are prevented from being denatured due to the contact pressure with the slide (300).

[0029] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional sample container structure.

[0030] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state of smearing cells on stained glass (G) from the structure of Figure 1.

[0031] Figure 3a is an assembly cross-sectional view showing a container assembly of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 3b is a diagram illustrating the state of use of the container assembly of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 3c is a cross-sectional view showing the connector and the filter holder.

[0034] Figure 4 is a drawing explaining a problem caused by the absence of a barrier.

[0035] Figure 5 is a drawing explaining the operating state of the container assembly of the present invention.

[0036] Figure 6 is a plan view showing the state in which cells are filtered on a membrane filter.

[0037] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state of smearing cells on glass.

[0038] The sample collection container assembly of the present invention prevents cell denaturation and enables cell circles with a uniform distribution to be obtained on a membrane filter, thereby increasing inspection efficiency and enabling accurate inspection.

[0039] In addition, the container assembly of the present invention improves the density of cells in the central portion of the membrane filter.

[0040] Referring to FIGS. 3A to 3C, which illustrate a sample container assembly of an embodiment of the present invention, it comprises a container (100) that receives a solution solution and collected cells, a connecting member (50) that forms a passage for the solution solution and cells to move within the container (100), and a filter fixing member (60) that separates the solution solution and cells moved through the connecting member (50).

[0041] The above container (100) comprises a container body (110) with one end opened, a cap member (120) detachably coupled to the container body (110) to open and close the opening and having a through hole (121) formed in the center, and a sealing sheet (150) attached to the cap member (120) to seal the through hole (121) and capable of being perforated.

[0042] Additionally, a filter member (130) that filters floating substances in the solution is combined inside the cap member (120).

[0043] The above connecting body (50) has a bottom plate (53) formed by protruding upwards in the central portion of a protruding tube (54) that penetrates the sealing sheet (150) and enters the interior of the container (100), an upper connecting portion (51) that extends upwards from the edge of the bottom plate (53) and is detachably connected to the cap member (120), and a lower connecting portion (52) that extends downwards from the edge of the bottom plate (53).

[0044] The above connector (50) guides the solution and cells within the container (100) toward the lower joint (52) through the protrusion (54).

[0045] The above filter fixture (60) has a cylindrical body (65), an upper portion of the body (65) detachably connected to the lower connecting portion (52), and an intermediate plate (61) having a suction hole (61a) formed in the inner middle portion of the body (65), and a vacuum suction device (400) is connected to the lower portion of the intermediate plate (61).

[0046] A cushion body (64) that allows the solution to pass through is installed on the above intermediate plate (61).

[0047] A membrane filter (63) that passes the solution and filters the cells is installed on the upper surface of the cushion body (64).

[0048] Meanwhile, as a characteristic configuration of the present invention, the connecting body (50) is provided with a pressing projection (56) formed on the inner surface of the lower connecting portion (52) to press the edges of the membrane filter (63) and the cushion body (64), and a blocking projection (57) formed on the inner surface of the lower connecting portion (52) between the pressing projection (56) and the bottom plate (53).

[0049] The above blocking jaw (57) comes into contact with the edge of the membrane filter (63) on the inner side than the edge of the membrane filter (63) pressed by the pressing jaw (56).

[0050] Referring to Fig. 4, which shows a cross-sectional view of a container assembly in which the above-mentioned blocking jaw (57) is not formed, when the connecting body (50) and the filter fixing body (60) are combined, the edges of the cushion body (64) and the membrane filter (63) are elastically contracted by the pressing jaw (56), thereby forming an inclined surface (63a).

[0051] In this case, as the solution and cells pass through the inclined surface (63a), the cells (C) are filtered while accumulating on the inclined surface (63a), so there is a problem that the density of cells decreases in the central part of the membrane filter (63).

[0052] The container assembly of the present invention solves the above problem by forming a blocking jaw (57).

[0053] Meanwhile, a packing (125) made of silicone or rubber is attached to the outer surface of the cap member (120), so that airtightness is maintained when the cap member (120) and the upper joint (51) are joined, thereby enabling precise control of the suction force by the vacuum suction device (400).

[0054] The method of using the sample container assembly of the present invention having the above configuration is as follows.

[0055] First, the solution and cells are placed in the container body (110) and the cap member (120) is combined. Then, as shown in Fig. 3a, the container (100) is turned upside down so that the cap member (120) is positioned at the bottom.

[0056] At this time, large particles and other floating matter are filtered through the filter member (130), and the solution and cells (C) are collected at the bottom of the cap member (120).

[0057]

[0058] *Then, the connecting body (50) and the filter holder (60) are connected, and a vacuum suction device (400) is mounted on the connecting portion (62) of the filter holder (60), and the sealing sheet (150) is perforated with the protrusion tube (54) and introduced into the inside of the container (100).

[0059] After this assembly is completed, the solution and cells in the container (100) are introduced into the lower joint (52) of the connector (50) through the protrusion (54) by the suction force of the vacuum suction device (400), and the solution is discharged downward through the suction hole (61a) of the middle plate (61), and the cells are filtered on the upper surface of the membrane filter (63).

[0060] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, when the connecting body (50) and the filter fixing body (60) are combined, even if the edge of the cushion body (64) and the membrane filter (63) is elastically contracted by the pressing jaw (56) to form an inclined surface (63a), the blocking jaw (57) comes into contact with the upper end of the inclined surface (63a), so that no cell filtration occurs on the inclined surface (63a).

[0061] This has the effect of improving the density of cells (C) in the central portion of the membrane filter (63) by preventing the solution and cells from passing through the inclined surface (63a).

[0062] Additionally, the cells (C) form a circle by evenly overlapping the cells in the central part of the membrane filter (63).

[0063] Afterwards, the worker detaches the filter holder (60) and attaches the specimen cells (C) to the surface of the slide (300) by bringing the membrane filter (63) into contact with the slide (300) as shown in FIG. 7.

[0064] At this time, the cushion body (64) provides a cushion when the membrane filter (63) comes into contact with the slide (300), so that the cells (C) can be easily transferred and attached to the slide (300), and prevents the cells (C) from being denatured due to the contact pressure with the slide (300).

[0065] These specimen cells adhere to the surface of the slide (300) in the form of circular cell circles, which has the advantage of improving cell analysis efficiency.

[0066] The container assembly of the present invention having the above configuration prevents cell degeneration by allowing the protrusion tube (54) to enter the container (100) and extract cells by suction.

[0067] The present invention relates to a sample collection container assembly with improved cell density, which enables easy collection of a sample (specimen cell) from a sample container, prevents cell denaturation during collection, prevents cell loss during transport or storage, and improves inspection efficiency by obtaining cell circles with a uniform distribution on a membrane filter.

Claims

1. A container (100) having a container body (110) having one end opened and containing a solution solution and collected cells, a cap member (120) detachably connected to the container body (110) to open and close the opening and having a through hole (121) formed in the center, and a sealing sheet (150) attached to the cap member (120) to seal the through hole (121) and capable of being perforated; A connecting body (50) having a bottom plate (53) formed by perforating the sealing sheet (150) and protruding upwardly with a protruding tube (54) that enters the interior of the container (100), an upper connecting portion (51) that extends upwardly from an edge of the bottom plate (53) and is detachably connected to the cap member (120), and a lower connecting portion (52) that extends downwardly from an edge of the bottom plate (53); A filter fixture (60) having a cylindrical body (65), an upper portion of the body (65) being detachably connected to the lower connecting portion (52), an intermediate plate (61) having a suction hole (61a) formed in the middle portion of the inner surface of the body (65), and a vacuum suction device (400) connected to the lower portion of the intermediate plate (61); A cushion body (64) that is placed on the above intermediate plate (61) and passes the solution; It is provided with a membrane filter (63) that is placed on the upper surface of the cushion body (64) and passes the solution and filters the cells; A pressing projection (56) formed on the inner surface of the lower joint (52) to press the edge of the membrane filter (63) and cushion body (64), and a blocking projection (57) formed on the inner surface of the lower joint (52) between the pressing projection (56) and the bottom plate (53) are provided. A container assembly for collecting samples with improved cell density, characterized in that the blocking jaw (57) is in contact with an inner edge of the membrane filter (63) that is pressed by the pressing jaw (56).

2. A container assembly for collecting samples with improved cell density, characterized in that in claim 1, a filter member (130) for filtering floating matters in the solution is further provided on the inside of the cap member (120).

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