Pushing device for a test tube, cap for a pushing device, test tube and sampling kit

Abstract

The invention refers to a pushing device (100) configured to be inserted inside a test tube (200) to retain at least partially a sampling medium inside the test tube (200), the pushing device (100) comprising: a hollow, elongated body (E), comprising: - a base (B), - a first wail (1) extending from the base (B) around a longitudinal axis (X) of the elongated body (E), said first wail (1) defining an aperture (A) opposite to the base (B), - a breakable puncturable seal (S) sealing the aperture (A), wherein the pushing device further comprises a second wall (7) extending from the aperture (A) around the longitudinal axis (X), wherein a height of the second wall (7), measured from the aperture (A) level in a direction opposite to the first wall (1), ensures the protection of the seal (S), against contamination, during manipulation by a user.

Description

[0001] Pushing device for a test tube, cap for a pushing device, test tube and sampling kit

[0002]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of medical testing, and in particular to devices for the handling of sampling media (such as a sampling cloth, swab or brush) after sampling and during the next steps of securing and laboratory analysis.

[0003]

[0002] The present patent application claims the priorities of the previous patent applications PCT / IB2024 / 056076 and PCT / IB2024 / 053346, belonging to the same applicant

[0004] The present invention refers to an improved pushing device for a test tube, to a cap for the pushing device, to an improved test tube for a pushing device, as well as to sampling kits comprising two or more of the above elements.

[0005] The pushing device according to the invention is designed to better avoid contamination by the user. The pushing device, the cap and the test tube according to the invention are designed to better work with laboratory automation robots that manipulate these elements (for example picking and placing the pushing device together with the test tube, swirling the contents thereof, remove or apply the cap to the pushing device, etc).

[0006]

[0003] The pushing device of the present invention is configured to be inserted into a test tube, such that, when the pushing device is inserted in a corresponding testing tube, the longitudinal axis of the pushing device is coaxial or substantially coaxial with the longitudinal symmetry axis of the test tube. By test tube it is meant a thin hollow cylinder with one end closed, used in chemical and biological experimentation and analysis, usually made of glass or plastic. Test tubes may also have a shape that narrows down toward the closed end, so the diameter at the opening of the test tube is larger than its diameter of its closed end.

[0007]

[0004] One aspect of the invention relates to a pushing device configured to be inserted inside a test tube to retain at least partially a sampling medium inside the test tube, the pushing device comprising: a hollow, elongated body, comprising:

[0008] - a base,

[0009] - a first wall extending from the base around a longitudinal axis of the elongated body, said first wall defining an aperture opposite to the base,

[0010] - the first wall delimiting an interior space inside the elongated body, wherein the interior space is configured to at least partially accommodate a pipette or a needle,

[0011] - the first wall being provided with at least one flap configured to secure the pushing device in a fixed position within the test tube, by the compression of said at least one flap against an inner wall of the test tube when the pushing device is inserted inside the test tube,

[0012] - a breakable puncturable seal sealing the aperture,

[0013] - at least one opening provided in the base and / or in the first wall, said opening being configured to allow fluid communication between an exterior space outside the elongated body and the interior space, wherein the pushing device further comprises a second wall extending from the aperture around the longitudinal axis, wherein a height of the second wall, measured from the aperture level in a direction opposite to the first wall, ensures the protection of the seal, against contamination, during manipulation by a user

[0005] In a preferred embodiment of the pushing device, the height of the second wall is in the range of 4 mm to 15 mm, preferably in the range 4 mm to 10 mm.

[0014]

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the pushing device, an outer surface of the second wall, or both an outer and an inner surface of the second wall has / have an indented profile.

[0015]

[0007] in a preferred embodiment of the pushing device, the second wall is a separate member from the first wall, for example a collar press-fixed to the first wall

[0016]

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the pushing device, the second wall (7) is integral with the first wall (1).

[0017]

[0009] In a preferred embodiment the pushing device further comprises at least one spacer extending from the periphery of the base in an opposite direction from the first wall, for maintaining a distance between the base and a closed end of the test tube, and configured to retain the sampling medium at least partly between the base and the closed end of foe test tube.

[0018]

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, foe pushing device further comprises a third wall extending from foe base around foe longitudinal axis of the elongated body in a direction opposite to foe first wall, wherein the third wall is an extension of the first wall and has a height smaller than a length of said at least one spacer.

[0019]

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the pushing device further comprises a plurality of radial projections or a plurality of vertical blades provided on an outer surface of the first wall.

[0020]

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the pushing device further comprises a plurality of radial projections or a plurality of vertical blades provided on foe at least one spacer.

[0021]

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the pushing device, a central zone of foe seal comprises one layer of an absorbent material, or comprises two stacked layers: a layer of an absorbent material and a layer of silicone.

[0022]

[0014] Another aspect of the invention relates to a cap for closing foe pushing device according to foe invention, comprising:

[0023] - a piercing region configured to pierce foe seal when inserted inside the pushing device, and to seal the aperture,

[0024] - a gripping region connected to foe piercing region, said gripping region being hollow and having a shape of a frustum of cone with a bottom base and a top base, wherein the bottom base is an open end situated distal in respect to the piercing region, and foe top base is situated nearby the piercing region, wherein an inner lateral surface of foe gripping region is provided with a plurality of neighbouring identical ribs having an isosceles trapezoid or isosceles triangular shape, each rib extending from foe top base to the bottom base.

[0025]

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of the cap, an angle of foe bottom base of each rib is in foe range 88.5º - 89.5°.

[0026]

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the cap, the piercing region has a sharp tip.

[0027]

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the cap, the piercing region has an inward recess having a cone shape, or frustum of cone shape, configured to accommodate a stand protuberance.

[0028]

[0018] Another aspect of foe invention relates to a test tube comprising a top opening, a bottom wall and a lateral wall, wherein the bottom wall is provided with a central recess shaped as a right prism.

[0029]

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the test tube, the central recess extends towards foe top opening of the test tube.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the test tube, the central recess extends opposite to the top opening of the test tube, wherein the lateral wall extends beyond th e bottom wall with a distance longer than a height of the hollow recess, and wherein the test tube is further provided with a sleeve abutting on a bottom of the recess, wherein the sleeve has a height greater than a height of the recess, wherein the sleeve is provided with a plurality of vertical slots.

[0030]

[0021] In a preferred embodiment of the test tube, the central hollow recess is a regular hexagonal right prism.

[0031]

[0022] Another aspect of the invention relates to a sampling or self-sampling kit, comprising a pushing device according to the invention and a cap according to the invention.

[0032]

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the kit further comprises a test tube, preferably a test tube according to the invention.

[0033]

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the kit further comprises a sampling medium.

[0034]

[0025] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of processing and analysing an sampling medium, comprising the following steps: a) providing a sampling medium comprising biological material specimens, sealed inside a test tube according to the invention by means of a pushing device according to the invention, b) placing the tube sealed by the pushing device on a workbench, c) gripping the second wall of the pushing device by a robotic arm and rotating the pushing device about its longitudinal axis for homogenizing the content of the test tube, while maintaining the test tube immobile, d) adding reacting substance to and / or removing content from the test tube, by means of a needle or a pipette that punctures the seal of the pushing device, e) picking, from a stand, a cap according to the invention, and pushing the cap, by means of a robotic arm head, through the aperture of the pushing device, thus piercing the seal and sealing the aperture of the pushing device , wherein the robotic arm head has a ribbed profile matching a ribbed gripping region of the cap, f) releasing the cap from the robotic arm head, g) removing the tube from the workbench and storing the tube in a storage place.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the between the steps b and c, the method further comprises the step: b1) adding, inside the pushing device, a liquid for releasing cells, DNA, proteins or other biological material from the sampling medium, by means erf a needle or of a pipette that punctures the seal of the pushing deVice.

[0035]

[0027] Brief description of the drawings

[0036] Figure 1a and 1b show a section view and respectively an axonometric view of a first member component of the first embodiment of the pushing device according to the invention.

[0037] Figures 2a and 2a show a section view and respectively an axonometric view of a second member that is component of the first embodiment of the pushing device according to the invention.

[0038] Figures 3a and 3b show the first embodiment of the pushing device according to the invention, in section view and respectively in axonometric view. Figures 4a and 4b show a usual test tube in section view and respectively in axonometric view.

[0039] Figures 5a and 5b show a second embodiment of the pushing device according to the invention, in section view and respectively in axonometric view.

[0040] Figures 6a and 6b show a third embodiment of the pushing device according to the invention, in section view and respectively in axonometric view.

[0041] Figure 7 shows, in section view, a sampling kit according to the invention, manipulated by a user's hand.

[0042] Figures 8a and 8b show a sampling kit according to the invention in section view and respectively in axonometric view.

[0043] Figures 9a and 9b show a cap according to the invention, in section view and respectively in axonometric view.

[0044] Figure 10 shows a robotic arm having a robotic arm head.

[0045] Figures 11a, 11b and 11c show, in section view, another sampling kit according to the invention.

[0046] Figures 12a, 12b, and 12c show different embodiments of caps according to the invention placed on corresponding stand protuberances.

[0047] Figures 13a and 13b show a first embodiment of test tube according to the invention, in section view and axonometric view.

[0048] Figures 14a and 14b show a second embodiment of test tube according to the invention, in section view and axonometric view.

[0049] Figures 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d show different embodiments of the seal according to the invention.

[0050]

[0028] Figures 1a and 2a show each a section view of a respective member that is component of a first embodiment of the pushing device 100 according to the invention.

[0051]

[0029] Figures 2a and 2b show an axonometric view of the members depicted in figure 1a and respectively in figure 2a.

[0052]

[0030] The pushing device 100 of the first embodiment according to the invention comprises a hollow elongated body E, said elongated body comprising a base B and a first wall 1 extending from the base B, around a longitudinal axis X of the elongated body E. The first wall 1 defines an aperture A opposite to the base B. The first wall 1 delimits an interior space 2 inside the elongated body E, wherein the interior space 2 is configured to at least partially accommodate a pipette or a needle.

[0053]

[0031] The first wall 1 is further provided with flaps 3 that are configured to secure the pushing device TOO in a fixed position within the test tube, by the compression of said flaps 3 against an inner wall of the test tube when the pushing device 100 is inserted inside the test tube 200 (as shown in figure 3a). In practice, it is possible the first wall 1 to have only one flap 3.

[0054]

[0032] The base B and the first wall 1 are both provided with openings 4. The purpose of said openings 4 is to allow fluid communication between an exterior space (reference number 5 in figure 3a) outside the elongated body 1 and the interior space 2. In practice, it is possible that the base B and / or the first wall 1 to have only one opening 4.

[0055]

[0033] The pushing device 100 further comprises spacers 6 extending from the base B in an opposite direction from the first wall 1 , for maintaining a distance between the base B and a closed end of the test tube, and configured to retain the sampling medium (for example a cloth, a swab, a brush, etc.) at least partly between the base B and the closed end of the test tube.

[0034] The pushing device further comprises a second wall 7 extending from the aperture A around foe longitudinal axis X. The second wall 2 is a separate member from foe first wall 1 , namely a collar press-fixed to the first wall 1.

[0056]

[0035] The aperture A is sealed by a breakable puncturable seal S (for example an aluminium membrane). It is essential that foe seal S must not be contaminated through contact with the user's finger, otherwise the laboratory analysis may be compromised.

[0057]

[0036] The purpose of foe second wall 7 is to create a physical barrier ensuring that it will be impossible (even intentionally) for the user's finger to touch the seal S. A height range of 4 mm to 15 mm of the second wall is adequate for all aperture A diameters currently used in the field. Preferably, the second wall 7 has a height in the range 4 mm to 10 mm, for an easier handling of the pushing device 100. Said height is measured from the aperture A level towards a direction opposite the first wall 1.

[0058]

[0037] Figure 7 shows in a clear manner how the user’s finger is impeded by foe second wall 7 to come into contact with the seal S.

[0059]

[0038] The first embodiment (consisting of two separate members) is most suitable for small diameters (for example, about 12 mm - 17 mm) of test tubes due to manufacturing constraints (both technical and financial).

[0060]

[0039] Figures 3a and 3b show foe first embodiment of the pushing device according to the invention, in section view and respectively in axonometric view, wherein both members are assembled, namely the second wall (i.e. the collar) 7 is press-fixed to the first wall 1. The pushing device 100 is partially accommodated inside a test tube 200. The seal S is pierced and by a cap G that seals foe aperture A.

[0061]

[0040] The test tube 200 is a usual test tube, as shown in figures 4a and 4b, in section view and respectively in axonometric view.

[0062]

[0041] Figures 5a and 5b show a second embodiment of the pushing device according to the invention, in section view and respectively in axonometric view.

[0063] In this second embodiment, the second wall 7 is integral with the first wall 1 (i.e. the pushing device consists of only one member).

[0064] The pushing device according to the second embodiment is suitable for larger diameters (for example, about 30 mm - 35 mm) of the test tube. Use of a test tube with a small or a large diameter depends on the laboratory analysis to be performed and / or on the laboratory equipment.

[0065] Preferably, the elongated body E is cylindrical.

[0066]

[0042] According to the second embodiment of the pushing device 100, the diameter of the base B is larger than the diameter of the elongated body E in order to effectively retain the sampling medium inside the test tube.

[0067]

[0043] Advantageously, the second wall 7 has an indented profile on its outer surface, or on both its outer and inner surfaces (as shown in figures 5a and 5b). This indented profile allows the robotic arm from the laboratory to firmly connect to the second wall 7 and to rotate foe second wall 7 and implicitly the whole pushing device 100 inside the test tube 200.

[0068]

[0044] The rotation of the pushing device 100 inside the test tube 200 creates a vortex of foe liquid content (sampling medium and reacting substances) inside the test tube 200, said vortex homogenizing the liquid content.

[0069]

[0045] The known usual homogenization method is by vibrations. The disadvantage of the vibrations is that, in time, they negatively affect the laboratory equipment (for example, wear of the joints of the robotic arm) and the electronics thereof (for example, damage of the electric or electronic connections).

[0070]

[0046] The homogenization "by vortex" has the advantage that, by eliminating the vibrations, it increases the lifetime of the laboratory equipment.

[0071]

[0047] The pushing device 100 according to the second embodiment further comprises a plurality of vertical blades P provided on the outer surface of the first Wall 1 and on the spacers 6. The advantage of the vertical blades P is that, when the pushing device 100 is rotated inside the test tube 200 that comprises a liquid, the blades P impart their rotational energy to the liquid and to the sampling medium, thus amplifying the liquid homogenization by vortex.

[0072]

[0048] By contrast, the pushing device 100 from the first embodiment is provided with radial projections P that are designed to hook the sampling cloth used as sampling medium.

[0073]

[0049] Figures 6a and 6b show a third embodiment of the pushing device according to the invention, in section view and respectively in axonometric view.

[0074]

[0050] In respect to the second embodiment, the pushing device according to the third embodiment further comprises a third wall 8 extending from the base B around the longitudinal axis X of the elongated body E in a direction opposite to the first wall 1, and has a height smaller than a length of the spacers 6. In fact, the third wall 8 is an extension of the first wall 1.

[0075]

[0051] The advantage of the third wall 8 is that, when the pushing device 100 is inside a test tube 200 according to the invention (that will be described in the next paragraphs), a pipette inserted through the interior space 2 can reach the bottom of the test tube 200, thus being capable to collect even fluid with specimens (for example cervix or endocervix cells) deposited at the bottom of the test tube 200. In comparison, in case of the second embodiment, the pipette inserted through the interior space 3 can reach at most the base B level (and not the bottom of the test tube).

[0076]

[0052] Figure 7 shows how the second wall 7 prevents the user's finger to come into contact (and thus to contaminate) with the seal S.

[0077]

[0053] The pushing device 100 according to the invention can be made of any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastic, metal (preferably resistant to corrosion in liquids such as stainless steel or titanium), wood or compressed paper.

[0078]

[0054] Figures 8a and 8b show a sampling kit comprising a pushing device according to the second embodiment, a cap C according the invention (that will be described in the next paragraphs) and a test tube 200 according to the invention (that will be described in the next paragraphs), in section view and respectively in axonometric view. The figures also depict the head R of a robotic arm (belonging to laboratory equipment). The cap C and th e test tube 200 according to the invention will be discussed hereinafter.

[0079]

[0055] Figures 9a and 9b show a cap C according to the invention, in section view and respectively in axonometric view. The cap C is designed for use with any pushing device, but works best with any of the pushing devices 100 according to the invention.

[0056] The cap C comprises a piercing region 9 configured to be capable to pierce the seal S of the aperture A of the pushing device TOO. When inserted inside the pushing device 100, the piercing region 9 of the cap C securely seals the aperture A.

[0080]

[0057] The cap C further comprises a gripping region 10 connected to the piercing region 9, said gripping region 10 being hollow and having a shape of a frustum of a cone.

[0081]

[0058] The bottom base of the gripping region 10 is an Open end 11 situated distal in respect to the perforating region 9. The top base 12 of the gripping region 10 is situated nearby the piercing region 9.

[0082]

[0059] In the figures 9a and 9b, the bottom base of the frustum is situated above the top base.

[0083]

[0060] The inner lateral surface of the gripping region 10 is provided with a plurality of neighbouring vertical identical ribs 13 having an isosceles trapeze or isosceles triangle shape, each rib 12 extending from the top base 12 to the bottom base 11, with the big base of the trapeze (or with the base, in case of the triangle) situated at the level of the top base 12 of the gripping region 10.

[0084]

[0061] Due to their shape, a clearance of variable width exists between each pair of neighbouring ribs 13.

[0085]

[0062] The ribbed inner lateral surface of the gripping region 10 is designed to work together with the matching head R of a robotic arm shown separately in figure 10.

[0063] The robotic arm head R has an outer lateral surface provided with a plurality of vertical fins F. The fins F are shaped such that to have a mating profile with the clearances between the ribs 13 (i.e. the fins F have also a shape of an isosceles trapeze or an isosceles triangle).

[0086]

[0064] Due to this particular design of the inner lateral surface of the gripping region 10 and of the outer lateral surface of the robotic arm head R, the head R can very easily be fixed inside the gripping region 10 and can as well be very easily retracted from the gripping region 10 when the angle of the bottom base of each rib 13 and of each fin F is in the range 88.5° - 89.5°.

[0087]

[0065] Figures 11a, 11b and 11c show a pushing device according to the first embodiment, situated inside a usual test tube 200 (figure 11a), as well as a cap C according to the invention and a robotic arm head R shown in a position inside the gripping region of the cap C (figure 11b) as well as retracted from the gripping region 9 (figure 11c).

[0088]

[0066] Figure 11a shows the seal S that has been previously punctured by a needle or by a pipette. Figures 11b and 11c show the seal S pierced by the piercing region 9 of the cap C, said piercing region 9 now sealing the aperture A of the pushing device 100.

[0089]

[0067] In the testing laboratory, a plurality of caps C are stored on a stand 14', each cap C being picked by a robotic arm and secured to a corresponding pushing device 100 (or wherein each cap C that is removed from its corresponding pushing device 100 is stored on the stand 14').

[0090]

[0068] Figure 12a shows a plurality of caps C according to the invention stored (by the robotic arm head R) on a plurality of corresponding protuberances 14 extending from the stand 14'. The piercing region 9 has an inward recess configured to accommodate a mating protuberance 14 of the stand 14'.

[0069] Due to this perforating region 9 design, the caps C according to the invention can be easily, simply and securely be stored on the corresponding stand protuberances 14.

[0091]

[0070] In a first cap C embodiment from figure 12a, the inward recess of the perforating region 9 is conical.

[0092]

[0071] In a second cap C embodiment of figure 12b, the inward recess of the perforating region 9 has the shape of a frustum of a cone. The ribbed design of the gripping region was not depicted in this figure for simplicity reason.

[0093]

[0072] In a third cap C embodiment of figure 12c, there is no inward recess provided, while the perforating region 9 has a sharp tip that is better suited (in respect to the cap embodiments of figures 12 a and 12b) for piercing the seal S of the pushing device 100. In this case, the stand protuberances 14 have a recess matching the sharp tip profile (substantially conical). The ribbed design of the gripping region was not depicted in this figure for simplicity reason.

[0094]

[0073] The cap C dimensions are adapted to the dimensions of the pushing device 100. For example, the gripping region 10 may have a length of about 10 mm, the piercing region have a length of about 12 mm, the bottom base inner diameter about 12 mm and the top base inner diameter about 7 mm.

[0095]

[0074] Another aspect of the present invention is a test tube 200 designed to be securely stored on a test tube workbench, in an anti-rotation manner.

[0096]

[0075] The test tube 200 of a first embodiment according to the invention is shown in figures 13a and 13b, and comprises, as all usual test tubes, a top opening 15, a bottom wall 16 and a lateral wall 17. The innovative aspect is that the bottom wall 16 is provided with a central recess 18, extending towards the top opening 15 of the test tube 200 and shaped as a right prism. The term "central" must be interpreted broadly, i.e. not limited to a relatively small central region of the bottom wall 16, but must be interpreted as a region of any size (but, of course, smaller than the whole bottom wall 16 of the test tube 200). For example, the base of the right prism may be a polygon whose comers are in close vicinity of the lateral wall 17.

[0097]

[0076] The central recess 18 has a mating profile with a corresponding protuberance from the test tube workbench (not represented in figures).

[0098]

[0077] The central recess 18 is preferably a hexagonal right prism, thus ensuring an optimal, easier and quicker positioning (of the test tube 200 on the associated workbench protuberance). For example, in case of a recess shaped as a tri-, tetra- or pentagonal regular right prism, it takes longer to align the recess 18 with the workbench protuberance (i.e. the test tube 200 will need a longer time for adjustments to fit on the workbench protuberance than in the case of a hexagonal prism). On the other hand, a recess shaped as a right prism having a base comprising more than six sides is both more difficult to manufacture (thus more expensive) and the test tube is less secure fixed to the test tube stand (namely the possibility of rotation of the test tube 200 on the workbench protuberance increases with the number of sides).

[0099]

[0078] The test tube 200 of a second embodiment according to the invention is shown in figures 14a and 14b, and comprises, as all usual test tubes, a top opening 15, a bottom wall 16 and a lateral wall 17. The innovative aspect is that the bottom wali 16 is provided with a central hollow recess 18 that extends opposite to the top opening 15 of the test tube 200, while th e lateral wall 17 extends beyond the bottom wall 16 with a distance longer than a height of the hollow recess 18.

[0100]

[0079] The test tube 200 is further provided with a sleeve 19 abutting on a bottom of the recess 18. The sleeve 19 is fixed to the recess 18. The sleeve 19 has a height greater than a height of the recess 18, and is provided with a plurality of vertical slots. The vertical slots ensure the fluid communication between the space delimitated by the sleeve and th e rest of the space within the test tube 200. The vertical slots are narrow, such that a sampling medium cannot pass through said slots. For example, a slot may have a width of 1 to 3 mm.

[0101]

[0080] The height (measured from file bottom of the recess 18) of the sleeve 19 is in the range 5 mm - 60 mm, but the preferred range is 15 mm - 30 mm, because said preferred range ensures that the bottom of the recess 18 will not be covered by the sampling medium (because the sampling medium, for example a cloth, will be accommodated between the lateral wall 17 and the sleeve 19).

[0102]

[0081] The central recess 18 has a mating profile with a corresponding recess from the test tube workbench (not represented in figures). The central recess 18 is preferably a hexagonal right prism, thus ensuring an optimal, easier and quicker positioning (of the test tube 200 on the associated workbench recess).

[0103]

[0082] Both embodiments of the test tube 200 according to the invention have the further advantage that more test tubes 200 can be gathered on the same workbench (and operated at the same time or in the same batch).

[0104]

[0083] Classical equipment designed to keep file test tubes immobile on the workbench use gripping means surrounding or partially surrounding the test tube (thus more space is needed, on the workbench, between neighbouring test tubes).

[0105]

[0084] Due to the prismatic connection that is situated at the bottom of the test tube 200, there is no need for extra space for the surrounding gripping means, thus said extra space can be advantageously used for gathering more test tubes 200 on the same workbench, thus obtaining an increased productivity.

[0106]

[0085] The test tubes 200 according to the invention have dimensions adapted to the pushing devices 100 according to the invention. For example, a height of about 60 mm - 75 mm, an inner diameter of about 30 mm - 40 mm, a recess height of about 5 mm - 6 mm.

[0107]

[0086] Figures 15a to 15d show embodiments of seals S for the aperture A of the pushing device 100. All the seals S are breakable, puncturable or can be pierced. For example, the seal S may be pierced by the piercing portion 9 of the cap C (as shown in figures 11b and 11c) or may be punctured by a needle 20 (as shown in figures 15a and 15b).

[0108]

[0087] Figure 15a shows a first seal S embodiment, wherein a central zone of the seal S comprises one layer of an absorbent material 22. The absorbent material is, for example, a known absorbent paper or a known absorbent polymer.

[0109]

[0088] Figure 15b shows a second seal S embodiment, wherein a central zone of the seal S comprises two stacked layers: a layer of an absorbent material 22 and a layer of silicone 23.

[0110]

[0089] Figure 15c shows the first seal S embodiment (of figure 15a), with a slightly different design.

[0090] Figure 15d shows the second seal S embodiment (of figure 15b), with a slightly different design.

[0111]

[0091] The present invention also relates to a sampling or self-sampling kit comprising a pushing device 100 (according to any of the embodiments) according to the invention and a cap C (according to any of the embodiments) according to the invention.

[0112]

[0092] The sampling or self-sampling kit according to the invention may further Comprise a test tube (200). The test tube 200 is preferably a test tube 200 according to the invention.

[0113]

[0093] Preferably, the sampling or self-sampling kit comprises tee second embodiment of the pushing device 100, any embodiment of the cap C and tee first embodiment of the test tube 200, and possibly a sampling medium.

[0114]

[0094] Preferably, the sampling or self-sampling kit comprises tee third embodiment of tee pushing device 100, any embodiment of the cap C and tee second embodiment of tee test tube 200, and possibly a sampling medium.

[0115]

[0095] The sampling medium may be, for example, a sampling cloth as disclosed in tee international application PCT / IB2024 / 056076.

[0116]

[0096] The present invention also relates to a method of processing and analysing a sampling medium (for example a cloth, swab or brush), comprising the following steps: a) providing a sampling medium comprising biological material specimens, sealed inside a test tube 200 according to the invention by means of a pushing device 100 according to the invention, b) placing the tube 200 sealed by tee pushing device 100 on a workbench, such that the test tube 200 cannot rotate about its longitudinal axis, c) gripping the second wall 7 of the pushing device 100 by a robotic arm and rotating the pushing device 100 about its longitudinal axis X for homogenizing the content of the test tube 200, d) adding reacting substance to and / or removing content from tee test tube 200, e) picking, from a stand, a cap C according to the invention, and pushing the cap C, by means of a robotic arm head R, through the aperture A of the pushing device 100, thus piercing the seal S and sealing the aperture A of the pushing device 100, wherein the robotic arm head R has a ribbed profile matching a ribbed gripping region of tee cap C, f) releasing the cap C from tee robotic arm head R, g) removing the tube 200 from the workbench and storing tube 200 in a storage place.

[0117]

[0097] In case the content of the test tube 200 does not comprise a liquid for releasing the cells, the DNA or the proteins from the sampling medium, said liquid must be added to the content of the test tube 200 before the step c. Consequently, in such a case, the method further comprises, between steps b and c, the step: b1) adding, inside the pushing device 100, a liquid for releasing cells, DNA or proteins from the sampling medium, by means of a needle or of a pipette that punctures the seal S of tee pushing device 100.

[0098] By homogenization of the content of the test tube 200 is meant that the specimens from the sampling medium are transferred to the liquid, forming a uniform suspension. The difference between puncturing and piercing is that the hole created by puncturing is significantly smaller than the hole created by puncturing.

[0118]

[0099] The sampling kits according to the invention can be used With existing laboratory equipment, so there is no need for any costly replacement of laboratory robots or systems. Moreover, all the operations carried out in the laboratory on the sampling kits according to the invention can be performed automatically (without human intervention), thus leading to an improved efficiency.

[0119]

[0100] Although the invention has been described in connection with particular illustrative embodiments, "it will be clear that it is not, in any way, limited to these embodiments and that it covers all the technical equivalents of the means described and their combinations, insofar as the same function is achieved.

Claims

Claims1. Pushing device (100) configured to be inserted inside a test tube (200) to retain at least partially a sampling medium inside foe test tube (200), characterized in that the pushing device (100) comprises: a hollow, elongated body (E), comprising:- a base (B),- a first wall (1) extending from the base (B) around a longitudinal axis (X) of the elongated body (E), said first wall (1) defining an aperture (A) opposite to the base (B),- the first wall (1) delimiting an interior space (2) inside the elongated body (E), wherein the interior space (2) is configured to at least partially accommodate a pipette or a needle,- foe first wall (1) being provided with at least one flap (3) configured to secure the pushing device (100) in a fixed position within the test tube (200), by the compression of said at least one flap against an inner wall of foe test tube (200) when the pushing device (100) is inserted inside foe test tube (200),- a breakable puncturable seal (S) sealing the aperture (A),- at least one opening (4) provided in the base (B) and / or in foe first wall (1), said opening (4) being configured to allow fluid communication between an exterior space (5) outside the elongated body (1) and foe interior space (2), wherein the pushing device further comprises a second wall (7) extending from the aperture (A) around foe longitudinal axis (X), wherein a height of the second wall (7), measured from the aperture (A) level in a direction opposite to the first wall (1), ensures the protection of the seal (S), against contamination, during manipulation by a user.

2. Pushing device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the height of the second wail (7) is in the range of 4 mm to 15 mm, preferably in the range 4 mm to 10 mm.

3. Pushing device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 2, wherein an outer surface of the second wall (7), or both an outer and an inner surface of the second wall (7) has / have an indented profile;4. Pushing device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 3, wherein foe second wall (7) is a separate member from foe first wall (1), for example a collar press-fixed to the first wall (1).

5. Pushing device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 3, wherein the second wall (7) is integral with the first wall (1).

6. Pushing device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 5, further comprising at least one spacer (6) extending from the periphery of the base (B) in an opposite direction from the first wall (1), for maintaining a distance between the base (B) and a closed end of foe test tube (200), and configured to retain foe sampling medium at least partly between the base (B) and foe closed end of foe test tube (200).

7. Pushing device (100) according to claim 6 when dependent on claim 5, further comprising a third wall (8) extending from the base (B) around the longitudinal axis (X) of the elongated body (E) in a direction opposite to the first wall (1), wherein the third wall (8) is an extension of the first wall (1) and has a height smaller than a length of said at least one spacer (6).8, Pushing device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 7, further comprising a plurality of radial projections (P) or a plurality of vertical blades (P) provided on an outer surface of the first wall (1).

9. Pushing device (100) according to any of the claims 6 - 8, further comprising a plurality of radial projections (P) or a plurality of vertical blades (P) provided on the at least one spacer (6).

10. Pushing device (100) according to any of the claims 1 — 9, wherein a central zone of the seal (S) comprises one layer of an absorbent material, or comprises two stacked layers: a layer of an absorbent material and a layer of silicone.

11. Cap (C) for closing a pushing device (10Q) according to any preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises:- a piercing region (9) configured to pierce the seal (S) when inserted inside the pushing device (100), and to seal the aperture (A),- a gripping region (10) connected to the piercing region (9), said gripping region (10) being hollow and having a shape of a frustum of cone with a bottom base and a top base, wherein the bottom base is an open end (11) situated distal in respect to the piercing region (9), and the top base (12) is situated nearby the piercing region (9), wherein an inner lateral surface of the gripping region (10) is provided with a plurality of neighbouring identical ribs (13) having an isosceles trapezoid or isosceles triangular shape, each rib (12) extending from the top base (12) to the bottom base (11).

12. Cap (C) according to claim 11 wherein an angle of the bottom base (11) of each rib (13) is in the range 88.5° - 89.5°.

13. Cap (C) according to any of the claims 11 - 12, wherein the piercing region (9) has a sharp tip.

14. Cap (C) according to any of the claims 11 - 12, wherein the piercing region (9) has an inward recess having a cone shape or frustum of cone shape, configured to accommodate a stand protuberance (14).

15. Test tube (200) comprising a top opening (15), a bottom wail (16) and a lateral wall (17), characterized in that the bottom wall (16) is provided with a central recess (18) shaped as a right prism.

16. Test tube (200) according to claim 15, wherein the central recess (18) extends towards the top opening (15) of the test tube (200).

17. Test tube (200) according to claim 15, wherein the central recess (18) extends opposite to the top opening (15) of the test tube (200), wherein the lateral wall (17) extends beyond the bottom wall (16) with a distance longer than a height of the hollow recess (18), and wherein the test tube (200) is further provided with a sleeve (19) abutting on a bottom of the recess (18), wherein the sleeve (19) has a height greater than a height of the recess (18), wherein the sleeve (19) is provided with a plurality of vertical slots.

18. Test tube (200) according to any of the claims 15-17, wherein the central hollow recess (18) is a regular hexagonal right prism.

19. A sampling or self-sampling kit, characterized in that it comprises:- a pushing device (100) according to any of the claims 1 - 10,- a cap (C) according to any of the claims 11 - 14.

20. A sampling or self-sampling kit according to claim 19, further comprising a test tube (200), preferably a test tube (200) according to any of the claims 15 - 18.

21. A Sampling or seif-sampling kit according to any of the claims 19 - 20, further comprising a sampling medium.

22. Method of processing and analysing an sampling medium, characterized In that it comprises the following steps: a) providing a sampling medium, comprising biological material specimens, sealed inside a test tube (200) according to the invention by means of a pushing device (100) according to the invention, b) placing the tube (200) sealed by the pushing device (100) on a workbench, c) gripping the second wall (7) of the pushing device (100) by a robotic arm and rotating the pushing device (100) about its longitudinal axis (X) for homogenizing the content of the test tube (200), while maintaining the test tube (200) immobile, d) adding reacting substance to and / or removing content from the test tube (200), by means of a needle or a pipette that punctures the seal (S) of the pushing device (100), e) picking, from a stand (14'),. a cap (C) according to the invention, and pushing the cap (C), by means of a robotic arm head (R), through the aperture (A) of the pushing device (100), thus piercing the seal (S) and sealing the aperture (A) of the pushing device (100), wherein the robotic arm head (R) has a ribbed profile matching a ribbed gripping region (10) of the cap (C), f) releasing the cap (C) from the robotic arm head (R), g) removing the tube (200) from the workbench and storing the tube (200) in a storage place.

23. Method according to claim 21 , further comprising, between the steps b and c, the step: b1) adding, inside the pushing device (100), a liquid for releasing ceils, DNA, proteins or other biological material from the sampling medium, by means of a needle or of a pipette that punctures the seal (S) of the pushing device (100).

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