Automated system for quantitative collection and extraction of a fecal sample

An automated system for quantitative collection and extraction of a fecal sample, the system comprising:

• a. a primary loading module configured to receive a plurality of primary stool specimen containers, each container configured to house a stool specimen, and a secondary loading module configured to receive a plurality of secondary extraction tubes, each tube having a collection wand integrated into a cap and configured to quantitatively extract a fecal sample from a stool loaded wand;
• b. a robotic arm configured to:
• i. open and close a selected primary stool specimen container,
• ii. move a selected extraction tube from the secondary loading module to an operational spot,
• iii. open the cap and retrieve the collection wand from the selected extraction tube,
• iv. insert the retrieved collection wand into the stool using a downward spiral maneuver to load the wand with stool, and
• v. insert the loaded collection wand into the individual extraction tube to extract the fecal sample;
• c. a quality control module comprising a camera and image detection system with feedback mechanism in communication with the robotic arm that is configured to assess and confirm whether loading of the collection wand meets a preset acceptable tolerance and if so, the quality control module assists with positioning of the robotic arm for accurate insertion of the stool loaded wand into the selected extraction tube, but if not, the system is configured to reload the wand;
• d. an exhaust module comprising a fan and odor filter that removes odor from the system, the system further comprising an air inlet that coordinates with the exhaust module to generate air flow through the system and the odor filter;
• and
• e. executable software loaded into the system and in communication with a database that randomly generates and assigns pairs between the primary stool specimen container and at least one of the plurality of secondary extraction tube(s).