Apparatus for sampling, storing, preserving and testing a specimen
OwnerKenneth A. Alleyinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multiple-chamber container for sampling, storing and preserving for later testing a sample. A swab having a foam tip is used to collect a sample (the sample must have some liquid component, e.g., saliva, urine, blood, etc.). After the foam tip is used to collect a specimen, the swab is inserted into the container where the foam tip is compressed and a portion of the specimen that was sampled is diverted into each chamber. The swab is locked into the container thereby sealing the specimen inside. At least one test strip is positioned inside one of the chambers to test the sample. The sample in the other chamber(s) are separated and can be stored for a period of time. A preservative may be used to help keep the specimen during storage.
Claims19
An apparatus for testing saliva comprising:
- a housing having a top end, a bottom end, a tubular compartment located proximate the middle of the housing, and first and second dividing walls in the interior of the apparatus that communicate with said tubular compartment for defining a first latitudinal compartment and a second latitudinal compartment, each latitudinal compartment spanning from the top end of the housing to the bottom end of the housing;
- said tubular compartment having a first window that allows the interior of the tubular section to communicate with the interior of the first compartment and a second window that allows the interior of the tubular section to communicate with the interior of the second compartment, both windows positioned proximate the bottom of the tubular section;
- a bottom plug designed to seal the bottom end of the housing while keeping a distinct separation between said first compartment, said second compartment and said tubular compartment;
- the plug including a footer that sits directly beneath the tubular compartment;
- the bottom plug having a top surface with two tapered surfaces commencing at said dividing walls and tapering down towards the edge of the housing;
- a cap that releasably seals the top of said housing, the cap also designed to keep a distinct separation between said first compartment;
- said second compartment and said tubular compartment;
- a plurality of sleeves adapted to hold one or more test strips, the sleeves being positioned inside the interior of said first compartment, said sleeves including windows proximate the bottom of the apparatus for allowing at least a portion of said one or more test strips to be exposed to the interior of said first compartment;
- and
- an elongated swab having a gripping area at its first end connected to a stopper at its second end via a shaft, the stopper designed to hold an absorbent pad, the absorbent pad is designed to collect a sample;
- the elongated swab designed to be inserted into said tubular compartment of said housing;
- said swab having a sealing member for permanently sealing the swab to the apparatus.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.