Tissue container for molecular and histology diagnostics incorporating a breakable membrane
AssigneeBecton, Dickinson and Company
InventorsBenjamin R. Bartfeld, C. Mark Newby
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A container for storing a biological sample for molecular diagnostic testing and/or histological testing is provided. The container includes a first chamber for receiving a sample holder therein, a second chamber, and a closure for enclosing the container. A breakable membrane, such as a piercable foil, extends within the container and separates the two chambers. When the breakable membrane is broken, fluid can pass between the first and second chambers. The membrane may be broken through an activator on the closure, such as a depressible member or a rotatable carrier, causing the sample holder to break through the membrane.
Claims14
A container for storing a biological sample, comprising:
- a housing having a first open end, a second end, and a sidewall extending therebetween along a longitudinal axis and defining a container interior having a central longitudinal axis extending from the first open end to the second end;
- a first breakable membrane extending across the container interior parallel to the longitudinal axis;
- a second breakable membrane spaced apart from the first breakable membrane and extending across the container interior parallel to the central longitudinal axis, with a first chamber established between the first breakable membrane and the second breakable membrane, and a second chamber established between the housing sidewall and at least one of the first breakable membrane and the second breakable membrane, wherein the first chamber is aligned with the first open end of the housing and is adapted to receive a sample holder therein, at least one of the first breakable membrane and the second breakable membrane are breakable so as to establish fluid communication between the first and second chambers;
- and
- a removable closure for enclosing the first open end, the removable closure having the sample holder connected therewith, wherein rotation of the removable closure causes at least a portion of the sample holder to break at least one of the first and second breakable membranes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.