US 9,039,636 B2 · Devices and methods for enhanced cellular sample transfer

Abstract

Described are embodiments of a biological specimen collection transfer and container system and method for handling and processing specimens of cellular, and related particulate matter, directly into a vial or other like container. The vial, or container, assembly includes a series of ridges, protrusions, or like engagement members, that extend from the inside of the vial or container. Application of an external force between the collection apparatus and the engagement members contained within the vial, or container, results in an increased amount of cells, cellular structures, related material, and other particulates to transfer from the collection apparatus to the vial, or like container, thereby improving the sample yield and processing effectiveness of the sample in order to increase diagnostic utility.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A biological specimen collection vial kit comprising:

a collection apparatus comprising any one of the group consisting of:
a brush, a spatula, a swab, and a broom;
a cap;
and
a vial consisting essentially of an external surface, a cap interface, a longitudinal axis and an interior surface, wherein the interior surface consists of a plurality of vertical interior surface features parallel to the longitudinal axis that are embedded on and proximate to the interior surface of the vial,
wherein the vial is configured for physical agitation between the collection apparatus and one or more of said interior surface features in order to more effectively release cellular specimen material in to the vial.

3 more elements

A method of obtaining a biological sample disposed in a collection apparatus, the method comprising:

contacting a collection apparatus with a vial,
the collection apparatus selected among the group consisting of a brush, a swab, a spatula, and a broom,
the vial comprising an interior surface, the interior surface consisting of a plurality of vertical interior surface features parallel to a longitudinal axis of, and located proximate to the interior surface of, the vial,
wherein the collection apparatus contacts the vertical interior surface features in the vial in order to transfer the biological sample from the collection apparatus into the vial;
and
removing the collection apparatus from the vial.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

13/360,263Filed 27 Jan 2012 · us provisional application

Priority

27 Jan 2011

Published

US 2012/0196313 A12 Aug 2012

Granted

26 May 2015

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification13 codes

A61B 10/02
Instruments for taking body samples for diagnostic purposes ; Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. for vaccination diagnosis, sex…:…
B01F 33/5011
Movable mixing devices, i.e. readily shifted or displaced from one place to another, e.g. portable during use: portable during use, e.g. hand-held
B01F 35/32021
Hand driven: shaking by hand a portable receptacle or stirrer for mixing
B01F 35/5312
With baffles, plates or bars on the wall or the bottom: with vertical baffles mounted on the walls

Devices and methods for enhanced cellular sample transfer

Life of this patent

Devices and methods for enhanced cellular sample transfer

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13