DE102012024354A1 - Sample treatment device has fluid reservoir attached to fluid chamber and is filled with correction fluid, where correction fluid differs in chemical or physical characteristics from fluid of fluid chamber - Google Patents

Abstract

The sample treatment device (1) has a housing (2) and a closing plug carrying a pad (4) and inserted in a receptacle opening (3) of the housing up to a use position. A fluid chamber (6) filled with a fluid is formed in the housing. The fluid chamber is sealed to the receptacle opening by a membrane (7). The membrane is pierced with a free end (9) of the pad in the use position. A fluid reservoir (12) is attached to the fluid chamber and is filled with a correction fluid. The correction fluid differs in chemical or physical characteristics from the fluid of the fluid chamber. A dosing unit is formed for adding a portion of the correction fluid to the fluid chamber.

Description

The invention relates to a sample treatment device, comprising a housing and a closure plug which can be inserted or inserted into a receiving opening of the housing up to a use position and which has at least one swab, wherein a liquid chamber filled with a liquid is formed in the housing, which is connected to the receiving opening by a first membrane is closed, wherein the first membrane is pierced or pierced with a free end of the swab in the use position.

Such sample treatment devices are known and are used to pick up a sample with the swab, for example, from a surface and subsequently detach or release the recorded sample in the liquid chamber with the liquid from the swab, in order to further process the sample thus obtained for various Allow measurement purposes.

It has been found that the result of this measurement can be sensitively dependent on the chemical conditions prevailing during the sampling on or on the surface mentioned. For example, the surface may have been cleaned with an acidic cleaning agent prior to sampling.

Proper handling of a sample treatment device of the known type therefore often requires relevant expertise and knowledge of the chemical conditions at the site from which the sample originated.

The invention is based on the object to provide a universal as possible, easy to handle sample treatment device.

To achieve this object, the features of claim 1 are formed in a sample treatment device according to the invention. In particular, it is thus proposed in a sample treatment device of the type described above that a first liquid reservoir is connected to the liquid chamber, that the first liquid reservoir is filled with a first correction fluid, wherein the correction fluid differs in at least one chemical or physical property of the liquid, and a first dosing means is provided for adding at least a portion of the first correction fluid to the fluid chamber. The advantage here is that an influence of environmental conditions at a recording location, which prevailed when taking samples with the swab, by adding a suitable correction fluid is at least partially neutralizable. Thus, an easy-to-handle sample treatment device is provided.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that the chemical or physical property is a pH. The advantage here is that thus the pH of the liquid is easily changeable or correctable. The influence of acidic or basic / alkaline environmental conditions on a test result created by the sample is thus correctable.

For example, it can be provided that the liquid is a buffer solution. The advantage here is that the pH of the liquid already has a certain robustness to fluctuations in the chemical environmental conditions at the sample receiving site, which can be further increased by appropriate addition of correction fluid.

In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that an indicator for the at least one chemical or physical property is formed or arranged in the liquid chamber. The advantage here is that an operator or an operator can easily recognize that an addition of correction fluid is required if the indicator indicates this accordingly. For example, indicators of the actual pH of the liquid in the liquid chamber are useful if a pH is to be brought into a desired range by adding correction fluid. For example, the indicator may be a color indicator.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that a second liquid reservoir is connected to the liquid chamber, that the second liquid reservoir is filled with a second correction fluid, wherein the correction fluid in at least one chemical or physical property of the liquid differs such that an influence the liquid is at least partially neutralisable by adding the second correction fluid to the buffer solution by adding the second correction fluid, and that a second metering agent is formed to add at least a portion of the second correction fluid to the fluid chamber. Thus, a change in the liquid due to, for example, excessive addition of the first correction fluid can be reversed by appropriate addition of the second correction fluid as needed. For example, it can be provided that the first correction fluid and the second correction fluid each assume a value of the chemical or physical property, wherein the fluid has a value of this chemical or physical Property that is on a scale between the values of the correction fluids. For example, the liquid may have a certain pH as the buffer solution, wherein the first correction fluid has a pH that is below the pH of the fluid, while the second correction fluid has a pH that is above the pH of the Liquid is lying. First and second dosing agents can also be integrated into a common dosing agent. Preferably, the first liquid reservoir and / or the second liquid reservoir are / is in each case connected via a feed opening guided through the housing into the liquid chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention, it may be provided that the first dosing means has a preferably first flexible, first flexible wall region of the first liquid reservoir. The advantage here is that a desired part of the first correction fluid, for example, the full content of the first liquid reservoir, is conveyed by deformation of the flexible wall portion in the liquid chamber. It is preferably provided that the first dosing agent is formed as a blister. Thus, the first liquid reservoir can be emptied into the liquid chamber up to a residual amount in a simple manner. A blister is understood to mean a liquid reservoir which is closed on the outside with a manually deformed plastic film according to the type of medicament packaging.

Alternatively or additionally, it can be provided that the second dosing means has a preferably operable from the outside flexible wall portion of the second liquid reservoir. The advantage here is that the second correction fluid can be conveyed by deformation of the second flexible wall portion in the liquid chamber. Here, too, it is preferably provided that the second dosing agent is designed as a blister in order to be able to easily deliver a measured quantity of second correction fluid into the fluid chamber.

It is particularly advantageous here if the first flexible wall region and / or the second flexible wall region can be actuated from the outside. The advantage here is that the volume of the first liquid reservoir and / or the second liquid reservoir is simply reduced by pressure from the outside / are to promote the first correction fluid or the second correction fluid as needed in the liquid chamber.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that the liquid chamber is closed at a remote from the receiving opening end with a second membrane. Alternatively or additionally, it may be provided that the liquid chamber is closed at a spaced-apart from the first membrane end with a second membrane. The advantage here is that with respect to the receiving opening behind the liquid chamber further chambers can be formed or formed, which can optionally be opened for further processing of the sample by puncturing or separating the second membrane. For example, the at least one further chamber may contain a pulverulent substance which is soluble in the liquid flowing into the at least one further chamber after the second membrane has been opened.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that the second membrane is pierced with a free end of the swab inserted into the receiving opening sealing plug. The advantage here is that no additional tool for opening the second membrane is required.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first and / or the second liquid reservoir is closed with a separation membrane to the liquid chamber. The advantage here is that an uncontrolled leakage of correction fluid can be prevented in the liquid chamber. For example, the separation membrane can be breakable under pressure. This pressure can be generated for example by a mechanical instrument or by pressure build-up in the respective liquid reservoir.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that a plurality of liquid reservoirs is formed, each with individually operable dosing, with each of the individual liquid reservoirs completely empty upon actuation of the associated dosing. The advantage here is that in a simple manner a dosage of the addition of correction fluid can be realized. The emptying takes place here in each case completely (except for a defined residual amount), so that a user and / or an operating device can determine an amount of added correction fluid by the number of actuated dosing.

It is particularly favorable if the sample treatment device is designed as a handheld device. In this case, the liquid reservoirs can be closed to the outside and filled with correction fluid. Connections to supply or supply lines for correction fluid are thus dispensable, so that a universally applicable sample treatment device is provided with a compact, portable Bauaß. The sample treatment device can in this case be made, for example, from plastic, in particular with injection-molded parts.

In one embodiment of the invention can be provided that the swab is movably disposed on the closure plug in the use position from the outside relative to the liquid chamber and / or the sealing plug. The advantage here is that a mixing of the liquid in the liquid chamber can be excited to simply distribute a supplied correction fluid in the liquid.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to embodiments, but is not limited to these embodiments. Further exemplary embodiments result from a combination of the features of individual or several protection claims with one another and / or with one or more features of the exemplary embodiments.

It shows:

1 a greatly simplified schematic illustration of the invention sectional view of a sample treatment device according to the invention.

2 a likewise greatly simplified sectional view of another sample treatment device according to the invention with manually operable dosing and

3 a greatly simplified sectional view of a further inventive sample treatment device with downstream another chamber.

1 shows in a greatly simplified sectional view, in which only the details necessary to explain the invention are shown, a whole with 1 designated sample treatment device.

The sample treatment device 1 has a tubular housing 2 , at one end of a receiving opening 3 is trained.

Into the receiving opening 3 is a swab 4 can be used and in 1 used, which on a sealing plug 5 is arranged. 1 shows the situation in which the stopper plug 5 up to a use position in the receiving opening 3 is used.

The housing 2 surrounds a fluid chamber 6 , which is filled with a liquid, not shown.

The liquid chamber 6 is to the receiving opening 3 through a first membrane 7 so closed, that the liquid from the liquid chamber 6 can not leak.

The swab 4 has a rod-shaped support element 8th on, at its free end 9 , that is to that of the sealing plug 5 opposite end, a receiving element 10 is trained.

The receiving element 10 is formed to receive the sample to be examined from a surface or the like. In the embodiment, the receiving element 10 from a flexible, absorbent and / or porous material, for example made of a textile material, made of cotton wool or sponge.

The swab 4 is with his from the receiving element 10 opposite end of the support element 8th on a holding element 11 fixed, which is in the stopper 5 slidably arranged. By moving the retaining element 11 relative to the sealing plug 5 is thus the insertion movement of the swab 4 in the receiving opening 3 after inserting the sealing plug 5 extendable to the use position. In 1 this direction of stretching runs in the drawing plane from top to bottom.

By moving the retaining element 11 in the interior of the case 2 pierces the swab 4 the first membrane 7 , whereby the receiving element 10 with the sample taken or to be examined into the liquid in the liquid chamber 6 is brought.

The liquid in the liquid chamber 6 in this case has a chemical or physical property, which is tuned to expected environmental conditions at the test location. For example, this may be a pH of the liquid.

To the liquid chamber 6 is a first fluid reservoir 12 connected, which is filled with a not shown first correction fluid.

As soon as the actual environmental conditions deviate too much from predetermined or desired environmental conditions, a desired part of the first correction fluid may be discharged from the first fluid reservoir 12 into the liquid chamber 6 be added to bring the chemical or physical property, such as the pH, back into the desired range.

For example, the first correction fluid in the first fluid reservoir 12 have a pH which is greater than the pH of the buffer solution in the liquid chamber 6 lies. By adding the first correction fluid can thus the pH in the fluid chamber 6 increase.

In order to be able to determine the amount of added first correction fluid, the first fluid reservoir has a first dosing agent 13 on, which will be described in more detail below.

To the liquid chamber 6 is a second fluid reservoir 14 connected, in which a not shown second correction fluid is kept.

The second fluid reservoir 14 has a second dosing agent 15 on, with which a desired part of the second correction fluid from the second fluid reservoir 14 into the liquid chamber 6 is possible.

The second correction fluid is chosen so that a change of the liquid in the liquid chamber 6 due to an addition of the first correction fluid can be reversed by appropriate addition of the second correction fluid.

For example, a correction fluid whose pH is below the pH of the fluid in the fluid chamber is selected as the second correction fluid 6 lies.

Thus, the pH in the liquid chamber 6 be lowered by adding the second correction fluid.

The first dosing agent 13 has a first flexible wall area 16 on, with which the volume of the first liquid reservoir 12 is reducible. Through this reduction, first correction fluid can enter the fluid chamber 6 be added.

For actuating the first dosing agent 13 is a mechanically controllable actuator 17 provided with which a predetermined deformation of the first flexible wall portion 16 is executable to a required amount of a first correction fluid in the liquid chamber 6 admit.

The second dosing agent 15 has in a similar manner a second flexible wall area 18 on, which also with the actuator 17 or another actuator is deformable. Thus, also a reduction of the second liquid reservoir 14 executable to second correction fluid to the fluid chamber 6 to admit.

In the liquid chamber 6 there is an indicator not shown, with which the current pH value can be displayed. Depending on the indication of the indicator, a desired amount of first and / or second correction fluid can thus be added to the liquid chamber 6 to adjust the desired pH or, more generally, the desired chemical or physical property.

Since the swab 4 with the holding element 11 movable on the sealing plug 5 is attached, by movement of the retaining element 11 a movement of the receiving element 10 in the liquid chamber 6 be performed controlled from the outside, through which a mixing in the liquid chamber 6 is reachable. This mixing ensures that the added correction fluids in the fluid chamber 6 are well distributed. Thus, the indicator can correctly display the current value of the chemical or physical property - here the pH value - even after the addition of correction fluid.

The first liquid reservoir 12 and the second liquid reservoir 12 each have an addition port 20 passing through the housing 2 from outside to inside, to the liquid chamber 6 connected.

2 shows a greatly simplified to illustrate the invention sectional view of another sample treatment device according to the invention 1 , Structurally and / or functionally to the embodiment according to 1 Similar or similar details are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described separately again. The remarks to 1 therefore apply here accordingly.

In contrast to the embodiment according to 1 are in the embodiment according to 2 not just a first fluid reservoir 12 and a second liquid reservoir 14 educated. Rather, the sample treatment device 1 according to 2 a plurality of first fluid reservoirs 12 and a plurality of second fluid reservoirs 14 on. 2 shows for simplicity, four first and four second fluid reservoirs 12 . 14 , wherein in other embodiments, other numbers of liquid reservoirs are realized.

The liquid reservoirs 12 . 14 each have first dosing 13 or second dosing 15 each formed as a blister. Such blisters are known, for example, from drug packages.

These blisters are individually by pressure from the outside with a finger 19 individually operable to the respective liquid reservoir 12 . 14 Completely, that is, except for a non-usable residual amount, in the liquid chamber 6 to empty. The liquid reservoirs 12 . 14 are here in each case via an addition opening 20 with the liquid chamber 6 connected. In the addition openings 20 each is a separation membrane 21 arranged, with which the associated liquid reservoir 12 . 14 before the first actuation against the liquid chamber 6 is completed. When operating the respective dosing agent 13 . 15 the internal pressure in the associated liquid reservoir increases 12 . 14 at least in such a way that the occlusive separation membrane 21 bursts, causing the content, so the first or second correction fluid, in the liquid chamber 6 can empty.

In 1 and 2 It can also be seen that in the direction of insertion in front of the liquid chamber 6 an upstream chamber 22 in the case 2 is formed, which with another membrane 23 against the receiving opening 3 is closed.

The further membrane 23 is when inserting the swab 4 in the receiving opening 3 with the free end 9 of the swab 4 pierced so that the receiving element 10 in the upstream chamber 22 arrives.

In the upstream chamber 22 For example, a liquid may be kept ready, with which the sample to be examined by the receiving element 10 is replaced.

3 shows a highly simplified sectional view of a further sample treatment device according to the invention 1 , Functional and / or constructive to the sample treatment devices according to 1 respectively. 2 similar or similar details are denoted by the same reference numeral and will not be described separately again. The remarks to the 1 and 2 apply at 3 therefore accordingly.

In the sample treatment device 1 is the fluid chamber 6 at its end facing away from the receiving opening end with a second membrane 24 closed to leakage of liquid from the liquid chamber 6 to prevent.

The second membrane 24 is thus in the insertion direction of the first membrane 7 spaced in the housing 2 arranged to the liquid chamber 6 to build.

The second membrane 24 thus limits a downstream chamber 25 , which in the insertion direction of the swab 4 behind the liquid chamber 6 is arranged.

The second membrane 24 is openable by pressure, for example by mechanical pressure with the free end 9 of the swab 4 pierced.

In the downstream chamber 25 For example, a powdery substance may be kept in the liquid from the liquid chamber 6 is resolved. This liquid flows after opening the second membrane 24 in the downstream chamber 25 ,

With the swab 4 Thus, first with the receiving element 10 a sample to be examined, for example, taken from a surface and into the housing 2 introduced. In a first step is with the swab 4 the further membrane 23 pierced to the receiving element 10 in the upstream chamber 22 bring to.

In the upstream chamber 22 becomes the sample from the receiving element 10 replaced.

Subsequently, with the free end 9 of the swab 4 the first membrane 7 pierced to the now present in dissolved sample in the liquid chamber 6 bring to.

An indicator in the fluid chamber 6 indicates whether the pH or other physical or chemical property assumes a desired value. If this is not the case, then the first dosing agent is used 13 or second dosing 15 a correction fluid to the fluid chamber 6 added until the desired value is set.

Subsequently, the second membrane 24 separated so that the sample with the corrected liquid from the liquid chamber 6 in the downstream chamber 25 arrives. In this a powdered substance is kept, which is dissolved in the inflowing liquid and reacts for further examination of the sample with the sample.

Subsequently, the thus prepared sample is further promoted for measurement.

In the sample treatment device 1 , which is a fluid chamber filled with a liquid 6 in a housing 2 having, wherein the liquid chamber 6 against a receiving opening 3 of the housing 2 through a first membrane 7 is closed and wherein the first membrane 7 with one through the receiving opening 3 in the case 2 introduced swab 4 is separable, it is proposed a first liquid reservoir 12 form and preferably through the housing 2 to the liquid chamber 6 connect and a first dosing 13 for adding a first correction fluid from the first fluid reservoir 12 to the liquid chamber 6 form, wherein by adding the first correction fluid at least one chemical or physical property in the liquid chamber 6 is changeable.

Claims (10)

Sample treatment device ( 1 ), with a housing ( 2 ) and into a receiving opening ( 3 ) of the housing ( 2 ) can be used or inserted to a position of use, a swab ( 4 ) carrying stopper ( 5 ), wherein in the housing ( 2 ) a fluid chamber filled with a liquid ( 6 ) is formed, which to the receiving opening ( 3 ) through a first membrane ( 7 ), the first membrane ( 7 ) with a free end ( 9 ) of the swab ( 4 ) is puncturable or punctured in the use position, characterized in that a first liquid reservoir ( 12 ) to the liquid chamber ( 6 ), that the first liquid reservoir ( 12 ) is filled with a first correction fluid, wherein the correction fluid differs from the fluid in at least one chemical or physical property, and in that a first dosing agent ( 18 ) for adding at least part of the first correction fluid to the fluid chamber ( 6 ) is trained. Sample treatment device ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the chemical or physical property is a pH and / or that the liquid is a buffer solution. Sample treatment device ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in the liquid chamber ( 6 ) an indicator for the at least one chemical or physical property is formed or arranged. Sample treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a second liquid reservoir ( 14 ) to the liquid chamber ( 6 ), that the second liquid reservoir ( 14 ) is filled with a second correction fluid, wherein the correction fluid differs from the fluid in at least one chemical or physical property in such a way that an influencing of the fluid due to an addition of the first correction fluid to the fluid is at least partially neutralizable by an addition of the second correction fluid, and that a second dosing agent ( 15 ) for adding at least part of the second correction fluid to the fluid chamber ( 6 ) is trained. Sample treatment device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first dosing agent ( 13 ) a preferably externally operable, first flexible wall area ( 16 ) of the first liquid reservoir ( 12 ), in particular as a blister, and / or that the second dosing agent ( 15 ) a preferably externally operable, second flexible wall area ( 18 ) of the second liquid reservoir ( 14 ), in particular formed as a blister. Sample treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the liquid chamber ( 6 ) at one of the receiving opening ( 3 ) and / or from the first membrane ( 7 ) spaced end with a second membrane ( 24 ) is closed. Sample treatment device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the second membrane ( 24 ) with a free end ( 9 ) of the swab ( 4 ) into the receiving opening ( 3 ) inserted stopper ( 5 ) is pierceable. Sample treatment device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first liquid reservoir ( 12 ) and / or the second liquid reservoir ( 14 ) with a preferably rupturable under pressure separation membrane ( 21 ) to the liquid chamber ( 6 ) is closed. Sample treatment device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that a plurality of liquid reservoirs ( 12 . 14 ) with individually operable dosing agents ( 13 . 15 ), wherein the individual liquid reservoirs ( 12 . 14 ) upon actuation of the associated dosing agent ( 13 . 15 ) completely empty, and / or that the sample treatment device ( 1 ) is designed as a handheld device. Sample treatment device ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the swab ( 4 ) on the sealing plug ( 5 ) in the use position from the outside relative to the liquid chamber ( 6 ) and / or the sealing plug ( 5 ) is movably arranged.

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