JPS63302838A - Device for sampling biological substance - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Background of the invention field of invention The present invention relates to a device for collecting biological samples.

This device is particularly suitable for collecting exudate, fluid and columnar epithelium from the endocervix.

Swaps with rough woven surfaces have traditionally been used to collect specimens such as the throat, urethra, vagina, cervix, rectum, and skin. Swaps commonly used materials such as cotton, rayon, Dacron, and nylon. This is because they absorb considerable volumes of liquid and have a raking action to some extent.

However, swaps are unsuitable for elution methods and direct smear preparation. The absorption and retention effects of swap and the release effects of swap are mutually exclusive. Swaps made from materials that readily absorb liquid generally have poor release properties. Therefore, material transferred onto glass slides from such swaps only provides significantly poorer quantitative sensitivity IIJ
I can't hold it.

In general, attempts to elute the absorbed material from the swap have proven difficult to release the biological material absorbed by the swap, even with the addition of elution aids such as surfactants, salts, etc. The use of reagents that chemically promote elution also poses problems such as loss of the native antigenicity of the analyte, toxicity to indicator cell lines in culture tests, and increased background noise and quantification interference.

The second issue is a qualitative matter of the specimen as to how the test material is absorbed by the swap at each time point. For example, when a swap is inserted into the cervical canal, it begins to absorb more and more material within the lumen, depending on the viscosity and volume of the material it comes in contact with.

Cellular material and materials lining the interior of the cervical canal are then absorbed and unabsorbed by the swap.

Lower viscosity luminal material is present inside the swap than the superficial epithelial cells and adhesive vs. analysis fountains. Transferring the collected material directly to a glass slide only transfers the portion of the specimen that is on the outside of the swap. on the other hand,
Even when elution is used, the extraction of luminal material from the interior of the swap is insufficient. If the mucus in the lumen is thick, substances will be blocked from reaching the interior of the swap and absorption will stop prematurely. Moreover, when coated with a cushion of mucus, the outside of the swap effectively loses its ability to collect specimens. That is, the function of the swap depends heavily on the qualitative and quantitative contents of the sample at the time of sampling. For example, the stage of the disease, such as chlamydia, and other physiological factors can influence the qualitative content of the specimen at that site.

To obtain urinary samples to test for sexually transmitted diseases, a metal or plastic bacterial loop is often used in place of the swirler 1. The metal loop is initially E-0
It was used in Tuva, but is not generally accepted in the United States for safety reasons.

The plastic loops used in the United States cannot be expected to collect enough material and exhibit scraping action, like swaps or to some extent metal loops, in the absence of abundant exudate.

Instead of a swap, a device called a cytobrush is used to collect intracervical samples from non-pregnant patients. The device resembles a small bottle cleaning brush with bristles of various lengths. At the time of harvest, biological material, including columnar cells, adheres to the hair.

Therefore, there is a need for a collection device that can scrape the surface without cutting to collect the material, and that can retain the sample material, including the lumen material and the scraped material, both during and after collection. It is said that moreover,
Such devices require constant qualitative sampling and completely quantitative release during elution.

(2) Description of the Prior Art U.S. Pat. No. 4,020,847 discloses a straight line arranged so that only abnormal protrusions along the non-desquamated endothelial surface of a blood vessel can be cut and the intact normal surface is not sampled. A rotary cutter catheter is disclosed having an IJJ cutting edge of 1. U.S. Pat. No. 2,437,329 discloses a surgical curettage device in which a longitudinal opening is formed in the wall of a tube. One edge of the elongated opening is everted to form a curettage. U.S. Patent No. 2.495.794
The issue discloses a rectal scraper. US Pat. No. 3,626,470 discloses a diagnostic device for taking cytological samples. The device consists of a 111 long handle with a platform flexibly connected to a sponge-like caul plate. The cutting tool and the biopsy punch are each disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 2.876.7778.
and No. 2°778, 3s7@. Inoculation devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,850,754, U.S. Pat.

Curettage devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 275.127 and 21
9.252M. Inoculation loops are disclosed in US Pat. No. 274.464 and US Pat. No. 271.519. Surgical suction catheters and disposable loops are also disclosed in US Pat. Nos. 264.246 and 251.012jl, respectively.

Summary of the invention The present invention includes a device for collecting biological material.

This sampling device consists of a shaft with a loop-like sampling means at one of its ends. This harvesting means provides a non-cutting scraped end.

Advantageously, the sampling device of the invention is configured in such a way as to allow optimal sampling in the wifill dimension domain. In general, the device allows scraping without cutting and has an internal volume suitable for collecting and holding large samples. The overall dimensional arrangement of this device allows effective retention of the sample during and after collection, and the release of all collected material by rotating the shaft with or without elution with a suitable solvent. Can be done.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to one aspect of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG.

Figure 2A is 1! along 2A-2AI & of Figure 3! FIG. 3 is an enlarged side view of the portion of the device observed.

Figure 3 shows 1i! along line 3-3 in Figure 2! FIG. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of the observed device.

FIG. 4A is a front view of the device taken along line 4A-4All in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line 4B-48 of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line 4G-4C in FIG. 2A.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the device taken along line 5--5 in FIG.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged side view of the device taken along line 6A-6A of FIG.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged top plan view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 8 is a front view of the device taken along line 8-8 of FIG.

FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line 9A-9A in FIG. 6.

9B is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line 9B-9B of FIG. 6. FIG.

FIG. 10 is a rear view of the device taken along line 10--10 in FIG.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of another embodiment of the collection device of the present invention.

Figure 11A is 1 along 11A-11A1m in Figure 11.
! ! FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the observed device.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of yet another embodiment of the collection device of the present invention.

FIG. 12A is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 12 taken along line 12A-12A.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of another embodiment of the collection device of the present invention.

FIG. 13A is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 13 taken along line 13A-13A.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of yet another embodiment of the collection device of the present invention.

Figure 14A shows 14A-14AI of the device in Figure 14!
FIG. 3 is a top plan view taken along it.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of another embodiment of the device of the invention; FIG. 15A is 15A-1 of the device of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a top plan view taken along line 5A. FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of another embodiment of the device of the present invention, and FIG. 16A is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 16 taken along line 16A-16A.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS The devices of the present invention are useful for harvesting and dispensing biological materials. In its broadest aspect, the sampling device of the invention consists of a shaft with a loop-like sampling means at one end. This harvesting means provides a non-cutting scraping edge.

The device of the invention is particularly suitable for intracervical specimen collection and dispensing. However, any biological material, such as exudate, fluid, cells, etc., can be collected and dispensed using the device of the invention. Such substances can be found in various chemical sites, such as the throat, urethra, vagina, rectum,
Although it is collected from the skin etc., it is not necessarily limited to these.

In one aspect of the invention, the device consists of a shaft with a loop-like collection means at one end. The end at which the sampling means is located is commonly referred to as the distal end of the shaft. The harvesting means has non-cutting edges that scrape off the biological material and retain it by diverting it into the interior of the harvesting means.

The loop-like collection means can be of various shapes. The loop-like collection means can be circular, oval, oval or elongated, by way of example but not limitation. Preferably, the loop-like collection means has an elongated shape. Generally, the loop-like collection means has two compartments, a first compartment and a second compartment. The first and second compartments are defined by a distal end of the collection means and a reference plane passing around the periphery of the collection means. Each compartment has an exterior surface and an interior surface. The external surface can also be arcuate. At least one fraction is spoon-like.

At least one fraction has a non-cutting scraped edge. The non-cutting scraping edge is generally defined by the juncture of the arcuate surface of the sampling means and the opposing interior surface. As used herein, the term "loop-like" refers to a three-dimensional structure that is curved to form a hollow or partially open curved surface within itself, through which an object passes. . Preferably, the distal end of the loop-like collection means, which may be closed or open, is round and blunt.

Preferably, the shaft of the present invention is elongated and rigid. The shaft may be solid or hollow. If the shaft is clogged, the device is useful for passive sampling; if the shaft is hollow, the device is useful for active sampling, with an irrigation or suction source attached at or near the proximal end of the shaft. Applicable. The shaft may be provided with means for grasping the device at or near its proximal end, the proximal end being the end of the shaft opposite the collection means, including but not limited to: Here is an example of such a means of grasping:
At least one ridge or ridge on the external surface of the shaft, a woven surface, or at least one wooden groove on the external surface of the shaft.

The scraping edge of the present invention scrapes the material to be harvested without cutting the surrounding tissue. - In an embodiment, the scraping edge consists of at least one leading edge. As used herein, the term "leading edge" refers to one or two edges that protrude above the other edges (referred to as trailing edges or non-scraped edges).
means one or more edges which, when the shaft is rotated, assist in inverting the biological material into the interior of the collection means.

If the device is provided with two leading edges, they may be arranged parallel or symmetrically to allow collection of biological material when the device is rotated in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. The device can also be provided with two leading edges that are neither parallel nor symmetrically arranged if clockwise or counterclockwise rotation is preferred. The term "recessed edge" is used herein to refer to one or more non-protruding edges, rather than the leading edge.

The tip of the loop-like collection means of the invention is spherical to avoid cutting. Its ends may be closed or open. Preferably, the ends are open or closed with a practical narrow spacing to facilitate material flow and collection.

Furthermore, the device includes sample retention means provided within the collection means. The retaining means may be attached to an internal surface of at least one compartment of the collection means. The retention means may include, by way of non-limiting example, a lattice-like structure, a net-like structure, a fin-like transverse, a tooth-like or umbrella-like means, a raised structure, or a protrusion from the internal surface of at least one of the collection means. or a septum or the like, which may have at least one element spanning between opposite sides of the internal surface of the sampling means.

The external surface of the harvesting means of the invention may also include scraping means. Such scraping means include, but are not limited to, li'it! It can have an A-shaped configuration and a fabric-like surface with at least one ridge and at least one groove.

The scraping means can be formed with an axis parallel or perpendicular to the central axis of the shaft of the device. On the other hand, the shape of the scraping portion can also be, for example, a woven fabric-like surface whose direction is not constant. The scraping means is provided to cover all or part of the external surface of the sampling means.

The device of the present invention can be provided with air grooves if desired. In this specification, the term air groove 1 refers to a means for releasing air from the internal part or space of the collection means during the collection of biological material. Preferably, the air grooves are at least 61 grooves extending over a portion of the length at or near the distal end of the shaft, communicating with the interior space of the sampling means or portions thereof.

The device of the invention is adapted to envelop and collect intraluminal material of a patient. As used herein, the term "enveloping a lumen" means to effectively capture or enclose the lumen contents without altering them.

In one embodiment, the device of the present invention is constructed to allow for the release of all material taken from the internal portion of the loop. Preferably, the device is constructed to release the collected material without altering it. This means that the sampled material is released while retaining its entire original form. The collected material can be released without deterioration by rotating the shaft of the device. Preferably, the collected material is released without elution. In some cases, the collection material may be released by placing the collection means in the liquid and rotating the shaft.

In order to facilitate removal of the collected material, the device of the invention may be made of reversibly wettable plastic materials and may be provided with a surface treatment. Such surface treatment techniques may include, but are not limited to, plasma surface treatment, flame treatment, corona discharge, or chemical baths. In a preferred embodiment, the internal surface of the collection means is subjected to a plasma surface treatment. For information on plasma surface treatment, please visit Plastic
sTechnoloQV, 28: 23-26 (1
982). This description is incorporated herein by reference.

Devices can be manufactured from a variety of materials. For example, they can be made from metals and plastics, polymers such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, nylon and copolymers thereof. Preferred materials are reversibly wettable plastics. The materials selected must be medically acceptable and not adversely affect the biological material being harvested.

The sampling means of the present invention will be illustrated in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

1 to 5 illustrate one embodiment of the sampling means of the present invention. Referring to FIGS. 1-5, shaft 10 is preferably rigid and has a generally uniform cross-section. The shaft has a distal end 22 and a proximal end '23.
There is. The shaft is not hollow inside as shown in the figure.

This collection device is therefore suitable for passive collection of biological materials. The shaft may be provided with means 17 for gripping the collection device. The illustrated device is optionally provided with grooves or ridges for gripping the collection device.

Further referring to FIGS. 1-5, the shaft 10 is provided with a sampling means 11 at its distal end 22. As shown in FIGS. The collection means 11 includes at least one non-cutting scrape and at least one non-scraping or trailing edge 1 adapted to invert biological material into the interior 20 of the collection means.
Includes 3.

As shown in this embodiment, the collection means is an elongated loop-like means comprising a first section 25, a second section 26 and a barred end 18, defining an interior space or portion 20. The first section 25 and the second section 26 are defined by a reference plane 28 passing through the proximal end 21 and the distal end 18 of the sampling means 11 . Each compartment has an interior surface 27 and an exterior surface 24.

At least one exterior surface is arcuate in shape, and the junction between the arcuate surface and the opposing interior surface forms an uncut edge 12.
make. As illustrated, the first and second compartments are spoon-like.

The size of the collection means depends on the anatomical site from which the sample is taken and the suspension of material needed to complete the test. However, in general, the internal capacity of the collection means is 1
0μm~1,000μ11 preferably 10μl~500
It is μl. For these embodiments of the device of the invention applied to the collection of endocervical specimens, the internal volume of the collection means is 75
μm to 500 μl, preferably 100 μm to 150 μm. The distal end 18 is closed, rounded, and blunted as illustrated. The width of the spouted distal end 18 or tip of the collection means will vary depending on the nature of the sample and the elucidatory site from which the specimen is taken. However, in general, the closed end width is between 0.25m and 2.511m.
, preferably 0.5 ml to 1 MR. In the case of closed-end embodiments, the ends are spaced as close as practical to allow material to flow easily around them. As discussed below, distal end 18 may be open or barbed. The size and shape of the distal end, including whether it is open or closed, will depend on a variety of factors, such as the suspension of the material being collected, the type of material being collected, and the anatomical site from which the material is being collected. selected.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in a preferred embodiment, the sampling means 11 is provided with two leading edges or scraping edges 12 arranged parallel to each other so that the shaft can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. If rotated in either clockwise direction, biological material is collected. As shown, the collection device is provided with two non-scraping or trailing edges 13. In such an embodiment, the scraping edge 12 of 2g 14 protrudes beyond the two non-scraping edges, and the surface area 25 of the first section 25 of the sampling means 11 is larger than that of the sampling means 11.
is larger than the surface area 26 of the second compartment.

Further referring to FIGS. 1-5, the A7 shaft 10 of the device preferably includes an air groove 15. The air groove is a means for receiving air trapped in the air groove during sampling and for exhausting it from the sampling means. The air groove 15 shown in the device of this embodiment is a groove provided over the length of the shaft 10 and communicates with the interior space 20 of the sampling means 11 .

Furthermore, sample holding means 14 can be provided inside the sampling means 11 if desired. The sample holding means 14 of this device is placed inside the collection means, is attached to or integrally formed with an internal surface of at least one section of the collection means 11 and projects into the interior part 20 of the collection means 11 . The sample retaining means 14 includes at least one component that spans between opposite sides of the collection means.

As seen in the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the holding means 14 may be in the form of a grid. As illustrated in FIG. 6A, the retaining means 34 is located on the inner surface 47 of at least one compartment 45 or 46 of the collection means 31.
There may be one or more ridges or fin-like structures. As shown in FIG. 11, the holding means 54 may be a wall or a septum provided within the collection means 51;
Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, the holding means 74 may be provided parallel to a reference plane passing around the distal end of the shaft and the sampling means 71. As shown in FIG. 15, the retaining means 154 may be a net-like structure. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 16, the holding means 134 may have a tooth-like structure that protrudes into the inside of the collecting means 140 but does not bridge the opposing sides of the collecting means 140. The holding means shown in the figure is an example shown in Figure A, and does not exclude other means of holding the collected material that a person skilled in the art would easily think of.

Furthermore, one or more scraping means 16,
It can be provided on the external surface 24 of at least one compartment 25 or 26 of the sampling means 11. Examples of such scraping means include fabric surfaces, ridges, grooves, etc.

The scraping means 16 may be parallel or perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

The scraping means 16 may not be arranged in a fixed direction. As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the preferred scraping means 16 is the silk-like outer surface 24 of the collection means 11. The preferred scraping means in FIG.
It is. Other non-cutting scraping means will readily occur to those skilled in the art.

Other preferred embodiments of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 6-10.

The numerical symbols used in Figures 6 to 10 are as shown in Figures 1 to 5.
The second digit of each numerical code was set to be the same as the numerical code of the corresponding element of the sampling device shown in the figure. Referring to FIGS. 6-10, shaft 30 has a distal end 42 and a proximal end 11a43. Shaft 30 has a passageway 39 at or near proximal end 43 to which a suction or irrigation device (not shown) can be attached. That is, the device can be used for both passive and active collection of substances.

A sampling means 31 is provided distal 142 of the shaft 30 .

The sampling means 31 has a first section 45 and a second section 46 defined by the central longitudinal axis of the shaft that defines the periphery of the sampling means. Each compartment has an interior surface 47 and an exterior surface 44. The illustrated device has two leading or scraped edges 32 and two machine edges or non-scraped edges 3.
It has 3. In preferred embodiments as illustrated,
The leading edges are arranged in a non-parallel manner so that material can be sampled when the shaft 30 is rotated clockwise. It is of course within the scope of the present invention to provide a scraping edge so that material is collected when the device is rotated counterclockwise, with the leading edges 32 arranged non-parallel.

As mentioned above, the device according to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. It has sample holding means 34.

As explained above, the scraping means is provided on one of the sampling means or on the external surface of the barrel. As shown, the scraping means 36 are included on the outer surface 44 of at least one of the outer surfaces 44 of the sections 45 or 46 of the harvesting means. As alluded to above, the scraping means can be any non-cutting scraping structure, such as, but not limited to, ridges, grooves, woven surfaces, etc.

Other aspects of the collection device are illustrated in FIGS. 11-16A. The numerical codes used in Figures 11 to 16A are set so that the last digit is the same as the second digit of the corresponding element of the device shown in Figures 1 to 5. did.

To explain with reference to FIG. 11 and FIG. 11A,
The device of the invention consists of a shaft 50, at one end of which a sampling means 51 is provided. The sampling means 51 has a leading edge 52 and a trailing edge 53. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the distal end 58 of the collection means, stage 51, is open to facilitate collection of material. The sampling means 51 has retaining means 54 extending between the internal surfaces of opposite sides of the sampling means.

FIG. 11 illustrates an optional air groove 55 for receiving air captured within sampling means 51. Air II! 55
communicates with the internal space 60 of the sampling means 51 and facilitates the exhaust of air from inside the sampling means 51 during sampling.

To explain with reference to FIG. 12 and FIG. 12A,
The device of the invention has a shaft 70 and a sampling means 71. The end of the sampling means 71 is closed. As shown in the figure, the sampling means 71 has a leading edge or scraping edge 72.
and a rear edge portion 73. The external surface 84 of the sampling means 71 is provided with optional scraping means 76 . The scraping means 76 has a serrated shape as illustrated and is placed on the external surface of one or both of the sections of the harvesting means. Furthermore, the device has holding means 74 parallel to its shaft 70.

As shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, the device of the invention consists of a shaft 90 with sampling means 91. As shown in FIGS. The shaft has a passage 99, so that the device can also be used for active sampling, for example by being fitted with devices for suction and/or irrigation. The collection means 91 is
It has a first compartment 105 and a second compartment 106 for holding material, a scraped edge 92 and a trailing or non-scraped edge 93. The distal end 98 of the collection means 91 is open to facilitate collection of material.

The tip of the distal end 98 is circular to allow material to be collected without cutting.

To explain with reference to FIG. 14 and FIG. 14A,
The device of the invention includes a shaft 110 and a sampling means 111.
has. The sampling means 111 has a scraped edge 112 and a trailing or non-scraped edge 113. Collection means 11
The distal end 118 of 1 is circular. Additionally, an optional air groove is shown at the distal end of the shaft. This communicates with the interior 120 of the collection means.

The device illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 15A is such that the distal 1158 of the collection means 151 is w1 chained, with one leading or scraped edge 152 and three non-scraped edges 153. It is provided.

The scraping edge is arranged to allow material to be collected when the shaft is rotated in a clockwise direction.

The leading edge 152 can also be positioned so that sampling occurs when the device is rotated in a counterclockwise direction. As mentioned above, the retention means 154 of the present invention can also be a net-like structure.

The device of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 16Δ consists of a shaft 130 with sampling means 131. The device of the invention illustrated in FIGS.

The collection means 131 has a first section 145 and a second section 146. Each compartment has an interior surface 147 and an exterior surface 144. Collection stage 131 has a leading edge 132 and a trailing edge 133, and its distal end 138 is open to facilitate collection of biological material. The tip of the distal end 138 is circular to allow collection of material without cutting. The sampling means 131 has retaining means 134 mounted on its internal surface and projecting into its internal part. As illustrated in the figure, the retaining means 134 does not bridge opposite sides of the collection means.

The collection device of the invention can be manufactured from any suitable material. Examples of things to consider when selecting a suitable material are: (a) it does not react with the substance to be collected;
(b) have physical properties that permit collection and subsequent release of the substance; and (C) have sufficient rigidity to permit manipulation of the device and collection of samples in accordance with the present invention.

As mentioned above, suitable materials can include metals such as aluminum, steel, nickel alloys, and plastics such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, nylon, etc. and copolymers thereof. It may also be considered to treat one or more surfaces of the device to impart physical properties to the surfaces that facilitate retention of the substance and at the same time or facilitate removal of the substance. . This is also within the scope of the present invention.

Examples of such treatments include, but are not limited to, plasma surface treatment, flame treatment, corona discharge,
Chemical baths may be mentioned.

As already mentioned, the collection device of the invention is particularly suitable for collecting biological material from a body cavity of a patient. There are many situations in which it is desirable to collect such materials.

For example, diagnostic methods for detecting sexually transmitted diseases require samples of luminal material. The device of the invention is particularly suitable for use in conjunction with OQ for taking samples for quantitative determination. The sampling device of the invention is also suitable for use with diagnostic immunochemical devices or devices.

Therefore, the device of the present invention is conveniently provided as a packaged kit containing the device of the present invention and a reagent for detecting a desired analyte. The kit may also contain an immunochemical apparatus or device.

The present invention has been described in detail above with particular reference to the embodiments described above. However, it should be understood that modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device according to one aspect of the invention. FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. FIG. 2A is an enlarged side view of a portion of the device taken along line 2A-2A in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is an enlarged top plan view of the device taken along line 3--3 of FIG. FIG. 4A is a front view of the device taken along line 4A-4A in FIG. 2. FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line 4B-4B of FIG. 2A. FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line 4C-4C of FIG. 2A. FIG. 5 is a rear view of the device taken along line 5--5 in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a device according to another embodiment of the invention. 6A is an enlarged side view of the device taken along line 6A-6A of FIG. 7. FIG. FIG. 7 is an enlarged top plan view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6A. Figure 8 is the 6th
FIG. 8 is a front view of the device taken along line 8-8 of the figure. FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along line 9A-9A in FIG. 6. Figure 9B is 9B-98 in Figure 6.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the device taken along a line. FIG. 10 is a rear view of the device taken along line 10--10 in FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of another embodiment of the collection device of the present invention. FIG. 11A is a top plan view of the device taken along line 118-11AIa of FIG. FIG. 12 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of yet another embodiment of the collection device of the present invention. FIG. 12A is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 12 taken along line 12A-12A. FIG. 13 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of another embodiment of the collection device of the present invention. FIG. 13A is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 13 taken along line 13A-13A. FIG. 14 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of yet another embodiment of the collection device of the present invention. 14th
Figure A is a top plan view of the device of Figure 14 taken along line 14A-14A. FIG. 15 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of another embodiment of the device of the present invention. 15th A
The figure is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 15 taken along line 15A-15A. FIG. 16 is an enlarged side view of the distal end of another embodiment of the collection device of the present invention. 16th A
The figure is a top plan view of the device of FIG. 16 taken along line 16A-16A.

Claims (21)

[Claims] (1) A biological material collection device consisting of a shaft having a loop-like collection means providing a non-cutting scraping edge at one end thereof. (2) the shaft contains a loop-like collection means at one end thereof that provides a non-cutting edge for retaining biological material by scraping and inverting the material into the interior of the means; Device according to claim 1 (3) The device according to claim 2, wherein the loop-like means contains a spoon-like section providing an uncut edge. (4) The device according to claim 2, wherein the loop-like means has an open end. (5) The device according to claim 2, wherein the loop-like means have a closed end. (6) The device according to claim 2, wherein the loop-like means has a spherical end. (7) The device according to claim 2, which is used by being inserted into an opening in the body of a patient in order to collect the biological material to be collected without altering its quality. (8) The device according to claim 7, which is used for collecting biological substances by taking in internal cavity substances. (9) A device according to claim 2, in which, after collection, all biological material can be released by rotating the shaft from inside the loop-like means. (10) The device according to claim 2, wherein the scraping means is a leading edge for inverting the biological material inside the loop-like means when the shaft is rotated. (11) The device according to claim 2, wherein the shaft contains means for receiving the air trapped in the loop-like means and for discharging the air from the loop-like means. (12) The device according to claim 2, wherein the sample holding means is provided within the loop-like means. (13) A device according to claim 12, wherein the sample holding means is at least one component spanning between opposite sides of the loop-like means. (14) the shaft has a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a loop-like means having a first section defined by a reference plane passing around the distal end and the loop-like means; Claim 1 comprising compartments, each compartment having an interior surface and an exterior surface, at least one compartment forming an uncut scraped edge defined by an arcuate shape of the exterior surface thereof.
Devices listed in section (15) A device according to claim 14, comprising sample holding means provided within the loop-like means. (16) The device of claim 14, wherein the shaft is hollow and the shaft is connected to a suction or irrigation source. (17) The loop-like means defines an interior space and the shaft defines at least one longitudinal groove extending over a longitudinal portion thereof and has an exterior surface in communication with said interior space. device (18) The device according to claim 14, wherein the surface area of the first fraction is larger than the surface area of the second fraction. (19) The device according to claim 14, wherein the internal surface of the loop-like means is subjected to plasma surface treatment. (20) the shaft has a distal end and a proximal end, the distal end having a tip including a first segment and a second segment defined by a central longitudinal axis of the shaft that bisects the perimeter of the loop; has a tapered loop, each compartment having an inner surface and an outer surface, at least one outer surface being arcuate;
2. A device according to claim 1, wherein the junction between the arcuate surface and the opposing inner surface is a non-cutting scraped edge, and sample retention means are provided within the loop. (21) an elongated internally plugged shaft portion having a distal end, a proximal end and an external surface, the distal end of the shaft having an elliptical loop that bisects the circumference of the loop; defines an interior space including a first compartment defined by a longitudinal axis and a second compartment, each compartment having an interior surface and an exterior surface, with at least one exterior surface being arcuately shaped; The shaft has at least one longitudinal groove extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with the interior space thereof, the interface with the opposing interior surface being a scraped edge which also becomes a leading edge when the shaft is rotated. A device for collecting a biological substance according to claim 1, which is used for collecting a biological substance from an orifice in a patient's body, and has a sample holding means in the loop.