CN216050764U - Sample collection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application is directed to a sample collection device for efficiently collecting a sample that minimizes or even eliminates sample loss during sample collection and further prevents accidental spillage of the sample during processing. The device of the present disclosure includes a sample collection chamber, and a funnel reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber. The device optionally has a lid that can be sealed to the sample collection chamber when the funnel is detached from the sample collection chamber. In some embodiments, the funnel has at least one sealing ring having at least one indentation and located on a portion of the funnel that is reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber, and/or the funnel includes a plurality of stop ribs located on a portion of the funnel that is reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber.

Description

Sample collection device

Technical Field

The present disclosure broadly relates to sample collection devices.

Background

Several types of sample collection devices are known, including, but not limited to, liquid sample collection devices, solid sample collection devices, gaseous sample collection devices, biological tissue collection devices, biological fluid collection devices, environmental sample collection devices, and the like. Typically, the sample is collected into a sterile collection chamber prior to analysis by a process that minimizes sample loss and contamination during collection.

Existing sample collection devices are not always as efficient as desired, and improvements are needed for these devices. For example, when collecting viscous liquid samples such as saliva, mucus, and the like, sample collection devices typically have a funnel that can receive the liquid sample and transport it into a collection chamber placed below the funnel. However, the funnels used to collect these types of samples are often inefficient, not allowing the entire sample to flow easily into the collection chamber, resulting in wasted sample.

In addition, some existing sample collection devices have one or more vent holes located on the outer surface of the funnel to allow air to escape from a collection chamber placed below the funnel to assist in sample flow. However, viscous samples often block the vent holes on the funnel, thereby failing to drain or collect all of the sample into the collection chamber.

Another problem often seen in prior sample collection devices is sample spillage due to accidental tipping of the sample during collection, labeling and/or handling of the sample.

Accordingly, there is a need to provide a sample collection device that addresses the above-mentioned problems.

Disclosure of Invention

One aspect of the present disclosure provides a sample collection device for collecting a sample. The sample collection device of the present disclosure includes: a funnel and a sample collection chamber, wherein the funnel is reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber; and optionally a lid that is reversibly sealable to the sample collection chamber when the funnel is detached from the sample collection chamber.

In some non-limiting embodiments, the funnel in the devices of the present disclosure can be reversibly connected to the sample collection chamber by a threaded sealing mechanism, a snap-on mechanism, a snap-fit mechanism, or a press-fit mechanism. Similarly, the lid in the device of the present disclosure can be reversibly connected to the sample collection chamber by means of a screw seal mechanism, snap-on mechanism, snap-fit mechanism, or press-fit mechanism, among others.

In one embodiment, the funnel in the device of the present disclosure has an elliptical or oblong or rectangular top edge with a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis extends longitudinally across the elliptical shape at its widest point and the minor axis extends transversely across the elliptical shape at its narrowest point.

In one embodiment, the funnel comprises at least one sealing ring on the portion of the funnel that is reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber. The seal ring used in the device of the present disclosure includes at least one indentation. When the funnel has an oval or oblong or rectangular rim, at least one notch in the sealing ring is aligned with the long axis of the funnel. The funnel can optionally further comprise a plurality of stop ribs located at a portion of the funnel reversibly connected to the sample collection chamber.

In an alternative embodiment, the funnel has a plurality of stop ribs on the portion of the funnel reversibly connected to the sample collection chamber. The funnel can optionally further comprise at least one sealing ring having at least one indentation and located on a portion of the funnel that can be reversibly connected to the sample collection chamber.

In some embodiments, in the sample collection devices of the present disclosure, the sealing ring has at least two indentations. The two notches are placed 180 apart. When the funnel has an oval or oblong or rectangular top edge, the two notches in the sealing ring are aligned with the long axis of the funnel. In some embodiments, the at least two indentations of the sealing ring provide a vent path for venting air from the sample collection chamber when a sample enters the sample collection chamber from the funnel. Since the vent path is located away from the area where the sample accumulates, i.e. not on the sample receiving surface of the funnel, the vent holes are not blocked or obstructed by the sample itself.

The sealing ring having at least one notch also advantageously provides an anti-spill feature to the sample collection device of the present disclosure. This feature minimizes, substantially reduces, and/or prevents sample loss if the sample collection device is knocked down accidentally horizontally during collection, labeling, and processing of the sample. The location of the notch enhances the spill-proof characteristics of the sample collection device relative to other aspects of the funnel design.

In some embodiments, the funnel of a sample collection device of the present disclosure can have a plurality of stop ribs. The term "plurality" is used to describe two or more. In some embodiments, the funnel of a sample collection device of the present disclosure can have at least two stop ribs. In non-limiting embodiments, a funnel in a sample collection device of the present disclosure can have two stop ribs, three stop ribs, four stop ribs, five stop ribs, six stop ribs, seven stop ribs, eight stop ribs, nine stop ribs, ten stop ribs, or more stop ribs. In some exemplary embodiments, the funnel of the sample collection device of the present disclosure has six stop ribs.

The stop rib is configured to prevent further movement of the sample collection chamber relative to the funnel during reversible engagement of the funnel with the sample collection chamber. Thus, in one embodiment, in the sample collection devices of the present disclosure, the upper edge of the sample collection chamber rests on the plurality of stop ribs when reversibly engaged with the funnel. The plurality of stop ribs are configured to stop the sample collection chamber against the stop ribs when the funnel is reversibly engaged with the sample collection chamber.

In some embodiments, the plurality of stop ribs provide a vent path to vent air from the sample collection chamber when a sample is collected into the sample collection device of the present disclosure. Advantageously, the vent path is located away from the area where the sample accumulates, i.e. not on the sample receiving surface of the funnel, so that the vent holes are not blocked or obstructed by the sample itself.

In some embodiments, in the sample collection devices of the present disclosure, the gap in the sealing ring and/or the plurality of stop ribs and/or combinations thereof provide one or more vent paths. Air may be vented from the sample collection chamber through the vent path as the sample enters the collection chamber via the funnel. This allows the sample to flow and collect from the funnel into the collection chamber more efficiently. These features also advantageously prevent or minimize sample loss by minimizing, substantially reducing or preventing sample from adhering to portions of the funnel.

In some embodiments, the funnel of the sample collection device of the present disclosure comprises a straw or a long extension from the base of the funnel. In some embodiments, the funnel is located above the fill line of the sample collection chamber in its lengthwise direction.

In some embodiments, the sample collection chamber is a tube, vial, flask, bottle, or any compatible container. Non-limiting exemplary types of samples that may be collected by the sample collection devices of the present disclosure are liquid samples, such as, but not limited to, saliva samples, mucus samples, sputum samples, or urine samples.

One or more advantages presented by and/or one or more problems addressed by the sample collection devices of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, providing an exhaust path that is not located on a surface of a funnel that contacts a sample. This solves the problem of the prior art that the sample blocks or blocks the vent.

Another advantage is that the sealing ring minimizes sample loss during any accidental level of tipping of the sample collection device. These and other features allow for more efficient collection of samples while advantageously preventing, substantially reducing, and/or minimizing sample loss.

Although specific advantages have been disclosed above, it is to be understood that various embodiments may include all, some, or none of the previously disclosed advantages. Other technical advantages may become apparent to one skilled in the art in light of the teachings of the present disclosure. These and other features of the present teachings will become more apparent from the detailed description in the following section.

Drawings

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be better understood with reference to one or more of the following drawings. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the drawings described below are for illustration purposes only. The drawings are not intended to limit the scope of the present teachings in any way.

FIG. 1 illustrates an assembled perspective view of a sample collection device according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the sample collection device of fig. 1 with the funnel detached from the collection chamber.

Fig. 3 illustrates a bottom view of an exemplary funnel of the sample collection device of fig. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 4A shows a small portion 11 of the exemplary funnel of fig. 3, and fig. 4B shows an enlarged view of the small portion 11 of fig. 4A.

Fig. 5A, 5B and 5C depict cross-sectional views of the device of fig. 1 as seen through one plane.

Fig. 6A, 6B and 6C depict cross-sectional views of the device of fig. 1 through a plane.

Fig. 7A, 7B and 7C depict cross-sectional views of the device of fig. 1 through a plane.

Fig. 8A depicts the assembled sample collection device of fig. 1 with sample fluid placed horizontally on the surface to simulate an inclined funnel. Fig. 8B depicts a back view of the sample collection device of fig. 8A.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure provides sample collection devices that address one or more problems of existing sample collection devices. Because a portion of the sample often adheres to the collection device, reducing sample loss is challenging when collecting liquid samples (particularly viscous liquid samples).

Examples of saliva samples are used to illustrate some of the points. Minimizing loss of a sample (e.g., a saliva sample) is important because the amount of saliva that can be collected for many medical tests is quite small, typically on the order of 1mL to 2mL or less. The collection chamber/collection vessel is typically small. Therefore, in order to transfer saliva from the mouth to a smaller collection chamber, a tool such as a funnel is typically used.

During collection, saliva accumulates in the funnel, from which it must be allowed to drain freely into a collection chamber placed below the funnel. When saliva enters the collection chamber, air must be allowed to escape from the collection chamber, otherwise the saliva will not enter the collection chamber in its entirety, causing loss of sample.

Some existing saliva collection devices have one or more vent holes located on the surface of the funnel to allow air to escape from the collection chamber to facilitate drainage/collection of the sample into the collection chamber. Typically, these vents are visually located on the outer surface of the funnel. Because these vents are located on the funnel at locations that are in direct contact with the sample, viscous and viscous samples (e.g., saliva and sputum) often cover and block the vents and thus do not drain/collect the sample into the collection chamber.

In addition, accidental spillage of the sample as a result of tipping over of the sample collection device is another major problem. Prior to testing a sample, the sample collection device containing the sample must be labeled, handled, stored, and transported. During each of these steps, it is important to prevent accidental spillage.

One or more advantages presented by the sample collection devices of the present disclosure and/or one or more problems addressed include, but are not limited to, providing at least one (or more) vent path. The vent path is not located on the surface of the funnel that contacts the sample when the sample is collected. When the funnel is reversibly engaged with the sample collection chamber, the vent path is formed by the indentation in the sealing ring and/or the stop rib on the lower surface of the funnel, solving the prior art problem of sample blockage of the vent hole and substantially reducing sample loss during sample collection. In addition, during any accidental tipping of the sample collection device, the inclusion of the shape of the funnel, the placement or positioning of one or more indentations in the sealing ring, and one or more features of the sealing ring itself advantageously prevent or substantially reduce sample loss.

The sample collection devices of the present disclosure are described with reference to the accompanying drawings to illustrate one or more embodiments and exemplary features. It is to be understood, however, that the drawings depict only one example and are not limiting of the scope of other embodiments described elsewhere herein. Like reference numbers and characters in the drawings refer to the same elements or equivalents.

One exemplary sample collection device 10 of the present disclosure is shown in fig. 1, comprising: a funnel 8 and a sample collection chamber 6, wherein the funnel 8 is reversibly connected to the sample collection chamber 6. The device optionally further comprises a lid (not explicitly shown here) that can be sealed to the sample collection chamber 6 when the funnel 8 is detached from the sample collection chamber 6. Thus, fig. 1 depicts an assembled perspective view of a sample collection device 10 according to one exemplary embodiment.

Fig. 2 shows an exploded perspective view of the sample collection device of fig. 1 with the funnel 8 detached from the collection chamber 6. In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 2, the funnel 8 has an elliptical or oblong or rectangular top edge with a major axis L and a minor axis S. The major axis extends longitudinally across the elliptical shape at its widest point and the minor axis extends transversely across the elliptical shape at its narrowest point.

The funnel 8 can be reversibly connected to the sample collection chamber 6 by various mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, a threaded sealing mechanism, a snap-on mechanism, a snap-fit mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, and the like. In the non-limiting exemplary embodiment depicted in fig. 2, the funnel 8 is reversibly connected to the sample collection chamber 6 by means of external threads (external threads on the collection chamber are shown in fig. 2). The external thread is located on the collection chamber and is reversibly engageable to an integral thread located on the bottom of the funnel (the integral thread on the funnel 8 is shown in figures 3 to 7C).

External threads on the sample collection well 6 may also be used to attach a cap (not shown) to reversibly close or seal the sample collection well after sample collection. In addition to the threaded sealing mechanism depicted in fig. 2, in alternative embodiments, the lid in the device of the present disclosure may be reversibly connected to the sample collection chamber 6 by a snap-on mechanism, a snap-fit mechanism, a press-fit mechanism, or the like.

In some embodiments, the funnel 8 has a large aperture to maximize capture of a liquid sample (such as, but not limited to, saliva) and to facilitate transport of the sample from the funnel into the sample collection chamber below. As shown in fig. 1-8B, in some embodiments, the funnel 8 of the sample collection device 10 of the present disclosure includes a straw 7 or a long extension from the base of the funnel. When the funnel 8 is connected to the sample collection chamber, the pipette 7 extends into the sample collection chamber 6. In some embodiments, the funnel is located above the fill line of the sample collection chamber in its lengthwise direction. This will greatly reduce, minimize or prevent spillage of the sample if the device 10 is accidentally knocked down horizontally on a surface.

In some embodiments, the sample collection chamber 6 may be any collection vessel, such as, but not limited to, a tube, a vial, a flask, a bottle, and the like.

Fig. 3 illustrates a bottom view of the exemplary funnel 8 of the sample collection device 10 of fig. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 3 depicts the suction tube 7, the sealing ring 4 with the notch 2, the stop rib 5 and the integral thread on the funnel.

While the exemplary funnel of fig. 3 and some of the other figures described herein both depict a sealing ring 4 and a stop rib 5, embodiments of the present disclosure provide funnels and devices having only sealing rings or only stop ribs, as well as funnels having both sealing rings and stop ribs.

For example, in one embodiment, the funnel 8 may include a sealing ring 4 having at least one indentation 2. When the funnel 8 has an oval or rectangular top edge, the gap 2 is aligned with the major axis L of the funnel 8. The funnel 8 can optionally further comprise a plurality of stop ribs 5.

In another exemplary embodiment, the funnel 8 may have a plurality of stop ribs 5. In this embodiment, the funnel 8 can optionally further comprise at least one sealing ring 4 having at least one indentation 2.

Fig. 4A and 4B depict an embodiment of a funnel 8 comprising at least one sealing ring 4 having two indentations 2 and six stop ribs 5 on the portion of the funnel 8 that can be reversibly connected to a sample collection chamber 6. As shown in fig. 4B, the stop rib 5 is located on the bottom of the funnel 8, above the integral threads of the funnel. The sealing ring 4 is located below the stop rib 5. The sealing ring 4 is part of a funnel 8 matching the internal diameter of the sample collection chamber 6. Fig. 5A to 5C, 6A to 6C, and 7A to 7C show cross-sections of the device 10 in which the funnel 8 is reversibly mated with the sample collection chamber 6. These figures illustrate the function and features of one or more components of the funnel 8 and sample collection chamber 6.

The sealing ring 4 provides an anti-spill feature. This spill prevention feature minimizes or prevents sample loss if the sample collection device is accidentally tipped horizontally during collection, labeling and/or handling of the sample. The notches 2 in the sealing ring 4 also allow the function of venting air to be achieved while still maintaining spill resistance. The gap 2 forms an exhaust path 1, which is a tortuous air exhaust path formed when the funnel 8 is reversibly connected to the sample collection chamber 6. The vent path 1 is a tortuous path between the pipette 7 and the inner wall of the sample collection chamber 6 and curves outwardly through the notch 2, leading to the outside of the outer wall of the sample collection chamber 6 (see fig. 7C). In some embodiments, the sealing ring 4 has at least one indentation 2. In some embodiments, there are at least two indentations 2 on the sealing ring 4. When two indentations are present, the two indentations are placed 180 ° apart.

The stop rib 5 is configured to stop or prevent further movement of the sample collection chamber 6 relative to the funnel 8 during reversible engagement of the funnel with the sample collection chamber 6. Thus, in one embodiment, in the sample collection device 10 of the present disclosure, the upper edge of the sample collection chamber 6 rests on the plurality of stop ribs 5 when reversibly engaged with the funnel 8.

A plurality of stop ribs 5 may provide a venting path, as depicted by curved arrow 1 in one example. This vent path vents air from the sample collection chamber 6 as the sample flows in through the funnel 8. Since the vent path 1 is located away from the area where the sample is deposited, i.e. not on the sample receiving surface of the funnel 8, the vent holes are not blocked or obstructed by the sample itself. The vent holes are not blocked by the sample because the sample does not contact them.

In some embodiments, the funnel 8 of the sample collection device 10 of the present disclosure can have at least two stop ribs 5. In non-limiting embodiments, the funnel 8 can have two stop ribs, three stop ribs, four stop ribs, five stop ribs, six stop ribs, seven stop ribs, eight elbow ribs, nine stop ribs, ten stop ribs, or more stop ribs. As shown in the non-limiting exemplary embodiment of fig. 3, the funnel 8 of the sample collection device 10 of the present disclosure has six stop ribs 5.

Figures 5A to 7C show cross-sections of the device 10 looking through various planes to illustrate the location of one or more features such as the integral threads of the funnel, the pipette 7, the inner and outer walls of the sample collection chamber 6, the stop rib 5, the sealing ring 4, the gap 2 and the vent path such as 1.

Fig. 5A depicts the position of the device 10 and the plane AA. Fig. 5B and 5C depict cross-sectional views of the device 10 as seen through plane AA. Fig. 5B shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled sample collection device 10 through plane AA, with funnel 8 (here shown with straw 7) reversibly engaged with sample collection chamber 6. Fig. 5C shows an enlarged portion of fig. 5B, in which the position of the sealing ring 4 in the assembled device 10 is depicted.

Fig. 6A depicts the position of the device 10 and the plane BB. Fig. 6B and 6C depict cross-sectional views of device 10 as seen through plane BB. Fig. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled sample collection device 10, seen through plane BB, with funnel 8 (here shown with straw 7) reversibly engaged with sample collection chamber 6. Fig. 5C shows an enlarged portion of fig. 5B, in which the positions of the notch 2 and the stop rib 5 are depicted.

Fig. 7A depicts the position of the device 10 and the plane CC. Fig. 7B and 7C depict cross-sectional views of the device 10 as seen through plane CC. Fig. 7B shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled sample collection device 10, seen through plane CC, with funnel 8 (here shown with straw 7) reversibly engaged with sample collection chamber 6. Fig. 7C shows an enlarged portion of fig. 7B, in which the positions of the notch 2 and the exhaust path 1 are depicted.

In some embodiments, in the sample collection devices 10 of the present disclosure, the indentations 2 and/or the plurality of stop ribs 5 in the sealing ring 4 and/or combinations thereof provide one or more vent paths. Air may be vented from the sample collection chamber 6 through this vent path as the sample enters the sample collection chamber via the funnel 8. This allows for more efficient collection of samples. These features also advantageously substantially reduce or prevent sample loss by allowing the sample to be effectively discharged from the collection funnel 8 into the collection chamber 6.

Fig. 8A and 8B depict the spill prevention feature of the sample collection device 10. Fig. 8A depicts the assembled sample collection device of fig. 1, filled with sample fluid 3, laid horizontally on a surface to simulate a tilted funnel. Fig. 8B depicts a back view of the sample collection device 10 of fig. 8A with sample 3. It can be seen that the funnel shape causes the sample liquid 3 to tilt, preventing spillage of the sample 3. When the device 10 is in a horizontal position, the pipette 7 is positioned below the fill line, and/or the notch (or notches) 2 in the sealing ring 4 is positioned in alignment with the long axis of the funnel, preventing spillage or leakage of the sample 3.

While the above description describes saliva as an exemplary sample that may be collected by the present device, other liquid samples may also be collected by the present device. Non-limiting exemplary types of samples that may be collected by the sample collection devices of the present disclosure are liquid samples, including viscous liquids, such as, but not limited to, saliva samples, sputum samples, mucus samples, urine samples, or any other viscous biological fluid.

In use, the funnel 8 is connected to the sample collection chamber 6 (in a non-limiting embodiment, the sample collection chamber is depicted as the tube of fig. 1) by a threaded connection until the funnel 8 is fully seated on the tube 6. The sample donor places the funnel 8 on their lips and expels the saliva sample into the tube 6. One or more additional features of the device 10 described in the previous section allow saliva to flow smoothly into the tube 6, in part due to the formation of one or more air venting paths.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present disclosure as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as broadly described. For example, the size and number of openings in the cover plate may be varied as desired. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.

Claims (36)

1. A sample collection device, comprising:

a funnel, and

a sample collection chamber for receiving a sample to be tested,

characterized in that the funnel is reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber, the funnel comprising at least one sealing ring on a portion of the funnel that is reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber, wherein the sealing ring has at least one indentation.

2. The sample collection device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one notch provides a path for air to exit said sample collection chamber when a sample enters said sample collection chamber from said funnel.

3. The sample collection device according to claim 1 wherein said funnel has an elliptical top edge having a major axis running longitudinally across said elliptical shape at a widest portion of said elliptical top edge and a minor axis running transversely across said elliptical shape at a narrowest portion of said elliptical top edge, said at least one notch being aligned with said major axis of said funnel.

4. The sample collection device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the sealing ring has two indentations.

5. The sample collection device according to claim 4, wherein the two indentations are positioned 180 ° apart.

6. The sample collection device according to claim 1, wherein the funnel is reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber by a threaded sealing mechanism, by a snap-on mechanism, by a snap-fit mechanism, or by a press-fit mechanism.

7. The sample collection device according to claim 1, wherein the funnel further comprises a plurality of stop ribs on a portion of the funnel that is reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber.

8. The sample collection device according to claim 7, wherein the funnel has at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine, or at least ten stop ribs.

9. The sample collection device according to claim 8 wherein said funnel has six stop ribs.

10. The sample collection device according to claim 7, wherein an upper edge of the sample collection chamber rests on the plurality of stop ribs when reversibly engaged with the funnel.

11. The sample collection device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of stop ribs are configured to stop the sample collection chamber against the stop ribs when the funnel is reversibly engaged with the sample collection chamber.

12. The sample collection device according to claim 1, wherein the funnel comprises a straw.

13. The sample collection device according to claim 12 wherein the funnel is located above a fill line of the sample collection chamber in a lengthwise direction thereof.

14. The sample collection device according to claim 7, wherein the notch in the sealing ring and the plurality of stop ribs provide a vent path to vent air from the sample collection chamber when a sample is collected.

15. The sample collection device according to claim 1, wherein the sample collection chamber is a tube, vial, flask, bottle.

16. The sample collection device according to claim 1, wherein the sample is a liquid sample.

17. The sample collection device of claim 16, wherein the sample is a saliva sample, a mucus sample, a sputum sample, or a urine sample.

18. The sample collection device according to claim 1, further comprising a lid that is reversibly sealable to said sample collection chamber when said funnel is detached from said sample collection chamber.

19. A sample collection device, comprising:

a funnel, and

a sample collection chamber for receiving a sample to be tested,

characterized in that the funnel is reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber, the funnel having a plurality of stop ribs on a portion of the funnel reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber.

20. The sample collection device according to claim 19 wherein said funnel has at least two, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least seven, at least eight, at least nine, or at least ten stop ribs.

21. The sample collection device according to claim 19 wherein said funnel has six stop ribs.

22. The sample collection device according to claim 19, wherein an upper edge of the sample collection chamber rests on the plurality of stop ribs when reversibly engaged with the funnel.

23. The sample collection device according to claim 19, wherein the plurality of stop ribs are configured to stop the sample collection chamber against the stop ribs when the funnel is reversibly engaged with the sample collection chamber.

24. The sample collection device according to claim 19, wherein the funnel further comprises at least one sealing ring on a portion of the funnel that is reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber, wherein the sealing ring has at least one indentation.

25. The sample collection device according to claim 24 wherein said funnel has an elliptical top edge having a major axis running longitudinally across said elliptical shape at a widest portion of said elliptical top edge and a minor axis running transversely across said elliptical shape at a narrowest portion of said elliptical top edge, said at least one notch being aligned with said major axis of said funnel.

26. The sample collection device according to claim 24 or 25, wherein the sealing ring has two indentations.

27. The sample collection device according to claim 26 wherein said two indentations are positioned 180 ° apart.

28. The sample collection device according to claim 24 wherein said at least one notch provides a path for air to exit said sample collection chamber when a sample enters said sample collection chamber from said funnel.

29. The sample collection device according to claim 19 wherein said funnel comprises a straw.

30. The sample collection device according to claim 29 wherein the straw is located above a fill line of the sample collection chamber in a lengthwise direction thereof.

31. The sample collection device according to claim 24 wherein the notch in the sealing ring and the plurality of stop ribs provide a vent path to vent air from the sample collection chamber when a sample is collected.

32. The sample collection device according to claim 19 wherein the sample collection chamber is a tube, vial, flask, bottle.

33. The sample collection device according to claim 19, wherein the funnel is reversibly connectable to the sample collection chamber by a threaded sealing mechanism, by a snap-on mechanism, by a snap-fit mechanism, or a press-fit mechanism.

34. The sample collection device according to claim 19, wherein the sample is a liquid sample.

35. The sample collection device according to claim 34, wherein the sample is a saliva sample, a mucus sample, a sputum sample, or a urine sample.

36. The sample collection device according to claim 19 further comprising a lid that can be sealed to said sample collection chamber when said funnel is detached from said sample collection chamber.

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