EP2492015A1 - Sample container, system and analysis method - Google Patents

Abstract

The sample container (1) comprises an access opening (7), which is stretched by a sample drill (5), and a cover (10), which closes the access opening in a reversibly fluid tight manner. A flexible plastic bag (2) is provided, which is fixed at the inner opening spaced from access opening of the sample drill by a carrier (4) in a fluid tight manner. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a system for analyzing a sample container; and (2) a method for analyzing a sample container.

Description

Sample container, system and method for analysis

The present invention relates to a sample container and a system of devices for analysis, and a method for analysis with the sample container.

The sample container is characterized by an integrated device for sampling and is adapted to the system for analysis, or to the method of analysis, which is preferably automated. The sample container is adapted by the sampling device without additional handling device or tool. Accordingly, the sample container consisting of a combination with the sampling device is suitable for use as a sampler.

State of the art

It is known to collect samples for analysis, in particular food samples, in plastic bags, label them and analyze them in a manual, often stepwise analysis method.

For this purpose, a minimum amount of sample material adapted to the processing process must be present in the sample bag. On the other hand, the sample quantity must not be exceeded. If this is the case, frequently a corresponding proportion by weight of the sample under sterile conditions must often be taken from the plastic bag so that only the admissible proportion remains or is further processed. The bags containing the samples are often added with a weight-corresponding amount of medium (e.g., culture medium or water) and then subjected to a homogenization step. After the crushing of the sample material, either the entire bag with the contents or a part thereof is fed to an incubation step. Finally, taking into account further method steps, if appropriate, the corresponding analysis is carried out with e.g. a PCR.

The DE 3407646 A1 describes a device for taking samples of material. A round cutting cylinder, at the rear end according to an embodiment, a collecting container is releasably secured, is rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis on a holding forceps. During the cutting of the material sample, the round cutting cylinder is rotated by the holding forceps, whereby a clean cutting action is achieved. The cut-out material sample can be transferred to the collection container, which is then released from the holding forceps.

The DE 19740429 A1 describes an apparatus and a method for taking biological samples in very large numbers, coupled with an immediate registration of the sample data. The tissue samples are removed by punching, scraping, or cutting with a portion of a sample capsule, which is pressed against the sample material with forceps and then directly merged with a second portion to form a closed sample capsule. The sample capsule may have a septum.

The DE 196 08 110 A1 describes a container for the removal, storage and processing of samples with a plastic bag, at the opening of a nozzle is welded. At the neck a cap is molded, with which the neck can be closed. For sample processing, a filter attachment can be arranged on the nozzle.

Object of the invention

The object of the invention is to provide an alternative sample container which has an integrated device for sampling and in which the subsequent analysis can be prepared, in particular that individual steps of sample preparation and / or analysis are carried out in the sample container. Another object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method of analysis using the sample container, wherein the system and the method performed therewith are preferably automatable. Preferably, the sample container is suitable for sampling without the use of pliers.

General description of the invention

In the preparation of the invention, it has been found that the hitherto usual sequence of an analysis provides to weigh the material to be examined and then to add additives, in particular culture medium. It often happens that the sample material should have a certain mass or a certain volume, so that it is necessary to obtain an appropriate sample mass first take the sample material from a container used in the sampling, divide the appropriate mass and below to transfer sterile conditions to another vessel. Furthermore, a handwritten labeling of the container is customary in practice, which must be transmitted to the accompaniment of the removed sample material. The sterile working conditions and the portioning of the sample material, on the one hand, cause a high workload and, on the other hand, the transfer of sample from the container of the sampling entails the risk of cross-contamination and of confusion.

The invention provides a sample container as a device for sampling, an analysis method which can be carried out with the sample container, preferably automatically controlled, and an analysis system tuned to the sample container, which preferably has a control device, and preferably an analysis method which can be carried out with the analysis system and is automatically controlled by a control device. which are defined in particular in the claims. The control device is set up to control the devices of the analysis system according to the steps of the analysis method. In particular, the invention provides a sample container adapted to an automated analysis method and adjacent to a label, preferably by machine can be read, for example in the form of a bar code and / or a transponder, and additionally comprises a human-readable labeling, for example, an alphanumeric label, a deformable, elastic plastic bag which is attached to a plastic carrier. For use with the analyzer system, the label may include data that individualize a sample container so that labeling is not required during sampling, but the method only associates the data of the label with the sample, eg location and time of sampling, for example, by inputting these data into a first central computer, preferably in that the central computer is set up to associate respectively generated current data with a label detected by a reading unit, eg current time and a preselected location of the sampling and / or preselected data on the nature of the sample material. The central computer can be part of the control unit of the analysis system.

The plastic carrier allows easy handling by an automated analysis method, which includes, for example, an automated delivery of the sample container by means of grabbing on the plastic carriers gripper and / or homogenization of the sample by mechanical loading and unloading, which is particularly cyclical, of the elastic plastic bag.

The sample drill protrudes beyond the carrier on the side of the plastic carrier facing away from the elastic plastic bag and has an access opening and a space spaced apart from the access opening by the sample drill, e.g. this opposite, the bag-facing inner opening, wherein the sample drill preferably with its end facing the bag, the plastic carrier does not exceed and the inner opening of the sample drill is located in a side facing the bag of the plastic carrier.

The edge of the sample drill which surrounds the access opening is preferably formed as a cutting edge.

The sample container according to the invention is further distinguished by the fact that a sample drill, also called a sample cutter, is attached to the plastic carrier in a liquid-tight and gas-tight manner and a septum can be fixed to the plastic carrier, the plastic bag or the sample drill in a liquid-tight manner, or at least in the closed state of Sample container is fixed, for example by means of the lid. The sample drill has at least one retaining element on its inner wall, which allows sample material inserted into the sample drill into the bag and prevents sample material from slipping out of the access opening. For example, the sample drill has two retaining elements, which are arranged on opposite inner walls of the sample drill. A retaining element may be formed by one or more cutting lips, eg at least one elastic wing or pin projecting beyond the inner wall of the sample drill, and / or by an inner spiral which engages with the sample material. In cooperation with the sample drill, in particular with the optional cutting edge of the sample drill, the retaining element leads to the cutting or tearing off of sample material from a larger piece to be sampled.

Accordingly, an advantage of the sample container according to the invention is that with its sample drill even without complete piercing of the material to be sampled a sample is obtained, since the retaining element causes the separation of the sample material, which is in the sample drill. In the unloaded state, such a retaining element preferably reduces the internal cross section of the sample drill from the access opening to the inner opening facing the bag and is pressed by the sample drill through the sample drill to the inner opening in the direction of the inner wall of the sample drill and prevents the sample material from slipping back or slipping out the access opening. The retaining element may be an elastic element which, in the unloaded state, at least partially, preferably completely covers the cross-section of the sample drill and which is articulated or fixed at one end within the sample drill and whose opposite free end is arranged closer to the inner opening of the sample drill. Alternatively, the retention member may be rigid, hinged at one end in the sample drill and loaded with a spring member toward an opposing portion of the sample drill with the hinged end opposite free end of the retention member facing the access port of the sample drill or closer than the hinged end is arranged at the inner opening of the sample drill. A retaining element may be, for example, an elastically movable or elastically deformable wing which, in the unloaded state, covers the cross section of the sample drill and faces the free end of the access opening of the sample drill. Preferably, the fixed end opposite the fixed end of the retaining element has a cutting edge. The internal volume of the sample drill is According to the invention preferably chosen so that the inner volume of the sample drill is not more than 10% of the maximum volume of the plastic bag, so that a sample separated with the sample drill and analyzed sample in the elastic plastic bag does not occupy more than 10% of its volume and still sufficient space for zugebendes Medium remains. The internal volume of the sample drill is preferably adapted to a product-typical removal quantity.

For use of the sample container as a sampler and for receiving sample material, in particular without pliers, the sample container of a plastic elastic bag which is provided with a label and a liquid-tight fastened thereto by means of a carrier sample drill, which spans an access opening and having a lid, which reversibly closes the access opening liquid-tight, wherein the elastic plastic bag is attached liquid-tight at the spaced from the access opening of the inner opening of the sample drill by means of the carrier, the sample drill at least one retaining element for sample material and preferably a septum liquid-tight thereby arranged in the sample container that it in the Sample drill, is embedded in the lid or in the carrier, through which the inner volume of the elastic plastic bag is accessible. In this use, the retaining element is preferably hinged at one end in the sample drill and its opposite end disposed away from the access opening and preferably has a cutting edge.

Furthermore, the access opening of the sample drill is preferably closed by a detachably arranged on this cover, which preferably in the closed state on the inner and / or outer wall of the sample drill liquid-tight, closed. The lid may be separate from the sample container prior to use of the sample container, but preferably the lid is releasably disposed on the access opening and seals it in a liquid-tight manner. Particularly preferably, the lid is connected to the sample container, for example, connected by a band or web, which is formed for example in one piece with the lid and / or carrier. An associated with the sample container lid has the advantage that it is located immediately after sampling in close proximity to the sample drill and allows easy handling, the closing of the sample drill. The lid can be screwed or clamped on the sample drill, for example, with the inner and / or outer wall of the sample drill in elastic engagement.

The septum and the sample drill may be spaced from each other on the same plastic carrier or disposed on different plastic supports so that the interior volume of the bag is accessible through the sample drill and the septum spaced apart. Preferably, the lid is detachably mounted on the access opening and is removed for sampling from the access opening and then placed back on it to close the sample container to the sampling and after sampling liquid-tight, preferably sterile.

In a further embodiment, the septum may be integral with the lid fluid-tightly surrounding the access port of the sample drill such that the interior volume of the bag is accessible through the septum and the sample drill when the lid has an integral septum which closes the sample drill access port after sampling , In this case, the septum can optionally be embedded directly in the lid and in particular form the lid portion which completely or partially covers the opening of the sample drill.

Optionally, the lid may include at least one elongated member positioned within the sample drill when the lid is placed on the access opening, preferably wherein the septum is disposed in a portion of the lid which covers the access opening of the sample drill and adjacent to the elongate member, or next to the end face of the stretched element. The elongated member may include one or more pins projecting beyond the inner surface of the lid, and further optionally forming a fork-shaped tail suitable for, for example, spiking sample material. Preferably, the elongate member is a length of pipe which is inserted longitudinally in the sample drill in the closed state of the sample container, wherein the septum is arranged in the cover portion which covers the clear cross-section of this pipe piece. When the sample drill is closed by placing the cover over the access opening, the stretched element is inserted into the sample drill and displaces the retaining element so that the inner volume of the bag becomes accessible next to the stretched element. In a preferred embodiment, the internal volume is accessible through a septum mounted in the cover, which covers the cross-sectional area of the tube forming the elongated element and disposed in the sample drill, pushing the at least one retention element against the wall of the sample drill. Preferably, the sample drill has a predetermined internal volume, for example a predetermined length between the retaining element and the access opening and / or between the retaining element and the inner opening. In this way, the sample drill is adapted to separate a predetermined sample volume, eg, the internal volume of the sample drill may be the full sample volume or one half, one third, one fourth or less of the predetermined sample volume. In particular, in this embodiment, the sample drill allows the separation of a predetermined sample volume by simply or repeatedly piercing the sample drill into the material to be sampled and avoids, for example, a later portioning of the sample material received in the sample container.

The plastic carrier is tightly connected to the elastic plastic bag, for example, welded or glued to the bag, or the bag is jammed with the plastic carrier. The plastic carrier may have at least one projection, preferably two opposing projections which optionally project beyond the circumference of the bag and / or project beyond the circumference of the sample drill, so that the sample bag can be held at the neck, for example at a receiving opening of a transport box, in which one or several test bags are arranged. Furthermore, the approach allows the approach to engage a gripper and be handled by the gripper, which may be part of a system for analysis.

In a preferred embodiment, the elastic plastic bag at a distance from the plastic carrier, in particular with respect to the plastic carrier, on a visible scale, with which the volume of a sample located in the bag can be estimated.

The sample drill, which preferably has a round profile inside and / or outside, can be arranged with its longitudinal axis perpendicular to the plastic carrier, in particular with its longitudinal axis approximately perpendicular to a hand support surface of an optionally fixed to the carrier handle, or parallel to the longitudinal axis of a handle. An optional grip with a hand rest surface may be integral with the carrier and / or with the sample drill or engage the shoulder.

The inner surface of the sampler may have a constant cross section over the length of the sampler; Preferably, the sample drill has a cross-section increasing from its access opening to the inner opening facing the bag on, for example, a frustoconical widening of the access opening cross-section.

Further preferably, in addition to the retaining elements projecting beyond its inner surface, the sample drill has a helical guide which, upon rotation of the sample drill into a mass to be sampled, causes delivery of the sample material into the sample drill and / or engages sample material and, optionally in conjunction with the cutting edge of the sample drill, causes a tearing of the sample material.

The lid preferably has a peripheral rim which abuts the inner surface and / or the outer surface in a portion of the sample drill adjacent to the access opening and, when placed on the access opening, seals it in a liquid-tight manner.

Preferably, the support, the lid and / or the sample drill has a window that is transparent to radiation in the range of 150 to 850 nm, in particular from 200 to 800 nm or 400 to 800 nm, and e.g. made of plastic or glass. Preferably, the window is arranged in the carrier. Such an optically transparent window is suitable for optical analysis methods, e.g. for use with an analysis system in which optical radiation is radiated through the window and e.g. the simultaneously or temporally staggered radiation emerging from the sample container is detected. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the analysis system comprises a radiation source, the beam of which is directed to the window of the sample container held in the system, and a detector adapted to measure radiation exiting the window, in particular for detecting the number of microorganisms based on the measured exiting radiation. A detector may e.g. be arranged for the detection of fluorescence radiation emitted by sample material in the medium, in particular after irradiation of light of an excitation wavelength. Preferably, the analysis system is automated, e.g. by a controller arranged to control each device or component of the system for the analysis method.

Further optionally, the sample container has a sensor contacting its internal volume, so that the sensor is introduced from sample material and / or into the sample container Medium is contacted. The sensor is preferably arranged on the surface of the carrier or of the sample drill facing the internal volume of the sample container. A sensor is preferably electronically or optically readable by the analysis system and may be a pH sensor, a conductivity or impedance sensor and / or, for example, have a dye whose optical properties change specifically in contact with the sample material and / or medium, for example by color change ,

1. 1. des Bereitstellens eines Probenbehälters, der ein elektronisch lesbares Etikett und vorzugsweise ein zusätzliches alphanumerisches Etikett aufweist, wobei vorzugsweise eines der oder beide Etiketten individuell vorgekennzeichnet sind, z.B. Daten enthalten, die den Probenbehälter individuell kennzeichnen,
2. 2. des Öffnens des Probenbehälters durch Abnehmen des Deckels, der die Zugangsöffnung des Probenbohrers verschließt,
3. 3. des Abteilens von Probenmaterial mit dem Probenbohrer, insbesondere mittels der Zugangsöffnung des Probenbohrers, vorzugsweise mittels des Ein- oder Abschneidens von Probenmaterial mittels der Schneidkante der Zugangsöffnung und/oder Abreißen von Probenmaterial, insbesondere mit dem Eingreifen eines Rückhalteelements mit Probenmaterial, insbesondere mit dem Schritt des Einklemmens, Abreißens und/oder des Abschneidens von Probenmaterial durch das Rückhaltelement, insbesondere durch die Schneidkante des Rückhalteelements, wobei der Probenbehälter z.B. am Träger gehalten wird, vorzugsweise an einem am Träger angeordneten Griff, wobei abgeteiltes Probenmaterial über zumindest ein Rückhalteelement in den Beutel rutscht,
4. 4. optional des nochmaligen Abteilens von zusätzlichem Probenmaterial,
5. 5. des Verschließens des Probenbehälters durch Anordnen des Deckels auf der Zugangsöffnung, wobei der Deckel vorzugsweise ein gestrecktes Element aufweist, das Probenmaterial in den Beutel schiebt und die Rückhalteelemente in Richtung auf die Innenwandung des Probenbohrers drückt,
6. 6. vorzugsweise des Eingebens von Daten, z.B. mittels des automatisierten Einlesens von Daten, insbesondere Zeit und Ort der Probenahme, in das elektronisch lesbare Etikett oder des Zuordnens solcher Daten zu dem Etikett, z.B. in einem ersten Zentralrechner, und vorzugsweise zusätzlich des Eingebens der Daten als alphanumerisches Etikett,
7. 7. vorzugsweise des Einlesens der Daten des elektronisch lesbaren Etiketts in einen ersten Zentralrechner und Übermitteln der Anzahl von Probenbehältern, vorzugsweise zusätzlich der Daten der Etiketten der Probenbehälter, an einen zweiten Rechner, der vorzugsweise mit der Auswerteeinheit einer Analyseneinrichtung verbunden ist oder Bestandteil der Analyseneinrichtung ist,
8. 8. optional des Anordnens des Probenbehälters in einem Transportbehälter,
9. 9. des Transportierens des Probenbehälters zu der Analyseneinrichtung,
10. 10. des Wiegens des Probenbehälters und Errechnen der Masse des Probenmaterials,
11. 11. des Einfüllens eines in Abhängigkeit von der Masse des Probenmaterials berechneten Volumens Suspendierflüssigkeit in den Probenbehälter durch ein durch das Septum geführtes erstes Röhrchen,
12. 12. des mechanischen Belastens des Beutels zur Durchmischung und zumindest teilweiser Homogenisierung des Probenmaterials in der Suspendierflüssigkeit, insbesondere durch periodisches Pressen und Entlasten des Beutels zwischen parallelen Platten, z.B. mit einem Stomacher,
13. 13. optional des Absetzenlassens,
14. 14. der Entnahme eines vorbestimmten Volumenanteils der Flüssigkeit durch ein durch das Septum geführtes zweites Röhrchen,
15. 15. des Inkubierens eines Aliquots der entnommenen Suspendierflüssigkeit, optional in einem flüssigen Kultivierungsmedium und/oder des Ausplattierens eines Aliquots der entnommenen Suspendierflüssigkeit auf zumindest einem festem Kultivierungsmedium mit anschließendem Inkubieren,
16. 16. des Detektierens der Anzahl von Mikroorganismen in der Suspendierflüssigkeit und/oder in dem optionalen flüssigen Kultivierungsmedium und/oder auf dem festen Kultivierungsmedium und
17. 17. des Zuordnens der detektierten Anzahl von Mikroorganismen zu den im zweiten Rechner gespeicherten Daten des Probenmaterials, vorzugsweise in Verbindung mit der Zuordnung der Suspendierflüssigkeit oder des Kultivierungsmediums,
18. 18. optional des Übermittelns der in dem zweiten Rechner dem Probenmaterial zugeordneten Daten an den ersten Zentralrechner.
19. 19. Wenn der Probenbehälter einen Sensor aufweist, kann der Schritt des Detektierens das Aufnehmen eines Signals des Sensors sein; wenn der Probenbehälter ein optisch transparentes Fenster aufweist, kann der Schritt des Detektierens das Einstrahlen in das Fenster und das Messen aus dem Fenster austretender Strahlung umfassen oder daraus bestehen.

The septum, preferably a polymeric film or rubber sheet, which automatically reseals after puncturing with a needle or tube permits filling of a suspending liquid into the pouch, which may optionally be a culture medium, so that in combination with the elasticity of the pouch Squeezing the bag for mixing of sample and suspending liquid is possible in the analysis method, and then a new puncture for removal of suspending liquid. Therefore, the use of the sample container allows a method of analysis with the steps

1. 1. the provision of a sample container having an electronically readable label and preferably an additional alphanumeric label, wherein preferably one or both labels are individually pre-identified, eg contain data that identify the sample container individually,
2. 2. the opening of the sample container by removing the lid which closes the access opening of the sample drill,
3. 3. the separation of sample material with the sample drill, in particular by means of the access opening of the sample drill, preferably by cutting or cutting of sample material by means of the cutting edge of the access opening and / or tearing of sample material, in particular with the engagement of a retaining element with sample material, in particular with the Step of clamping, tearing and / or cutting of sample material by the retaining element, in particular by the cutting edge of the retaining element, wherein the sample container is held for example on the carrier, preferably on a arranged on the carrier handle, wherein divided sample material via at least one retaining element in the bag slips
4. 4. optionally repartition of additional sample material,
5. 5. closing the sample container by placing the lid on the access opening, the lid preferably having a stretched element which pushes sample material into the bag and presses the retaining elements towards the inner wall of the sample drill,
6. 6. preferably of entering data, for example by means of the automated reading of data, in particular time and place of sampling, in the electronically readable label or the assignment of such data to the label, for example in a first central computer, and preferably additionally entering the data as an alphanumeric label,
7. 7. preferably the reading of the data of the electronically readable label in a first central computer and transmitting the number of sample containers, preferably additionally the data of the labels of the sample container, to a second computer, which is preferably connected to the evaluation of an analysis device or part of the analysis device .
8. 8. optionally arranging the sample container in a transport container,
9. 9. transporting the sample container to the analysis device,
10. 10. weighing the sample container and calculating the mass of the sample material,
11. 11. filling a volume of suspending liquid calculated in dependence on the mass of the sample material into the sample container through a first tube guided through the septum,
12. 12. the mechanical loading of the bag for mixing and at least partial homogenization of the sample material in the suspending liquid, in particular by periodically pressing and relieving the bag between parallel plates, eg with a stomacher,
13. 13. optional of settling,
14. 14. the removal of a predetermined volume fraction of the liquid through a second tube passed through the septum,
15. 15. incubating an aliquot of the suspending fluid withdrawn, optionally in a liquid culture medium, and / or plating an aliquot of the withdrawn suspending fluid on at least one solid culture medium followed by incubation,
16. 16. Detecting the number of microorganisms in the suspending liquid and / or in the optional liquid culture medium and / or on the solid culture medium
17. 17. associating the detected number of microorganisms with the data of the sample material stored in the second computer, preferably in conjunction with the assignment of the suspending liquid or the culture medium,
18. 18 optionally transmitting the data associated with the sample material in the second computer to the first central computer.
19. 19. If the sample container has a sensor, the step of detecting may be picking up a signal from the sensor; when the sample container has an optically transparent window, the step of detecting may comprise or consist of irradiating the window and measuring radiation exiting the window.

Since the suspending liquid filled in the bag has a multiple of the volume of the sample material to be analyzed, and the sample material and suspending liquid are mixed and homogenized directly in the elastic plastic bag according to the invention, the volume of the elastic plastic bag is preferably at least 5-20 larger than the volume of the sample drill between the access opening and the inner opening, preferably by a factor of 8-10.

1. 1. zumindest einen erfindungsgemäßen Probenbehälter mit einem Probenbohrer, der zumindest ein Rückhalteelement enthält, an einem Träger, wobei die der Zugangsöffnung des Probenbohrers gegenüberliegende Innenöffnung in einen an dem Träger flüssigkeitsdicht befestigten elastischen Kunststoffbeutel mündet und der Träger vorzugsweise ein Griffstück mit einer Handauflagefläche senkrecht zur Längsachse des Probenbohrers aufweist oder eine Handauflagefläche durch die Umfangsfläche des Probenbohrers gebildet wird, mit einem Deckel, der die Zugangsöffnung flüssigkeitsdicht verschließt und der vorzugsweise ein gestrecktes Element aufweist, das sich beim Verschließen der Zugangsöffnung in den Probenbohrer erstreckt und das zumindest eine Rückhalteelement in Richtung auf die Innenwandung des Probenbohrers drückt, mit einem Septum, das vorzugsweise einen Abschnitt des Deckels bildet, der die Zugangsöffnung überdeckt, mit einer elektronisch lesbaren Etikettierung und einer alphanumerischen Etikettierung,
2. 2. einer elektronischen Leseeinheit zur Erfassung der elektronisch lesbaren Etikettierung,
3. 3. einem ersten Zentralrechner, der mit der elektronischen Leseeinheit verbunden ist und einem zweiten Rechner, der mit dem ersten Zentralrechner zur Datenübertragung verbunden ist,
4. 4. optional einen Transportbehälter zur Aufnahme von Probenbehältern,
5. 5. optional eine mechanische Greifeinheit, die z.B. rechnergesteuert ist, die eingerichtet ist, einen Probenbehälter an einem Ansatz, insbesondere am Probenbohrer oder am Träger, zu greifen,
6. 6. eine Analyseneinrichtung mit einer Waage zum Wiegen des Probenbehälters und Errechnen der Masse des Probenmaterials,
7. 7. eine Einfülleinrichtung, die zum Einfüllen eines in Abhängigkeit von der Masse des Probenmaterials berechneten Volumens Suspendierflüssigkeit durch ein durch das Septum geführtes erstes Röhrchen in den Probenbehälter eingerichtet ist,
8. 8. eine Durchmischungseinrichtung, die z.B. zum mechanischen Belasten des Beutels zur Durchmischung und zumindest teilweiser Homogenisierung des Probenmaterials in der Suspendierflüssigkeit eingerichtet ist, insbesondere mit zumindest zwei beabstandeten Platten, zwischen denen der Beutel des Probenbehälters angeordnet und belastet wird,
9. 9. optional eine Entnahmeeinrichtung, die zur Entnahme eines vorbestimmten Volumenanteils der Suspendierflüssigkeit durch ein durch das Septum geführtes zweites Röhrchen eingerichtet ist, wobei die Entnahmeeinrichtung vorzugsweise eine Dosiereinrichtung ist, die eingerichtet ist, zumindest ein Aliquot der entnommenen Suspendierflüssigkeit in Medium, insbesondere flüssiges Kultivierungsmedium und/oder auf ein festes Kultivierungsmedium zu dosieren, vorzugsweise mit einem Verteiler zum Ausplattieren dosierten Suspendiermediums auf festem Kultivierungsmedium,
10. 10. optional einen Inkubator zum Inkubieren des Kultivierungsmediums,
11. 11. eine Detektionseinheit zur Bestimmung der Anzahl von Mikroorganismen in der Suspendierflüssigkeit und/oder in dem optionalen flüssigen Kultivierungsmedium und/oder auf dem festen Kultivierungsmedium, wobei die Detektionseinheit mit einer Datenleitung mit dem zweiten Rechner verbunden ist, der zur Zuordnung von detektierten Daten zu einer erfassten elektronisch lesbaren Etikettierung eingerichtet ist und der vorzugsweise zur Übermittlung der der Etikettierung zugeordneten Daten an den ersten Zentralrechner eingerichtet ist,
12. 12. wobei die Detektionseinheit optional eine optische Detektionseinrichtung umfasst oder ist, die eingerichtet ist, Strahlung in ein optisch transparentes Fenster des Probenbehälters einzustrahlen und aus dem Fenster austretende Strahlung zu messen,
13. 13. und/oder, optional zusätzlich, eine Ausleseeinheit, die eingerichtet ist, das Signal eines Sensors des Probenbehälters auszulesen.

Accordingly, a system or arrangement for carrying out the method has the following elements:

1. 1. at least one sample container according to the invention with a sample drill, which contains at least one retaining element, on a support, wherein the access opening of the sample drill opposite inner opening opens into a liquid-tight attached to the carrier elastic plastic bag and the carrier preferably a handle with a hand support surface perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sample drill or a hand support surface is formed by the peripheral surface of the sample drill, with a lid which liquid-tightly closes the access opening and which preferably has a stretched element which extends into the sample drill when closing the access opening and the at least one retaining element in the direction of Inner wall of the sample drill pushes, with a septum, which preferably forms a portion of the lid, which covers the access opening, with an electronically readable label and a alphanumeric labeling,
2. 2. an electronic reading device to record the electronically readable labeling,
3. 3. a first central computer, which is connected to the electronic reading unit and a second computer, which is connected to the first central computer for data transmission,
4. 4. optionally a transport container for receiving sample containers,
5. 5. optionally a mechanical gripping unit, which is eg computer-controlled, which is set up to grasp a sample container on a projection, in particular on the sample drill or on the carrier,
6. 6. an analytical device with a balance for weighing the sample container and calculating the mass of the sample material,
7. 7. a filling device, which is set up to fill a volume of suspending liquid calculated as a function of the mass of the sample material through a first tube guided through the septum into the sample container,
8. 8. a mixing device, which is eg designed for mechanical loading of the bag for mixing and at least partial homogenization of the sample material in the suspending liquid, in particular with at least two spaced plates, between which the bag of the sample container is arranged and loaded,
9. 9 optionally an extraction device which is adapted to remove a predetermined volume fraction of the suspending liquid through a guided through the septum second tube, wherein the removal device is preferably a metering device which is adapted at least an aliquot of the suspending liquid in the medium, in particular liquid culture medium and or to dose to a solid culture medium, preferably with a distributor for plating metered suspending medium on solid culture medium,
10. 10. optionally an incubator for incubating the culture medium,
11. 11. a detection unit for determining the number of microorganisms in the suspending liquid and / or in the optional liquid culture medium and / or on the solid culture medium, wherein the detection unit is connected to a data line to the second computer, which is used to assign detected data to a detected electronically readable labeling is set up and which is preferably set up for the transmission of the data associated with the labeling to the first central computer,
12. 12. wherein the detection unit optionally comprises or is an optical detection device which is set up to irradiate radiation into an optically transparent window of the sample container and to measure radiation emerging from the window,
13. 13 and / or, optionally in addition, a readout unit which is set up to read out the signal of a sensor of the sample container.

The elastic plastic bag is uniquely identifiable by virtue of its labeling, which is preferably human-readable and additionally machine-readable, with the fixed connection of the sample drill to the elastic plastic bag ensuring that the sample is attached to the label as soon as it is removed. Because the sample container according to the invention allows the immediate removal, for example by scraping, cutting, etc., as well as the packaging of the sample material to be analyzed with the same sample container, i. without additional tools. Accordingly, the analysis method may be performed with the step of taking out sample material in which the device for taking sample material from the sample container is made, and the system for analysis has as a device for taking sample material a device consisting of the sample container.

Detailed description of the invention

• Figur 1 einen erfindungsgemäßen Probenbehälter,
• Figur 2 einen isoliert dargestellten Probenbohrer,
• Figur 3 einen weiteren isoliert dargestellten Probenbohrer,
• Figur 4 einen Deckel mit gestrecktem Element,
• Figur 5 einen Probenbehälter und
• Figur 6 eine weitere Ausführungsform des Probenbehälters mit Griff zeigen.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the figures, which are schematically shown in FIG

• FIG. 1 a sample container according to the invention,
• FIG. 2 a sample drill shown in isolation,
• FIG. 3 another sample drill shown in isolation,
• FIG. 4 a lid with a stretched element,
• FIG. 5 a sample container and
• FIG. 6 show a further embodiment of the sample container with handle.

FIG. 1 shows a sample container 1 with a flexible plastic bag 2, which carries a label 3 and is attached to a plastic carrier The label 3 can be one or more parts and have machine-readable labeling, for example a transponder or bar code, and human-readable alphanumeric labeling.

The sample drill 5, which has on its inner surface two elastic wings as a retaining element 14, is fixed to the plastic carrier 4, in particular integrally formed with the carrier 4, that the first end 6 of the sample drill 5, the plastic carrier 4 on the plastic bag 2 facing away Projected side and the access opening 7 spans. The retaining element 14 has at its end opposite the hinged end a cutting edge 21 which faces away from the access opening 7.

The second end 8 of the sample drill 5 is connected via the inner opening 9 with the inner volume of the elastic plastic bag 2. The inner opening is flush in the bag 2 facing surface of the support 4 embedded.

The spanned by the first end 6 of the sample drill 5 access opening 7 is closed by a lid 10 liquid-tight. The sample container 1 is provided according to a preferred embodiment on its elastic plastic bag 2 with a scale 15, with which the volume of a sample material located in the elastic plastic bag 2 can be estimated. The scale 15 may extend diagonally across a corner of the bag 2 or parallel to an edge of the bag 2.

A septum 11 is in this embodiment spaced from the sample drill 5 mounted on the plastic support 4, that when piercing the septum 11 with a hollow needle or a tube, the inner volume of the elastic plastic bag 2 is accessible. Through the septum 11 liquids can be supplied to the bag 2 and / or removed by means of a tube, wherein the septum 11 closes automatically after removal of the tube.

In this embodiment, the carrier 4 forms lugs 12 which protrude above the bag 2 and can be handled by a mechanical gripper.

An optically transparent window 19 is disposed in the support 4 and permits the irradiation of light of an excitation wavelength and the emission of radiation from the pouch 2. According to a preferred embodiment, a sensor 20 is additionally shown, e.g. is a pH-sensitive indicator whose color change is optically detectable through the window 19.

FIG. 2 shows a sample drill 5, at the first end 6 of the access opening 7 is clamped. The second end 8 of the sample drill 5 biases the inner opening 9, which is connected to the inner volume of the bag 2.

As in FIG. 2 is shown, the inner surface of the sample drill 5 can have a constant over the length of the sample drill 5 in cross-section. On the inner surface of the sample drill 5, two elastic wings are attached as a retaining element 14.

FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the sample drill 5, in which on the inner surface of the sample drill 5, a helical guide 13 is mounted.

FIG. 4 shows a lid 10, which is adapted to close the access opening 7 of the sample drill 5 liquid-tight. Preferably, the lid 10 has a cylindrical, elongated element 17, which is preferably arranged at right angles to the main surface of the lid 10 and / or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the sample drill 5.

FIG. 5 shows the access opening 7 of the sample drill 5 with a lid 10 which is connected by means of a belt 18 to the carrier 4. The outer diameter of the elongated element 17 is according to the invention smaller than the inner diameter of the sample drill 5, but so large that the arranged on the inner surface of the sample drill 5 retaining element 14 when closing the access opening 7 through the lid 10 in the direction of the elastic plastic bag 2 and against the Inner wall of the sample drill 5 are pressed. In this way, the inner volume of the bag 2 in the liquid-tightly closed state of the sample container 1 through the septum 11 and through the elongated element 17, which is preferably a piece of pipe, accessible for a guided through the septum 11 tube.

According to a preferred embodiment, the septum 11 forms a portion of the lid 10 which closes the elongate element 17, and e.g. in the embodiment of the elongated element 17 as a piece of pipe covers the opening which is attached to the cover 10.

The sample container 1 has a handle 16 which is attached to the sample drill 5, e.g. is fixed to the lugs 12. Optionally, the handle 16 is detachably connected to the test tap 5, in particular to the projections 12 arranged on the sample drill 5 or on the support 4.

Alternatively, a handle 16 may be formed by the peripheral surface of the sample drill 5, which is a hand rest surface. Accordingly, the sample drill 5 can have an outer length of about 8 to 16 cm, in particular of 10 to 12 cm, for example, with an outer diameter of 0.5 to 3 cm.

A window 19 is arranged in the sample drill 5, so that sample material and filled medium is arranged in an orientation of the sample drill 5 horizontally to vertically downward in the sample drill 5. Preferably, an optional sensor 20, which is optically readable, arranged opposite the window 19 in the sample drill 5.

FIG. 6 shows a further embodiment of the sample container 1, in which a handle 16 of the access opening 7 of the sample drill 5 is arranged opposite and sample drill 5 and handle 16 preferably have a common axis. The handle 16 has a hand support surface 16 a, which is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sample drill 5. The sample drill 5 optionally has a bent portion which is connected to the bag 2, so that the second end 8 of the sample drill 5 opens with the inner opening 9 in the elastic plastic bag 2. In this embodiment, the handle 16 allows easy handling of the sample drill 5 since the bag 2 is connected off-axis to the sample drill 5 to which the access opening 7 and the palm support surface 16a are perpendicular. As shown, the carrier 4 may be an integral part of the sample drill 5 and connect to the optional bag 2 and / or the inner opening 9 tapered bag 2.

The septum 11 in this embodiment is preferably disposed in a wall of the sample drill 5, and particularly forms a wall portion of the sample drill 5 which is opposed to the inner opening 9 and connected to the inner opening by the volume of the sample drill 5 including its bent portion.

A window 19 may optionally be arranged generally in addition to the septum 11 on the sample drill 5, for example next to the septum 11.

reference numeral

1

sample container

2

elastic plastic bag

3

label

4

Plastic carrier

5

sample drill

6

first end of the sample drill

7

Access opening of the sample drill

8th

second end of the sample drill

9

Internal opening of the sample drill

10

cover

11

septum

12

approach

13

helical guide inside the sample drill

14

Retaining element

15

scale

16

Handle

16a

Palmrest area

17

stretched element

18

tape

19

window

20

sensor

21

cutting edge

Claims (17)

Sample container (1) for use as a sampler and for receiving sample material, which is provided with a label (3) and has an access opening (7) spanned by a sample drill (5) and a cover (10) which forms the access opening (7). reversibly liquid-tightly closes, characterized in that at the spaced from the access opening (7) inner opening (9) of the sample drill (5) an elastic plastic bag (2) by means of a support (4) is fixed liquid-tight, the sample drill (5) at least one retaining element (14) for sample material and a septum (11) is liquid - tightly arranged in the sample container (1) so as to be embedded in the sample drill (5), in the lid (10) or in the carrier (4) through which the Inner volume of the elastic plastic bag (2) is accessible. Sample container (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the retaining element (14) is articulated at one end in the sample drill (5) and its opposite end is arranged away from the access opening (7) and has a cutting edge. Sample container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the septum (11) is part of the lid (10). Sample container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sample drill (5) has a handle (16) with a hand support surface (16a) which is parallel to the plane of the access opening (7). Sample container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that the carrier (4) is an integral part of the test drill (5) and a handle (16) from the peripheral surface of the sample drill (5) is formed. Sample container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sample drill (5) has a bent portion and the septum (11) forms a portion of the wall of the test drill (5) facing the inner opening (9). Sample container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that on the side of the lid (10) facing the access opening (7) in the closed state, a stretched element (17) is attached, which has a length which is at least the distance between Access opening (7) and retaining element (14) covered. Sample container (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the stretched element (17) is a piece of pipe whose cross-section adjacent to the cover (10) is covered by the septum (11). Sample container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the carrier (4) an optically transparent window (19) and / or a sensor (20) is arranged. Sample container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (4) has at least one projection (12) on which a handle (16) is attached. Sample container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access opening (7) of the sample drill (5) is covered by a cutting edge. Sample container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sample drill (5) has on its inner surface a helical guide (13) which engages with a sample material in the sample drill (5) and / or that the inner cross section of the sample drill (5) from the access opening (7) to the inner opening (9) increases. System for analysis, comprising at least one sample container (1) according to one of the preceding claims, whose label (3) has an electronically readable label and a visible alphanumeric label, with an electronic reading unit for detecting the electronically readable label, a first central computer connected to the electronic reading unit and with a second computer, which is connected to the first central computer for data transmission, an analytical device with a balance for weighing the sample container and calculating the mass of the sample material, a filling device, which is set up to introduce a volume of suspending liquid, calculated as a function of the mass of the sample material, through the septum (11) into the sample container (1), a mixing device which is set up for mechanical loading of the bag (2) for thorough mixing and at least partial homogenization of the sample material in the suspending liquid, - A removal device with a second tube, which is adapted to remove a predetermined volume fraction of the suspending liquid through the septum (11) guided second tube, and is arranged, at least an aliquot of the removed suspending liquid in liquid culture medium and / or on a solid culture medium to dose an incubator for incubating the culture medium, a detection unit for determining the number of microorganisms in the suspending liquid and / or in the liquid cultivation medium and / or on the solid culture medium, wherein the detection unit is connected to the second computer by a data line, which is used to associate detected data with a detected one readable labeling is set up and which is set up for the transmission of the data associated with the labeling to the first central computer. System for analysis according to claim 13, characterized in that the sample container (1) has an optically transparent window (19) and the detection unit has an optical detector which receives radiation emerging from the window (19). System for analysis according to one of Claims 13 to 14, characterized by a control unit which is set up to control the filling device for filling the calculated volume of suspension liquid, which is set up to control the mixing device which is set up, the removal device for taking a predetermined amount To control volume fraction of the suspending liquid, which is arranged to control incubator for incubation and set up is to control the detection unit for determining the number of microorganisms. Method of analysis with the steps the provision of a sample container according to one of claims 1 to 11, - Receiving sample material with the access opening (7) of the sample drill (5), wherein the sample container (1) on a support (4) attached to the handle (16) is held and the sample material via at least one retaining element (14) in the plastic bag (2) slips, - Closing the sample container (1) by placing the cover (10) on the access opening (7) having an elongated member (17) which pushes the sample material in the plastic bag (2) when closing and the retaining element (14) in Towards the inner wall of the sample drill (5), - the reading of the electronically readable labeling in a first central computer and transmitting the number of sample containers (1) to a second computer, which is connected to the evaluation of an analysis device, the transporting of the sample container (1) to the analysis device, - weighing the sample container (1) and calculating the mass of the sample material, the filling of a volume of suspending liquid, calculated as a function of the mass of the sample material, into the sample container (1) through a first tube guided through the septum (11), - the mechanical loading of the plastic bag (2) for mixing and at least partial homogenization of the sample material in the suspending liquid, the removal of a predetermined volume fraction of the suspending liquid by a second tube passed through the septum (11), incubating an aliquot of the taken suspending liquid in a liquid culture medium and / or plating an aliquot of the taken suspending liquid on at least one solid culture medium followed by incubation, detecting the number of microorganisms in the liquid culture medium and / or on the solid culture medium and assigning the detected number of microorganisms to the data of the sample material stored in the second computer, and - The transmission of the data associated with the sample material in the second computer to the first central computer. A method according to claim 16, characterized in that the sample drill (5) is guided in material to be sampled and the sample material after receiving with the access opening (7) by the retaining element (14) is held and exclusively by tearing within the sample drill (5) and / or by cutting along a cutting edge of the retaining element (14) is separated.

Images