GB2539423A

GB2539423A - A fluid transfer utensil and method for guiding fluid into a medical sample tube

Info

Publication number: GB2539423A
Application number: GB1510490.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Swan Steven
Original assignee: BLADE INNOVATIONS Ltd
Current assignee: BLADE INNOVATIONS Ltd
Priority date: 2015-06-16
Filing date: 2015-06-16
Publication date: 2016-12-21
Anticipated expiration: 2035-06-16
Also published as: GB201510490D0; GB2539423B

Abstract

A fluid transfer utensil, which has a concave bowl 10 integrated with a combined spout and handle 30. The cup 10 is for receiving fluid by being partially submerged in liquid. When tilted, liquid flows out of the bowl 10 along the channel in the handle 30, and into a test tube. Optionally the spoon includes absorbent material 60, a textured region 50 and a clip 70 for connection to the test tube, and a circular tongue 40 projecting from the spout. The bowl 10 of the funnel may include volume indicators 20 and a chemical test material 80. There is also a method for attaching the spout 30 to the test tube, submerging the vessel 10 in urine, and pouring the liquid through the spout 30 into the sample container.

Description

A Fluid Transfer Utensil and Method For Guiding Fluid into a Medical Sample Tube The present invention relates generally to a fluid transfer utensil and a method for guiding fluid into a medical sample tube, and finds particular, although not exclusive, utility in transferring urine samples into 'universal containers'.

For many years the standard MSU (mid-stream urine) sample tubes were approximately 24mm in diameter with a capacity of some. 25m1. Some Trusts within the UK's National Health Service have recently indicated a likely change to the use of a new standard tube approximately 16mm in diameter to be widely used. This will have a capacity of some 12.5m1, because a standard urine test now only requires a sample of approximately 10m1. this change has increased the difficulty of hygienically introducing the sample liquid into the tube.

The general public, nurses, practitioners, etc. are required to transfer bodily fluids such as urine from some form of vessel, for instance a carton, plastic box or jam jar, into the tube.

Various methods have been used to transfer the sample to the new type of tube, including using a syringe to draw up the correct amount or transferring to an intermediate jug for subsequent pouring. The invention aims to make the transfer process hygienic, less unpleasant and reduce the number of steps involved.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid transfer utensil, for guiding fluid into a medical sample tube, the fluid transfer utensil comprising: a fluid receiving part, having a concave internal surface and configured to hold a maximum volume of fluid of between 10m1 and 30m1, the fluid receiving part configured to he at least partially submerged in fluid to he transferred into a medical sample tube; and a spout integrally formed with the fluid receiving part and arranged such that fluid may be poured from the fluid receiving part through the spout; wherein the spout is further configured to be insertable into a neck of a medical sample tube having an internal diameter of between approximately 10mm and 30mm.

In this way, a user may insert the spout into a neck of a medical sample tube, hold the conjoined unit by the sample tube, submerge the fluid receiving part in fluid to be transferred into the medical sample tube, and pour the fluid thus received into the medical sample tube, by means of tilting the conjoined unit, with reduced risk of spillage or accidental contamination of the user.

The fluid receiving part may be substantially bowl-shaped, for instance substantially hemispherical or substantially any other portion of a sphere, spheroid, cone or similar shape, or any other concave shape. The spout may be substantially elongate. The fluid transfer utensil may be substantially spoon-shaped.

The fluid receiving part may be configured to hold a maximum volume of fluid of between 10m1 and 25m1, in particular 10m1 and 20m1, more. particularly 10m1 and 15m1, for instance approximately 13m1.

The fluid receiving part may comprise a single wall of material having a thickness less than approximately 1mm, in particular less than approximately 0.5mm.

The fluid receiving part may be substantially curved and/or may comprise edges and/or corners.

The spout may comprise a tube or lip projecting from the fluid receiving part. In particular, the spout may comprise a channel/trough open along its length (i.e. an open tube) and/or a tube open at each end and enclosed along its length (i.e. an enclosed tube). The spout may have an axis defined along the flow of fluid. The spout may have an axial cross section that is substantially angular and/or curved, semi-circular, circular, box-shape, V-shaped, etc. The spout Tflay comprise a handle and/or grip region (e.g. on an exterior surface thereof) in which a user may hold the spout. The spout may comprise an absorbent material on an exterior surface thereof, for limiting the adverse effect of accidental spillage. The absorbent material may form a grip for the user.

An end of the spout distal from the fluid receiving part may have a lateral extent (e.g. perpendicular to an axis of the spout) that is substantially equal to an internal diameter of the neck of a medical sample tube into which it is to he inserted. For instance, the lateral extent of the spout may he within 20% of the internal diameter of the neck of the medical sample tube, in particular within 10%, more particularly within 5%, for instance within 3%.

The spout may be substantially resilient. The spout may be configured to be squeezable between the finger and thumb of a user to reduce its lateral extent by at least 20%, 10%, 5% or 3%, or up to 20%, 10%, 5% or 3%. The spout may act to grip inside the neck of the medical sample tube; in particular a user may bias the spout so that it fits within the neck for insertion, and the spout may be sprung to grip the interior of the neck.

Alternatively or additionally, the spout may be configured fora snug fit at least partly, or wholly, within the neck.

The spout may comprise a textured and/or roughened region arranged and/or configured to provide an increased degree of friction between the spout and the neck.

In this way, the spout may be held within the neck more securely.

The fluid transfer utensil may be substantially open-toped along its entire length, thereby allowing a plurality of such utensils to be stacked one within the other.

The fluid transfer utensil may comprise acetate, and may be formed by moulding (e.g. hot moulding). Alternatively or additionally, the fluid transfer utensil may comprise metal (e.g. foil) and/or plastics material.

The fluid transfer utensil may further comprise a clip configured to engage with an external screw thread on the neck. In particular, the clip may he a hook.

The fluid transfer utensil may further comprising a tongue adjacent to an end of the spout opposing the fluid receiving part, the tongue having a perimeter spaced from the spout that projects an axial cross section that is substantially circular. That is, the perimeter of the tongue spaced from the spout has a shape which, when viewed along the axis of the spout or when projected onto a plane perpendicular to the axis of the spout appears as a circle of a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of a neck of a medical sample tube. Tn this way, the tongue may tit snugly within the neck, thereby preventing accidental loss of fluid and/or powdered Boric acid from the tube when (at least partially) inverted.

The fluid transfer utensil may further comprise an indicator located on the fluid receiving part, the indicator located to indicate a specific volume of fluid contained within the fluid receiving part, less than the maximum holdahle volume. In particular, the specific volume of fluid may he 5m1, 10m1, 12.5m1, 15m1, 20m1 and/or 25m1.

The fluid transfer utensil may further comprise a test material located within the fluid receiving part and/or the spout, for indicating the presence of a chemical in the fluid within the fluid transfer utensil. For instance, the test material may be located within the base of the fluid receiving part. The test material may be configured to indicate abnormalities such as, infection, the presence of blood and/or nitrites within the fluid using conventional methods. The test material may be configured to change colour in the presence of specific chemicals.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fluid transfer system, comprising: a medical sample tube; and a fluid transfer utensil according to the first aspect, wherein the spout has a lateral extent substantially equal to an internal diameter of a neck of the medical sample tube.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of guiding fluid into a medical sample tube, the method comprising: providing a fluid transfer utensil according to the first aspect; inserting the spout into a neck of a medical sample tube having an internal diameter of between approximately 10mm and 30mm; a user holding the conjoined spout and sample tube and at least partially submerging the fluid receiving part in fluid to be transferred into the medical sample tube; receiving a maximum volume of fluid of between 10m1 and 30m1 within the concave internal surface; and a user holding the spout and pouring fluid from the fluid receiving part through the spout into the medical sample tube.

Tn particular, pouring the fluid from the fluid receiving part through the spout into the medical sample tube may comprise tilting the fluid transfer utensil from a first orientation in which fluid is held within the fluid receiving part to a second orientation of approximately 30 degrees 45 degrees, 60 degrees, 75 degrees or 90 degrees from the first orientation.

The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention. This description is given for the sake of example only, without limiting the scope of the invention. The reference figures quoted below refer to the attached drawings.

Figure 1 is a left plan view of a fluid transfer utensil.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the fluid transfer utensil.

Figure 3 is a front plan view of the fluid transfer utensil.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the fluid transfer utensil.

The present invention will be described with respect to certain drawings but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. The drawings described are only schematic and are non-limiting. Each drawing may not include all of the features of the invention and therefore should not necessarily be considered to be an embodiment of the invention. In the drawings, the size of some of the elements may be exaggerated and not drawn to scale for illustrative purposes. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not correspond to actual reductions to practice of the invention. Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking or in any other manner. Tt is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

Moreover, the terms top, bottom, over, under and the like in the description and the claims are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that operation is capable in other orientations than described or illustrated herein.

Tt is to be noticed that the term "comprising", used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. Tt is thus to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device comprising means A and B" should not be limited to devices consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the device are A and B. Similarly, it is to be noticed that the term "connected", used in the description, should not he interpreted as being restricted to direct connections only. Thus, the scope of the expression "a device A connected to a device B" should not he limited to devices or systems wherein an output of device A is directly connected to an input of device B. Tt means that there exists a path between an output of A and an input of B which may he a path including other devices or means. "Connected" may mean that two or more elements are either in direct physical or electrical contact, or that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. For instance, wireless connectivity is contemplated.

Reference throughout this specification to "an embodiment" or "an aspect" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or aspect is included in at least one embodiment or aspect of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or "in an aspect" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment or aspect, but may refer to different embodiments or aspects. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics of any embodiment or aspect of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments or aspects.

Similarly, it should be appreciated that in the description various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to he interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Moreover, the description of any individual drawing or aspect should not necessarily be considered to he an embodiment of the invention. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in fewer than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. 'thus, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form yet further embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can he used in any combination.

In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth.

However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practised without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

In the discussion of the invention, unless stated to the contrary, the disclosure of alternative values for the upper or lower limit of the permitted range of a parameter, coupled with an indication that one of said values is more highly preferred than the other, is to be construed as an implied statement that each intermediate value of said parameter, lying between the more preferred and the less preferred of said alternatives, is itself preferred to said less preferred value and also to each value lying between said less preferred value and said intermediate value.

The use of the term "at least one" may mean only one in certain circumstances.

The principles of the invention will now be described by a detailed description of at least one drawing relating to exemplary features of the invention. It is clear that other arrangements can be configured according to the knowledge of persons skilled in the art without departing from the underlying concept or technical teaching of the invention, the invention being limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a left plan view of a fluid transfer utensil shown in an upright position, comprising a cup/bowl portion 10 and a spout portion 30. The cup portion 10 has, adjacent to an upper perimeter thereof, an indication line 20 showing the level at which fluid within the cup portion 10 reaches 10m1 in volume.

At a base of the cup portion 10 is a reactive chemical indicator 80, which is configured to react (e.g. change colour) in the presence of one or more specific chemicals within the fluid sample. The reactive chemical indicator 80 is shown in dashed lines as it is an internal feature of the cup portion 10.

On a portion of the exterior of the spout portion 30 is provided a textured region 50, shown here to comprise moulded dimples; however, serrations, or adhesive material, etc., may be used instead. The textured region 50 is located to reside within the interior of the neck of a sample tube (not shown) when the spout portion 30 is inserted therein. 'The spout portion 30 is V-shape in profile, and resilient such that when thus inserted it will flex out, pushing the textured region 50 against the neck.

Adjacent to the textured region 50 is an absorbent strip 60 configured to absorb any fluid that could find itself on the exterior of the spout portion 30 from the sample tube. Any such fluid would drip along the spout portion 30 from the sample tube end, over the textured region 50 and be absorbed by the absorbent strip 60.

As the profile of the spout portion 30 is V-shaped, it would not form a snug fit with the interior of the neck of the sample tube (which has a circular cross section.

Thus, the lip/tongue 40 is provided on the free end of the spout portion 30. The lip/tongue 40 has a proximal shape that matches the V-shape of the spout portion 30 and a distal shape that matches the internal shape of the sample tube neck (i.e. circular). In this way, the lip/tongue 40 forms a snug fit with the interior of the sample tube, thereby reducing the chance of drips running along an exterior of the spout portion 30 and reducing the chance of losing powdered Boric acid (for instance) that is present within the sample tube prior to use.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the fluid transfer utensil, where the interior may be seen. Parts such as the indication line 20 that arc on the exterior of the utensil arc shown in dashed lines. Similarly, figure 3 is a front plan view of the fluid transfer utensil.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a modified version of the fluid transfer utensil that additionally includes a hooked tab 70 for engaging with an exterior thread located on the neck of the sample tube. The hooked tab 70 may act to resist separation of the spout portion 30 from the neck.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fluid transfer utensil, for guiding fluid into a medical sample tube, the fluid transfer utensil comprising: a fluid receiving part, having a concave internal surface and configured to hold a maximum volume of fluid of between 10m1 and 30m1, the fluid receiving part configured to be at least partially submerged in fluid to be transferred into a medical sample tube; and a spout integrally formed with the fluid receiving part and arranged such that fluid may be poured from the fluid receiving part through the spout, the spout configured to be held by a user during pouring and submerging; wherein the spout is further configured to he insertable into a neck of a medical sample tube having an internal diameter of between approximately 10mm and 30mm.
2. The fluid transfer utensil of claim 1, wherein the spout further comprises an absorbent material on an exterior surface thereof, for limiting the adverse effect of accidental spillage.
3. The fluid transfer utensil of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the spout further comprises a textured region configured to provide an increased degree of friction between the spout and the neck.
4. The fluid transfer utensil of any preceding claim, further comprising a clip configured to engage with an external screw thread on the neck.
5. The fluid transfer utensil of any preceding claim, further comprising a tongue adjacent to an end of the spout opposing the fluid receiving part, the tongue having a perimeter spaced from the spout that projects an axial cross section that is substantially circular.
6. The fluid transfer utensil of any preceding claim, further comprising an indicator located on the fluid receiving part, the indicator located to indicate a specific volume of fluid contained within the fluid receiving part, less than the maximum holdable volume.
7. The fluid transfer utensil of any preceding claim, further comprising a test material located within the fluid receiving part and/or the spout, for indicating the presence of a chemical in the fluid within the fluid transfer utensil.
8. A fluid transfer system, comprising: a medical sample tube; and a fluid transfer utensil according to any preceding claim, wherein the spout has a lateral extent substantially equal to an internal diameter of a neck of the medical sample tube.
9. A method of guiding fluid into a medical sample tube, the method comprising: providing a fluid transfer utensil according to any one of claims 1 to 7; inserting the spout into a neck of a medical sample tube having an internal diameter of between approximately lOmm and 30mm; a user holding the spout and at least partially submerging the fluid receiving part in fluid to be transferred into the medical sample tube; receiving a maximum volume of fluid of between 10m1 and 30m1 within the concave internal surface; and a user holding the spout and pouring fluid from the fluid receiving part through the spout into the medical sample tube.
10. A fluid transfer utensil substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendment to the claims have been filed as followsCLAIMS1. A fluid transfer utensil, for guiding fluid into a medical sample tube, the fluid transfer utensil comprising: a fluid receiving part, having a concave internal surface and configured to hold a maximum volume of fluid of between 10m1 and 30m1, the fluid receiving part configured to be at least partially submerged in fluid to be transferred into a medical sample tube; and a spout integrally formed with the fluid receiving part and configured to be insertable into a neck of a medical sample tube having an internal diameter of between approximately 10mm and 30mm, the spout arranged such that fluid may be poured from the fluid receiving part through the spout, the spout further configured to be held by a user during pouring and submerging.2. The fluid transfer utensil of claim 1, wherein the spout farther comprises an (r) absorbent material on an exterior surface thereof, for limiting the adverse effect of r accidental spillage.CO0 3. The fluid transfer utensil of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the spout further comprises a textured region configured to provide an increased degree of friction T between the spout and the neck.4. The fluid transfer utensil of any preceding claim, further comprising a clip configured to engage with an external screw thread on the neck.3. The fluid transfer utensil of any preceding claim, farther comprising a tongue adjacent to an end of the spout opposing the fluid receiving part, the tongue having a perimeter spaced from the spout that projects an axial cross section that is substantially circular.6. The fluid transfer utensil of any preceding claim, further comprising an indicator located on the fluid receiving part, the indicator located to indicate a specific volume of fluid contained within the fluid receiving part, less than the maximum holdable volume.7. The fluid transfer utensil of any preceding claim, further comprising a test material located within the fluid receiving part and/or the spout, for indicating the presence of a chemical in the fluid within the fluid transfer utensil.8. A fluid transfer system, comprising: a medical sample tube; and a fluid transfer utensil according to any preceding claim, wherein the spout has a lateral extent substantially equal to an internal diameter of a neck of the medical sample tube.9. A method of guiding fluid into a medical sample tube, the method comprising: providing a fluid transfer utensil according to any one of claims 1 to 7; inserting the spout into a neck of a medical sample tube having an internal diameter of between approximately 10mm and 30mm; (r) a user holding the spout and at least partially submerging the fluid receiving part r in fluid to be transferred into the medical sample tube; CO receiving a maximum volume of fluid of between 10m1 and 30m1 within the CD concave internal surface; and a user holding the spout and pouring fluid from the fluid receiving part through T the spout into the medical sample tube.10. A fluid transfer utensil substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings 25