GB2558687A

GB2558687A - Stool sample collector

Info

Publication number: GB2558687A
Application number: GB1709393.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Fraser Andrew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-12-16
Filing date: 2017-06-13
Publication date: 2018-07-18
Also published as: GB201709393D0; GB201621517D0

Abstract

A stool sample collector 1 configured to attach to the bowl rim and/or seat 7 of a toilet and receive a stool sample. There is a stool receiving member 5 that extends across at least a portion of the width of the toilet bowl and at each end has at least one toilet attachment arrangements 2 to attach the device to the bowl rim or seat. The stool receiving member is made from material that will dissolves or disintegrates in water (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol). There may be drainage holes 3 allowing urine to pass. The toilet attachment arrangements 2 may comprise one or more tabs or extensions 2, which may have a retention member 6 disposed thereon. Retention members may be adhesive pads, stickers, tape or hook members and may be dissolvable in water. The stool receiving member 5 can be a bag or pouch, which may be sealed along a bottom edge (figure 4). The bag may be foldable to allow it to lay flat for storage purposes, from which it can be expanded for use. The bag may substantially match the inner surface of the toilet seat and leave an area uncovered to allow urine to pass.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

Andrew Fraser

Luffness Gardens, Aberlady, East Lothian, EH32 OSH, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

Andrew Fraser (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Ellis IP Ltd

53/4 George Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2HT, United Kingdom (51) INT CL:

A61B 10/00 (2006.01) (56) Documents Cited:

WO 2017/051413 A1 WO 1997/017019 A1 CN 205593769 U US 4445235 A

US 20110270125 A1

JP3200606 (58) Field of Search:

INT CL A61B Other: WPI, EPODOC (54) Title of the Invention: Stool sample collector

Abstract Title: Sample collector attachable on toilet rim/seat having a water-dissolvable stool receiving member (57) A stool sample collector 1 configured to attach to the bowl rim and/or seat 7 of a toilet and receive a stool sample. There is a stool receiving member 5 that extends across at least a portion of the width of the toilet bowl and at each end has at least one toilet attachment arrangements 2 to attach the device to the bowl rim or seat. The stool receiving member is made from material that will dissolves or disintegrates in water (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol). There may be drainage holes 3 allowing urine to pass. The toilet attachment arrangements 2 may comprise one or more tabs or extensions 2, which may have a retention member 6 disposed thereon. Retention members may be adhesive pads, stickers, tape or hook members and may be dissolvable in water. The stool receiving member 5 can be a bag or pouch, which may be sealed along a bottom edge (figure 4). The bag may be foldable to allow it to lay flat for storage purposes, from which it can be expanded for use. The bag may substantially match the inner surface of the toilet seat and leave an area uncovered to allow urine to pass.

Figure 3

At least one drawing originally filed was informal and the print reproduced here is taken from a later filed formal copy.

1/2

1603 18

Figure 2

2/2

1603 18

Figure 4

Stool Sample Collector

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to the field of stool collection for medical testing. More particularly, it relates to a device for the home collection of stool samples for medical testing such as for colorectal cancer testing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a serious health problem. The United Kingdom introduced a screening program for colorectal cancer in 2006.

The program involves people over a certain age being asked to provide a stool sample for testing. The test is completed in people’s own homes.

Advice given to those carrying out this test is to put a piece of toilet paper in their hand and catch their own stool on that paper.

In 2007, of those offered the test, only 52% complied.

There are a number of devices that have been designed to collect stool samples. Several examples are known in the prior art, for example EP-A3028646. Typically, after a sample has been taken with such devices, the remaining stool is flushed away and the stool sample collecting device discarded.

The present inventor has devised an apparatus that enables improved convenience and effectiveness in collecting a useful stool sample for medical testing with improved hygienic disposal, to thereby increase screening compliance.

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

There is a need for apparatus to improve the convenience, effectiveness and hygiene in the collection of a stool sample for a medical test such as colorectal cancer screening.

It is an object of this invention to provide a stool sample collection device which can be used by a user in the home for collection of a stool sample in an hygienic manner and with simple and hygienic disposal.

- 1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a stool sample collection device, which is configured to be attached to a bowl rim and/or seat of a toilet for receiving a stool sample from a person, the stool sample collecting device comprising a stool receiving member for extending across at least a portion of the width of a toilet bowl and provided at each end of the stool receiving member at least one toilet attachment arrangements for attaching the device to the bowl rim or seat of the toilet, wherein at least the stool receiving member is made from material that dissolves or disintegrates in water.

In a second aspect and preferred embodiment of the invention, there is provided a stool sample collection device, which is to be attached to a toilet seat of a toilet for receiving a stool sample from a person, the stool sample collecting device comprising a bag, sealed along the bottom edge, and a number of adhesive pads for securing the bag to the toilet seat.

In a third aspect of the invention there is provided a bag, preferably a water-soluble plastic bag, having dimensions comprising a depth of from 5 to 20 cm, a length of from 20 to 28 cm and a width of from 10 to 20 cm. Preferably extended tabs are provided which extend from the rim of the bag at each end of the length by from 5 to 15 cm.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The device of the invention comprises a stool retention member, preferably in the form of a bag, which 100% dissolves in water, is biodegradable and safe for the environment, provides a simple and hygienic means of carrying out what may be seen as a demeaning and embarrassing test.

Using the bag provides a more acceptable means of carrying out the test as opposed to trying to catch a stool on a piece of toilet paper in your hand, risk it missing the piece of paper and possibly landing on your hand instead.

The bag attaches to the toilet seat and allows the person carrying out the test to simply sit on the toilet as they normally would when passing a bowel motion.

-2When the test is complete there is no need to dispose of a soiled container or possibly wipe excrement from your hand. The bag and contents are simply flushed away.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows the view of a plastic bag as a device of the invention as it would appear lying on a flat surface;

Figure 2 shows the side panel of the bag of Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows the bag of Figure 1 as it appears when attached to a toilet seat using adhesive pads.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The stool sample collection device according to the present invention is configured to be attached to a bowl rim and/or seat of a toilet for receiving a stool sample from a person. It comprises a stool receiving member for extending across at least a portion of the width of a toilet bowl and is configured at each end via at least one toilet attachment arrangements for attachment to the bowl rim and/or seat of the toilet. At least the stool receiving member is preferably made from material that dissolves or disintegrates in water.

In a preferred embodiment, the stool receiving member is or comprises a bag or pouch (and is referred to subsequently as a bag, although may be another stool receiving member, generally, where the context allows).

The invention provides a hygienic and simple method for collecting a bowel motion (stool). The invention preferably comprises of a water soluble or water disintegrable stool receiving member or bag (1) and preferably a water soluble or water disintegrable retention members, such as adhesive pads or stickers. The bag may be affixed to a toilet seat using the pads. The bag then hangs down from the toilet seat and provides a stable platform for receiving the stool of a person sitting on the toilet seat. A sample can be taken from the stool while it is contained in the bag. After taking the sample the pads (6) may be peeled from the toilet seat and the bag, pads and contents allowed to fall into the

-3 toilet from where they can all be flushed away. There is no need to discard the collection device separately.

The bag is intended for use with the bowel cancer screening faecal occult blood sampling kit although it may be suitable for use in other procedures requiring a stool sample.

Preferably, the stool receiving member, which is preferably a bag, has a depth (e.g. from the rim of such a bag or pouch), which in use extends into the toilet bowl, of up to 20 cm (even, potentially, up to 25 cm) and preferably of at least 5 cm and more preferably in the range 10 to 15 cm. This preferred range provides a sufficient depth for capture without difficulty, without causing the receiving member or bag to touch, at its base, the surface of the water in the toilet or the interior surface of the toilet, whilst enabling a sample to be easily taken from within the receiving member/bag.

Preferably, the stool receiving member is of a length that, in use, extends substantially across the width of a typical toilet bowl between the rim edges. Preferably, the length of the stool receiving member/bag is up to about 30 cm, more preferably up to about 28 cm, still more preferably up to about 25 cm and ideally at least 20 cm, e.g. from 20 to 25 cm.

The stool receiving member (e.g. bag) should preferably, in use, have a width (corresponding to the distance it is disposed front to back in a toilet bowl) of up to 30 cm, but more preferably a width to allow it to safely capture a stool whilst allowing space for urine into the bowl that does not go into the receiving member (e.g. bag), such as up to 25 cm and more preferably up to about 20 cm and still more preferably at least 10 cm. More preferably, the width is in the range 12 to 20 cm (or event 12 to 15 cm), more preferably 15 to 18 cm.

The dissolvable stool sample collection bag preferably consists of a shaped water soluble bag. The collection device of the invention has at each end of the stool receiving member (or bag) at least one toilet attachment arrangement. Each toilet attachment arrangement preferably comprises one or more tabs or extensions formed on (and integral with, preferably formed unitarily with) the stool receiving member (or bag) and preferably also a retention member

-4configured for engagement with the tabs or extensions and engagement with or attachment to the bowl rim or seat of the toilet.

The tabs or extensions may extend, e.g. from lateral edges of each end of the receiving member/bag so as to form four corner tabs or extensions (having a width at a mid-point of their extent of, for example, 2 to 5 cm), or may extend, e.g. at each end of the receiving member to provide a single, laterally extend tab at each end, which each may engage one or two retention members.

The length or extent of the tabs or extensions may be up to 15 cm, preferably at least 2 cm, more preferably up to 10 cm or up to 8 cm, and most preferably about 5 cm.

Preferably, the bag is designed with longer tabs/extensions (2) at the top, open ended side of the bag, and it is to these tabs that pads (6) may be attached. The bag is sealed along the bottom edge (5) but is open at the top. Each bag, according to this embodiment, is supplied with adhesive pads (6) that are made a from water soluble material for securing the bag to the toilet seat (7).

Each toilet attachment arrangement preferably comprises a retention member configured for engagement with the stool receiving member or tabs or extensions to the stool receiving member and engagement with or attachment to the bowl rim or seat of the toilet.

The retention member may be engaged with the tab(s) or extension(s) by any suitable mechanisms. For example, it may, if rigid, be engaged through engagement holes formed in the tabs or by otherwise fixed, e.g. stapled. Preferably, the retention member is adhered (e.g. glued) to the tabs. Optionally, where the retention member is a sticker or tape, it simply applied to stick over the edge of a tab and on to the toilet (e.g. seat or rim).

In one embodiment, the retention member is selected from adhesive pads, stickers or adhesive tape for adhering the tab members to the bowl rim or seat of the toilet. According to this embodiment, the retention member may be a pre-applied adhesive pad adhered to the tabs and from which a cover may be peeled and another side of the pad adhered to the bowl rim or seat of the toilet. Preferably four adhesive pads are provided. Similarly, adhesive stickers or tape may be provided or partially applied to the tabs and then applied to the toilet

- 5 typically. After use, the device may be disposed of by separating the bag from the stickers or adhesive pads and flushing the stool receiving member directly down the toilet and disposing of the pads or stickers separately, or in the preferred arrangement where the pads and stickers are flushable (e.g. of water soluble or disintegrable materials), releasing the pads/stickers and flushing the entire article down the toilet.

In another embodiment, the retention member is selected from hook members configured to link with the tabs or extensions and hook around a toilet bowl rim or seat. The hook member may be metal hook members or plastic hooks (e.g. plastic moulded) or may be formed of a rigid card and configured to hook around the edge of the toilet bowl or about the edge of the toilet seat. Typically, after use the hooks may be released from the stool retention member which is allowed to be flushed down the toilet whilst the hook members may be separately disposed of.

In another embodiment, the retention member is selected from rigid extended members that are typically attached (e.g. adhered) to the tabs or extensions and sized to inhibit passage between the bowl rim and seat of a toilet in order retain the device in position during use. According to this embodiment an extended member is attached to a tab and may be trapped on the outside of closure of the toilet seat and bowl rim thereby retaining the device in position and released by separating the retention member from the stool receiving member or lifting the toilet seat. In one embodiment, this extended retention member is an extended length of rigid card of width greater than the gap between bowl and seat (e.g. at least 2cm and more typically 3 to 10 cm, e.g. 4 to 6 cm). The length may be comparable with the width of the stool receiving member (or bag). The rigid card may be attached (e.g. adhered) to one laterally extended tab or to two laterally disposed tabs at an end of the stool receiving members. Thus, cards at each end may be used to retain bag in position and in its open configuration by positioning the cards at the outside of the toilet seat/ bowl rim gap with the tabs extending through the gap. Preferably, the card is a flushable board stock (e.g. formed of water soluble or disintegrable paper or tissue in multiple layers adhered with a

-6water soluble or disintegrable glue such as PVA), such that the entire article can be safely flushed down the toilet after use (and released by lifting the toilet bowl).

Preferably, the bag (or stool receiving member) has folds (4) which allow the bag (1) to be laid flat, or folded into a small shape that would fit into an envelope. When the folds (4) are opened out the bag expands to cover the required area of the toilet seat (7), to enable the test to be successfully carried out.

Preferably the stool receiving member (e.g. bag) and preferably also the retention means are formed of a material that can dissolve or disintegrate in water. Preferably, therefore, the material is water soluble or water disintegrable.

By water soluble and water disintegrable, it is meant that the material substantially disintegrates and/or dissolves within 3 minutes of immersion in water at room temperature, preferably within 2 minutes of immersion and more preferably within 60 seconds, still more preferably within 30 seconds and most preferably within 20 seconds.

The material used to make the bag is preferably a water soluble or water disintegrable material such as a water disintegrable paper that is sufficiently robust to receive a stool and remain intact until disposed in the water, a water disintegrable fabric or a water disintegrable card or boardstock. Preferably, the material is a water soluble or water disintegrable plastic, such as a plastic made from PVA or a blend or copolymer thereof.

Preferably, the stool receiving member, which is preferably a bag, and which is preferably of a material that is a water soluble or water distintegrable material or plastic (e.g. from a PVA or blend or copolymer thereof) has a thickness that is sufficient to provide sufficient integrity for it to be used for the purpose described herein, to hold itself during use (e.g. up to five minutes suspended under a typical load, or up to three minutes), but is preferably of a gauge or thickness in the range 10 to 30 pm (for example in the range 15 to 25 pm), more preferably in the range 12 to 18 pm, for example about 15 pm.

According to one embodiment, the bag (1) is placed on the rear part of the toilet seat (7) leaving the front part of the toilet uncovered (See figure

3) this is to allow for any passage of urine. Note: The person undertaking the test

-7would be advised to pass urine prior to using the bag (1) thus reducing the amount of urine that could possibly come into contact with the bag.

A number of drainage holes (3) may be provided in the bag to allow for the run off of any urine which may accidentally be discharged into the bag.

The four tabs (2) are situated at the top (open end) of the bag (1) and allow the bag to be opened out and cover the rear part of the toilet seat (7).

The tabs (2) are placed onto the seat (7) and secured in place for the duration of the test using the pads (6)

The bag (1) provides a strong enough base for receiving a stool sample.

The bag (1), and Pads (6) are made from water soluble material that will completely dissolve in room temperature water.

The bag (1) is intended to be a low cost simple product that is used once only. After use the bag (1), the adhesive pads (6) and the stool are detached from the toilet seat (7) and allowed to fall into the toilet water. They are then flushed away.

The invention will now be described in more detail, without limitation, with reference to the accompanying Figures.

In Figures 1 to 3, the bag (1) is designed to fold flat for easy packaging. The bag has four longer tabs / extensions (2) at the top, one at each comer. The dissolvable adhesive pads (6) are attached to these tabs and are used to stick the bag (1) to a toilet seat (7).

The Folds (4) indicated in this diagram are the sides of the bag folded in on themselves. These folds allow the bag to lie flat and make it easy to fold the bag (1) into a smaller shape that might fit in an envelope.

Holes (3) may be situated along the bottom of the bag to provide drainage for any urine that may enter the bag (1).

The bag is sealed (5) at the bottom only.

One of the Folds (4) shown in Figure 1 is now shown here when side gusset of the bag (1) is opened out to display the width of the bag (1).

- 8 The bag (1) is sealed (5) along the bottom edge only.

The top of the bag has four separate tabs (2). One at each corner of the open side of the bag. It is to these tabs (2) that the adhesive pads (6) are attached.

A number of drainage holes (3) may be provided along the bottom of the bag to provide drainage for any urine entering the bag.

Figure 3 shows the bag (1) as it would appear attached to a toilet seat (7). The view is looking down from above the seat.

The bag (1) is opened out and placed over the rear portion of the toilet seat (7). The front area of the toilet seat is left uncovered allowing for the safe discharge of any urine.

The four tabs (2) at the top of the bag are secured to the toilet seat (7) using the adhesive pads (6) that are provided with the bag. The drainage holes (3) are positioned near the bottom of the bag, and the folds in the bag (4) are now opened out allowing the bag to cover the rear part of the seat (7). The space left between the front part of the bag (1) and the toilet allows any accidentally discharged urine coming into contact with the bag. Holes (3) may be provided at the bottom of the bag to provide drainage for any urine entering the bag (1).

The main body of the bag (1) hangs down toward the toilet water.

After use the pads (6) are removed from the seat and the bag (1) will fall into the toilet where it can be flushed away.

Figure 4 shows the bag (1) as it would appear attached to a toilet seat (7) from the side.

The bag (1) is attached to the toilet seat (7) using the pads (6) that are attached to the tabs (2) at the top of the bag (1). The bag (1) is sealed only at the bottom edge (5). The bag (1) is positioned above the water contained within the toilet.

The bag (1) sits at the rear of the toilet seat (7) minimising the risk of any urine that is discharged gathering in the bag. A number of holes (3) may be situated at the bottom of the bag (1) to allow any urine that does enter the bag to drain away.

-9When positioned on the toilet seat (7) the fold in the bag (4) opens up to enable the bag (1) to cover the rear portion of the toilet.

After use the bag (1) is unattached from the toilet seat (7) by simply removing the pads (6). The bag (1), pads (6) and any stool contained in the bag may then simply be flushed away.

In the United Kingdom the bowel cancer screening process requires three separate tests. Three bags and twelve adhesive pads (6) can be easily packaged together into a small envelope and could be sent as part of a screening kit.

The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A stool sample collection device (1), which is configured to be attached to a bowl rim and/or seat (7) of a toilet for receiving a stool sample from a person, the stool sample collecting device (1) comprising a stool receiving member for extending across at least a portion of the width of a toilet bowl and provided at each end of the stool receiving member at least one toilet attachment arrangements for attaching the device to the bowl rim or seat of the toilet, wherein at least the stool receiving member is made from material that dissolves or disintegrates in water.

2. A collection device as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least the stool receiving member is made from polyvinyl alcohol.

3. A collection device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the stool receiving member comprises a number of drainage holes (3) to allow any urine to pass.

4. A collection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each toilet attachment arrangement comprises one or more tabs / extensions disposed at each end of the stool receiving member for use in the attachment of the device to a toilet.

5. A collection device as claimed in claim 4, wherein each toilet attachment arrangement comprises a retention member disposed in relation to each tab or extension for use in attachment of the device to the toilet.

6. A collection device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the retention members are selected from adhesive pads, stickers or adhesive tape for adhering the tab members to the bowl rim or seat of the toilet, or are selected from hook members configured to link with the tabs or extensions and hook around a toilet bowl rim or seat, or are selected from an extended member attached to the tabs or extensions

-11 and sized to inhibit passage between the bowl rim and seat of a toilet in order retain the device in position during use.

7. A collection device as claimed in claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the retention members are formed of a material that can dissolve or disintegrate in water.

8. A collection device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the stool receiving member forms a bag or pouch configured for positioning across a toilet bowl and for attachment at each end of said device to the sides of the toilet at the bowl rim and/or seat of the toilet.

9. A collection device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the bag or pouch extends to a depth of up to 20 cm.

10. A collection device as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the bag or pouch has a length, for disposing across the width of the toilet bowl, of up to 25 cm.

11. A collection device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the bag or pouch has a width of up to 20 cm.

12. A collection device as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the bag is sealed along a bottom edge thereo.

13. A collection device according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a bag (1) with folds (4) which allow the bag (1) to be laid flat for storage purposes and also expanded/opened out allowing it to cover the required area of the toilet seat (7) for a test to be carried out.

14. A collection device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a bag (1) substantially matches the inner circumference of a toilet seat (7) and also leaves an area uncovered to allow for the passage of urine.

- 12 13 ytAjg/ZW»1

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1709393.1 Examiner: DrLauraDixon