GB2616828A

GB2616828A - A mount for a sample collection vessel

Info

Publication number: GB2616828A
Application number: GB2201894.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mcelarney Iain; George Emily; Andrew Kilpatrick Nigel
Original assignee: Mast Group Ltd
Current assignee: Mast Group Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-14
Filing date: 2022-02-14
Publication date: 2023-09-27
Also published as: GB202201894D0

Abstract

A mount 100, which can be in the form of a tray 101, for the support of a sample collection vessel comprising a receptacle 202 and lid 204. The mount comprises a guiding formation 102 which can be in the form of a shallow recess 104 arranged to engage with the receptacle and the lid of the vessel separately, and to allow for relative sliding motion between the receptacle and the lid when engaging with the formation so as to facilitate closure between the receptacle and lid. The recess may be generally rectangular in shape, and comprise one or more retaining protrusions to retain the sample collection vessel within the guiding formation. The mount may also comprise a support recess 110 arranged to support the sample collection vessel in an upright position.

Description

A mount for a sample collection vessel This invention relates to mounts for a sample collection vessels and, in particular, to mounts for supporting such vessels when in use

BACKGROUND

Clinical, medical and/or biological samples are often collected for the purposes of diagnosis and health screening. Types of samples may include, for example, faeces, blood, urine or tissue. The samples are typically collected and placed in a vessel comprising a receptacle and a lid which fits tightly onto the receptacle to securely seal the vessel in order to minimise spillage and contamination of the sample. Sample collection vessels generally use threaded closure means to engage their receptacle and lid or alternatively use snap/click engagements for secure closure.

Samples are commonly collected in non-medical environments, for example by patients or prospective patients in their own homes. In these scenarios, a sample is collected by the patient, placed into the receptacle and then sealed securely with the lid. The sample will then be delivered to specialist medical/testing centre, such as a doctor's surgery, pharmacy or lab, or alternatively sent off directly by the patient via postal services where it will subsequently be processed at a suitable testing facility.

It is therefore necessary that a suitable sample which has been collected by a patient is placed into the sample receptacle correctly and handled properly. This is important to ensure that the sample is not contaminated or spoiled and also to ensure general cleanliness of the environment for the patient. If initially closed, the sample collection vessel must be easily opened by the patient and then when required the sample must be accurately/reliably/cleanly introduced into the receptacle. Once the sample has been collected, the receptacle must be sealed by the patient at home. The patient is unlikely to have any specialist training so it important that this procedure is easy to execute. To obtain accurate processing and testing of the sample, it is important to ensure that the sample is accurately/reliably/cleanly introduced into the receptacle and then reliably sealed in the receptacle tightly so that there is minimal likelihood of contamination of the sample.

Collection of suitable samples in the sample collection vessels may be more challenging for those patients who may have reduced sight or reduced/impaired dexterity in one or more hands or have a physical and/or learning disability. Being unable to remove the lid of the sample collection vessel would mean that the patient would be unable to collect the desired sample. Perhaps more importantly, being unable to insert a biological sample accurately/reliably/cleanly in its entirety into the sample collection vessel can increase the chance of contamination of the sample or the patient's environment, leading to an increased chance of infection because of the biological nature of the collected sample.

Further, failure to close a sample collection vessel properly due to being unable to tighten the lid properly could result in the sample being contaminated or spillage of the vessel's contents into the patient's environment. This could lead to both inaccurate results when the sample is processed and, again, to a risk of infection due to the biological nature of the collected sample.

In order to address these issues, modified sample collection bottles have been presented. For example, some sample collection vessels utilise a snap/click engagement in order to retain the sample (which may be located on an integrated probe or otherwise be placed into the receptacle) in the receptacle are generally easier to close than threaded twisting closures.

However, patients must still be able to use both hands to close the vessel which is not always possible where accurate movement in the patient's hands is an issue.

Additionally, specialised receptacles with flat bottoms which can stand up on their own on a surface have been presented. However, this is undesirable since specialised or modified receptacles may not be compatible with standard laboratory processing equipment and so will require additional handling steps. The receptacles may also need to be stabilised with the patient's second hand to achieve tight closure of the lid which may not always be possible.

Moreover, neither of these modified bottles will increase ease of use for patients with impaired vision or physical and/or learning disabilities. These patients will still face the same difficulties of inserting a collected sample accurately into a sample collection receptacle and securing the lid on the receptacle.

Some sample collection vessels are of the type comprising a receptacle and a lid with an integral collection probe on the lid. For these types of vessels, it is important to ensure that the sample collected by the probe is placed into the receptacle correctly. This may be more challenging for those patients who may experience difficulty in inserting the probe and sample into the receptacle, for example if they are visually impaired, have reduced mobility in their hands and/or are frail. Patients experiencing such difficulties may not insert the full sample into the receptacle, leading to spillage, contamination of a patient's environment or incomplete samples being sent for processing.

EP 3545855 Al describes a kit of parts for enabling home collection of a biological sample, the kit comprising, amongst other features, an insertion piece comprising a recess for housing a sample collection vessel. While this kit is suitable for sending and receiving sample collection kits via post, there is no provision that would improve ease of use and compliance for patients who are frail, visually impaired or who have reduced dexterity in their hands or physical and/or learning disabilities.

US 2011/0308336 Al describes a specimen collection and transport kit comprising, amongst other features, a tray with a plurality of compartments for receiving specimen handling tools and at least one opening configured to receive a specimen container in an upright position during use. However, there is no provision to aid with guiding the lid and receptacle to engage and close securely.

It is therefore desired to provide a mount for a sample collection vessel which allows for easy and accurate use by patients with reduced sight or dexterity or physical and/or learning disabilities, so that a suitable sample may be received and retained in the sample collection vessel.

In particular, it is desired to simplify handling for users and to facilitate correct sample handling so that samples may be correctly processed. Further, it is desired to reduce the chance of contamination of both the collected sample and the user's environment by ensuring that samples are easily and fully inserted into the receptacle and retained in the sample collection vessel.

STATEMENTS OF ADVANTAGE

A mount for a sample collection vessel comprising a receptacle and a lid is provided, the mount comprising a guiding formation arranged to engage with the said receptacle and the said lid of the vessel separately, and to allow for relative sliding motion between the receptacle and the lid when engaging with the formation so as to facilitate closure between the receptacle and lid.

The mount is suitable for use for anyone who might experience difficulty in engaging the lid and the receptacle to achieve a secure closure therebetween in order to retain a sample in the sample collection vessel. The guiding formation may receive the lid and the receptacle in a separate, unassembled state and is used to accurately guide the lid through a relative sliding motion onto the receptacle (or vice versa) so that the sample collection vessel is in an assembled state.

This makes providing a suitable sample easier for patients who may be frail or have impaired vision or reduced dexterity in their hands, or physical and/or learning disabilities. Achieving a secure seal of the sample collection bottle through use of the provided mount consequently reduces the likelihood of spillage and contamination of a sample enclosed therein.

Additionally, the handling of the sample collection vessel is easier and so a suitable sample is more likely to be provided for accurate sample processing.

Further, the guiding formation may also be used with a range of different sample collection vessels of different shapes and sizes as appropriate and so there is no requirement for modified sample collection vessels for patients who may find securing the lid onto the receptacle more challenging.

Preferably, the guiding formation comprises a recess dimensioned to receive the said receptacle and the said lid of the vessel separately and to allow for the relative sliding motion therebetween.

The recess has side and end walls in which the sample collection vessel can be received, the side walls being used to accurately guide the lid and/or receptacle when sliding to be engaged. This means that closure of the receptacle is achieved simply and accurately for a patient, which is important if the patient has reduced mobility in their hands or impaired vision or physical and/or learning disabilities.

Preferably, the recess is generally rectangular in shape to allow for linear relative sliding motion between the receptacle and the lid.

A rectangular recess is suitable for sample collection vessels with sides or which may generally be tubular. The rectangular arrangement means that the lid and receptacle can be received separately and the parallel side walls ensure smooth guiding when the lid/receptacle are slid to engage.

Optionally, the recess further comprises one or more retaining protrusions to retain the said sample collection vessel within the guiding formation.

As a result, the lid or receptacle may be stationary and only one of the lid or receptacle is slid in the guiding formation. A retaining protrusion has the advantage of keeping the stationary component secure and in place while engagement is achieved.

Additionally, retaining protrusions the mount may also be used to retain the sample collection vessel in place once the lid is secured so that additional steps (which may be more difficult for some patients) are not required before the sample collection vessel is dropped off/sent for processing, such as but not limited to writing pertinent information or applying stickers to the sample collection vessel.

The recess may further one or more cutaway portions or subsidiary recesses in communication therewith configured to facilitate easy removal of the sample collection vessel from the guiding formation.

The cutaway portions will aid in sample collection vessel removal so that the sample collection vessel may be removed from a mount by patients with reduced dexterity and/or grip, such as the elderly or infirm. Additionally, the cutaway portions will provide a marker for those with reduced vision to feel with touch in order to locate the sample collection vessel in the recess.

Alternatively, the mount is substantially planar and the guiding formation is upstanding and extends substantially in the plane of the mount.

As an alternative to the recess, the same guiding and sliding to facilitate closure of the sample collection vessel may be achieved with an upstanding formation with which the receptacle and lid may engage.

Preferably, the guiding formation may comprise two upstanding parallel ribs which extend substantially in the plane of the mount and are spaced apart sufficient to receive the said receptacle and the said lid in the space therebetween and to allow for relative sliding motion therebetween.

Parallel ribs are suitable for use with sample collection vessels with sides or which are generally tubular. The parallel ribs will ensure smooth guiding for accurate closure by a patient.

Preferably, the mount comprises a support recess arranged to support the said sample collection vessel in an upright position.

This means that the sample collection vessel may be supported in the recess/bore to help those who might have difficulty removing the lid and assists with one handed operation of the sample collection vessel. This also reduces the likelihood that the sample will spill and therefore reduces the risk of infection.

The support recess may further comprise one or more retaining protrusions or ribs configured to secure the said sample collection vessel in an upright position.

This further secures and retains the sample collection vessel in an upright position to provide a sturdy support to assist the patient in easily removing the lid of the vessel.

Conveniently, the mount may be suitable for use with a sample collection vessel of the type having receptacle, a lid and a sample collector integral to the lid, wherein the guiding formation is further arranged to guide the said sample collector into the said receptacle.

As discussed, it is important that a sample collector (collection probe) is accurately inserted into a sample collection vessel. The guiding formation is suitable to guide the probe into the receptacle so that a sample collected on the probe is fully inserted and contained in the vessel.

Since this may be more challenging for some patients, the guiding formation serves to accurately and easily ensure that the sample is correctly inserted into the receptacle.

Suitably, the mount may further comprise one or more cavities to receive further handling tools and/or component parts of a sample collection kit.

For some required samples or existing sample collection kits, additional sample handling tools may be provided. Further cavities in the mount provide a housing for such additional components so that all required parts are located conveniently for a patient when collecting the sample at home.

Optionally, the one or more cavities each further comprise one or more retaining protrusions to retain the said further handling tools and/or component parts within the cavities.

This ensures that any additional tools/components are suitable retaining in their corresponding cavities in the mount.

Additionally or alternatively, the one or more cavities each further comprise one or more cutaway portions or subsidiary recesses in communication therewith configured to facilitate easy removal of the further handling tools and/or component parts of a sample collection kit.

This provides for easy removal and access to the additional handling tools/components, which is especially important for patients who are visually impaired and/or frail.

Preferably, the mount is formed of a recyclable and/or biodegradable material.

Often sample collection vessels and the housings in which they are provided are disposable and for single use in order to prevent cross-infection and contamination. Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a mount which may be recycled or biodegrade in order to reduce the environmental impact of the single use nature of the mount.

Optionally, the mount is vacuum formed out of a recyclable APET plastic.

There is increasing demand for environmentally friendly and/or recyclable solutions for items in all aspects of life. In particular there is likely to be increases in the compliance and availability of recycled materials. Use of a recyclable plastic for the mount will suit these requirements. Depending on the sample to be collected, the mount may be single use for hygienic reasons and so being formed of a recyclable plastic minimises plastic waste and in turn the environmental impact of the production of the mount.

Conveniently, the mount may be mount formed of a fluid impermeable material or alternatively, the mount comprises a fluid-impermeable coating.

This will reduce the risk of spillage of the sample during transportation or contamination of the sample into a patient's environment.

Suitably, the mount may an absorbent material on part or all of the surface of the mount.

Again, this will reduce the risk of potentially hazardous biological material from leaking into a patients environment.

Conveniently, the guiding formation is suitable for use with a Faecal Immunochemical Test sampling bottle.

The guiding formation is suitable for use in Faecal Immunochemical testing but is not limited to use with this type of bottle. However, Faecal Immunochemical tests (FIT) are employed as a biomarker for early bowel cancer detection. Typically, patients are at an increased risk of bowel cancer with increasing age; for example there are national testing programs for people in the UK aged over fifty. As a result, a large proportion of the testing population who are required to use FIT tests are older than for other types of testing and so are more likely to have ailments associated with age that would increase difficulty when collecting samples.

Therefore, the mount will be well suited to this type of test to make testing easier for these people.

Conveniently, the mount is in the form of a tray.

This means that the mount may be provided to a patient suitably as part of a complete sample collection kit so ensure that all the parts are convenient when the sample is collected and the mount can be retained in a box when returning the sample. Alternatively, the mount in the form of a tray is suitable for providing retrospectively to known individuals either in person, via GP or health care professionals or through the post where remote use is desired.

Also provided is a sample-collector mount arranged to receive a sample collection vessel comprising a guiding formation arranged to engage with the said receptacle and the said lid of the vessel separately, and to allow for relative sliding motion between the receptacle and the lid when engaging with the formation so as to facilitate closure between the receptacle and lid.

Further provided is a sample collection system comprising a sample collection vessel comprising a receptacle and a lid engageable with the receptacle and a mount comprising a guiding formation arranged to engage with the receptacle and the lid of the sample collection vessel separately to allow for relative sliding motion between the receptacle and the lid when engaging with the formation so as to facilitate closure between the receptacle and the lid, the lid may optionally further comprise a sample collector integral to the lid.

Finally, a kit of parts is provided, comprising a sample collection vessel comprising a receptacle and a lid engageable with the receptacle and a mount comprising a guiding formation arranged to engage with the receptacle and the lid of the sample collection vessel separately to allow for relative sliding motion between the receptacle and the lid when engaging with the formation so as to facilitate closure between the receptacle and the lid, the lid may optionally further comprise a sample collector integral to the lid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is described further hereinafter, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a top plan view of a mount in accordance with an embodiment of the invention in receipt of a recumbent sample collection vessel in the open configuration; Figure 2 shows a top and side perspective view of a mount in accordance with the embodiment shown in figure 1, in combination with a sample collection receptacle in the upright position; and Figures 3A, 3B and 3C show top, side and perspective views of a mount embodying the invention and exhibiting further advantageous features.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION

Referring to Figure 1, a mount 100 for a sample collection vessel 200 is shown.

Sample collection vessel 200 comprises a receptacle 202 which is tubular with an internal volume and has an opening 208 in a narrow neck portion 212 at one end. Sample collection vessel 200 also has a hollow lid 204. The lid 204 comprises a sample collector 206 in the form of a probe which extends from the underside of lid 204 and comprises a grove 210 at its distal end. In use, the sample collector 206 is used to collect a sample by a patient or user. For example, a stool sample may be collected with the sample collector 206 by scraping the groove 210 over the surface of the faeces. Once the sample has been collected, the sample collector 206 is inserted into the receptacle 202 by the user and the lid 204 is tightened onto the receptacle such that the neck 212 engages with the inner side of the lid 204 using a snap/click engagement to close the opening 208. This results in the sample being enclosed and retained in the sample collection vessel 200.

As discussed, this process may be more difficult for patients who are visually impaired, have reduced dexterity in one or more hands, are frail or otherwise may find inserting the sample into the receptacle 202 and closing the lid 204 of the sample collection vessel 200 more challenging.

Mount 100 as shown in figure 1, comprises a tray 101, a guiding formation 102 and a support recess 110.

Tray 101 is generally planar and is vacuum formed from a recyclable plastic. The tray 101 may be also be manufactured differently, such as but not limited to being assembled from 5 cardboard sheets or moulded from another material such as biodegradable and environmentally friendly products A guiding formation 102 is provided in the tray 101 and is arranged to receive the sample collection vessel 200 in a recumbent position. The guiding formation 102 comprises a rectangular, shallow recess 104 comprising side walls 106a, 106b and end walls 108a, 108b.

The base wall of the recess is correspondingly generally planar. Recess 104 is dimensioned to receive the sample collection vessel 200 such that the receptacle 202 and lid 204 comprising sample collector 206 are spaced apart.

In particular, the length of the recess 104 is defined by the end walls 108a and 108b and is of a length to receive the receptacle 202 and the lid 204 comprising sample collector 206 so that there is space between the distal end of the sample collector 206 and the open end 208 of the receptacle 202.

The width of the recess 104 between side walls 106a and 106b is dimensioned to correspond to the sample collection vessel 202 so that the vessel may sit snugly within the recess as defined by the side walls 106a, 106b. First end wall 108a is of a length so that the receptacle 202 of the sample collection vessel 200 is received adjacent to the end wall 108a. Second end wall 108b is of a length suitable to receive the lid 204 of the sample collection vessel 200 adjacent to the end wall 108b.

The dimensions of the recess 104 allow for smooth and accurate relative sliding motion between the receptacle 202 and the lid 204 so that closure between the receptacle 202 and the lid 204 is facilitated.

In use, and once a sample has been collected by the patient on the sample collector 206 as discussed above, the sample collection vessel 200 is received in the recess 104 of the guiding formation as shown in figure 1. The receptacle 202 and lid 204 are spaced apart and the end of the sample collector 206 which holds the sample is spaced away from the open end 208 of the receptacle 202. The receptacle 202 and/or the lid 204 are then slid linearly along the length of the recess between the end walls 108a, 108b into a snap/click engagement therebetween so that the sample collection vessel is closed. As a result of the dimensions of the recess 104, that the receptacle 202 and the lid 204 are accurately and easily engaged. The sample collector 206 is guided into the open end 208 of the receptacle 202 so that the sample collected thereon is received and retained in the internal volume of the receptacle.

The accurate sliding and resultant engagement achieved by the guiding formation 102 means that the sample collection vessel 200 will be accurately sealed. The guiding formation 102 ensures that the sample is placed into the sample collection vessel 200 correctly since the relative sliding is accurate to insert the sample collector 206 into the open end 208 of receptacle. This is especially beneficial for patients who may have reduced mobility in their hands are who are visually impaired to ensure that the sample is correctly placed in the sample collection vessel. For patients who are visually impaired, the recess 104 in the tray 101 can be felt clearly with their hands so that the guiding formation is easy to use.

Accurate engagement may also be achieved by sliding the lid 204 along the length of the recess towards the respective stationary receptacle 202, for one handed operation. The stationary receptacle 202 is retained against the respective end wall 108a of the recess so that as the snap/click engagement is being effected, the end wall 108a provides a resistance against the pushing from the lid 202 so that the lid can snap/click into position for a tight seal.

Engagement may also be achieved by sliding the receptacle 202 along the recess towards the lid 204 in a stationary position against end wall 108b.

Mount 100 also comprises a support recess 110. As shown in figure 1, the support recess 110 is generally elliptical with a generally planar base and is arranged adjacent to, but spaced apart from, end wall 108b of the recess 104. The support recess 110 also comprises an enclosing wall 112. The shape of the recess corresponds to the cross sectional shape of receptacle 202.

As shown in Figure 2, support recess 110 is dimensioned to support a receptacle 202 of a sample collection 200 vessel in an upright position. In use, the base of the receptacle, which is the opposite end to open end 108, engages with the generally planar base wall of the support recess 110 and is enclosed by the enclosing wall 112. Support recess 110 therefore supports the receptacle 202 in an upright position relative to the plane of the tray 101. This helps those patients who might have difficulty removing the lid 204 before inserting a collected sample and assists with one-handed operation.

Referring to Figures 3A, 3B and 30, there is shown a further example of a mount 300 embodying the present invention, and in the form of a tray 301 with a guide formation 302 comprising an elongate shallow recess 304. As with the other illustrated examples, the tray 301 also includes a support recess 310 in its upper surface for the upstanding support of a sample collection vessel (not shown in Figures 3A -30).

The peripheral edges of the tray 301 can be provided formations 314 such as indents, or recesses, in their profile. These indents 314 as illustrated here on the peripheral side edges of the tray 301, offer advantages insofar as they can provide additional strength and structural integrity to the tray 301; and can also assist with the ability to stack the trays 301, on top of each other, to assist with storage and/or transit and secure portability.

In view of the foregoing description, it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

For example, the sample collection vessel may be absent the sample collector or grove therein. The guiding arrangement will still be suitable to assist in engaging the lid and the receptacle to facilitate the sample collection vessel for patients who may be visually impaired or frail.

The sample collection vessel may comprise additional features to those described above, for example, but not limited to: sample buffers; scrapers; integrated filters and/or may be of the type of a Fecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) sampling bottle, such as an Eiken® OC-Auto Sampling Bottle 3.

The mount is suitable for use with other types of sample collection vessel, for example but not limited to, vessels suitable for blood, urine or tissue samples. The mount may be suitable for use with vessels of varying shapes and sizes. This ensures that the mount and guiding arrangement therein is not limited for use with a specialised container which may not be compatible with standard processing equipment and so eliminates the need for any additional sample handling steps.

The guiding formation may be of various shapes, sizes and configurations, as appropriate for the type of sample collection vessel with which it is to be used As an alternative to the guiding formation comprising a recess as described in the above embodiment, the guiding formation may alternatively be upstanding and extend in the plane of the mount. In particular, the guiding formation may comprise two parallel side ribs which extend in the plane of the mount. The side ribs will be dimensioned to engage with the receptacle and lid of the sample collection vessel separately along the length of the vessel. In use, the side ribs will engage with the receptacle and the lid in order to accurately guide the lid to engage with the receptacle. One or more additional end ribs may also be included at one or both ends of the parallel ribs to form an end wall against which the receptacle and/or the lid can remain stationary while the other respective part it slid towards it along the length of the side ribs to assist with one-handed operation.

The tray may not be generally planar and may comprise cavities suitable to receive additional sample handling tools and/or component parts. For example, additional cavities may be of different shapes and sizes and be provided to retain components such as additional sample handling tools that may be required as part of a sample collection kit for a specific purpose.

Any of the recesses or cavities may further comprise retaining protrusions which project into the recesses in order to securely hold the sample collection vessel and/or additional sample handling tools in position in the mount.

One or more of the recesses or cavities may also comprise one or more cutaway portions or subsidiary recesses in communication therewith, configured to facilitate easy removal of the sample collection vessel or the other handling tools from the recesses or cavities in which they are received.

The support recess may be of a shape other than elliptical, provided that the shape of the recess corresponds with the shape of the cross section of the receptacle to be received therein.

The mount may be formed from a material other than recyclable plastic, such as biodegradable or cardboard material.

The mount may be dimensioned to be placed in a container or box suitable to send to a patient or return to a processing facility via post.

The mount may be formed of a fluid-impermeable material. Alternatively, part of all of the mount may comprise a fluid-impermeable coating. This will reduce the risk of spillage or contamination into a patient's environment.

The mount may also comprise an absorbent material on part or all of its surface, in order to reduce the risk of potentially hazardous biological material from leaking into a patient's environment.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A mount for a sample collection vessel comprising a receptacle and lid, the mount comprising: a guiding formation arranged to engage with the said receptacle and the said lid of the vessel separately, and to allow for relative sliding motion between the receptacle and the lid when engaging with the formation so as to facilitate closure between the receptacle and lid.
2. A mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the guiding formation comprises a recess dimensioned to receive the said receptacle and the said lid of the vessel separately and to allow for the relative sliding motion therebetween.
3. A mount as claimed in claim 2, wherein the recess is generally rectangular in shape to allow for linear relative sliding motion between the receptacle and the lid.
4. A mount as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the recess further comprises one or more retaining protrusions to retain the said sample collection vessel within the guiding formation.
5. A mount as claimed in any of claims 2 to 4, wherein the recess further comprises one or more cutaway portions or subsidiary recesses in communication therewith configured to facilitate easy removal of the sample collection vessel from the guiding formation.
6. A mount as claimed in claim 1, wherein the mount is substantially planar and the guiding formation is upstanding and extends substantially in the plane of the mount.
7. A mount as claimed in claim 6, wherein the guiding formation comprises two parallel upstanding ribs which extend substantially in the plane of the mount and are spaced apart sufficient to receive the said receptacle and the said lid in the space therebetween and to allow for relative sliding motion therebetween.
8. A mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mount comprises a support recess arranged to support the said sample collection vessel in an upright position relative to the plane of the mount.
9. A mount as claimed in claim 8, wherein the support recess comprises one or more retaining protrusions or ribs configured to secure the said sample collection vessel in an upright position relative to the plane of the mount.
10. A mount as claimed in any preceding claim, suitable for use with a sample collection vessel of the type having receptacle, a lid and a sample collector integral to the lid, wherein the guiding formation is further arranged to guide the said sample collector into the said receptacle.
11. A mount as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising one or more cavities to receive further handling tools and/or component parts of a sample collection kit.
12. A mount as claimed in claim 11, wherein the one or more cavities each further comprise one or more retaining protrusions to retain the said further handling tools and/or component parts within the said cavities.
13. A mount as claimed claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the one or more cavities each further comprise one or more cutaway portions or subsidiary recesses in communication therewith configured to facilitate easy removal of the further handling tools and/or component parts of a sample collection kit.
14. A mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mount is formed of a recyclable and/or biodegradable material.
15. A mount as claimed in claim 14, wherein the mount is vacuum formed out of a recyclable APET plastic.
16. A mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mount is formed of a fluid impermeable material.
17. A mount as claimed in any of claims 1 to 16, wherein the mount comprises a fluid-impermeable coating.
18. A mount as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising an absorbent material on part or all of the surface of the mount.
19. A mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the guiding formation is suitable for use with a Fecal Immunochemical Test sampling bottle.
20. A mount as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the mount is in the form of a tray.
21. A sample-collector mount arranged to receive a sample collection vessel comprising: a guiding formation arranged to engage with the said receptacle and the said lid of the vessel separately, and to allow for relative sliding motion between the receptacle and the lid when engaging with the formation so as to facilitate closure between the receptacle and lid.
22. A sample collection system comprising: a sample collection vessel comprising a receptacle and a lid engageable with the receptacle; and a mount comprising a guiding formation arranged to engage with the receptacle and the lid of the sample collection vessel separately to allow for relative sliding motion between the receptacle and the lid when engaging with the formation so as to facilitate closure between the receptacle and the lid.
23. A sample collection system as claimed in claim 22, wherein the lid further comprises a sample collector integral to the lid.
24. A kit of parts comprising: a sample collection vessel comprising a receptacle and a lid engageable with the receptacle; and a mount comprising a guiding formation arranged to engage with the receptacle and the lid of the sample collection vessel separately to allow for relative sliding motion between the receptacle and the lid when engaging with the formation so as to facilitate closure between the receptacle and the lid.
25. A kit of part as claimed in claim 24, wherein the lid further comprises a sample collector integral to the lid.