GB2621386A

GB2621386A - Apparatus for facilitating forestream collection of urine

Info

Publication number: GB2621386A
Application number: GB2211751.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Simon Evans Timothy
Original assignee: Owen Mumford Ltd
Current assignee: Owen Mumford Ltd
Priority date: 2022-08-11
Filing date: 2022-08-11
Publication date: 2024-02-14
Also published as: WO2024033193A1; GB202211751D0

Abstract

A urine sample collecting device for collecting a forestream sample of urine comprises an inlet funnel, an overflow outlet downstream of the inlet funnel, a collection outlet downstream of the overflow outlet and an expandable member 11 at least partly located in the collection outlet. A collection receptacle is connected to the connection outlet for receiving the sample of urine. Filling of the collection outlet above a level of the bottom of the expandable member when a urine collection receptacle is connected, results in expansion of the member as it absorbs urine to an extent which that is substantially blocks entry to the collection outlet causing urine to flow through the overflow outlet. Holes 13 provided at the mouth of the collection outlet minimise contact between urine and the expandable member, at least until the collection outlet fills with urine. Lips 16 and guards 19 are provided to minimise flow of urine to the overflow until the expandable member blocks the collection outlet. The expandable member is preferably a cellulose sponge material.

Description

APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING FORESTREAM COLLECTION OF URINE

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an apparatus for assisting in the collection of urine. In particular, the invention assists in the collection of the forestream of a urine stream.

Background

Testing the urine of a patient allows for the detection of a wide array of disorders, such as UTIs, STIs, kidney disease, and diabetes. It might also be used for the detection of prohibited drugs and the like. Depending on the tests to be performed on the urine, it is desirable to separate and collect either a first quantity (e.g.10m1) of the urine stream (the forestream) or a portion of the subsequent urine stream (the midstream). A patient trying to collect either the forestream or the midstream using only a standard urine collection receptacle may not fully separate these two portions of the stream, causing the sample to become contaminated and preventing an accurate test. On average, 1 in 4 urine samples are wasted due to contamination.

The forestream of a urine flow enables the detection of UT's and STIs. As this portion of the urine stream is so small, it can easily be contaminated during collection. W02015/135856 describes a urine collection device with first and second outlets to allow urine to drain from the device. The first outlet is adapted for connection to a urine collection receptacle, and the second outlet comprises an overflow outlet. A diverter device is provided which allows urine to flow to through the first outlet to collect the forestream and then blocks the flow through the first outlet and diverts the stream through the second outlet instead. The diverter device comprises a foam plug through which urine passes before it expands and diverts the stream through the second outlet.

Summary

According to the first aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for facilitating a forestream collection of urine from a user. The apparatus comprises an inlet funnel, an overflow outlet downstream of the inlet funnel, a collection outlet downstream of the overflow outlet and connectable to a urine collection receptacle, a member expandable on absorption of urine and at least partially located in the collection outlet, and a flow through section between the inlet funnel and the overflow and collection outlets and defining one or more openings to allow urine to flow from the inlet funnel towards the overflow and collection outlets whilst minimising contact with the cellulose sponge. Filling of the collection outlet above a level of the bottom of the expandable member when a urine collection receptacle is connected, results in expansion of the member to an extent which substantially blocks entry to the collection outlet causing urine to flow through the overflow outlet.

The expandable member of the apparatus may be of a cellulose sponge material. The 15 expandable member of the apparatus may be in the form of a sheet.

The flow through section of the apparatus may comprise a base that defines a slot for holding the expandable member substantially beneath the base. Said slot may further be substantially C-shaped. The one or more openings may further be defined in said base, adjacent to said slot. The base may further define a lip extending in the downstream direction and between the one or more openings and an opening into the overflow outlet.

The collection outlet and the overflow outlet of the apparatus may be provided by a single moulded component. The single moulded component may further define a guard extending in the upstream direction, substantially between the one or more openings and the opening into the overflow outlet.

Said lip and said guard of the apparatus may together prevent or minimise the flow of urine that is directed towards the opening into the overflow outlet before the collection outlet has been filled to the level of the bottom of the expandable member when the receptacle is connected. The overflow outlet may define a flow axis substantially perpendicular to a flow axis defined by the collection outlet.

The terms "upstream" and downstream" are used here to denote a direction in the sense of the flow of urine during use of the apparatus.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1A and 1B show side views of a urine collection assistance apparatus; Figure 2 shows a cross sectional view of a central region of the urine collection assistance apparatus of Figures lA and 1B taken along the line A-A shown; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the central region shown in Figure 2; Figures 4A and 4B show perspective cross-sectional views of the central region of the urine collection assistance apparatus of Figures lA and 1B taken along the lines B-B and is C-C respectively; Figure 5 shows a top perspective view of the urine collection assistance apparatus of Figures 1A and 1B; and Figure 6 shows the urine collection assistance apparatus of Figures 1A and 1B with a urine collection receptacle attached.

Detailed Description

A urine collection assistance apparatus 1 will be described with reference to the accompanying Figures. The urine collection assistance apparatus 1 is referred to here as a UCAA and is formed of an inlet funnel 2, a collection outlet 3, an overflow outlet 4, and a flow through section 5.

The inlet funnel 2 is substantially in the shape of an inverted frustum of a cone, with an elliptical rim 6 at the base of the inverted frustum. The shape of the inlet funnel 2 allows for easier collection of a urine stream by having a wall 8 that varies in height, with a raised back wall which, when in use, helps to prevent accidental spillage of urine. The inlet funnel 2 further features a handle 7 attached to the rim 6 at the raised back wall 8 which provides a suitable handle for a user to hold. The inlet funnel has tabs 10a around the external circumference of the wall 8, two on each side, that correspond to apertures 10b defined by the wall 9 of the flow through section 5, allowing for a snap-fit connection between the wall 8 of the inlet funnel and the wall 9 of the flow through section 5. When the inlet funnel 2 is connected to the flow through section 5, the wall 8 of the inlet funnel at least partially overlaps with the wall 9 of the flow through section 5 to prevent unnecessary leakage of urine.

The flow through section 5 provides fluid communication between the inlet funnel 2 on the one hand and the collection outlet 3 and the overflow outlet 4 on the other, and holds an expandable foam member 11. The flow through section 5 has upstanding walls 9 that taper inwardly to meet a base 12 which defines a pair of elongate openings 13. The openings 13 are downstream from the walls 9 and allow a stream of urine to flow through the base 12. The flow through section further comprises a rim 14 around its circumference.

The base 12 further defines a slot 15 on the opposite side of the openings 13 with respect to the walls 9. The expandable foam member 11 is inserted into the slot 15 and held in place by a friction fit. The advantage of a friction fit is that no adhesive is required to hold the expandable foam member 11 in place, meaning that the manufacturing of the UCAA 1 is faster (no time needed to wait for adhesive to dry), easier, and there is less risk of contaminating the urine sample with an adhesive. The slot 15 is preferably C-shaped (best seen in Figure 4B) as this minimises the surface area of the expandable foam member 11 which is covered by the slot 15, allowing for maximum expansion when the expandable foam member 11 absorbs urine, while still providing a strong enough grip to prevent the expandable foam member 11 falling as it gains mass from absorbing urine. While a C-shape is preferable, any shape which minimises the surface area of the expandable foam member 11 covered by the slot 15, while still providing an adequate friction fit, may be used.

The expandable foam member 11 is of a material which rapidly expands when it absorbs liquid. It is preferable that the expandable foam member 11 is medical grade to avoid contamination of the urine stream with foreign bacteria. For example, a cellulose sponge may be used as the expandable foam member 11, and preferably a cellulose medical sponge may be used.

The expandable foam member 11 is preferably in the form of a sheet or "tab" and hangs substantially parallel to the flow of the urine stream through the openings 13 such as to minimise the contact and absorption of urine on the sides of the expandable foam member 11 during initial filling.

The openings 13 are defined on either side of the slot 15 as shown in Figure 3 and have a lip 16 extending in the downstream direction, between the one or more openings 13 and an opening into the overflow outlet 4. The arrangement is such that contact of the expandable foam member 11 by urine is minimised during filling. Instead, urine flowing through the one or more openings 13 will fall adjacent and parallel to the expandable foam member 11, with minimal urine contacting the sides of the expandable foam member 11. It is advantageous to have two (or more) openings 13 in the base to aid venting and prevent a build-up of urine at the base 12 of the flow through section 5 by ensuring urine passes through the base 12 of the flow through section 5 at substantially the same rate as it enters the inlet funnel 2. The overflow outlet 4 also provides venting. NB. As it is only the forestream of urine that is being collected, the flow rate is only important for the first 10m1 or so of the urine stream. The sample is not likely to be contaminated if the flow of urine through the base slows down after the initial sample has passed through the openings 13.

The overflow outlet 4 is downstream of the inlet funnel 2 and the collection outlet 3 is downstream of the overflow outlet 4. As seen best in Figures 2 and 3, the overflow outlet 4 defines a flow axis substantially perpendicular to a flow axis defined by the collection outlet 3 and the openings 13. The collection outlet 3 and the overflow outlet 4 may be provided by a single moulded component 17 which has a wall 18 upstream from both outlets that corresponds to the wall 9 of the flow through section 5. The single moulded component 17 further defines a guard 19 extending in the upstream direction, between the one or more openings 13 and an opening into the overflow outlet 4. The guard 19 together with the lip 16, partially obstructs the opening into the overflow outlet 4. The lip 16 and the guard 19 therefore minimise the amount of urine that is directed through the overflow outlet 4 before the collection outlet 3 has been filled to a level above the bottom of the foam member 11 as discussed later.

The wall 9 of the flow through section 5 is able to slot into the wall 18 upstream from the collection outlet 3 and the overflow outlet 4 with a push-fit so that a urine stream flows through the openings 13 in the base 12 of the flow through section 5 to the collection outlet 3 or the overflow outlet 4. When the flow through section 5 is attached to the single moulded component 17, the collection outlet 3 is substantially directly downstream from the openings 13 in the base 12 of the flow through section such that an initial stream of urine will pass into and through the collection outlet 3. As the expandable foam member 11 hangs substantially parallel to the flow of the urine stream downstream of the one or more openings 13, the expandable foam member 11 is at least partially located in the collection outlet 3.

The collection outlet 3 has a circumferential overhang 20 around its external surface 21 as shown in Figures 2, 4A, and 4B.

Figure 6 shows the UCAA 1 with a standard urine collection receptacle 22 attached to the collection outlet 3. The receptacle 22 attaches to the collection outlet 3 by a push-fit connection and is held firmly in place due to the external surface 21 of the collection outlet 3 pressing against at least a portion of an internal surface of the collection receptacle 22. When the receptacle 22 is attached to the collection outlet 3 and a stream of urine passes through the collection outlet 3, it then enters and starts to fill the receptacle 22. The receptacle 22 is held firmly in place even when it is filled with urine. The overhang 20 further facilitates securing the receptacle in place. The receptacle 22 can be any standard urine collection receptacle and preferably has capacity to hold 10m1 of urine.

In use, an initial stream, the forestream, of urine enters the inlet funnel 2 and flows to the flow through section 5. At the flow through section 5, the urine passes through the openings 13, into and through the collection outlet 4, and into the receptacle 22. While the receptacle 22 is being filled, the lip 16 and the guard 19 minimise the amount of urine that flows through the opening of the overflow outlet 4. Once the receptacle 22 is close to being filled, the urine level come into contact with the bottom portion of the expandable foam member 11. The expandable foam member 11 will quickly absorb the urine and expand, substantially blocking any more urine from entering the collection outlet 3 and instead diverting it through the overflow outlet 4. One of the openings 13 is now blocked by the expandable foam member 11 resulting in urine flowing to the overflow outlet via the other opening. A forestream sample of a urine flow is thereby obtained, in the collection receptacle, with reduced risk of contamination.

In understanding the above embodiments, reference should be made to the following table which identifies reference numerals and features of the drawings.

Reference numeral Feature 1. Urine collection assistance apparatus 2. Inlet funnel 3. Collection outlet 4. Overflow outlet 5. Flow through section 6. Rim of inlet funnel 7. Handle 8. Wall of inlet funnel 9. Wall of flow through section 10. a&b Tabs & apertures 11. Expandable foam member 12. Base 13. Openings 14. Rim around flow through section 15. Slot 16. Lip of the one or more openings 17. Single moulded component 18. Wall (above collection and overflow outlets) 19. Guard 20. Circumferential overhang 21. External surface of collection outlet 22. Urine collection receptacle

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for facilitating a forestream collection of urine from a user and comprising: an inlet funnel; an overflow outlet downstream of the inlet funnel; a collection outlet downstream of the overflow outlet and connectable to a urine collection receptacle; a member expandable on absorption of urine and at least partially located in the collection outlet; and a flow through section between the inlet funnel and the overflow and collection outlets and defining one or more openings to allow urine to flow from the inlet funnel towards the overflow and collection outlets whilst minimising contact with the expandable member, wherein filling of the collection outlet above a level of the bottom of the expandable member when a urine collection receptacle is connected, results in expansion of the member to an extent which substantially blocks entry to the collection outlet causing urine to flow through the overflow outlet.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the expandable member is of a cellulose sponge material.
3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the expandable member is a sheet.
4. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow through section comprises a base that defines a slot for holding the cellulose sponge substantially beneath the base.
5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said slot is substantially C-shaped.
6. Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the one or more openings are defined in said base, adjacent to said slot.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the base defines a lip extending in the downstream direction and between the one or more openings and an opening into the overflow outlet.
8. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the collection outlet and the overflow outlet are provided by a single moulded component.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the single moulded component further defines a guard extending in the upstream direction, substantially between the one or more openings and the opening into the overflow outlet.
10. Apparatus according to claim 9 when appended to claim 7, wherein said lip and said guard together prevent or minimise the flow of urine that is directed towards the opening into the overflow outlet before the collection outlet has been filled to the level of the bottom 15 of the expandable member when the receptacle is connected.
11. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the overflow outlet defines a flow axis substantially perpendicular to a flow axis defined by the collection outlet.