KR20050025296A - Systems and methods for performing multiple diagnostic tests - Google Patents

Abstract

A diagnostic system for diagnostic testing having a carrier including at least one well, and a specimen- handling tool disposed about at least a portion of the well.

Description

Devices and Methods for Performing Multiple Diagnostic Tests {SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PERFORMING MULTIPLE DIAGNOSTIC TESTS}

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for performing multiple diagnostic tests.

In the medical field, diagnostic tests are often performed to determine if a particular medical condition exists in a patient. Diagnostic test devices, also called test kits, are manufactured to test a wide variety of conditions of various types of biopsy specimens, such as, for example, blood, tissue biopsies, and saliva. Such an inspection system can be used to determine the presence of certain bacteria, such as Helicobacter pylori. Several tests proposed to detect Helicobacter pylori are described, for example, in US Pat. No. 4,748,113 to Marshall, US Pat. No. 5,314,804 to Boguslaski et al., And to Jackson US Patent No. 5,439,801, US Patent No. 5,702,911 to Walen, US Patent No. 5,989,840 to D'Angelo, et al., Cripps et al. US Patent No. 6,068,985, US Patent No. 6,156,346 issued to Chen et al., And US Patent No. 6,187,556 issued to Lee et al. Reference is made to the invention.

1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a system, carrier and specimen handling tool of the present invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a carrier of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a bottom view of one embodiment of a carrier of the present invention.

Figure 4 is a side view of one embodiment of a carrier of the present invention.

5 is a plan view of another embodiment of a carrier of the present invention.

6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a sample handling tool of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an embodiment of a sample handling tool of the present invention shown in FIG.

8 is another perspective view of one embodiment of a sample handling tool of the present invention.

9 is a plan view of an embodiment of a sample handling tool of the present invention shown in FIG.

10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sample handling tool of the present invention.

11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sample handling tool of the present invention.

12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a system, carrier and specimen handling tool of the present invention.

Figure 13 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 12, taken along lines 13-13.

14 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, taken along lines 14-14.

Figure 15 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a system of the present invention.

Figure 16 is a cross sectional view of the embodiment shown in Figure 15, taken along lines 16-16.

Figure 17 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a sample handling tool of the present invention.

Various embodiments of the present invention relate to an apparatus for diagnostic testing comprising a carrier having a first recess and a second recess. The carrier may also include a separator to separate the first recess from the second recess. The separator may be formed as a depression or one or more apertured indentations formed in the face or structure of the carrier.

In addition, a specimen-handling tool may be included in the carrier. In some embodiments, the sample handling tool may be disposed around at least a portion of one of the first and / or second recesses. Some embodiments may include an overlying member positioned adjacent the carrier, wherein the cover member is disposed over at least a portion of either the first recess or the second recess. The plug may be disposed in at least one of the recesses, which plug is attached to the lid member to be removed from the recess when the lid member is removed from the carrier.

In some embodiments, the sample handling tool may include a pair of cooperating arms. The arms of each specimen handling tool may comprise a tip and a back, the arms being joined to each other at the back to form a joined end. The tip may be formed in various ways and may be formed as a smooth surface, a sharp end or a fork. Each arm may comprise a posterior arch, an anterior arch and an intermediate arch disposed between the posterior arch and the anterior arch. The arch can be formed such that the region disposed between the pair of arms is substantially hourglass shaped.

The present invention includes a method for diagnostic testing comprising obtaining a first sample and obtaining a second sample. The first specimen is located in the first recess of the carrier and the second specimen is located in the second recess of the carrier. The first recess of the carrier is separated from the second recess of the carrier.

A first specimen may be inspected, and in some embodiments, the presence of a Helicobacter pylori may be detected by inspection, and the first specimen may be placed in the first recess. A second specimen may also be inspected, and in some embodiments the inspection may detect the presence of Helicobacter pylori, and the second specimen may be placed in the second recess. In some embodiments, the second sample may be preserved for use in subsequent tests.

Figure 1 discloses an embodiment of a diagnostic device 20 according to the present invention that can be used for various types of diagnostic tests. Such diagnostic tests utilize biopsy specimens such as, for example, tissue biopsies, blood or saliva. The diagnostic device 20 may include a carrier 22 and an instrument with which the user can handle tissue samples, such as the sample handling tool 24 shown in FIGS. 1, 6, and 10. As shown in FIG. 15, the diagnostic apparatus 20 may further include a cover member 23.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, 5, and 12, the carrier 22 may include a first recess 26 and a second recess 28. At least a portion of each of the recesses 26 and 28 may be defined by walls 27 and 29. The recesses 26 and 28 can be formed to have a variety of different depths and cross-sectional shapes, and such variations are shown in FIGS. 5, 12-14 and 16. The recesses 26 and 28 of the carrier 22 may be formed in various ways and may have similar or dissimilar shapes. 1, 2, and 5, the recesses 26 and / or 28 are generally truncated conical, but the recesses 26 and / or 28 may be cylindrical or have other shapes. The recesses 26 and / or 28 may be formed such that when viewed from the top of the carrier 22, the recesses 26 and / or 28 are non-circular, such as oval, square, rectangular, D-shaped, or otherwise. .

One or more protruding members, such as the protruding members 34 shown in FIGS. 12-14 may be disposed in one or both of the recesses 26 and 28. At least a portion of the protruding member 34 may be disposed outside of the inside of the recesses 26 and / or 28. The protruding member 34 may be integrally formed with the walls 27 and 29 or attached to the walls 27 and / or 29. Such protruding members 34 may be configured to help separate specimens, such as, for example, biopsy specimens from specimen handling tool 24. These protruding members 34 may be configured to help the user accurately position the specimen within the recess 26 or 28.

Recesses 26 and 28 may also include stepped portions, such as stepped portion 32 shown in FIG.

The carrier 22 may have many other overall appearances, such as generally rectangular, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5, for example. The carrier 22 may be of alternative form, for example square, oval, triangular or the like. The carrier 22 may include two long sides 38, two ends 40, and one surface 44, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. The end 40 may be configured to be easily pulled by a user, and as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, both ends 40 may include an arch portion 42 or include only one end portion. May not be included.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5, the carrier 22 may include a surface 44. Each of the first recesses 26 and / or the second recesses 28 may be configured to extend downward from the surface 44. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the carrier 22 may also include a cavity 30. Likewise, cavity 30 may be configured to extend downward from surface 44, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5. As shown in FIGS. 12-14, one or both of the recesses 26 and 28 and / or the cavity 30 may be formed so as to extend upward from at least a portion of the surface 44.

Instruments that can handle tissue samples by a user, such as, for example, the sample handling tool 24 shown in FIGS. 1 and 6-11, may also be included in certain embodiments of the diagnostic device 20 of the present invention. Sample handling tool 24 may be disposed within the cavity 30.

As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the cavity 30 may be configured to be disposed around at least a portion of one of each of the first recesses 26 and / or the second recesses 28. Can be. The carrier 22 is also arranged around at least a portion of one of each of the first recesses 26 and / or the second recesses 28 with the specimen handling tool 24 held in the carrier 22. It can be configured to be. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the carrier 22 may be configured such that the specimen handling tool 24 is fixed in a particular position by one or more ribs 84. The specimen handling tool 24 may be detachably attached to the carrier 22 by one or more locking arms, break tabs, adhesives, or the like.

One or more rails 46 may be included in selected embodiments of the present invention and may be disposed in the carrier 22 such that the rails extend upward along at least a portion of the surface 44. One or more rails 46 may also be configured to extend outward from the carrier 22. At least one gap 48 may be formed in one of the rails 46 extending along a portion of the carrier 22.

As shown in FIG. 3, one or more supports 50 may extend downward from the surface 44. As shown in FIG. 3, the support 50 may be attached to a wall (or walls) 31 that form at least a portion of the cavity 30, and extend outwardly from the wall 31 to support the carrier ( 22) on a level surface or another surface in a stable state. The rail 46 and the support 50 can be configured such that the carrier 22 can be automatically processed through various equipment.

If desired, surface 44 may be configured such that various indicia, such as letters, numbers, symbols, and other symbols, can be placed on or formed on surface 44. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, each recess 26 and / or 28 is given a specific name, such as A or B, which name may be printed on surface 44.

Carrier 22 may be formed from a variety of materials, including, for example, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, or other types of polyolefins.

The separator is disposed between the first recess 26 and the second recess 28 to separate the first recess 26 from the second recess 28. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the separating portion separates the carrier 22 into two separating portions, the first portion including the first recess 26 and the second portion including the second recess 28. It may consist of a series of perforations 35 formed. Also, as shown in FIG. 12, the separator may include a single perforation 35. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the gaps 48 of the rails 46 may be positioned to promote the separation of the recesses 26 and 28 from each other.

As shown in FIG. 2, the separator may be formed as or include a depression 36 formed on the surface 44 of the carrier 22. The depression 36 may have a variety of shapes, for example V-shaped or arcuate.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the separator may include one or more notches 53 formed in the carrier 22. Notch 53 may be formed in cavity 30 and may be used to enhance the separability of carrier 22. As shown in FIG. 3, an indentation 49 may be formed on the underside of the carrier 22. The indentation part 49 is variously formed and may be V-shaped. As shown in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the indentation 49 may extend substantially along the entire width of the carrier 22.

Any of the structures disclosed herein may be used alone or in combination with each other to form the separation of the invention. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, perforations 35 may be located within depressions 36 disposed on surface 44 of carrier 22. In the same embodiment, a pair of notches 53 may be located in the carrier 22 to help separate the first recess 26 from the second recess 28.

Various compounds may be placed within the first and / or second recesses for examination of a specimen, such as, for example, a tissue biopsy specimen. In some embodiments, compounds such as those described in the aforementioned patents can be used in the present invention for testing for Helicobacter pylori.

The ability to separate the first recess from the second recess may be useful to the user of such an inspection device. For example, in a particular embodiment, a compound for testing a sample for a particular bacterium is placed in the first recess 26 and the second recess 28 includes a compound for testing for other bacteria. The examinations are separated from each other before or after insertion of the specimen into the recesses 26 and 28. Such features can be helpful for processing, monitoring, handling or storage of inspections.

In some embodiments, recess 28 may comprise an incubator, such as a medium for retaining a sample. In such an embodiment, if it is desirable or necessary to repeat the analysis carried out in the first recess 26, it is necessary to obtain another sample because a particular test can be performed when desired with the sample received in the second recess 26. There is no. In such a situation, the first recess 26 may be placed under other environmental conditions that help to achieve rapid results, while the specimen held in the second recess 28 may be in another environment to help preserve the sample. Can be placed under certain conditions.

Of course, any compound may be disposed in either recess 26 or 28, and no particular compound needs to be disposed in the first recess 26.

In such embodiments, a method for diagnostic testing may be used that includes obtaining a first sample (in some methods, further comprising obtaining a second sample). In some cases, the sample may be a biological sample, such as a tissue biopsy sample.

The method may further comprise providing a carrier 22, the carrier 22 having a first recess 26, a second recess, which may be disposed within at least a portion of the carrier 22. 28) and sample handling tool 24. The carrier may also include a separator disposed between the first recess and the second recess, which is configured to separate the first recess and the second recess.

A compound 100 capable of detecting the presence of Helicobacter pylori may be provided in the first recess 26. In addition, a compound 102 capable of detecting the presence of Helicobacter pylori may be provided in the second recess 28.

The first specimen may be disposed or positioned in the first recess 26 of the carrier 22. The second specimen may be disposed or positioned in the second recess 28 of the carrier 22. In some methods, the specimen handling tool 24 may be used to position the specimen within the first recess 26 or the second recess 28. The first recess 26 may be separated from the second recess 28 before or after the specimen is placed in the first recess 26 and the second recess 28. As described above, the first specimen and / or the second specimen may be examined by placing various test compounds within the first recess 26 and / or the second recess 28. The first sample and the second sample may be subjected to different kinds of tests. In addition, the second sample may be preserved for use in subsequent inspections.

Specific embodiments of the specimen handling tool 24 are shown in FIGS. 6-11 and 17. As shown in FIGS. 6-9, the specimen handling tool 24 may include a pair of cooperating arms 54 and 55. Each arm 54 and 55 may include tip portions 56 and 57, respectively. Arms 54 and 55 may also include rear portions 58 and 59, respectively. Arms 54 and 55 may be coupled to each other to form engaging ends 60 at rear portions 58 and 59, respectively. The engagement end 60 may be provided by a user, such as, for example, handling a specimen, removing the plug 86 (shown in FIG. 14) from one of the first recesses 26 and / or the second recesses 28. It can be configured to help carry out certain tasks. The outermost portion of the coupling end 60 may be configured in various ways, and may be formed like a narrow protrusion as shown in FIG.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, each arm 54 and 55 may also include respective posterior arches 62 and 63 and respective anterior arches 66 and 67, respectively. Intermediate arches 64 and 65 are disposed between each rear arch 62 and 63 and the corresponding front arch 66 and 67, respectively. The arches 62-64-66 and 63-65-67 of each arm 54 and 55 may be configured such that the region disposed between the arms 54 and 55 is approximately in the shape of an hourglass. In such an embodiment, the rear arches 62 and 63 and the front arches 66 and 67 are curved outward, and the intermediate arches 64 and 65 are curved inward.

The intermediate arches 64 and 65 can be formed to allow the user to more easily grip these portions. As shown in FIG. 6, one or more ribs 52 may be located on the outer surfaces of the intermediate arches 64 and 65. Alternatively, a coarse texture that allows a user to grip and handle the sample handling tool 24 more effectively, as shown by reference numeral 51 in part of the arms 54 and / or 55. Can have

Arms 54 and / or 55 may include fewer or more arches than the three arches described above, such as the sample handling tool shown in FIG. The arch portions of the arms 54 and / or 55 may be more or less prominent in the form of arches than shown in FIG. 10-12 and 17, various shaped arms 54 and 55 may be used in the sample handling tool 24. As shown in FIGS.

The tips 56 and 57 may be formed in various ways so that the user can handle the specimen. Tip portions 56 and 57 may be formed to include a surface, such as surface 70. Surface 70 may be of various shapes, and in particular, one or both of surfaces 70 may be curved (shown in FIG. 10) or flat (shown in FIG. 6). Surface 70 may be rough or smooth. Also, a structure such as ridge 78 shown in FIG. 11 may be located on one or more surfaces 70. The surface 70 may be arranged to face the user at least to some extent so that the user can grip and hold the specimen between the surfaces 70. As shown in FIG. 10, the tips 56 and / or 57 may be curved outwardly, and in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, may end with a relatively sharp edge 74. In FIG. One or both of the tips 56 and 57 may comprise a pointed end, such as the pointed point 80 shown in FIG. 10, or a fork 82 shown in FIG. 10, or various other shapes.

Sample handling tools may be formed from a variety of materials, including, for example, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyvinylchloride, or plastics including various types of polyolefins.

Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, the lid member 23 may be disposed over at least a portion of the surface 44 of the carrier 22. At least a portion of the cavity 30 may be formed by the wall 31. The lid member 23 may be in the form of an adhesive supported label that adheres to at least a portion of the surface 44. The lid member 23 can rest on any combination of the first recess 26, the second recess 28 and the cavity 30.

The lid member 23 can also be used to seal each of the first and second recesses 26 and 28. In some embodiments, lid members may be used to adjust the rate of water vapor transfer to and from the recesses 26 and 28 of the carrier 22. In addition, the lid member 23 may be configured to be easily reattached to the carrier 22 to reseal the recesses 26 and 28 when the lid member 23 is released early or inadvertently.

In addition, the lid member 23 can be used to hold the specimen handling tool 24 in the cavity 30. In addition, the lid member 23 may be configured only to hold the specimen handling tool 24 in the cavity 30. In some embodiments, the lid member 23 is at least a portion of the sample handling tool 24 such that the sample handling tool 24 is also separated from the carrier 22 when the lid member 23 is removed from the carrier 22. Can be adhered to. Although may be performed in many different ways, when the specimen handling tool 24 is located within the cavity 30, the intermediate arches 64 and 65 are at or slightly flush with the surface 44 to cover the lid member ( 23) and can be glued.

In some embodiments, the lid member 23 is formed to be separated into two separate portions, so that when the first recess 26 is separated from the second recess 28, the lid member 23 is also first recessed. It may be used separately to cover the portion 26 and the second recess 28.

As shown in FIG. 16, a plug 86 may also be used to at least partially seal each recess 26 and 28. As shown in FIG. In such a configuration, the lid member 23 does not need to seal the recess containing the plug 86, but can only be located above the recess 26 and / or 28. Plug 86 may be formed from a variety of materials, including, for example, rubber, wax, silicone, or various plastics. In some embodiments, the film cover 86 shown in FIG. 14 may also be attached to a portion of the carrier 22, such as, for example, the recess 28.

In some embodiments, the lid member 23 is glued or bonded to one or more plugs 86 such that when the lid member 23 is detached from the carrier 22, the one or more plugs 86 may be separated as well. . Plug 86 may also be separated with a sample handling tool.

The present invention may be embodied in other forms within the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the present embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive and the scope of the invention is set forth in the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and therefore is included within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims. All changes are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.

Claims (64)

A carrier including a first recess, a second recess, and a separation part capable of separating the first recess from the second recess; Device for diagnostic testing including sample handling tools. The device of claim 1, wherein the specimen handling tool is disposed around at least a portion of one of the first recess and / or the second recess. The diagnostic test device of claim 1, further comprising at least one plug disposed in the at least one recess. The diagnostic test apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a lid member positioned adjacent the carrier to be disposed over at least a portion of the first recess or the second recess. 5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a plug disposed in the at least one recess and attached to the lid member such that the lid member is removed from the recess when the lid member is removed from the carrier. The device of claim 1, wherein the sample handling tool comprises a pair of cooperating arms. 7. The diagnostic test device of claim 6, wherein each arm of the specimen handling tool includes a tip and a back, and the arms are joined to each other at the back to form a mating end. 8. The diagnostic test device of claim 7, wherein at least one tip portion is formed with a smooth surface. 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the mating end is formed to include a narrow protrusion. The device of claim 6, wherein each arm further comprises a posterior arch, an anterior arch and an intermediate arch, the intermediate arch being disposed between the posterior arch and the anterior arch. The device of claim 10, wherein the arches are formed such that the region disposed between the pair of arms is generally hourglass shaped. The diagnostic test apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a display unit disposed on the carrier. The device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the recesses has a truncated cone shape. The device of claim 1, wherein the separator comprises at least one perforation. The device of claim 1, wherein the separator comprises a plurality of perforations. The diagnostic test device of claim 1, wherein the separation part includes a depression. The diagnostic test apparatus of claim 1, wherein the separation part includes an indentation part. A carrier comprising a first recess, a second recess, a cavity, and means for separating the first recess from the second recess; Includes a specimen handling tool configured to manipulate the specimen, And the specimen handling tool is configured to fit within the cavity of the carrier. 19. The diagnostic device of claim 18, wherein the cavity is formed to be disposed around at least a portion of the first recess or the second recess. 19. The diagnostic device of claim 18, further comprising at least one plug disposed in one of the first and / or second recesses. 19. The diagnostic device of claim 18, further comprising a lid member positioned adjacent the carrier to be disposed over at least a portion of one of the first and / or second recesses. 22. The diagnostic device of claim 21, further comprising a plug disposed on the at least one recess and attached to the lid member to be removed from the recess when the lid member is removed from the carrier. The diagnostic device of claim 21, wherein the lid member is disposed over at least a portion of the cavity. 19. The diagnostic device of claim 18, further comprising a display disposed on the carrier. 19. The diagnostic device of claim 18, wherein the sample handling tool comprises a pair of cooperating arms. 27. The diagnostic device of claim 25, wherein each arm of the specimen handling tool includes a tip and a back, the arms being coupled to each other at the back to form a mating end. 27. The specimen of claim 26, wherein the specimen handling tool further comprises a posterior arch, an anterior arch, and an intermediate arch disposed between the posterior arch and the anterior arch, wherein the arches comprise an area disposed between the pair of arms. Diagnostic devices formed to be generally hourglass-shaped. 19. The diagnostic device of claim 18, wherein the carrier is formed of polycarbonate. 19. The diagnostic device of claim 18, wherein at least one of the recesses has a truncated cone shape. 19. The diagnostic device of claim 18, wherein the separator comprises at least one perforation. 19. The diagnostic device of claim 18, wherein the means for separating comprises a plurality of perforations. 19. The diagnostic device of claim 18, wherein the means for detaching comprises a depression. 19. The diagnostic device of claim 18, wherein the means for separating comprises an indentation. The first recess, The second recess, A separating portion capable of separating the first recessed portion from the second recessed portion, A carrier comprising a cavity configured to hold a sample handling tool. 35. The carrier of claim 34, wherein the specimen handling tool is disposed around at least a portion of the first recess. 36. The carrier of claim 35, wherein the specimen handling tool is disposed around at least a portion of the second recess. 35. The carrier of claim 34, wherein the specimen handling tool is disposed around at least a portion of the second recess. 35. The carrier of claim 34, further comprising a plug disposed in the recess. 35. The carrier of claim 34, further comprising a lid member positioned adjacent the carrier to be disposed over at least a portion of the recess. 35. The carrier of claim 34, wherein the lid member is disposed over at least a portion of the cavity. 35. The carrier of claim 34, further comprising an indicator disposed on the carrier. 35. The carrier of claim 34, wherein the carrier is generally rectangular. 35. The carrier of claim 34, wherein the recess has a truncated conical shape. 35. The carrier of claim 34, wherein the separator comprises at least one perforation. 35. The carrier of claim 34, wherein the separator comprises a plurality of perforations. 35. The carrier of claim 34, wherein the separator comprises a depression. 35. The carrier of claim 34, wherein the separator comprises indentations. Obtaining a first sample, Obtaining a second sample, Positioning the first sample in the first recess of the carrier, Positioning the second specimen in the second recess of the carrier, Separating the first recess of the carrier from the second recess of the carrier. 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising examining the first sample. 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising examining the second sample. 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising preserving a second sample for use in the next test. 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising providing a carrier having a first recess, a second recess and a sample handling tool disposed within at least a portion of the carrier. 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising the step of having a carrier having a separator disposed between the first and second recesses to enable separation of the first and second recesses. 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising the step of providing a compound for sensing the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the first recess. 55. The method of claim 54, further comprising the step of providing a compound for sensing the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the second recess. 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising the step of providing a compound for sensing the presence of Helicobacter pylori in the first recess. Providing a carrier having a first recess, a second recess detachable from the first recess, and a sample handling tool disposed within at least a portion of the carrier; Obtaining a first sample, Obtaining a second sample, Positioning the first sample in the first recess of the carrier with a sample handling tool; Positioning the second sample in the second recess of the carrier with a sample handling tool; Separating the first recess of the carrier from the second recess of the carrier. 58. The method of claim 57, further comprising performing a test on the first sample to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori. 58. The method of claim 57, further comprising performing a test on the second sample to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori. 58. The method of claim 57, further comprising preserving a second sample for use in the next test. Obtaining a first biopsy sample and a second biopsy sample, Arranging the first biopsy specimen in the first recess of the carrier, Arranging a second biopsy specimen in a second recess of the carrier, Separating the first recess of the carrier from the second recess of the carrier. 62. The method of claim 61, further comprising performing a test on the first sample to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori. 62. The method of claim 61, further comprising performing a test on the second sample to determine the presence of Helicobacter pylori. 62. The method of claim 61, further comprising preserving a second sample for use in the next test.