WO2007140531A1

WO2007140531A1 - Swab automation device

Info

Publication number: WO2007140531A1
Application number: PCT/AU2007/000794
Authority: WO
Inventors: Allan D. Morrison
Original assignee: Morrison Allan D
Priority date: 2006-06-05
Filing date: 2007-06-05
Publication date: 2007-12-13

Abstract

A swab device is provided for the collection of a sample, the device comprising a head, a stem and a holder, wherein the holder comprises locating means disposed at a predetermined distance along the holder, and wherein said locating means are adapted to be securely gripped by automated or semi-automated transfer means for transfer of the swab device between stations. Also provided is a holder for a swab device comprising a stem and a head for the collection of a sample, the holder comprising locating means disposed at a predetermined distance along the holder, and wherein said locating means are adapted to be securely gripped by automated or semi-automated transfer means for transfer of the swab device between stations.

Description

SWAB AUTOMATION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to swab devices for the collection of samples, and the subsequent processing of the swabs.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Samples taken on swabs are used as the basis of testing and assays in many fields. Biological samples for testing or profiling purposes, for example, are commonly taken using swabs. Swabs typically comprise a media which is intended to hold the sample, and a stem to which the media is attached, typically at one end. The stem is intended to be held by the person taking the sample, and allows the sample to be taken while reducing the risk of cross contamination with the person's hand.

Once the sample has been collected the swabs are then stored in tubular containers or in sealed bags, before being transferred for processing. Processing of swabs typically involves the manual removal of a section or all of the media containing the sample from the stem. This usually requires a laboratory staff member to manually hold the swab while a small section of the media is removed, or at best, to manually enter the swab, one at a time, into processing apparatus. The additional handling of the swabs during the processing stage increases the risk of cross contamination of the sample. It is desirable to reduce the manually handling of the swabs to ensure the integrity of the sample.

Until now the automation of the process has been difficult due to the construction of swabs. In particular grasping the swabs by mechanical means is difficult given the nature of the stems. Automated or semi-automated processing typically requires accurate and reproducible positioning of the swabs during processing. If the stem of the swab is not gripped securely then it is possible for movement of the swab to occur, e.g. rotation and/or longitudinal slippage. Movement of the swab when gripped and/or inaccurate gripping of the stem (e.g. in different positions along the stem) make it more difficult to present the swab consistently during subsequent processing steps such as sample transfer or storage.

Furthermore the construction of the swabs does not permit a plurality of swabs to be stored in a single storage device, in a manner that readily permits individual swabs to be accessed by automated mechanisms.

In addition the present construction of the swabs is not particularly suited for the provision of sample identification. To date the identification of the sample has been effected by placing an identification code, such as a barcode on the outside of the container or bag into which the swab is placed, or by attaching a tag to the stem of the swab.

The use of an identification code attached to the swab container or bag does not provide for a totally secure system for sample identification, given that swabs may be mistakenly placed into containers or bags that have an identification code for another sample. Similarly, tags attached to the stem of the swab can potentially be separated from the stem, whereby the identity of that particular sample will be lost.

Clearly it would be advantageous to provide a system and method that allows for the automated transfer and processing of swabs. It would also be advantageous to provide means for identification which is positively associated with the sample so as to minimize the risk of misclassification of the sample.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly in one aspect of the present invention there is provided a swab device for the collection of a sample (i.e. a sample collection device), the device comprising a head, a stem and a holder, wherein the holder comprises locating means disposed at a predetermined distance along the holder, and wherein said locating means are adapted to be securely gripped by automated or semi- automated transfer means for transfer of the swab device between stations. The holder therefore incorporates means by which it can be located and grasped by mechanical methods. In a particular embodiment, the holder incorporates a number of specific locating surfaces which enable the holder to be located and engaged securely, and to be gripped securely by mechanical means. Other means of locating or engaging the holder are envisaged, such as with the use of locating holes in the holder.

Secure gripping of the swab device by gripping means is typically designed to reduce or prevent movement of the swab device in the gripping means in at least one direction or axis. For example, engagement of the gripping means on the locating means of the holder may reduce or prevent rotation of the swab device in the gripping means. In one embodiment, this is achieved by the portion of the holder comprising the locating means having a non-circular cross section, e.g. having a plurality of substantially flat surfaces, such as the flat surface 8, 9 shown in Figure 3B. This may be particularly advantageous when the head of the swab device is asymmetrical.

Alternatively, or in addition, the engagement of the gripping means on the locating means of the holder may reduce or prevent longitudinal slippage of the swab device in the gripping means. In one embodiment, this is achieved by the locating means comprising recessed or raised portions and/or apertures into which the gripping means can be inserted. An example of this is shown in Figure 3B which illustrates recessed portions 8 and 9. The gripping means grip within the recessed portions and slippage of the gripping means along the holder is thereby reduced or prevented.

In a further embodiment, specific locating means on the holder enable the swab device to be grasped by mechanical means, such as grippers, for processing purposes. Where the swab device is being held in a known position using specific locating means, and is to be accessed and removed from that known position by automated mechanical means, using other specific locating means on the holder, then the orientation of the two sets of locating means to each other are fixed to allow for access, and removal to occur successfully. It is envisaged that automated processing may require the return of the swab to its known position after processing, and this would be possible in this embodiment.

The locating means may comprise one or more recessed portions in the holder and/or one or more raised portions in the holder. Alternatively, or in addition, the locating means comprises one or more apertures in the holder.

In one embodiment, the holder is integrally formed with the stem.

In an alternative embodiment, the holder is formed separately from the stem and is adapted to engage securely the stem. The holder may, for example, be adapted to irreversibly engage the stem or the engagement of the holder with the stem may be so as to prevent manual removal of the holder from the stem.

Where the holder is formed separately from the remainder of the device, it may be attached to the stem of the device during the manufacturing process e.g. by mechanical means or chemical bonding. Alternatively, the holder can be attached some time after manufacture e.g. by a user. Typically, the holder is securely attached to the stem for the life of the swab and is preferably only removable by mechanical means.

In one embodiment, the holder has a two piece construction with a channel for insertion of the stem. Each piece may, for example, - comprise corresponding male and female engagement means for fitting the two pieces together around the stem of the device (as shown in Figure 1B).

The holder may be coupled to the stem by engagement of the stem with one or more vanes disposed within a passage or channel formed within the holder. Preferably, the engagement is such that it prevents manual removal of the holder from the stem. For example, the vanes may be made of a deformable material that deforms in the direct of stem insertion and prevents the reverse movement of the stem against the vanes (e.g. as shown in Figure 1C, detail D). In one embodiment the diameter of each hole in the vanes is slightly smaller, in whole or in part, than the diameter of the stem, and the material from which the vanes are manufactured is such that when a stem is forced through a hole, the vane is compressed laterally, and the compression of the vane provides such a force against the stem, that the stem cannot be removed.

In a particular embodiment, the holder comprises a clamp for clamping the holder to the stem. Suitably the clamping device is in the form of a snap fitment, e.g. C section arms.

In a variant of this embodiment, the holder is essentially formed of at least two pieces: a body having a hollow portion into which the stem of the swab device is inserted, and a clamp portion for clamping the stem, the clamp portion being adapted to engage securely said hollow body portion so as to secure the stem within the body of the holder. For example, the holder may be coupled to the stem by way of a clamping device inserted through an aperture in the holder. Suitably the clamping device is in the form of a snap fitment, e.g. C section arms which define a space of a smaller width than the diameter of the stem of the swab.

The holder may form a convenient means by which the swab can be held in the hand of a user when samples are taken i.e. it can function as a handle for the swab device, the portion grasped by a user. Alternatively, a handle may be formed by another portion of the swab device, such as a portion of the stem.

The swab device may further comprise a hand guard interposed between the head and a handle portion of the device, which in some cases will be the holder. The guard is intended for avoiding contamination of the handle portion of the device and the hand of the user. The guard minimizes risk of cross contamination during the sampling process. The guard may be removable or integrally formed with the stem or holder. Typically, the guard can be removed from the swab device after sampling. In one embodiment, the guard is circular, and is of a size able to cover the end of the human fist. It may be constructed of a soft flexible material.

Preferably at least one of the stations is a storage device for storing a plurality of swab devices. Accordingly, in a related embodiment, the holder further comprises locating means for engaging securely a storage device.

In a particular embodiment, these locating means can be used to engage and secure the swab device in a known position from which it can be accessed for automated processing, using engaging means. By way of example, in this embodiment, the swab .might be mounted securely in a position, where mechanical means engage and grasp the locating means incorporated into the holder. The swab may be mounted in a storage device, such as a magazine, with other swab devices, using engaging means on the storage device to engage the locating means such that the swab is not dislodged from the storage device regardless of the orientation of the magazine.

The device may further comprise identification means for identifying the sample, such as a bar code or RFID, attached to the holder of the device. Thus, the holder may include provision for a permanent identification method, such as an RFID chip, or an identification code. In the case of an identification code, such as a barcode, the holder typically incorporates a surface onto which the identification code is stamped or permanently attached during manufacture in some other way, or onto which a label with the identification code can be permanently fixed after manufacture. This surface is able to be easily observed or accessed from the outside of the holder. Because the holder is permanently attached to the stem of the swab, any permanent identification method attached to the holder provides for secure and permanent identification of the sample.

Where the specific locating means on the holder are employed to allow the swab to be grasped by engaging means, such as grippers, for processing purposes, and the reading of identification codes is to be part of that processing, then the orientation of the surface onto which the identification code is affixed, relative to the orientation of the locating means used for grasping the holder, is generally fixed. This embodiment would accommodate either automated or manual reading of the identification code of the sample.

It may be desirable to incorporate a cover for the stem and head, to minimize cross contamination. Accordingly, the present invention further provides a kit for the collection of a sample, such as a biological sample, comprising the swab device the invention and a removable cover member for the head and stem of the device.

Preferably the cover member engages securely with the holder of the device.

In one embodiment, the cover member comprises an identification means for identifying the sample, such as bar code or RFID, as described above for the swab device. Generally, the means for identification of the sample uses the same code or other identification method as for the corresponding holder, so that the cover could always be associated with the same holder, swab and sample. This would reduce the risk that covers that were manually removed from their original holder might be returned to a different holder, and potentially cause cross contamination.

In a particular embodiment, the cover includes specific locating means that would allow it to be automatically engaged and removed from the holder, and subsequently returned to the holder after processing of the swab, using mechanical means. The locating means may suitable be as described above for the holder.

By way of example, in a particular embodiment, swabs with holders and covers, and with identification means which have been used to collect samples, are loaded into storage devices e.g. multi-swab magazines, where the swabs are held in the storage device by engaging means in the storage device which engage locating means on the holder of the device. Automated grippers, typically movable in 3 dimensions (X, Y, Z axes) engage the holders, using other locating means on the holder, in such a way that they are able to remove the complete holder, cover and swab from the magazine. Identification codes on the cover and holder are then read automatically, and compared to ensure they are the same. The cover is then removed automatically, using the locating means on the cover, and the swab is processed as required. After processing, identification codes on both holder and cover are read prior to the cover being automatically re-attached to the holder, and the holder being returned to its magazine, and reattached to the magazine using the magazine's engaging means to grasp the locating means on the holder.

In a further embodiment, a database system, such as an electronic system, records the processing that was undertaken on each sample, using its identification code as its reference number.

Since in some embodiments the holder is formed separately to the remainder of the swab device, the holder may be provided separately for subsequent attachment to the stem of the swab device.

Accordingly, the present invention further provides a holder for a swab device comprising a stem and a head for the collection of a sample, the holder comprising locating means disposed at a predetermined distance along the holder, and wherein said locating means are adapted to be securely gripped by automated or semi-automated transfer means for transfer of the swab device between stations.

In a related aspect the present invention provides a holder for a swab device of the invention as defined above.

The present invention also provides a kit for the collection of a sample, such as a biological sample, comprising the swab device of the invention and a removable cover member for the head and stem of the device. As described above, at least one of the stations involved in the automation of sample handling may be a storage device for the swab devices. Accordingly, the present invention also provides a storage device for storing a plurality of swab devices said storage device comprising a plurality of sample loading positions adapted to engage locating means provided on the swab device of the invention, each sample loading position being accessible by semi-automated or automated transfer means.

In one embodiment, the swab storage members comprise a series of laterally spaced engagement means, such as jaws or snap fittings, for engagement with said locating means of said holder.

The swab device may be transferred between stations via a transfer means. Stations include storage devices and processing stations i.e. equipment that processes the sample media at the head of the device for subsequent analysis. Transfer means include automated mechanical devices, such as robotic arms, with means for gripping the swab device. The automated device is typically capable of being programmed to move in two or three dimensions to transfer samples from station to station. The motion of the transfer means may, for example, be controlled by any suitable controller such as a microprocessor, programmable logic array, microcontroller or the like.

The automated device will generally include some form of gripping means, such as jaws, to grip the holder of the swab device. The design of the holder is intended to enable the gripping means to register more precisely with the body of the swab device and transfer the swab device to a predefined location in a processing station without misalignment of the sample (swab device) due to slippage etc. in the gripping means of the transfer device.

The holder may also be adapted to engage at least one auxiliary device such as a storage device or a powered handle for vibrating and/or rotating the swab. Accordingly, in a further embodiment, the end of the device which is opposite to the end at which the sample media is located, is designed with engaging means which can engage reversibly with engagement means on other devices such as powered handles, so as to allow the swab to be vibrated or rotated during the taking of the sample, to improve the effectiveness of sample collection. Means for vibrating and/or rotating the head of the device may comprise an electric motor within the housing of the body of the device. A convenient means for vibrating and/or rotating the head of the device may be provided in the form of a conventional battery powered electric toothbrush (see our co-pending application no. PCT/AU2007/00171). However it will be appreciated that any suitable arrangement can be used.

The present invention also provides the use of the swab device or the kit of the invention in taking/obtaining a sample, such as a biological sample.

Also provided is a method of obtaining a sample, such as a biological sample, which method comprises contacting the head of a swab device of the invention with a surface or material, including a liquid, from which it is desired to obtain the sample.

BRIEF DETAILS OF THE DRAWINGS In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1A is an exploded view of one arrangement of the swab device according to a first embodiment of the invention; FIG. 1B is a cross sectional view of the swab holding device of FIG 1A with a swab installed;

FIG. 1 C is a an enlarged view of a section of FIG 1 B taken about plane D; FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the device of FIG 1A engaged with a cover in the installed position; FIG. 2A is an exploded view of one arrangement of the swab holding device according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B (i) is a cross sectional view of the swab holding device of FIG 2A taken through plane E-E FIG. 2B (ii) is a cross sectional view of the swab holding device of FIG 2C taken through plane F-F

FIG. 2C is a perspective view of the device of FIG 2A engaged with a cover in the installed position; FIG. 3A illustrates one possible arrangement of a swab storage device according to a further embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3B is a detailed view of one arrangement of a swab gripping member of the swab storage device of FIG 3A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art

In the specification the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises".

The swab devices of the invention can be used to collect non-biological or biological samples, typically from organisms such as animals or plants. Biological samples include physiological/pathological body fluids (e.g. secretions, excretions, exudates) or cell suspensions (e.g., blood, lymph, synovial fluid, semen, saliva containing buccal cells, cervical samples) of humans and animals; and physiological/pathological liquids or cell suspensions of plants. The term "biological tissue sample" refers to a sample that contains cellular material, typically some intact cells.

The biological sample may contain genetic material. As used herein, the phrase "genetic material" means either or both deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA). DESCRIPTIQN OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Fig 1 illustrates one particular arrangement of the swab holding device according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present case the device is designed to be retrofitted to a swab 1 comprising stem 1a and head 1b which carries the sample collecting media. The device includes holder 3 which may be coupled to the free end of the stem 1a by any suitable arrangement. In this instance the holder is coupled to the stem by means of a series of vanes 4 disposed within a passage 6 formed within the holder 3.

In the exemplary embodiment of Fig 1A the holder 3 is shown as a two part construction composed sections 3a and 3b. Each section includes a channel 5 having a varying cross section, with vanes 4 being disposed in the broadest section of the channel 5. The passage 6 within the holder 3 is subsequently formed by interlocking sections 3a and 3b via engagement of lugs 7 provided on section 3a with corresponding apertures (not shown) in section 3b. Once sections 3a and 3b are interlocked stem 1a is then inserted into the passage 6, thereby causing vanes 4 to flex to allow the stem 1a to pass-through. The stem 1a is pushed through the passage 6 until its free end abuts the end of the end of the passage 6 (see FIG 1B).

As detailed in Fig 1 C vanes 4 extend into the passage so as to effectively narrow the cross-section of the central portion of the passage to a width less than that of the stem. As stem 1a is inserted vanes 4 flex in the direction of insertion allowing the stem to pass. Once the stem 1a has been fully inserted, vanes 4 spring back toward their initial position thereby securely gripping the stem. Any attempt to pull the stem 1a from the holder 3 results in vanes 4 being drawn back toward their initial position which further reduces the cross-section of the passage causing the vanes 4 to wedge against the stem 3 preventing its removal.

The holder 3 also includes locating means disposed at a predetermined distance along the holder to enable the holder to be located and securely gripped by mechanical means. In this instance locating means are in the form of a number of specific locating surfaces 8 and 9. By positioning the locating means on the holder in this manner there is little to no variance in the position of the locating means from swab to swab. Thus an automated processing device is able to readily determine the position of the locating means on the holder 3 of each swab 1. This allows the processing device to align its transport means, such as a mechanical arm or the like, with the locating surfaces before securely gripping the holder 3 and swab 1 for transfer between processing stations. It will of course be appreciated that the locating means need not strictly be limited to a plurality of locating surfaces and could be any suitable form that allows an automated or semi-automated processing device to securely grip the holder 3 and swab 1 , such as a plurality of locating apertures disposed at a predetermined distances along the holder 3.

Holder 3 may also be provided with a means 10 for identifying the gathered sample, such as an RFID chip, or an identification code. In this case the identification means is in the form of a barcode, disposed on the outer surface of the holder 3. The barcode may be provided on a label which is affixed to the outer surface after manufacture. Alternatively the barcode could be printed onto the outer surface or it could be stamped into the holder during manufacture. Associating the sample identification with the holder reduces the likelihood of the sample being incorrectly classified as the holder 3 is securely attached to the stem 1 a of the swab 1. Thus the sample identification and the sample to which it us assigned are not readily separable.

A guard 11 may be interposed between the head and the holder, which in this case also serves as a handle for the user, to further minimize risk of cross contamination during the sampling process. The guard can then be removed from the swab after sampling. In one embodiment, the guard is circular, and is of a size able to cover the end of the human fist, and is constructed of a soft flexible material.

A cover 12 may also be provided to further minimize the risk of cross contamination of the sample. In this particular embodiment, the cover is adapted to engage the holder 3 to thereby secure the cover about the swab 1. The cover may also include locating means 13 that allows the cover to be automatically engaged and removed from the holder and swab prior to processing, and subsequently returned to the holder and swab after processing. The cover may also incorporate a means 14 for identifying the sample, such as those discussed in relation to the holder 3 above. The provision of such identification allows the cover to be associated with the same holder, swab and sample so as to reduce the risk that manually removed covers be returned to a different holder and swab. Suitably the means 14 for identifying the sample is identical to the identification provided on the holder. Alternatively the cover identification may run consecutively from the identification code provided on the holder.

FIG 2 depicts one particular arrangement of the swab holding device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. In this instance the holder is a singular form having a passage 6 for the insertion of stem 1 a provided therein. The stem is retained in the passage by clamping devices 17 that is passed through aperture 18 provided in the holder 3.

The operation of the clamping device 17 is illustrated in FIGs 2B (i) and (ii). FIG 2B (i) shows stem 1a positioned in passage 6 of holder 3 and clamping device 17 positioned for insertion into aperture 18. In the present case the clamping device in the form of a C section 20 having the arms 21 which defining a space of a smaller width than the diameter of the stem of the swab 1 , and the distance between the arms at the opening of the C section 22 is less than it is at other points further into the Cf section. FIG 2B (ii) shows the clamping device in the installed position. Clamping device 17 is, in essence, pressed into the aperture in the holder 18 and onto the stem 14 to engage recess 25. This then causes the arms 21 to either be deflected around the stem as it enters the C section, and/or cause the shape of the stem to distort at the point of engagement 23 with stem 1a and/or in the case of some types of stems and clamping devices, cause indentations in the material from which the stem is constructed, to thereby grip the stem. In the embodiment shown in FIG 2A the clamping devices are joined together by a rigid supporting structure 24 to form a clamping staple for ease of application. It will be appreciated that the clamping device need not be so joined and that a series of singular claiming devices could be used to secure the stem within the holder.

Again holder 3 includes locating means disposed at a predetermined distance along the holder to enable the holder to be located and securely gripped by mechanical means. In this instance locating means are in the form of a number of specific locating surfaces 8 and 9. The locating surfaces are recessed, which reduces longitudinal slippage when the holder is gripped. In addition, the locating surfaces comprise planar regions which assist in preventing rotation of the holder within the gripping means. Accordingly, provision of such surfaces at predetermined locations on the holder allows holder and swab to be securely gripped by an automated or semi automated processing device enabling transfer of the swab between processing stations. The holder also functions as a handle for the user in this particular embodiment.

The holder may also be provided means 10 for identifying the gathered sample such as those discussed in relation to the embodiment depicted in FIGs 1 A to 1C above.

As shown in FIG 2C the swab device of this particular embodiment may also include a cover 12 adapted to engage the holder 3 such that the cover is secured about the swab 1. The cover in this instance is essentially the same as the cover of the embodiment depicted in FIGs 1 A to 1C discussed above.

In the case of either of the above embodiments the free end of the holder may be adapted to engage one or more auxiliary devices, such as a storage device or a powered handle which vibrates and/or rotates the swab during the taking of the sample. An example of a suitable storage device for storing a plurality of swabs is shown in FIG 3A. The storage device in this particular example is in the form of a magazine including a body 30 with base 31 and handle 32 and a plurality of storage members 33. As can be seen from FIG 3A the swab is retained within the magazine by the engagement of the holder 3 of the swab holding device of the present invention with the storage members 33.

FIG 3B further details the construction of the storage members 33 of the storage magazine, as illustrated each member includes a series of jaws 34 adapted to engage one of the locating surfaces of holder 3. In this particular case, locating surface 9 is inserted into jaw 34 such that locating surface 8 is positioned proud of storage member 33. The engagement between the locating surface 9 and the jaw 34 is such that the swab is not dislodged from the magazine regardless of the orientation of the magazine. As locating surface 8 sits clear of the storage member it is free to be securely gripped by the processing device allowing the swab to be removed from the magazine for processing.

Where the swabs are loaded into the magazine the reading of identification codes provided in the holders 3 and covers 12 may be read by the processing device prior to removal of the swab. If such is the case then the orientation of the identification code, relative to the orientation of the transfer/transport means of the processing device used to transfer the swabs is fixed. Fixing the orientation of the identification codes in the magazine in this manner would accommodate either automated or manual reading of the identification code of the sample.

Suitably the sample transfer/transport means of the processing device is capable of removing the holder, cover and swab once securely gripped from the magazine in one motion. Ideally the transfer/transport means is capable of a full range of motion in the X, Y, Z axes allowing the transfer/transport means to readily manoeuvre the swab to the deliver the swab to the processing station in the correct orientation. For example the transfer/transport means could deliver the holder and cover containing the swab to a bar code reader where the identification code is automatically read, and compared, to ensure they are the same. The identifications codes associated with the swab may then be entered into a database which records the processing that was undertaken on the sample associated with the particular holder and cover identification. Once the holder and cover identifications have been verified the cover is then removed automatically, and the swab is processed as required. After processing, the identification codes on both holder and cover are re-read to ensure they still match before the cover is automatically re-attached to the holder, and the holder, swab and cover are returned to the appropriate magazine.

In a further embodiment, the reading process may include a database system, such as an electronic system, records each sample, using its identification code as its reference number.

The various features and embodiments of the present invention, referred to in individual sections above apply, as appropriate, to other sections, mutatis mutandis. Consequently features specified in one section may be combined with features specified in other sections, as appropriate.

Various modifications and variations of the described methods and products of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention. Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are apparent to those skilled in the relevant fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A swab device for the collection of a sample, comprising a head, a stem and a holder, wherein the holder comprises locating means disposed at a predetermined distance along the holder, and wherein said locating means are adapted to be securely gripped by automated or semi-automated transfer means for transfer of the swab device between stations.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the locating means comprises one or more recessed portions in the holder.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the locating means comprises one or more raised portions in the holder.

4. A device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the locating means comprises one or more apertures in the holder.

5. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the transfer means is capable of a range of motion through the x, y and z axes.

6. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the transfer means is computer controlled.

7. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the holder is integrally formed with the stem.

8. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the holder is formed separately from the stem and is adapted to engage securely the stem.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the holder is adapted to irreversibly engage the stem.

10. The device of claim 8 wherein the engagement of the holder with the stem prevents manual removal of the holder from the stem.

11. The device of any of claims 8 to 10 wherein the holder comprises one or more vanes disposed within a passage formed within the holder, which vanes engage securely the stem of the device when the stem is inserted into the passage of said holder.

12. The device of claim 11 wherein the vanes are deformable and insertion of the stem into the passage of the holder deforms the vanes in the direction of stem insertion.

13. The device of claim 8 wherein the holder comprises a clamp for clamping the holder to the stem.

14. The device of claim 8 wherein the holder comprises a body having a hollow portion into which the stem is inserted, and a clamp portion for clamping the stem, the clamp portion being adapted to engage securely said hollow body portion so as to secure the stem within the body of the holder.

15. The device of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a hand guard interposed between the head and a handle of the device.

16. The device of claim 15 wherein the guard is formed integrally formed with the stem or holder.

17. The device of claim 15 wherein the guard is removable.

18. The device of any one of the preceding claim wherein the sample is a biological sample.

19. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the stations is a storage device for storing a plurality of swab devices.

20. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the device further comprises identification means for identifying the sample attached to the holder of the device.

21. The device of any one of the preceding claims wherein the holder further comprises locating means for engaging securely a storage device.

22. A kit for the collection of a sample comprising the device of any one of claims 1 to 21 and a removable cover member for the head and stem of the device.

23. The kit of claim 22 wherein the cover member engages securely with the holder of the device.

24. The kit of claim 22 or claim 23 wherein the cover member comprises identification means for identifying the sample.

25. A holder for a swab device comprising a stem and a head for the collection of a sample, the holder comprising locating means disposed at a predetermined distance along the holder, and wherein said locating means are adapted to be securely gripped by automated or semi-automated transfer means for transfer of the swab device between stations.

26. A holder according to claim 25 as defined in any one of claims 8 to 21.

27. A storage device for storing a plurality of swab devices said storage device comprising a plurality of sample loading positions adapted to engage locating means provided on the swab device according to any one of claims 1 to 21 , each sample loading position being accessible by semi-automated or automated transfer means.

28. The storage device of claim 27 wherein the swab storage members comprise a series of laterally spaced snap fittings for engagement with said locating means of said holder.

29. Use of the swab device of any one of claims 1 to 21 or the kit of any one of claims 21 to 23 in obtaining a sample.

30. A method of obtaining a sample which method comprises contacting the head of a swab device according to any one of claims 1 to 21 with a surface or material.

31. A method according to claim 30 wherein the sample is a biological sample.