WO2023146050A1

WO2023146050A1 - Sample collection stick

Info

Publication number: WO2023146050A1
Application number: PCT/KR2022/012558
Authority: WO
Inventors: 고창욱
Original assignee: (주)바이온라이프사이언스
Priority date: 2022-01-27
Filing date: 2022-08-23
Publication date: 2023-08-03
Also published as: KR102527684B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sample collection stick, wherein a sample collection part of the sample collection stick according to the present invention has a cylindrical shape in which an accommodation space that can accommodate a sample is provided, the accommodation space being arranged at the central axis in the length direction of the sample collection part, and at least three sample inlet/outlets that are in communication with one accommodation space are disposed, in a line, in the lengthwise direction at the outer surface of the sample collection part, and there is a length direction partition that partitions the accommodation space or the sample inlet/outlets, thus it is possible to increase the amount of sample collected, and the amount of the collected sample that is dissolved or dispersed in a reagent or solution, from the sample collection stick, can be increased.

Description

sampling stick

The present invention relates to a sample collection stick, and more particularly, in order to collect a sample such as saliva in the oral cavity or nasal cavity of a test subject by scraping the saliva from the oral cavity and nasal cavity of the test subject It relates to a stick for collecting a sample capable of collecting a sample.

Microbiological testing is a test that screens out whether a sample is contaminated with pathogens that can cause disease. In other words, when the cause of a disease is thought to be a microorganism, it is a test to establish methods for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The microbiological test is to screen out whether a test subject is contaminated with pathogens that can cause disease, such as Escherichia coli, typhoid bacillus, staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas bacillus.

In general, a sample is taken from the body of a subject for microbiological testing. The collected sample is tested for the presence of pathogens after being mixed with a reagent or solution for testing.

When a sample is collected from the saliva, body fluid, or body tissue of a test subject, a stick, brush, or a tool called a swab is used. That is, the sample is collected by entering the sample collection swab into the body of the test subject, burying the sample in the swab, and withdrawing the sample.

In the case of the existing swabs for sample collection, a round-shaped collection part was formed at the end of the bar-shaped swab. The collection part of the swab was provided with a fiber layer formed by attaching small-sized microfibers. In this way, the sample is collected by letting the sample permeate into the fiber layer formed in the conventional swab collection unit and withdrawing the swab collection unit from the subject.

As such, the swab for sample collection conventionally used for sample collection must be maintained inserted into the oral cavity and nasal cavity of the test subject for a certain period of time or longer in order to allow saliva, etc. to permeate the fiber layer, causing great inconvenience to the test subject. Above all, in the fiber layer provided in the swab for sample collection, some fiber layers were separated from the collection part of the swab and remained in the body of the test subject. It is a medically serious problem that a foreign substance such as a fibrous layer remains in a subject's body. In addition, there is also a problem that the accuracy of the inspection is often lowered due to an insufficient amount of sampling using the conventional swab.

Therefore, a technique capable of solving such a problem has been desired.

An object of the present invention is to solve the conventional problems as described above, to increase the amount of samples collected during sample collection, to shorten the time required for sample collection, and to construct a fiber layer of a conventional swab. It is to provide a sampling stick that does not cause a problem that the fiber part to be separated from the swab.

A sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention for achieving the above object includes a rod or bar-shaped support having an arbitrary length; and a sample collection unit located at the front end of the support unit to collect a sample that comes into contact with the body of the test subject, wherein the sample collection unit is located on the side of the central axis of the sample collection unit in the longitudinal direction of the sample receiving space capable of accommodating the sample. In the provided cylindrical shape, at least three or more sample inlets communicating with one receiving space are formed on the outer surface of the sample collecting part, and a plurality of the sample inlets are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting part. One feature may be that a longitudinal partition is provided on the inside of the sample collection unit, which is formed in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit and divides the accommodation space or the sample inlet in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit. there is.

Here, the plurality of sample inlets are arranged in a first column and a second column, and the first column and the second column are formed with the longitudinal central axis of the sample collecting unit interposed therebetween.

Furthermore, another feature may be that the sample inlet of the first row and the sample inlet of the second row are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit.

Here, another feature is that one or more horizontal partitions are provided on the inside of the sample collection unit in a direction transverse to the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit at an arbitrary inclination angle to divide the accommodation space. You may.

Here, another feature may be that the sample entry/exit passage narrows or expands as one enters from the sample inlet in a direction transverse to the central axis of the sample collecting unit.

Here, another feature may be that the sample collection unit is made of a material having flexibility or elasticity.

Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the support part has a protruding coupling jaw or coupling protrusion or a lid fastening groove so that the sample container can be fixed to the lid of the sample container to accommodate the sample collection unit inside. It can also be made into a single feature.

The sampling stick according to the present invention does not require the flocking process required in the manufacturing process of the existing sampling swab, so it can reduce the manufacturing cost of the sampling stick, and since the sampling stick does not have a fiber layer, the conventional sampling stick As in the swab for sample collection, there is no room for the problem that the fiber layer portion remains in the body of the test subject due to falling off, so there is an effect of increasing the safety of the test.

In addition, the sampling stick according to the present invention increases the amount of sample collected from the body of the test subject, and also reduces the time required for sample collection because it does not require the absorption time required for the sample to permeate into the fiber layer as in the conventional swab. it shortens Accordingly, the time required for sample collection can be shortened, the discomfort of the test subject can be reduced when the sample is collected, and the accuracy of the test can be improved as the amount of sample collected increases.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a side view schematically illustrating a sampling unit of a sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a view for explaining a sampling unit of a sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a cross-sectional side view schematically illustrating a sampling unit of a sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a side cross section of a sampling unit of a sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross section of a sampling unit of a sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7 is a cross-sectional side view schematically illustrating a sample collection unit of a modified form in a sample collection stick according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a sampling stick according to another embodiment of the present invention.

9 is an enlarged perspective view schematically illustrating a sampling unit of a sampling stick according to another embodiment of the present invention.

10 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross section of a portion of a sampling unit of a sampling stick according to another embodiment of the present invention.

11 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating a cross section of another part of a sampling unit of a sampling stick according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view schematically illustrating the sampling unit shown in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a part of the sample collection unit shown in FIG. 9 is cut.

Since the present invention can apply various transformations and have various embodiments, specific embodiments will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, this is not intended to limit the present invention to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include all conversions, equivalents, or substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. These embodiments are provided to explain the present invention in more detail to those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Therefore, the shape of each element shown in the drawings may be exaggerated to emphasize a clearer explanation, and in describing the present invention, if it is determined that the detailed description of the related known technology may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description can be omitted.

Terms such as first and second may be used to describe various components, but the components should not be limited by the terms. Terms are used to describe and understand one component as distinct from another.

Terms used in the present invention are only used to describe specific embodiments, and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

In the present invention, terms such as "comprise" or "having" are intended to designate that there is a feature, number, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof described in the specification, but one or more other features It should be understood that the presence or addition of numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof is not precluded.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily carry out the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The same reference numerals may be used for like parts throughout the specification.

Hereinafter, a sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

1 is a perspective view schematically showing a sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a side view schematically showing a sampling unit of the sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is an embodiment of the present invention. It is a view for explaining the sampling unit of the sampling stick according to the example, and FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view schematically showing the sampling unit of the sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. It is a perspective view schematically showing a side cross-section of the sampling unit of the sampling stick, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the sampling unit in the sampling stick according to an embodiment of the present invention.

First, as referenced in FIG. 1 , the sample collection stick 10 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a support portion 200 and a sample collection portion 300, and may further include a handle portion 100. there is.

First, the support part 200 has an arbitrary length in the form of a rod or a bar. The sample collection unit 300 is located in front of the support unit 200 and supports the sample collection unit 300. The handle part 100 is connected to the rear side of the support part 200 . The support unit 200 supports the specimen collection unit 300 to enter the body of the test subject.

It is also possible that the front side of the support part 200 and the sample collecting part 300 are made of a single material such as a polymer material or an elastomer material. Alternatively, a form in which the support part 200 and the sample collection part 300 are made of different materials and the support part 200 and the sample collection part 300 are combined is also possible. In addition, it is also possible to fusion-mold the sample collection unit 300 on the front side of the support unit 200.

The support unit 200 is sufficient if it can support the specimen collection unit 300 so that the sample can be collected by entering the body of the test subject, and is not limited to a specific form.

In addition, the support part 200 is preferably made of a polymer material having flexibility and elasticity so that it can be flexibly deformed according to a force applied or transmitted from the outside and can return to its original shape.

When taking out the sample collection part 300 and the support part 200 of the sample collection stick 10 stored in the sample container (not shown) using a tool such as tweezers, wash the tweezers in advance, and When the sample collection portion 300 and the support portion 200 of the sample collection stick 10 are placed at the location intended by the examiner after picking up and taking out the support portion 200 of the sample collection stick 10 from the tweezers, the used tweezers should be washed again.

As such, since the tweezers used in the process of withdrawing the sample collection stick 10 from the sample container must be washed every time, it sometimes acts as a factor that reduces the efficiency of the sample inspection work. Therefore, the following configuration may be provided so that the sample collection unit 300 and the support unit 200 of the sample collection stick 10 can be withdrawn from the sample container without using tweezers.

That is, it is also possible to form coupling protrusions or coupling protrusions 210 protruding from the outer surface of the support unit 200 so that the cover or lid of the sample container can be fixedly coupled.

On the inside of the cover or lid (not shown) of the sample container (not shown), a fixing groove or fitting jaw (not shown) may be provided so that the support part 200 of the sample collection stick 10 can be fixed to the sample container cover. can It may be coupled to a fixing groove or fitting jaw provided on the inside of the cover of the specimen container in a form that engages or fits into the coupling jaw or coupling protrusion 210 of the support unit.

In this way, since the support 200 can be fixed to the lid or cover of the sample container, if the lid or cover of the sample container is opened without using a tool such as tweezers, the support 200 along with the lid or cover of the sample container can be sampled. It is preferable because it can be easily taken out of the container.

In FIG. 1, as an exemplary form of such a coupling protrusion or coupling protrusion 210, the coupling protrusion or coupling protrusion 210 formed along the circumferential direction on the outer surface of the support 200 and having a ring-like shape is shown. As referenced in FIG. 1 , it is also preferable that one or a plurality of coupling protrusions or coupling protrusions formed in a ring-like shape are provided on the outer surface of the support part 200 .

In this way, if the support part 200 can be coupled to the cover of the sample container, it is preferable because convenience in use can be increased.

And the handle part 100 is located on the rear side of the support part 200 . That is, the rear end of the support part 200 is connected to the handle part 100 .

The handle part 100 is connected to the rear end of the support part 200 and has a certain length so that it can be gripped by an inspector's hand or fingers.

As referenced in the drawing, the handle portion 100 has a rod or bar shape with a certain length. The handle part 100 is gripped by an inspector's hand or fingers. The examiner can control entry or insertion of the specimen collection unit 300 into the body of the examinee using the handle unit 100 .

Therefore, by the examiner's control using the handle portion 100, the specimen collection unit 300 may enter or be inserted into the body of the examinee through the oral cavity or nasal cavity.

As referenced in the drawing, it is preferable that a segmental groove 120, such as an articulation node, is provided between the handle part 100 and the rear end of the support part 200 to distinguish the handle part 100 and the support part 200. do. That is, it is preferable that a segmented groove 120 is provided between the handle part and the support part so that the handle part 100 and the support part 200 can be separated.

When the sample collection unit 300 is withdrawn from the body of the test subject according to the intention of the user, the tester, the sample collection unit 300 and the support unit 200 are accommodated in the sample container.

Since there is no need to accommodate the handle part 100 in the sample container, it is preferable to separate the handle part 100 from the support part 200. Therefore, as referenced in the drawing, a segmental joint or segmental groove 120 is provided between the support unit 200 and the handle unit 100 so that the support unit 200 and the handle unit 100 can be separated according to the needs of the inspector. It is desirable to have

After the support part 200 and the handle part 100 are segmented, the support part 200 can be coupled to the cover of the specimen container as described above. A protruding coupling jaw or coupling protrusion 210 is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the support unit 200 so that the sample collection unit 300 can be fixed to the cover or lid of the sample container to be accommodated inside, or the lid It is preferable that fastening grooves are formed.

The specimen collection unit 300 is a part that is inserted or entered into the body of a test subject and comes into contact with a specimen, and is a part where a specimen is collected. As referred to in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the sample collection unit 300 is located at the front end of the support unit 200 and collects or collects a sample that is in contact with the body of the test subject.

As referred to in FIGS. 1 to 5, the sample collection unit 300 is a cylindrical shape in which an accommodation space 310 capable of accommodating a sample is provided on the central axis LX in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit 300, A plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 communicating with the receiving space 310 are formed on the outer surface of the sample collecting unit 300, but the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are located in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting unit 300. It is desirable to have a form arranged in a row.

That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the specimen collection unit 300 has a cylindrical shape in which an accommodation space 310 capable of accommodating a sample is provided on the inside, and the central axis of the inside from the outer surface of the sample collection unit 300. When a plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are formed in a crosswise direction toward (LX), as referred to in FIG. 4 or 5, the sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 communicating with the receiving space 310 are the sample collection unit. It becomes a form formed in a number on the outer surface of (300).

Here, the sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are not in the form of holes vertically and straightly penetrating the central axis LX in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting unit 300 . As referenced in FIGS. 4 to 6 , the sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are empty spaces formed starting from the sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 and crossing toward the central axis LX of the sample collection unit, that is, the passage of the sample. It is preferably formed in the form of a groove in which the end of is blocked (360E).

In this way, the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are not in the form of straight through holes but in the form of grooves with closed ends. Accordingly, the sample flowing into the sample entrances 360R1 and 360R2 enters the accommodation space 310 and passes through the opposite side as it is, so that it can be accommodated in the accommodation space 310 without escaping.

And preferably, a plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are formed on the outer surface of the sample collector 300, but the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2, as shown in the drawing, ) form a form arranged in rows in the longitudinal direction.

In other words, to explain the fact that the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are arranged in rows in the longitudinal direction of the sample collector 300, the sample collector 300 connected to the front end of the support unit 200 It is that a plurality of sample inlets 360R1A, 360R1B, and 360R1C are formed in rows from the rear side to the front side of the sample collection unit 300 along the longitudinal central axis LX.

Here, the plurality of sample inlets 360R1A, 360R1B, and 360R1C are arranged in one row, that is, in the first row.

In addition, a plurality of other sample inlets (360R2A, 360R2B, 360R2C) are formed in another row. Here, the plurality of sample inlets 360R2A, 360R2B, and 360R2C are arranged in another row, that is, the second row.

2 or 4, it is preferable that the direction in which the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 belonging to the first column are open is opposite to the direction in which the plurality of sample inlets 360R2 belonging to the second column are opened. .

In addition, the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are arranged in a first column and a second column, and the first column and the second column are formed with the central axis LX in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting unit 300 interposed therebetween. desirable.

Here, it is preferable that the sample inlet 360R1 belonging to the first column and the sample inlet 360R2 belonging to the second column are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting unit 300 as referenced in the drawing.

The sample inlets 360R1 in the first row and the sample inlets 360R2 in the second row are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit 300, and as mentioned above, the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are It is not a hole formed in the form of penetrating vertically across the central axis LX in the longitudinal direction of the sampling unit 300, but is formed in the form of a groove in which opposite sides of the sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are blocked (360E).

Therefore, during the sample collection process, the sample is accommodated in the accommodation space 310 while preventing the sample entering the accommodation space 310 through the sample entrances 360R1 and 360R2 from passing through the central axis LX and escaping. You can keep the status quo.

In addition, as the sample enters from the sample inlet and outlet (360R1, 360R2) in the direction transverse to the central axis (LX) in the longitudinal direction of the sample collector 300, the sample entry and exit passage (360F) narrows or expands. it is desirable That is, it is preferable to have a form in which the sample entry/exit passage 360F narrows or expands as it enters the inside from the sample entrances 360R1 and 360R2.

For example, as referenced in FIGS. 4 and 6, as the height 360h of the sample entry/exit passage 360F decreases toward the central axis LX from the sample entry/exit port 360R1A, the sample entry/exit passage ( 360 F) is also possible.

In addition, as the width (360W) of the sample entry/exit passage 360F decreases toward the central axis LX from the sample entry/exit port 360R1A, a form in which the sample entry/exit passage 360F becomes narrow is also possible.

In this way, if the sample entry and exit passage (360F) becomes narrower as it enters the inside from the sample entry and exit ports (360R1 and 360R2), it flows in through the sample entry and exit ports (360R1 and 360R2) and enters the receiving space inside the sample collection unit (300) It is preferable because it can collect samples entering 310.

Since the samples flowing into the sample entry passage 360F or collected in the receiving space 310 have a certain cohesive force, escape to the outside of the sample collection unit 300 is suppressed during the sample collection process.

In addition, when the sample collecting unit 300 is immersed in the fixing solution, the samples held or accommodated in the sample collecting unit 300 can be easily dispersed into the fixing solution, increasing the amount of the sample in the fixing solution.

In other words, when the sample collecting unit 300 is immersed in the fixing solution, the fixing solution flows into the receiving space 310. Accordingly, the accommodation space 310 is filled with the sample and the fixing solution that have been accommodated, and some of the samples are dispersed into the fixing solution. In this state, when the sample collection unit 300 is shaken by shaking the support unit 200, the amount of the sample dispersed in the fixing solution increases, and the sample dispersed in the fixation solution is moved to the sample collection unit 300 within the receiving space 310. ) is helpful in leaking out to the outside.

In particular, in the case where the sample entry and exit passage (360F) becomes narrower as it enters the inside from the sample inlet and outlet (360R1, 360R2), conversely, from the inside of the receiving space (310) toward the sample inlet and outlet (360R1, 360R2). is a form in which the entry and exit passage 360F is enlarged. Therefore, while the sample accommodated inside the receiving space 310 is dispersed in the fixing solution, a certain amount or more can be ensured.

Accordingly, the amount of samples collected can be increased, and the samples accommodated in the accommodation space 310 can come out of the sample collection unit 300 while being dispersed in the fixing solution in a certain amount or more.

In addition, as follows, a form in which the accommodation space 310 of the sample collection unit 300 is divided into two or more distinct spaces is also preferable.

7 is a cross-sectional side view schematically illustrating a sample collection unit of a modified form in a sample collection stick according to an embodiment of the present invention. As referenced in FIG. 7 , it is also preferable that one or more partitions 320 that spatially divide the receiving space 310 are provided inside the sample collecting unit 300 .

In FIG. 7 , one partition 320 is provided as an example, and the accommodation space 310 is divided into two

accommodation spaces

310A and 310B by the partition 320 provided and separated.

If one or more partitions 320 are provided in the accommodation space 310, it is helpful for the viscous specimen to be buried in the partition 320 and the surrounding specimens to coagulate together. Therefore, it is possible to secure a certain amount or more of the sample to be collected by using one or more partitions 320 and the receiving

spaces

310A and 310B that are separated from each other.

As such, the partition 320 and

accommodation spaces

310A and 310B provided in the sample collection unit 300 are preferable because they help a sample of a certain amount or more remain in the sample collection unit 300 while aggregating.

In this way, when one or more partitions 320 are provided or separated into a plurality of accommodating spaces, the amount of samples deviating from the accommodating space 310 in the specimen collection unit 300 during the process of collecting a specimen from the body is significant. As it is reduced, the amount of sample collected increases. In addition, the amount of dissolution or dispersion of the collected sample from the sample collection unit 300 of the sample collection stick 10 into a reagent or solution may be increased.

Next, a sampling stick according to another embodiment as a more applied form of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 13 . The sample collection stick according to another embodiment of the present invention can be said to be a more applied form of the sample collection stick described above.

8 is a perspective view schematically showing a sampling stick according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view schematically showing a sampling unit of the sampling stick according to another embodiment of the present invention. A cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross section of a sampling unit of a sampling stick according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view, FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the sample collection unit shown in FIG. 10, and FIG. 13 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a portion of the sample collection unit shown in FIG. 9 is cut.

As referenced in FIG. 8 , the sample collection stick 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a support portion 200 and a sample collection portion 300, and may further include a handle portion 100. .

Here, the description of the support part 200 and the handle part 100 is the same as in the previous embodiment, so the support part 200 (see FIG. 1) of the sample collection stick (10, see FIG. 1) described with reference to FIG. 1 and It will be replaced with a description of the handle part (100, see FIG. 1).

Here, the formation of a coupling protrusion or coupling protrusion 210 protruding from the outer surface of the support portion 200 so that a coupling fixed to the cover or lid of the sample container can be formed, which is the same as described above, and the handle portion ( 100) and the rear end of the support 200 are provided with a segmental groove 120, such as a segmental node that can distinguish the handle 100 and the support 200, is the same as described above, so instead of I'm going to do it.

The specimen collection unit 300 is a part that is inserted or entered into the body of a test subject and comes into contact with a specimen, and is a part where a specimen is collected. As referred to in FIGS. 8 and 9 , the sample collection unit 300 is located at the front end of the support unit 200 and collects or collects a sample that comes into contact with the body of the test subject.

As referenced in the drawing, the specimen collection unit 300 is a cylindrical shape in which an accommodation space 310 capable of accommodating a specimen is provided on the central axis LX in the longitudinal direction of the specimen collection unit 300, and is one accommodation space. At least three or more sample inlets (360R1A, 360R1B) communicating with 310 are formed on the outer surface of the sample collecting unit 300, but the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 are in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting unit 300. It is desirable to have a form arranged in a row. That is, as in the above-described embodiment, at least three or more sample inlets 360R1A and 360R1B communicating with one receiving space 310 are arranged in rows in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting unit 300. that it is desirable

Here, the sample collection unit 300 has a cylindrical shape in which an accommodation space 310 capable of accommodating a sample is provided inside, as in the embodiments previously described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5, the sample collection unit ( 300), a plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are formed in the form of crossing toward the inner central axis LX, and the sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 communicating with the receiving space 310 are the sample collection unit. It is commonly the same that a number of forms formed on the outer surface of (300).

In addition, as described above with reference to FIGS. 4 to 6, the sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are in the form of holes vertically and straightly penetrating the central axis LX in the longitudinal direction of the sample collector 300. is not It is preferable to form an empty space starting from the sample entrances 360R1 and 360R2 and crossing toward the central axis LX of the sample collection unit, that is, a groove in which the end of the sample entry/exit path is blocked (360E).

In this way, the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are not in the form of straight through holes but in the form of grooves with closed ends. Accordingly, the sample flowing into the sample entrances 360R1 and 360R2 enters the accommodation space 310 and passes through the opposite side as it is, so that it can be accommodated in the accommodation space 310 without escaping. In this way, the description of the sample inlet and outlet 360R1 is also commonly the same as in the above-described embodiment.

However, unlike the above-described embodiment, the inside of the sample collection unit 300 of the sampling stick 10 according to another embodiment of the present invention is formed in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit 300, so that the accommodation space 310 or the sample A longitudinal partition 330 dividing the entrances 360R1A, 360R1B, 360F, and 360G in the longitudinal direction of the specimen collection unit 300 is provided.

Here, the longitudinal direction of the specimen collection unit 300 may also be referred to as the central axis LX direction or the longitudinal direction of the central axis LX.

When there is no longitudinal partition 330, the specimen collection unit 300 has the same form as those of FIGS. 2, 4 and 5 in the above-described embodiment. Here, if the longitudinal partition 330 is provided on the inside of the sample collection unit 300, it may be in the form as referred to in FIGS. 9 to 13, and the accommodation space 310 or The sample entrances (360R1A, 360R1B, 360F, 360G) have a divided form.

When the longitudinal partition 330 divides one sample inlet 360R1A in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting unit 300, it is divided into two sample inlets 360R1A1 and 360R1A2 with the longitudinal partition 330 interposed therebetween. . Similarly, the other sample inlet 360R1B is also divided in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting unit 300, and is divided into two sample inlets 360R1B1 and 360R1B2 with the longitudinal partition 330 therebetween.

Such a longitudinal partition 330 is also possible to form a plurality of two or more provided.

When the longitudinal partition 330 is provided in the receiving space 310, the viscous specimen is buried in the longitudinal partition 330, and it helps the surrounding specimens to aggregate together. Therefore, it is possible to secure a certain amount or more of the sample to be collected by using one or more longitudinal partitions 330 and the receiving

spaces

3101 and 3102 that are separated from each other.

In addition, a plurality of sample inlets 360R1A and 360R1B are formed on the outer surface of the sample collector 300, and the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the sample collector 300 as shown in the drawing. to form an arranged form.

In other words, to explain that the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 are arranged in rows in the longitudinal direction of the sample collector 300, the rear side of the sample collector 300 connected to the front end of the support unit 200. In this case, a plurality of sample inlets 360R1A and 360R1B are formed in rows along the central axis LX in the longitudinal direction toward the front of the sample collecting unit 300.

Here, the plurality of sample inlets 360R1A and 360R1B are arranged in one row, that is, the first row.

In addition, although not covered and not shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, a plurality of other sample inlets are formed in another row. Here, a plurality of sample inlets are arranged in another column, that is, a second column, and are almost the same as described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 above.

In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 2 or FIG. 4, the direction in which the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 belonging to the first column are open is opposite to the direction in which the plurality of sample inlets 360R2 belonging to the second column are opened. is also desirable In addition, the plurality of sample inlets 360R1 and 360R2 are arranged in a first column and a second column, and the first column and the second column are formed with the central axis LX in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting unit 300 interposed therebetween. desirable.

Here, it is preferable that the sample inlet 360R1 belonging to the first column and the sample inlet 360R1 belonging to the second column are alternately disposed in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting unit 300, which has been previously described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 4 same.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the sample inlet 360F belonging to the first row cut in a direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis LX, and FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the sample collector 300 shown in FIG. 10. , it is shown that the internal accommodation space 310 is divided into

accommodation spaces

3101 and 3102 on both sides by the longitudinal partition 330. In addition, it is shown that the sample entrance 360F is also bisected by the longitudinal partition 330 (360F1, 360F2).

The sample entrance and exit belonging to the second column are also the same, and are schematically shown in FIG. 11. That is, FIG. 11 is a plan view of the sample inlet 360G belonging to the second column, cut in a direction perpendicular to the central axis LX in the longitudinal direction, and the internal accommodation space 310 is divided by the longitudinal partition 330. It is shown that it is divided into accommodating spaces (3101, 3102) on the side. In addition, it is shown that the sample entrance 360G is also bisected by the longitudinal partition 330 (360G1, 360G2).

As such, the sample inlets 360R1 in the first row and the sample inlets in the second row are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit 300, and as mentioned above, the plurality of sample inlets 360R1, 360F, and 360G It is not a hole formed in the form of penetrating vertically across the central axis (LX) in the longitudinal direction of the sample collector 300, but in the same form as a groove in which the opposite side of the sample inlet (360R1, 360F, 360G) is blocked (360E). is formed

Therefore, during the sample collection process, the sample entering the receiving space 310 through the sample entrances 360R1, 360F, and 360G is prevented from passing through the central axis LX and passing through the receiving space 310. It is possible to maintain the state contained within.

As shown in FIG. 13 , the accommodation space 3102 bisected by the longitudinal partition 300 may be formed to maintain a form in communication with the sample collector 300 in the longitudinal direction.

In addition, it is preferable to have a form in which the entry and exit passage 360F of the sample narrows or expands as the sample enters from the sample entrance 360F in a direction transverse to the central axis LX in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit 300. do. That is, it is preferable that the sample entry/exit passage 360F narrows or expands as it enters the inside from the sample entrance 360R1.

For example, as described above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the height 360h of the sample entry/exit passage 360F decreases from the sample entry/exit port 360R1A toward the central axis LX. It is also possible to narrow the entry and exit passage 360F.

In addition, as referenced in FIG. 10 or 11, the width (360W) of the sample entry/

exit passages

360F, 360G decreases toward the central axis LX from the sample entry/

exit ports

360F, 360G. A form in which the passage 360F is narrowed is also possible.

In this way, when the specimen enters the inside from the sample inlet and outlet (360F, 360G) and enters, the sample inlet and outlet path becomes narrower, and the sample is introduced through the sample inlet and outlet (360F, 360G) to form a receiving space (310) inside the sample collection unit (300). It is preferable because it can collect samples entering the

Since the samples flowing into the sample entry/exit passage or gathered in the accommodation space 310 have a certain cohesive force, escape to the outside of the sample collection unit 300 is suppressed during the sample collection process.

That is, when the sample collecting unit 300 is immersed in the fixing solution, the fixing solution flows into the receiving space 310. Accordingly, the accommodation space 310 is filled with the sample and the fixing solution that have been accommodated, and some of the samples are dispersed into the fixing solution. In this state, when the sample collection unit 300 is shaken by shaking the support unit 200, the amount of the sample dispersed in the fixing solution increases, and the sample dispersed in the fixation solution is moved to the sample collection unit 300 within the receiving space 310. ) is helpful in leaking out to the outside.

In particular, in the case of having a form in which the entry and exit passage of the sample becomes narrower as it enters the inside from the sample entrance (360R1, 360R2), conversely, the entry and exit passage from the inside of the accommodation space 310 to the side of the sample entrance (360F, 360G) becomes an enlarged form. Therefore, while the sample accommodated inside the accommodation space 310 is dispersed in the fixing solution, a certain amount or more can be ensured.

Additionally, it is possible for the thickness of the longitudinal partition 330 to be constant, but as referenced in FIGS. 10-12 . It is also preferable to have a shape in which the thickness of the longitudinal partition 330 at the side of the sample entrances 360F and 360G is thin and the thickness increases toward the opposite side 360E. That is, it can be said that the longitudinal partition 330 has a tapered shape so that the thickness becomes thinner toward the sample entrances 360F and 360G.

In this way, when the thickness of the longitudinal partition 330 is formed to be tapered, the entry and exit passage of the specimen becomes narrower as it enters the inside from the specimen inlet and outlet (360F1, 360F2, 360G1, and 360G2). Conversely, in the direction of going out from the receiving

spaces

3101 and 3102 toward the sample entrances 360F1, 360F2, 360G1, and 360G2, the entry and exit passages are expanded. Therefore, while the sample accommodated inside the receiving

spaces

3101 and 3102 is dispersed in the fixing solution, a certain amount or more can be ensured.

Also, as described above with reference to FIG. 7 , it is also preferable that the accommodation space 310 of the sample collector 300 is divided into two or more distinct spaces.

In other words, although not shown in FIG. 13, it is also preferable that one or more horizontal partitions 320 (see FIG. 7) that spatially divide the receiving space 310 are provided inside the sample collecting unit 300. That is, it is preferable that one or more horizontal partitions 320 are formed in a direction transverse to the central axis LX in the longitudinal direction of the sample collector 300 at an arbitrary inclination angle to divide the receiving space 310. that it is

As described above with reference to FIG. 7, FIG. 7 exemplarily shows that one partition 320 is provided, and by one partition 320 provided in this way, the accommodation space 310 is divided into two accommodation spaces ( 310A, 310B) and separated. This means that even when the longitudinal partition 330 is formed in the specimen collection unit 300, the horizontal partition 320 may be provided similarly.

If one or more horizontal partitions 320 are provided in the accommodation space 310, it is helpful for the viscous specimens to be buried in the horizontal partitions 320 and the surrounding specimens to aggregate together. Therefore, it is the same as described above that a certain amount or more of the sample to be collected can be secured by using one or more horizontal partitions 320 and the receiving

spaces

310A and 310B that are separated from each other (see FIG. 7).

In this way, the horizontal partition 320, the longitudinal partition 330, and the receiving space (310A, 310B, see FIG. 7) provided in the sample collection unit 300 may remain in the sample collection unit 300 as a certain amount or more of the sample is aggregated. It is desirable because it helps.

In this way, when one or more longitudinal partitions 330 or transverse partitions 320 are provided or separated into a plurality of accommodating spaces, the accommodating space 310 ), since the amount of sample released from the sample is greatly reduced, the amount of sample collected increases. In addition, the amount of dissolution or dispersion of the collected sample from the sample collection unit 300 of the sample collection stick 10 into a reagent or solution may be increased.

For reference, it should be noted that the described transverse partition or longitudinal partition may be referred to as a partition for convenience of description and understanding.

As described above, since the sample collection stick according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with

partitions

320 and 330 and an accommodation space 310, the sample to be collected can be accommodated in the accommodation space of the sample collection unit, and the accommodation space Since the specimen introduced into the swab is suppressed from escaping to the outside, the amount of specimen collected can be relatively more increased compared to the conventional swab for specimen collection.

And, unlike the prior art, since there is no fiber layer, when the sample collection unit is immersed in the fixation solution, the samples held or accommodated in the sample collection unit can be easily dispersed into the fixation solution, increasing the sample amount in the fixation solution.

As such, the sampling stick according to the present invention does not require a flocking process required in the manufacturing process of the existing sampling swab, so the manufacturing cost of the sampling stick can be reduced, and since the sampling stick does not have a fiber layer, the conventional sampling stick There is an advantage in that there is no room for the problem that the fiber layer part is separated and remains in the body of the test subject, as in the swab for sample collection.

In addition, the sampling stick according to the present invention can increase the amount of sample collected from the test subject compared to the conventional swab, and can increase the amount of the collected sample dissolved or dispersed from the sample collection stick into a reagent or solution. It has the advantage of improving the accuracy of the test as the amount of sampling increases.

In addition, the sample collection stick according to the present invention can shorten the time required for sample collection, and can alleviate the discomfort of the test subject during sample collection. In addition, since the sample collection part inserted into the oral cavity or nasal cavity of the test subject is formed of a polymer material or an elastomer material having flexibility and elasticity, there is an advantage in reducing user discomfort.

As described above, the specific description of the present invention has been made by the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, but since the above-described embodiments have only been described with reference to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the present invention is the above It should not be understood as being limited only to the embodiments, and the scope of the present invention should be understood as the following claims and equivalent concepts thereof.

- Description of code -

10: sample collection stick

100: handle part

200: support

300: sample collection unit

310: accommodation space 320: partition

360R1, 360R2: sample entrance

Claims

A support in the form of a rod or bar of any length; and

A sample collection unit located at the front end of the support unit to collect a sample contacted from the body of the test subject;

The sample collection unit has a cylindrical shape provided with an accommodation space for accommodating the sample at the side of the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit,

At least three or more sample inlets communicating with one receiving space are formed on the outer surface of the sample collecting part, and a plurality of sample inlets are arranged in a row in the longitudinal direction of the sample collecting part,

Inside the sample collection unit,

The sample collection stick, characterized in that a longitudinal partition formed in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit to divide the receiving space or the sample inlet in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit is provided.
According to claim 1,

The plurality of sample inlets are arranged in a first column and a second column,

The sample collection stick, characterized in that the first column and the second column are formed with a central axis in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit interposed therebetween.
According to claim 2,

The sample inlet of the first column and the sample inlet of the second column,

The sample collection stick, characterized in that arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit.
According to claim 1,

Inside the sample collection unit,

The sample collection stick, characterized in that one or more transverse partitions are provided to divide the accommodation space by being formed in a direction transverse to the central axis in the longitudinal direction of the sample collection unit at an arbitrary inclination angle.
According to claim 1,

The sample collection stick, characterized in that it has a form in which the entry and exit passage of the sample narrows or expands as it enters from the sample entrance in a direction crossing the central axis of the sample collection unit.