WO2024073645A1 - Appareils de collecte de matières fécales, dispositifs de fixation de collecte de matières fécales et leurs procédés d'utilisation - Google Patents

Appareils de collecte de matières fécales, dispositifs de fixation de collecte de matières fécales et leurs procédés d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2024073645A1
WO2024073645A1 PCT/US2023/075487 US2023075487W WO2024073645A1 WO 2024073645 A1 WO2024073645 A1 WO 2024073645A1 US 2023075487 W US2023075487 W US 2023075487W WO 2024073645 A1 WO2024073645 A1 WO 2024073645A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fecal
main body
plunger
guide cap
sample collection
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2023/075487
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Justin Griffin
Jesse Buch
Amanda WALDRON
Original Assignee
Idexx Laboratories, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US18/476,618 external-priority patent/US20240108319A1/en
Application filed by Idexx Laboratories, Inc. filed Critical Idexx Laboratories, Inc.
Publication of WO2024073645A1 publication Critical patent/WO2024073645A1/fr

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
    • A61B10/0038—Devices for taking faeces samples; Faecal examination devices
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/502—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures
    • B01L3/5029—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes with fluid transport, e.g. in multi-compartment structures using swabs
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
    • A61B10/0096—Casings for storing test samples
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/14—Process control and prevention of errors
    • B01L2200/141—Preventing contamination, tampering
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/041—Connecting closures to device or container
    • B01L2300/042—Caps; Plugs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/04—Closures and closing means
    • B01L2300/046—Function or devices integrated in the closure
    • B01L2300/049—Valves integrated in closure
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
    • B01L2300/08—Geometry, shape and general structure
    • B01L2300/0832—Geometry, shape and general structure cylindrical, tube shaped
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
    • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
    • B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
    • B01L2400/0478—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure pistons

Definitions

  • the present specification generally relates to sample collection apparatuses and methods for using the same, and, more specifically, to fecal collection apparatuses for collecting a fecal sample and mixing the fecal sample with an emulsifying buffer for testing.
  • a user may collect a fecal sample for shipment to a testing facility. This requires the testing facility to handle the fecal sample to be tested, which may result in contamination or sample spoilage.
  • the fecal sample may be collected and inserted into a syringe for testing, which eliminates the need for handling the fecal sample.
  • the amount of fecal sample collected is not controlled, which may result in inaccurate results.
  • a fecal collection apparatus includes: a main body including an insertion end and a removal end opposite the insertion end, the main body defining a main body cavity between the insertion end and the removal end; a sample collection member positionable within the main body cavity through the insertion end, the sample collection member defining a fecal engagement portion for holding a fecal sample and a handle portion spaced apart from the fecal engagement portion; and a plug provided at the removal end of the main body, the plug positionable from a closed position in which the plug restricts fluid from passing from the main body cavity through the removal end, to an open position.
  • a fecal collection apparatus includes: a main body comprising an insertion end and a removal end; a plunger positioned at least partially within the main body; a sample collection member positionable within the main body through the insertion end, the sample collection member defining a fecal engagement portion for holding a fecal sample; and a guide cap positioned at the insertion end of the main body, wherein: the plunger is movable with respect to the guide cap between a locked state and an unlocked state; the plunger is inhibited from moving in an axial direction with the plunger in the locked state, the axial direction corresponding to a longitudinal axis extending from the insertion end to the removal end of the main body; and the plunger is moveable in the axial direction with the plunger in the unlocked state.
  • a fecal collection attachment device is positionable onto a syringe
  • the fecal collection attachment device includes: a guide cap positionable onto the syringe, the guide cap defining a rail; a plunger comprising a slotted portion, the plunger rotatable relative to the guide cap to position the rail of the guide cap within the slotted portion of the plunger; and a sample collection member positionable through the plunger, the sample collection member defining a fecal engagement portion for holding a fecal sample, wherein the plunger is inhibited from moving in an axial direction relative to the guide cap when the rail of the guide cap is positioned within the slotted portion of the plunger, and wherein the plunger is permitted to move in the axial direction when the rail of the guide cap is not positioned within the slotted portion of the plunger.
  • FIG. 1 schematically depicts a top perspective view of a fecal collection apparatus, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 2 schematically depicts a bottom perspective view of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 3 schematically depicts an exploded view of a brush, a main body, and a plug of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 4 schematically depicts an exploded view of a sample collection member, a plunger, and a guide cap of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 5 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the fecal collection apparatus taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 1, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 6 schematically depicts a top plan view of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 1 in the locked state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 7 schematically depicts a top plan view of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 1 in the unlocked state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 8 schematically depicts a perspective view of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 1 in the unlocked state and the raised position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 9 schematically depicts a perspective view of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 1 in the unlocked state and the lowered position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 10 schematically depicts an exploded cross-sectional view of a fecal collection apparatus including a sample collection member and a main body, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 11 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 10 including a sample collection member partially inserted into a main body, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 12 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the sample collection member of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 10 in a plunging position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 13 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the sample collection member of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 10 engaging a buffer valve in a closed position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 14 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the sample collection member of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 10 engaging the buffer valve in an open position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 15 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a buffer solution reservoir of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 10 in the plunging position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 16 schematically depicts a perspective view of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 10 with the buffer solution reservoir in the plunging position and a plug removed from the main body of the fecal collection apparatus, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 17 schematically depicts a top perspective view of a fecal collection apparatus, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 18 schematically depicts a bottom perspective view of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 17, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 19 schematically depicts an exploded view of a brush, a main body, a plug, and a filter of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 17, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 20 schematically depicts an exploded view of a sample collection member, a plunger, a sealing member, and a guide cap of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 21 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the fecal collection apparatus taken along line 21-21 of FIG. 17, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 22 schematically depicts a partial top plan view of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 17 in the locked state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 23 schematically depicts a partial top plan view of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 17 in the unlocked state, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein;
  • FIG. 24 schematically depicts a perspective view of the fecal collection apparatus of FIG. 17 in the unlocked state and the lowered position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein.
  • Embodiments described herein are directed to fecal collection apparatuses that include a main body, a sample collection member positionable within the main body, and a plug releasably coupled to a removal end of the main body to restrict fluid from passing through the main body from removal end.
  • the sample collection member includes a fecal engagement portion that facilitates the collection of a predetermined amount of fecal matter to be mixed with an emulsifying buffer within the main body.
  • the fecal collection apparatus disclosed herein permits a user to collect a fecal sample and store the fecal sample in a main body, such as a syringe, which may be used to mix the fecal sample with an emulsifying buffer and dispense a particular amount of the mixture. This eliminates the need for transferring the fecal sample to another dispensing mechanism, which may result in contamination of the fecal sample.
  • the fecal collection apparatus 100 generally includes a main body 102, a sample collection member 104 for collecting a fecal sample and positionable within the main body 102, and a plug 106 releasably coupled to a removal end 108 of the main body 102.
  • an emulsifying buffer, agent, or solution may be initially provided within the main body 102, and the plug 106 prevents the emulsifying buffer from being dispensed out of the removal end 108 of the main body 102.
  • a brush 110 is provided within the main body 102 and facilitates scraping of the sample collection member 104 to remove the fecal sample from the sample collection member 104 and mix the fecal sample with the emulsifying buffer.
  • the fecal collection apparatus 100 includes a plunger 112 positioned at least partially within the main body 102 through an insertion end 114 of the main body 102 opposite the removal end 108.
  • the sample collection member 104 is insertable through the plunger 112 and into the main body 102.
  • the fecal collection apparatus 100 includes a guide cap 116 positioned at the insertion end 114 of the main body 102.
  • the guide cap 116 in embodiments, is engaged with the plunger 112.
  • the guide cap 116 is rotatably secured to the main body 102.
  • the plunger 112 is rotatable relative to the guide cap 116 so as to permit the plunger 112 to be positionable between an unlocked state and a locked state.
  • the unlocked state the sample collection member 104 and the plunger 112 are permitted to be inserted further into the main body 102 by application of a force, as shown in FIG. 1.
  • the locked state the sample collection member 104 and the plunger 112 are prevented from being further inserted into the main body 102 by application of a force, as shown in FIG. 2.
  • the main body 102 is a syringe, and more particularly, a syringe body.
  • the guide cap 116, the plunger 112, and the sample collection member 104 may define a fecal collection attachment device positionable as a retrofit onto a syringe body, such as the main body 102.
  • FIGS. 3 an exploded view of the main body 102, the plug 106, and the brush 110 are shown in greater detail.
  • the plug 106 is positionable at the removal end 108 of the main body 102 to prevent emulsifying buffer from flowing out of the removal end 108 of the main body 102.
  • the brush 110 (shown in an expanded or unfolded position in FIG. 3) is positionable within the main body 102.
  • the main body 102 includes a main body wall 118 defining a main body cavity 120.
  • the main body wall 118 includes the removal end 108 provided at a lowermost point of the main body 102 and the insertion end 114 provided at an uppermost point of the main body 102 opposite the removal end 108.
  • the main body 102 further defines a longitudinal axis L extending in the +/- Z direction of the coordinate axes depicted in the drawings.
  • the main body 102 includes an upper body portion 122, which includes the insertion end 114, and a lower body portion 124, which includes the removal end 108.
  • an outer diameter of the lower body portion 124 is equal to or greater than an outer diameter of the upper body portion 122. In other embodiments, as shown, the outer diameter of the lower body portion 124 is less than the outer diameter of the upper body portion 122. In embodiments in which the outer diameter of the lower body portion 124 is less than the outer diameter of the upper body portion 122, an arcuate or tapered wall portion 126 may be provided to extend from the upper body portion 122 to the lower body portion 124.
  • the lower body portion 124 includes a base wall 128, an inner longitudinal wall 130 extending from the base wall 128, and an outer longitudinal wall 132 extending from the base wall 128 and spaced apart from the inner longitudinal wall 130.
  • the outer longitudinal wall 132 has an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the inner longitudinal wall 130 such that a recess 134 is defined between the outer longitudinal wall 132 and the inner longitudinal wall 130.
  • the recess is closed off by the base wall 128 at an end thereof opposite the removal end 108.
  • a conduit 136 is defined extending through the base wall 128 and the inner longitudinal wall 130 to be in fluid communication with the main body cavity 120.
  • the emulsifying buffer is permitted to flow out of the removal end 108 of the main body 102 from the main body cavity 120 of the upper body portion 122 through the conduit 136 defined in the inner longitudinal wall 130 of the lower body portion 124.
  • the main body 102 includes a flange 138 provided at the insertion end 114 thereof and extending radially relative to the longitudinal axis L of the main body 102. That is, the flange 138 extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the main body 102.
  • the flange 138 is provided at the insertion end 114 of the main body 102 and includes a first flange portion 140 extending in a first radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis L from the insertion end 114 of the main body 102 and a second flange portion 142 extending in a second radial direction from the insertion end 114 of the main body 102.
  • first flange portion 140 and the second flange portion 142 are diametrically opposed to one another and extend in opposite radial directions, however this is merely an example.
  • the flange 138 depicted herein includes a pair of flange portions 140, 142, it should be appreciated that any number of flange portions may be provided.
  • the flange 138 may include a single flange portion or more than two flange portions.
  • the flange portions may be spaced apart from one another in any suitable arrangement such as, for example, equidistantly from one another in a circumferential direction.
  • the plug 106 is shown removed from the main body 102.
  • the plug 106 includes a gripping portion 144 and an extension portion 146 extending from the gripping portion 144.
  • the extension portion 146 in embodiments, defines a cavity 148 therein, extending toward the gripping portion 144.
  • the plug 106 includes an exterior thread 152 formed at an end of the extension portion 146, which threadedly engages an interior thread formed on the outer longitudinal wall 132 of the lower body portion 124 to retain the plug 106 within the lower body portion 124.
  • the plug 106 may include an interior thread formed at an end of the extension portion 146 which threadedly engages an exterior thread formed on the inner longitudinal wall 130 of the lower body portion 124 to retain the plug 106 within the lower body portion 124.
  • the plug 106 is shown as a component threadedly engageable with the lower body portion 125 of the main body 102, it should be understood that this is merely an example.
  • the plug 106 may be coupled to the lower body portion 125 of the main body 102 via a frangible seal.
  • the main body 102 and the plug 106 in embodiments, are a one piece, monolithic structure and the plug 106 may be removed from the main body 102 by applying force in a direction away from the removal end 108 of the main body 102.
  • the plug 106 may be press-fitted within the removal end 108 of the main body 102. Regardless of the specific physical implementation of the connection, it should be understood that the plug 106 is removable from the lower body portion 124 of the main body 102 by applying a force against the plug 106.
  • the brush 110 is illustrated separate from the main body 102. The brush 110 is positionable between an unfolded position when not positioned within the main body 102, as shown in FIG. 3, and a folded position when positioned within the main body 102, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the brush 110 includes a base 154 and a cleaning member 156 provided on the base 154.
  • the cleaning member 156 may extend from the base 154 as a one piece, monolithic structure as opposed to a separate structure provided on the base 154.
  • An aperture 158 extends through the brush 110 to allow the mixture of emulsifying buffer and fecal sample to pass through the brush 110 when the cleaning member 156 is positioned within the main body 102.
  • the cleaning member 156 includes one or more cleaning portions 160 extending in a radial direction from the base 154 when the cleaning member 156 is in the unfolded position.
  • the cleaning portions 160 may include apertures to allow a fluid to pass through.
  • the cleaning member 156 includes three cleaning portions 160 extending outwardly from the base 154 with the cleaning member 156 in the unfolded position.
  • the cleaning portions 160 may be equidistantly spaced apart from the one another in a circumferential direction with respect to the base 154, however this is merely an example. While the embodiment depicted in FIG. 3 shows three cleaning portions 160, it should be appreciated that the cleaning member 156 may include any suitable number of cleaning portions 160 such as, for example, one, two, or more than three cleaning portions 160.
  • Each cleaning portion 160 has an inner surface 162 and an outer surface 164 opposite the inner surface 162.
  • each cleaning portion 160 includes a plurality of bristles 166 extending in a direction opposite the base 154 in the unfolded position.
  • the bristles 166 may be provided in any suitable arrangement along the inner surface 162 of the cleaning portions 160.
  • the bristles 166 may be arranged in one or more rows.
  • the cleaning portions 160 may be a deformable or flexible members, and may be formed of a flexible plastic, rubber, or the like, so as to allow the cleaning portions 160 of the cleaning member 156 to fold relative to the base 154 and position the brush 110 into the folded position.
  • one or more hinge portions may be provided joining the cleaning portions 160 to a location of the cleaning member 156 adjacent the aperture 158 formed in the brush 110 so as to permit the cleaning portions 160 to bend relative to the base 154 at a respective hinge portion, such as a living hinge formed at the intersection of the cleaning portions 160 with the base 154.
  • the cleaning portions 160 may be formed from a rigid or substantially rigid material while still permitting the brush 110 to fold between the unfolded position and the folded position.
  • the bristles 166 are formed from a flexible material providing brushing and cleaning ability.
  • FIG. 4 an exploded view of the sample collection member 104, the plunger 112, and the guide cap 116 are shown in greater detail. As described in detail herein, the sample collection member 104, the plunger 112, and the guide cap 116 are positioned at the insertion end 114 of the main body 102.
  • the sample collection member 104 defines a fecal engagement portion 168 for collecting and retaining a fecal sample and a handle portion 170 spaced apart from the fecal engagement portion 168.
  • the sample collection member 104 includes an elongated member 172 having a fecal engagement end 174 and a handle end 176 opposite the fecal engagement end 174.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168 is provided at the fecal engagement end 174 of the elongated member 172 and the handle portion 170 is provided at the handle end 176 of the elongated member 172.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168, the handle portion 170, and the elongated member 172 are formed as a one-piece, monolithic structure.
  • the elongated member 172 includes a first elongated member portion 178 proximate the fecal engagement portion 168, a second elongated member portion 180 proximate the handle portion 170, and a tapered portion 182 extending between the first elongated member portion 178 and the second elongated member portion 180.
  • the tapered portion 182 extends from the second elongated member portion 180 to the first elongated member portion 178 such that a diameter of the first elongated member portion 178 is less than a diameter of the second elongated member portion 180.
  • a groove 184 is formed in the elongated member 172 proximate the handle end 176 of the elongated member 172.
  • a sealing member 186 such as an O-ring, is provided within the groove 184 for providing a fluid tight seal with the plunger 112.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168 is deformable between an uncompressed position and a compressed position.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168 includes one or more pincers 188 extending from the fecal engagement end 174 of the elongated member 172. As shown in FIG. 4, the fecal engagement portion 168 includes two pincers 188 spaced apart from one another.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168 may include any suitable number of pincers 188 for collecting a fecal sample therebetween.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168 may include one pincer 188 for collecting a fecal sample.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168 may include three or more pincers 188.
  • Each pincer 188 includes a proximal end 190 extending from the elongated member 172, a distal end 192 opposite the proximal end 190, an inner surface 194, and an outer surface 196 opposite the inner surface 194.
  • the pincers 188 may be spaced apart from one another to define a receptacle 200 in which the fecal sample is retained.
  • each pincer 188 may have an arcuate shape such that a distance between opposite pincers 188 decreases further along a length of the pincers 188 in a direction opposite elongated member 172 (i.e., in the -Z- direction as depicted).
  • each pincer 188 includes a widened point 198 formed at a substantial medial location between the proximal end 190 and the distal end 192 of the pincer 188.
  • the receptacle 200 defined by the pincers 188 may have a substantially elliptical geometry extending from the proximal end 190 and the distal end 192 of the pincers 188.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168 may be formed from a deformable or flexible material, such as a flexible plastic, rubber, or the like, to permit the pincers 188 to compress toward one another upon application of a force in a direction toward the receptacle 200 from the outer surface 196 of the pincers 188.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168 may be formed from a substantially rigid material, but flexibly joined to the elongated member 172 to allow the pincers 188, and more particularly the distal end 192 of the pincers 188, to compress toward one another upon application of a force.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168 With the fecal engagement portion 168 in the uncompressed position, the fecal engagement portion 168 defines an uncompressed sample collection outer diameter between the outer surface 196 of each pincer 188 and at the widened point 198 of each pincer 188. With the fecal engagement portion 168 in the compressed position, such as when the fecal engagement portion 168 is being inserted through the plunger 1 12, the fecal engagement portion 168 defines a compressed sample collection outer diameter between the outer surface 196 of each pincer 188 and at the widened point 198 of each pincer 188 that is less than the uncompressed sample collection outer diameter when the fecal engagement portion 168 is in the uncompressed position.
  • the handle portion 170 is provided at the handle end 176 of the elongated member 172 opposite the fecal engagement portion 168.
  • the handle portion 170 includes a base plate 202 provided at the handle end 176 of the elongated member 172 and a tab 204 extending from the base plate 202 in a direction opposite the elongated member 172.
  • the base plate 202 has a circular shape. However, it should be appreciated that the base plate 202 may have any suitable shape.
  • the plunger 112 includes a plunger body 206 and a plunger guide 208.
  • the plunger body 206 has an upper end 210, a lower end 212 opposite the upper end 210, an inner surface 214, and an outer surface 216 opposite the inner surface 214 extending between the upper end 210 and the lower end 212.
  • the inner surface 214 and the outer surface 216 are each tapered from the upper end 210 toward the lower end 212.
  • the inner surface 214 of the plunger body 206 defines an open-ended channel 218 and an end of the channel 218 opposite the plunger guide 208 defines a sample collection aperture 220.
  • the sample collection aperture 220 defines an aperture inner diameter.
  • a groove 222 is defined in the outer surface 216 of the plunger body 206 proximate the lower end 212 of the plunger body 206 and a sealing member 224, such as an O-ring, gasket, or the like, is provided within the groove 222 to provide a fluid tight seal between the outer surface 216 of the plunger body 206 and the main body 102.
  • a sealing member 224 such as an O-ring, gasket, or the like
  • the plunger guide 208 is provided at the upper end 210 of the plunger body 206.
  • the plunger guide 208 includes a first finger 226 extending outwardly from the outer surface 216 of the plunger body 206.
  • the plunger guide 208 includes the first finger 226 and a second finger 228 extending outwardly from the outer surface 216 of the plunger body 206.
  • the first finger 226 and the second finger 228 are diametrically opposed to one another such that the first finger 226 and the second finger 228 are positioned on opposite sides of the plunger body 206, however it should be understood that this is merely an example.
  • the plunger guide 208 is illustrated as including the first finger 226 and the second finger 228, it should be appreciated that the plunger guide 208 may include any number of fingers, such as one finger or more than two fingers.
  • the first finger 226 includes a lower finger portion 230 and an upright finger portion 232 extending from the lower finger portion 230.
  • the lower finger portion 230 defines an extension 234 extending in a direction opposite the plunger body 206 from a point at which the upright finger portion 232 extends from the lower finger portion 230.
  • the second finger 228 includes a lower finger portion 236 and an upright finger portion 238 extending from the lower finger portion.
  • the lower finger portion 236 of the second finger 228 similarly defines an extension 240 extending from a point at which the upright finger portion 238 extends from the lower finger portion 236.
  • the upright finger portion 238 of the second finger 228 defines a tapered portion 242.
  • the tapered portion 242 forms a recess 244 with the lower finger portion 236 such that a length of the extension 240 of the second finger 228, which extends from the upright finger portion 238 of the second finger 228, is greater than a length of the extension 234 of the first finger 226, which extends from the upright finger portion 232 of the first finger 226.
  • the guide cap 116 includes an outer wall 246 including an upper end 248 and a lower end 250.
  • a bottom wall 252 is provided at the lower end 250 of the outer wall 246 and a cutout 254 is defined in the bottom wall 252.
  • the cutout 254 permits the guide cap 116 to be positioned on the main body 102 (FIG. 3) at the insertion end 114 by permitting the flange 138 (FIG. 3) of the main body 102 to extend through the cutout 254 and be received within the guide cap 116.
  • the guide cap 116 includes a blocking wall 256 extending toward a center of the guide cap 116 from the outer wall 246.
  • a blocking wall 256 may extend from opposite sides of the outer wall 246 of the guide cap 116.
  • a lower retaining groove 258 is defined by an overlap between the bottom wall 252 and the blocking wall 256.
  • the flange 138 (FIG. 3) of the main body 102 is insertable through the cutout 254 formed in the bottom wall 252 and positionable within the lower retaining groove 258 when the guide cap 116 is rotated relative to the main body 102 so as to prohibit movement of the main body 102 independent of the guide cap 116 along the longitudinal axis L, thereby retaining the guide cap 116 on the insertion end 114 of the main body 102.
  • the guide cap 116 includes an upper retaining groove 260 defined in the outer wall 246.
  • the upper retaining groove 260 is defined by a lower recess wall 262 and an upper recess wall 264 defined in the outer wall 246 of the guide cap 116. More specifically, the upper retaining groove 260 defines a first groove portion 266 formed between the upper recess wall 264 and the upper end 248 of the guide cap 116, and a second groove portion 268 formed between the lower recess wall 262 and the upper end 248 of the guide cap 116. As best illustrated in FIG.
  • the first groove portion 266 has a height defined by a distance between the upper end 248 of the guide cap 116 and the upper recess wall 264 that is greater than a height of the second groove portion 268 defined by a distance between the upper end 248 of the guide cap 116 and the lower recess wall 262. It should be appreciated that the height of the first groove portion 266 is only marginally greater than a thickness of the lower finger portion 230 of the first finger 226 to prevent substantial movement of the plunger 112 along the longitudinal axis L. In embodiments, the height of the first groove portion 266 is between 5% and 50% greater than the thickness of the lower finger portion 230.
  • the height of the first groove portion 266 is between 5% and 20% greater than the thickness of the lower finger portion 230.
  • the upper retaining groove 260 partially receives the first finger 226 of the plunger 112 and, more specifically, the first finger 226 is positionable between the first groove portion 266 or the second groove portion 268 based on rotation of the plunger 112 relative to the guide cap 116 with the guide cap 116 positioned on the main body 102.
  • the guide cap 116 includes a pair of upper retaining grooves 260 formed therein such that each upper retaining groove 260 receives a corresponding one of the first finger 226 or the second finger 228. In embodiments, as shown in FIG.
  • a projection 270 extends from the upper end 248 of the outer wall 246 within the upper retaining groove 260 and toward the upper recess wall 264. In some embodiments, a projection 270 extends from the upper end 248 of the outer wall 246 within each upper retaining groove 260. In other embodiments, the projection 270 extends from the upper recess wall 264 to the upper end 248 of the outer wall 246. In other embodiments, a projection 270 is provided on both the upper recess wall 264 and the upper end 248 of the outer wall 246 within each upper retaining groove 260.
  • FIG. 5 a cross-section view of the fecal collection apparatus 100 is shown in an assembled state.
  • the plug 106 positioned at the removal end 108 of the main body 102.
  • the extension portion 146 of the plug 106 is received within the recess 134 formed between the inner longitudinal wall 130 and the outer longitudinal wall 132 of the main body 102.
  • the inner longitudinal wall 130 of the main body 102 is received within the cavity 148 formed in the extension portion 146 of the plug 106.
  • the plug 106 may be press fitted into the removal end 108 of the main body 102, integrally formed therewith as a one piece, monolithic structure and detachable from the main body 102 at the frangible seal, or threadedly engaged with the main body 102 by the exterior thread 152.
  • the gripping portion 144 With the extension portion 146 of the plug 106 inserted into the recess 134 of the lower body portion 124, the gripping portion 144 remains positioned exteriorly of the lower body portion 124 so that the gripping portion 144 may remain accessible by a user and the plug 106 can be removed from the main body 102 upon application of force.
  • the emulsifying buffer 272 is provided into the main body cavity 120 and retained therein by the plug 106, which prevents the emulsifying buffer 272 from exiting the main body 102 through the conduit 136 of the lower body portion 124.
  • the brush 110 is positioned within the main body cavity 120.
  • the brush 110 is positioned proximate the removal end 108 of the main body 102.
  • the brush 110 is shown in the folded position within the main body cavity 120 such that the cleaning portions 160 extend substantially along the longitudinal axis L of the main body 102 such that the bristles 166 are directed inwardly.
  • the brush 110 is positioned such that the aperture 158 extending through the base 154 of the brush 110 is coaxially aligned with the conduit 136 formed in the lower body portion 124 of the main body 102.
  • a filter 274 may be positioned within the main body cavity 120 between the base 154 of the brush 110 and the base wall 128 of the lower body portion 124.
  • the filter 274 may be formed from a porous material or have a plurality of channels formed therein to permit particles having a diameter equal to or less than a predetermined diameter mixed with the emulsifying buffer 272 to pass through the filter 274 and toward the removal end 108 of the main body 102. As such, particles having a diameter greater than the predetermined diameter defined by the filter 274 remain on the same side of the filter 274 as the brush 110.
  • the guide cap 116 is positioned onto the insertion end 114 of the main body 102 by inserting the insertion end 114, particularly the flange 138 of the main body 102, through the cutout 254 of the bottom wall 252 of the guide cap 116 and rotating the guide cap 116 relative to the main body 102 such that the flange 138 is retained within the lower retaining groove 258 of the guide cap 116.
  • the first flange portion 140 and the second flange portion 142 are each positioned within a respective lower retaining groove 258 formed between the blocking walls 256 and the bottom wall 252 of the guide cap 116.
  • the guide cap 116 is prohibited from moving along the longitudinal axis L of the main body 102.
  • the plunger 112 is shown inserted into the insertion end 114 of the main body 102 and engaged with the guide cap 116.
  • the plunger 112 may be initially positioned within the guide cap 116, and the guide cap 116 subsequently attached to the main body 102.
  • the guide cap 116 may be formed as a one piece, monolithic structure with the main body 102 to eliminate the need to couple the guide cap 116 onto the main body 102.
  • the first finger 226 and the second finger 228 of the plunger 112 are positioned to extend through the upper retaining grooves 260 of the guide cap 116.
  • the sealing member 224 circumscribing the outer surface 196 of the plunger body 206 proximate the lower end 212 thereof provides a fluid tight seal between the outer surface 196 of the plunger body 206 and the main body wall 118 of the main body 102.
  • the first finger 226 and the second finger 228 are each positioned within the first groove portion 266 of a corresponding upper retaining groove 260 such that the plunger 112 is in the locked state.
  • the plunger 112 is restricted from moving along the longitudinal axis L of the main body 102 in a direction toward the insertion end 114 of the main body 102.
  • the sample collection member 104 may be utilized to collect a fecal sample, such as by inserting the fecal engagement portion 168 into a fecal matter, and collecting the fecal sample within the receptacle 200 between the pincers 188.
  • the sample collection member 104 may then be inserted into the main body 102 through the sample collection aperture 220 formed in the plunger body 206 and through the insertion end 114 of the main body 102 into the main body cavity 120.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168 Prior to inserting the sample collection member 104 into the plunger 112, the fecal engagement portion 168 is in the uncompressed position with the pincers 188 spaced apart from one another to define the uncompressed sample collection outer diameter.
  • the uncompressed sample collection outer diameter of the plunger body 206 is greater than the aperture inner diameter of the sample collection aperture 220. Therefore, as the fecal engagement portion 168 is inserted into the plunger 112 and contacts the inner surface 214 of the plunger body 206 at the sample collection aperture 220, the inner surface 214 of the plunger body 206 compresses the pincers 188 of the fecal engagement portion 168 to position the fecal engagement portion 168 into the compressed position. As described herein, when the fecal engagement portion 168 is in the compressed position, the fecal engagement portion 168 has a compressed sample collection outer diameter that is less than the aperture inner diameter.
  • the fecal engagement portion 168 is permitted to pass through the sample collection aperture 220. In doing so, excess fecal sample clinging to an outside of the fecal engagement portion 168 is retained within the plunger 112, rather than being further inserted into the main body cavity 120 and mixing with the emulsifying buffer 272. This ensures that only a controlled amount of fecal matter is permitted to mix with the emulsifying buffer 272 within the main body cavity 120.
  • the sealing member 186 on the elongated member 172 of the sample collection member 104 forms a fluid tight seal between the elongated member 172 of the sample collection member 104 and the inner surface 214 of the plunger body 206.
  • the emulsifying buffer 272 is prevented from flowing through the channel 218 formed in the plunger 112 and out of the insertion end 114 of the main body 102.
  • the sample collection member 104 is moved in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis L of the main body 102 throughout the main body cavity 120 and rotated. In doing so, the bristles 166 of the brush 110 scrape the fecal sample out of the fecal engagement portion 168 of the sample collection member 104 so that the fecal sample mixes with the emulsifying buffer 272.
  • the plunger 112 is shown in the locked state and the unlocked state, respectively.
  • the first finger 226 and the second finger 228 of the plunger 112 are positioned within the first groove portion 266 of a corresponding upper retaining groove 260. More specifically, when the plunger 112 is in the locked state, the first finger 226 and the second finger 228 are positioned between the upper end 248 of the outer wall 246 and the upper recess wall 264 of a corresponding upper retaining groove 260.
  • the plunger 112 is prevented from inadvertently moving from the locked state to the unlocked state due to the projection 270 extending from the upper end 248 of the outer wall 246 above the upper recess wall 264.
  • the projection 270 adds a predetermined amount of resistance to the plunger 112 rotating toward the unlocked state as the projection 270 abuts against the first finger 226.
  • the specific amount of resistance corresponds to the size of the projection 270 extending into the upper retaining groove 260.
  • the first finger 226 passes back across the projection 270 and is positioned into the first groove portion 266.
  • the first finger 226 and the second finger 228 of the plunger 112 are positioned within the second groove portion 268 of a corresponding upper retaining groove 260. More specifically, when the plunger 112 is in the locked state, the first finger 226 and the second finger 228 are positioned between the upper end 248 of the outer wall 246 and the lower recess wall 262 of a corresponding upper retaining groove 260.
  • the plunger 112 is permitted to move toward the removal end of the main body 102 along the longitudinal axis L of the main body 102 until a point at which the first finger 226 and the second finger 228 abut against the lower recess wall 262.
  • indicia may be provided on the upper end 248 of the outer wall 246 of the guide cap 116 to provide a visual indication of a position or state of the plunger 112.
  • the indicia may include a lock symbol 276 to indicate that the plunger 112 is in the locked state and an unlock symbol 278 to indicate that the plunger 112 is in the unlocked state.
  • the first finger 226 is provided within the first groove portion 266 of the upper retaining groove 260 and positioned proximate the lock symbol 276.
  • the first finger 226 is provided within the second groove portion 268 of the upper retaining groove 260 and positioned proximate the unlock symbol 278.
  • the plunger 112 is shown in the unlocked state with the first finger 226 provided within the second groove portion 268 of the upper retaining groove 260. More particularly, the plunger 112 is shown in a raised position abutting against the upper end 248 of the outer wall 246 of the plunger 112. When in the raised position, it should be appreciated that the mixture of emulsifying buffer 272 (FIG. 5) and fecal sample is not being dispensed out of the main body 102.
  • the sample collection member 104 is pressed in a direction toward the removal end 108 of the main body 102 along the longitudinal axis L such that the handle portion 170 of the sample collection member 104 presses against the plunger 112 and the plunger 112 moves toward the removal end 108 of the main body 102 along the longitudinal axis L. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 9, the plunger 112 is shown in a lowered position such that the plunger 112 has traveled a predetermined stroke and the first finger 226 abuts against the lower recess wall 262. In use, the sample collection member 104 and the plunger 112 may alternate between the raised position and the lowered position to dispense an additional supply of mixture of the emulsifying buffer 272 and the fecal sample.
  • the fecal collection apparatus 300 may include features of the fecal collection apparatus 100 (FIGS. 1-9) discussed herein such as, for example, the brush 110, the plunger 112 and the guide cap 116, without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
  • the fecal collection apparatus 300 generally includes a main body 302, a sample collection member 304 for collecting a fecal sample and positionable within the main body 302, and a plug 306 releasably coupled to the main body 302.
  • the main body 302 includes an insertion end 308 and a removal end 310 opposite the insertion end 308.
  • the main body 302 defines a main body cavity 312 between the insertion end 308 and the removal end 310. More particularly, the main body 302 includes a main body wall 314 defining the main body cavity 312.
  • the main body wall 314 includes the removal end 310 provided at a lowermost point of the main body 302 and the insertion end 308 provided at an uppermost point of the main body 302 opposite the removal end 310. It should be appreciated that the main body 302 may include similar structure to that of the main body 102 described hereinabove.
  • the main body 30 in embodiments, includes a buffer solution reservoir 316 provided within the main body cavity 312.
  • the buffer solution reservoir 316 includes a reservoir body 318 including one or more sidewalls 320 defining a reservoir cavity 322.
  • the reservoir cavity 322 has a first end 324 facing the removal end 310 of the main body 302 and a second end 326 facing the insertion end 308 of the main body 302 opposite the first end 324.
  • the first end 324 of the reservoir body 318 is a closed end and the second end 326 of the reservoir body 318 is an open end to permit the sample collection member 304 to be insertable into the reservoir cavity 322.
  • the reservoir body 318 further defines one or more openings 328 in the one or more sidewalls 320 of the reservoir body 318 proximate the second end 326 of the reservoir body 318.
  • the one or more openings 328 are elongated in a direction extending from the first end 324 of the reservoir body 318 to the second end 326 of the reservoir body 318 and are spaced apart from one another along a perimeter of the reservoir body 318.
  • an emulsifying buffer 330 is provided within the reservoir cavity 322 and retained therein by a buffer plunger 332 provided at the second end 326 of the reservoir body 318.
  • the buffer plunger 332 is engaged with the one of the sidewalls 320 of the reservoir body 318.
  • the buffer plunger 332 includes a plunger seal 334 provided at the second end 326 of the reservoir body 318.
  • the buffer plunger 33 secures the reservoir body 318 within the main body cavity 312.
  • the plunger seal 334 is an elastomeric gasket or the like positioned at least partially between sidewalls 320 of the reservoir body 318 and the main body wall 314 to provide a friction fit between the reservoir body 318 and the main body wall 314.
  • the plunger seal 334 defines an opening 336 to permit the sample collection member 304 to extend through the plunger seal 334 and enter the reservoir cavity 322.
  • the reservoir body 318 is permitted to move between a retracted position and a plunging position within the main body cavity 312.
  • the reservoir body 318 moves from in a direction toward the removal end 310 of the main body 302 upon a force being applied by the sample collection member 304 against the first end 324 of the reservoir body 318.
  • the buffer plunger 33 in embodiments, includes a buffer valve 338 for permitting the emulsifying buffer 330 to be dispensed out of the reservoir cavity 322 through the one or more openings 328 in the sidewalls 320 of the reservoir body 318 upon application of a force by the sample collection member 304 actuating the buffer valve 338.
  • the buffer valve 338 includes a securement portion 340 and a releasable portion 342 movable relative to the securement portion 340 and is operable positionable between a closed position and an open position.
  • the releasable portion 342 moves relative to the securement portion 340 to position the buffer valve 338 in the open position from the closed position.
  • a space 344 is defined between the releasable portion 342 and the securement portion 340.
  • the emulsifying buffer 330 is permitted to flow through the space 344 defined between the releasable portion 342 and the securement portion 340, either around or through the sample collection member 304, and out of the reservoir cavity 322 through the openings 328.
  • the buffer valve 338 is movable within the reservoir cavity 322 upon a force exceeding a second threshold greater than the first threshold being applied by the fecal engagement portion of the sample collection member, as described herein.
  • a filter 346 is positioned within the main body cavity 312 between the first end 324 of the buffer solution reservoir 316 and the removal end 310 of the main body 302.
  • the filter 346 may be formed from a porous material or have a plurality of channels formed therein to permit particles having a diameter equal to or less than a predetermined diameter mixed with the emulsifying buffer 330 to pass through the filter 346 and toward the removal end 310 of the main body 302. As such, particles having a diameter greater than the predetermined diameter defined by the filter 346 remain on the same side of the filter 346 as the buffer solution reservoir 316.
  • the plug 306 is releasably coupled to the removal end 310 of the main body 302 and positionable from a closed position in which the plug 306 restricts fluid from passing from the main body cavity 312 through the removal end 310, to an open position. Accordingly, the plug 306 prevents the emulsifying buffer 330 from being dispensed out of the removal end 310 of the main body 302 when coupled to the removal end 310 of the main body 302 and in the closed position. It should be appreciated that the plug 306 may be similar to the plug 106 described herein. Accordingly, in embodiments, the plug 306 may be threadedly engaged with the main body 302 in the manner discussed herein.
  • the plug 306 may be coupled to the main body 302 via a frangible seal.
  • the main body 302 and the plug 306, in embodiments, are a one-piece, monolithic structure and the plug 306 may be removed from the main body 302 by applying force in a direction away from the removal end 310 of the main body 302.
  • the sample collection member 304 is positionable within the main body 302 through the insertion end 308.
  • the sample collection member 304 may be similar to the sample collection member 104 described hereinabove.
  • the sample collection member 304 defines a fecal engagement portion 348 for collecting and retaining a fecal sample and an elongated member 350 extending from the fecal engagement portion 348.
  • the elongated member 350 includes a fecal engagement end 352 and a handle end 354 opposite the fecal engagement end 352.
  • the fecal engagement portion 348 is provided at the fecal engagement end 352 of the elongated member 350.
  • the fecal engagement portion 348 may be similar to the fecal engagement portion 168 discussed hereinabove.
  • the sample collection member 304 may include a handle portion 356 slidably positionable along the elongated member 350.
  • the handle portion 356 may be positionable between an extended position and a plunging position to adjust a total length of the sample collection member 304. With the handle portion 356 in the extended position, the handle portion 356 extends from the elongated member 350 in a direction opposite the fecal engagement portion 348 and a fecal sample may be collected by the fecal engagement portion 348 while maintaining an increased distance between the user and the sample itself.
  • the handle portion 356 may include a cap 358 provided at an end of the handle portion 356 facing the fecal engagement portion 348 and proximate the handle end 354 of the elongated member 350 when in the extended position.
  • the handle portion 356 may be unlocked, such as by rotating the handle portion 356 relative to the elongated member 350 from a locked position, to slide the handle portion 356 along the elongated member 350 and into the plunging position from the extended position, thereby reducing the total length of the sample collection member 304.
  • the handle portion 356 may be rotated again such that the cap 358 engages the insertion end 308 of the main body 302 to seal the main body 302.
  • the cap 358 may lockingly engage the insertion end 308 of the main body 302 either upon contact or upon rotation of the handle portion 356 to lock the sample collection member 304 to the main body 302.
  • FIGS. 10-16 illustrate the various stages in which the fecal collection apparatus 300 is used. As such, operation of the fecal collection apparatus 300 will now be described.
  • the sample collection member 304 is initially utilized to collect a sample within the fecal engagement portion 348.
  • the handle portion 356 may be initially provided in the extended position to increase the total length of the sample collection member 304 to ease an operator in collecting a sample.
  • the reservoir body 318 is initially in the retracted position and the buffer valve 338 is in the closed position such that an emulsifying buffer 330 is contained within the reservoir cavity 322.
  • the plug 306 is provided at the removal end 310 of the main body 302 to prevent any fluid from entering or exiting the main body 302.
  • the sample collection member 304 is shown partially inserted into the main body 302 through the insertion end 308.
  • the fecal engagement portion 348 is inserted into the main body 302 and extends through the plunger seal 334.
  • an inner diameter of the opening 336 of the plunger seal 334 corresponds to an outer diameter of the fecal engagement portion 348 of the sample collection member 304.
  • the plunger seal 334 ensures that a predetermined amount of the collected sample is permitted to enter the buffer solution reservoir 316.
  • the plunger seal 334 scrapes excess sample off of the fecal engagement portion 348 to permit the excess sample from entering the buffer solution reservoir 316.
  • the handle portion 356 is rotated to lockingly disengage the elongated member 350 and permit the handle portion 356 to move from the extended position to the plunging position.
  • the handle portion 356 may be rotated again relative to the elongated member 350 to lock the cap 358 of the handle portion 356 to the main body 302 and seal the insertion end 308 of the main body 302. It should be appreciated that the handle portion 356 may selectively disengage the cap 358 such that the sample collection member 304 may be further inserted into the main body 302 without the cap 358 inhibiting movement of the sample collection member 304.
  • the fecal engagement portion 348 is shown inserted further into the reservoir cavity 322 and engaging the releasable portion 342 of the buffer valve 338, which is shown in the closed position. As shown, the releasable portion 342 may be insertable into an end of the fecal engagement portion 348. With the fecal engagement portion 348 inserted further into the reservoir cavity 322, the elongated member 350 extends through the plunger seal 334 to maintain a seal at the second end 326 of the reservoir body 318.
  • the sample collection member 304 is shown inserted further into the main body 302 such that the fecal engagement portion 348 pushes the releasable portion 342 toward the first end 324 of the reservoir body 318 and the buffer valve 338 into the open position.
  • a space 344 is defined between the releasable portion 342 and the securement portion 340 to permit the emulsifying buffer 330 to flow therebetween and toward the second end 326 of the reservoir body 318.
  • the sample collection member 304 is shown inserted further into the reservoir cavity 322 such that the sample collection member 304 is pushed further into the main body 302 toward the removal end 310.
  • the buffer valve 338 is moved toward the first end 324 of the reservoir body 318 displacing the emulsifying buffer 330 toward the second end 326 of the reservoir body 318.
  • the emulsifying buffer 330 is directed through the space 344 formed in the buffer valve 338, around the fecal engagement portion 348 and the elongated member 350 of the sample collection member 304, and out of the reservoir cavity 322 through the one or more openings 328 in the sidewalls 320 of the reservoir body 318.
  • the emulsifying buffer 330 mixes with the sample collected by the fecal engagement portion 348 to form a mixture of the emulsifying buffer 330 and collected sample and is stored in the main body cavity 312 between the main body wall 314 and the reservoir body 318, thus outside of the reservoir cavity 322.
  • the mixture of the emulsifying buffer 330 and the collected sample is displaced out of the reservoir cavity 322 and provided between the main body wall 314 and the reservoir body 318.
  • the plunger seal 334 maintains a fluid tight seal between the reservoir body 318 and the main body wall 314 to prevent the mixture of the emulsifying buffer 330 and the collected sample from flowing out of the main body cavity 312 and toward the insertion end 308 of the main body 302.
  • the plunger seal 334 further creates a vacuum within the main body 302 between the main body wall 314 and the reservoir body 318.
  • the plug 306 is removed from the removal end 310 of the main body 302 such as, for example, by rotating the plug 306 if threadedly secured or separating from the main body 302 if a frangible seal is provided. Thereafter, the sample collection member 304 is pushed further into the main body 302 toward the removal end 310 to direct the mixture through the filter 346 provided at the removal end 310. As the mixture passes through the filter 346, particulates greater than a predetermined diameter are prevented from passing through the filter 346 and the remaining mixture is emitted out of the main body 302 through the removal end 310.
  • the fecal collection apparatus 400 generally includes a main body 402, a sample collection member 404 for collecting a fecal sample and positionable within the main body 402, and a plug 406 releasably coupled to a removal end 408 of the main body 402.
  • an emulsifying buffer, agent, or solution may be initially provided within the main body 402, and the plug 406 prevents the emulsifying buffer from being dispensed out of the removal end 408 of the main body 402.
  • a brush 410 is provided within the main body 402 and facilitates scraping of the sample collection member 404 to remove the fecal sample from the sample collection member 404 and mix the fecal sample with the emulsifying buffer.
  • the fecal collection apparatus 400 includes a plunger 412 positioned at least partially within the main body 402 through an insertion end 414 of the main body 402 opposite the removal end 408.
  • the sample collection member 404 is insertable through the plunger 412 and into the main body 402.
  • the fecal collection apparatus 400 includes a guide cap 416 positioned at the insertion end 414 of the main body 402.
  • the guide cap 416 in embodiments, is engaged with the plunger 412.
  • the guide cap 416 is rotatably secured to the main body 402.
  • the plunger 412 is rotatable relative to the guide cap 416 so as to permit the plunger 412 to be positionable between an unlocked state and a locked state.
  • the plunger 412 In the unlocked state, the plunger 412 is permitted to be inserted further into the main body 402 by application of a force.
  • the locked state In the locked state the plunger 412 is prevented from being further inserted into the main body 402 by application of a force.
  • movement of the plunger 412 causes the emulsifying buffer mixed with the fecal sample to pass out of the main body 402 through the removal end 408.
  • the main body 402 is a syringe, and more particularly, a syringe body.
  • the guide cap 416, the plunger 412, and the sample collection member 404 may define a fecal collection attachment device positionable as a retrofit onto a syringe body, such as the main body 402.
  • FIG. 19 an exploded view of the main body 402, the plug 406, the brush 410, and a filter 574 are shown in greater detail.
  • the plug 406 is positionable at the removal end 408 of the main body 402 on top of the filter 574 to prevent emulsifying buffer from flowing out of the removal end 408 of the main body 402.
  • the brush 410 (shown in an expanded or unfolded position in FIG. 19) is positionable within the main body 402.
  • the main body 402 includes a main body wall 418 defining a main body cavity 420.
  • the main body wall 418 includes the removal end 408 provided at a lowermost point of the main body 402 and the insertion end 414 provided at an uppermost point of the main body 402 opposite the removal end 408.
  • the main body 402 further defines a longitudinal axis L extending in the +/- Z direction of the coordinate axes depicted in the drawings.
  • the main body 402 includes an upper body portion 422, which includes the insertion end 414, and a lower body portion 424, which includes the removal end 408.
  • an outer diameter of the lower body portion 424 is equal to or greater than an outer diameter of the upper body portion 422.
  • the outer diameter of the lower body portion 424 is less than the outer diameter of the upper body portion 422.
  • the upper body portion 422 includes a base wall 428 and the lower body portion 424 is defined by a longitudinal wall 430 extending from the base wall 428.
  • the longitudinal wall 430 of the lower body portion 424 defines a conduit 436 extending through the base wall 428 to place the lower body portion 424 in fluid communication with the main body cavity 420 of the upper body portion 422.
  • the emulsifying buffer is permitted to flow out of the removal end 408 of the main body 402 from the main body cavity 420 of the upper body portion 422 through the conduit 436 defined by the longitudinal wall 430 of the lower body portion 424.
  • the main body 402 includes a flange 438 provided at the insertion end 414 thereof and extending radially relative to the longitudinal axis L of the main body 402. That is, the flange 438 extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis L of the main body 402.
  • the flange 438 is provided at the insertion end 414 of the main body 402 and includes a first flange portion 440 extending in a first radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis L from the insertion end 414 of the main body 402 and a second flange portion 442 extending in a second radial direction from the insertion end 414 of the main body 402.
  • the first flange portion 440 and the second flange portion 442 are diametrically opposed to one another and extend in opposite radial directions, however this is merely an example.
  • the flange 438 depicted herein includes a pair of flange portions 440, 442, it should be appreciated that any number of flange portions may be provided.
  • the flange 438 may include a single flange portion or more than two flange portions.
  • the flange portions may be spaced apart from one another in any suitable arrangement such as, for example, equidistantly from one another in a circumferential direction.
  • the plug 406 is shown attached to the main body 402.
  • the plug 406 includes a gripping portion 444 and an extension portion 446 extending from the gripping portion 444.
  • the plug 406 may be integrally formed as a one-piece, monolithic structure with the main body 402 at the removal end 408 of the main body 402. Accordingly, a frangible seal 450 may be formed in either the plug 406 or the main body 402 where the plug 406 and the main body 402 meet.
  • the frangible seal 450 may include, for example, a perforated edge, plurality of cuts, or the like, to permit the plug 406 to be easily removed from the main body 402 such as by applying force in a direction away from the removal end 408 of the main body 402.
  • the plug 406 may be press-fitted within the removal end 408 of the main body 402 or threadedly engaged with the removable end 408 of the main body 402, as described in other embodiment depicted herein. Regardless of the specific physical implementation of the connection, it should be understood that the plug 406 is removable from the lower body portion 424 of the main body 402 by applying a force against the plug 406.
  • the brush 410 is illustrated separate from the main body 402.
  • the brush 410 is positionable between an unfolded position when not positioned within the main body 402, as shown in FIG. 19, and a folded position when positioned within the main body 402, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.
  • the brush 410 includes a brush body 456 having a first surface 462 and a second surface 464 opposite the first surface 462.
  • the brush body 456 also includes one or more bristles 466 extending from the first surface 462 in a direction perpendicular from a plane of the main body 402. Accordingly, when the brush 410 is in the folded position, the bristles 466 each extends in a radial direction toward one another.
  • the bristles 466 may be provided in any suitable arrangement along the first surface 462 of the brush body 456.
  • the bristles 466 may be arranged in one or more rows.
  • the brush body 456 and the bristles 466 may each be formed from a flexible plastic, rubber, or the like, so as to allow the brush body 456 to fold into the folded position.
  • the filter 574 may be positioned within the main body cavity 420 between the brush 410 and the base wall 428 of the lower body portion 424.
  • the filter 574 may be formed from a porous material or have a plurality of channels formed therein to permit particles having a diameter equal to or less than a predetermined diameter mixed with the emulsifying buffer to pass through the filter 574 and toward the removal end 408 of the main body 402. As such, in use, particles having a diameter greater than the predetermined diameter defined by the filter 574 remain on the same side of the filter 574 as the brush 410.
  • FIG. 20 an exploded view of the sample collection member 404, the plunger 412, and the guide cap 416 are shown in greater detail. As described in detail herein, the sample collection member 404, the plunger 412, and the guide cap 416 are positioned at the insertion end 414 of the main body 402.
  • the sample collection member 404 defines a fecal engagement portion 468 for collecting and retaining a fecal sample and a handle portion 470 spaced apart from the fecal engagement portion 468.
  • the sample collection member 404 includes an elongated member 472 having a fecal engagement end 474 and a handle end 476 opposite the fecal engagement end 474.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468 is provided at the fecal engagement end 474 of the elongated member 472 and the handle portion 470 is provided at the handle end 476 of the elongated member 472.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468, the handle portion 470, and the elongated member 472 are formed as a one-piece, monolithic structure.
  • the elongated member 472 has a tapered portion located at a substantially central location of the elongated member 472.
  • a groove is formed in the elongated member 472 proximate the handle end 476 of the elongated member 472 and a sealing member, such as an O-ring, is provided within the groove for providing a fluid tight seal with the plunger 412.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468 is deformable between an uncompressed position and a compressed position.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468 includes one or more pincers 488 extending from the fecal engagement end 474 of the elongated member 472. As shown in FIG. 20, the fecal engagement portion 468 includes two pincers 488 spaced apart from one another.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468 may include any suitable number of pincers 488 for collecting a fecal sample therebetween.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468 may include one pincer 488 for collecting a fecal sample.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468 may include three or more pincers 488.
  • Each pincer 488 includes a proximal end 490 extending from the elongated member 472, a distal end 492 opposite the proximal end 490, an inner surface 494, and an outer surface 496 opposite the inner surface 494.
  • the pincers 480 may be spaced apart from one another to define a receptacle 500 in which the fecal sample is retained.
  • each pincer 488 may have an arcuate shape such that a distance between opposite pincers 488 decreases further along a length of the pincers 488 in a direction opposite elongated member 472 (i.e., in the -Z- direction as depicted).
  • each pincer 488 includes a widened point 498 formed at a substantial medial location between the proximal end 490 and the distal end 492 of the pincer 488.
  • the receptacle 500 defined by the pincers 488 may have a substantially elliptical geometry extending from the proximal end 490 and the distal end 492 of the pincers 488.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468 may be formed from a deformable or flexible material, such as a flexible plastic, rubber, or the like, to permit the pincers 488 to compress toward one another upon application of a force in a direction toward the receptacle 500 from the outer surface 496 of the pincers 488.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468 may be formed from a substantially rigid material, but flexibly joined to the elongated member 472 to allow the pincers 488, and more particularly the distal end 492 of the pincers 488, to compress toward one another upon application of a force.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468 With the fecal engagement portion 468 in the uncompressed position, the fecal engagement portion 468 defines an uncompressed sample collection outer diameter between the outer surface 496 of each pincer 488 and at the widened point 498 of each pincer 488. With the fecal engagement portion 468 in the compressed position, such as when the fecal engagement portion 468 is being inserted through the plunger 412, the fecal engagement portion 468 defines a compressed sample collection outer diameter between the outer surface 496 of each pincer 488 and at the widened point 498 of each pincer 488 that is less than the uncompressed sample collection outer diameter when the fecal engagement portion 468 is in the uncompressed position.
  • the handle portion 470 is provided at the handle end 476 of the elongated member 472 opposite the fecal engagement portion 468.
  • the handle portion 470 includes a tab 504 extending in a direction opposite the elongated member 472.
  • the tab 504 has a concave surface conforming to a shape of a thumb or finger of a user.
  • the tab 504 may have any suitable shape.
  • the plunger 412 includes a plunger body 506 and a plunger guide 508.
  • the plunger body 506 has an upper end 510, a lower end 512 opposite the upper end 510, an inner surface 514, and an outer surface 516 opposite the inner surface 514 extending between the upper end 510 and the lower end 512.
  • the inner surface 514 and the outer surface 516 are each tapered from the upper end 510 toward the lower end 512.
  • the inner surface 514 of the plunger body 506 defines an open-ended channel 518 and an end of the channel 518 opposite the lower end 512 of the plunger body 506 defines a sample collection aperture 520.
  • the sample collection aperture 520 defines an aperture inner diameter.
  • a groove 522 is defined in the outer surface 516 of the plunger body 506 proximate the lower end 512 of the plunger body 506 and a sealing member 524, such as an O-ring, gasket, or the like, is provided within the groove 522 to provide a fluid tight seal between the outer surface 516 of the plunger body 506 and the main body 402.
  • a first flange 526 and a second flange 528 are provided at the upper end 510 of the plunger body 506 and extends radially therefore. As shown, the first flange 526 extends in a first radial direction and the second flange 528 extends in a second radial direction opposite the first radial direction. As such, in embodiments, the first flange 526 and the second flange 528 are diametrically opposed to one another and extend in opposite radial directions, however this is merely an example. Although a pair of flanges 526, 528 are depicted herein, it should be appreciated that any number of flanges may be provided.
  • the plunger body 506 may include a single flange or more than two flanges.
  • the flanges may be spaced apart from one another in any suitable arrangement such as, for example, equidistantly from one another in a circumferential direction.
  • the plunger guide 508 is formed on the outer surface 516 of the plunger body 506 proximate the lower end 512 of the plunger body 506, i.e., closer to the lower end 512 and the upper end 510, and spaced apart from the grove 522. However, it should be appreciated that the plunger guide 508 may be located at any location along the plunger body 506.
  • the plunger guide 508 includes at least one slotted portion. As shown, the plunger guide 508 includes a first slotted portion 530 provided on one side of the outer surface 516 of the plunger body 506, and a second slotted portion 532 formed on an opposite side of the outer surface 516 of the plunger body 506.
  • the first slotted portion 530 includes a first upper wall 534 and a first lower wall 536 defining a first slot 538.
  • the second slotted portion 532 includes a second upper wall 540 and a second lower wall 542 defining a second slot 544.
  • the plunger guide 508 is illustrated as including the first slotted portion 530 and the second slotted portion 532, it should be appreciated that the plunger guide 508 may include any number of slotted portions, such as one slotted portion or more than two slotted portions.
  • the guide cap 416 includes an outer wall 546 having an upper end 548, a lower end 550, and an inner surface 552.
  • An opening 554 is defined by the outer wall 546 and a plurality of teeth 556 extend radially inwardly from the inner surface 552 of the outer wall 546 into the opening 554.
  • the opening 554 permits the guide cap 416 to be positioned on the main body 402 (FIG. 19) at the insertion end 414 and permits the flange 438 (FIG. 19) of the main body 402 to extend into the opening 554 of the guide cap 416 to engage the plurality of teeth 556 of the guide cap 416 and retain the guide cap 416 on the insertion end 414 of the main body 402.
  • the guide cap 416 further includes a first rail 558 and a second rail 560 formed on the inner surface 552 of the outer wall 546 of the guide cap 416.
  • the first rail 558 and the second rail 560 are formed on opposite sides of the inner surface 552 of the outer wall 546 of the guide cap 416.
  • the first rail 558 and the second rail 560 correspond to the first slotted portion 530 and the second slotted portion 532, respectively.
  • the number and position of the first rail 558 and the second rail 560 correspond to the number and position of the first slotted portion 530 and the second slotted portion 532.
  • a first stopper 562 is provided at an end of the first rail 558
  • a second stopper 564 is provided at an end of the second rail 560.
  • the first stopper 562 has a thickness extending in an axial direction and/or a width extending in a radial direction greater than a corresponding thickness and width of the first rail 558.
  • the second stopper 564 has a thickness extending in an axial direction and/or a width extending in a radial direction greater than a corresponding thickness and width of the second rail 560.
  • first slotted portion 530 and the second slotted portion 530 are provided on the plunger guide 508, and the first rail 558 and the second rail 560 are provided on the guide cap 416, it should be appreciated that the opposite may be true.
  • first slotted portion 530 and the second slotted portion 532 may be formed on the guide cap 416, and the first rail 558 and the second rail 560 may be formed on the plunger guide 508.
  • FIG. 21 a cross-section view of the fecal collection apparatus 400 is shown in an assembled state.
  • the plug 406 positioned at the removal end 408 of the main body 402.
  • the plug 406 may be press fitted into the removal end 408 of the main body 402, integrally formed therewith as a one piece, monolithic structure and detachable from the main body 402 at the frangible seal 450, or threadedly engaged with the main body 402.
  • the plug 406 can be removed from the main body 402 upon application of force applied at the frangible seal 450.
  • emulsifying buffer 572 is provided into the main body cavity 420 and retained therein by the plug 406, which prevents the emulsifying buffer 572 from exiting the main body 402 through the conduit 436 of the lower body portion 424.
  • the brush 410 is positioned within the main body cavity 420.
  • the brush 410 is positioned proximate the removal end 408 of the main body 402.
  • the brush 410 is shown in the folded position within the main body cavity 420 such that the bristles 466 are directed inwardly.
  • the guide cap 416 is positioned onto the insertion end 414 of the main body 402 by inserting the insertion end 414, particularly the flange 438 of the main body 402, through the opening 554 of the guide cap 416.
  • the guide cap 416 may be secured by rotating or pressfitting the guide cap 416 relative to the main body 402 such that the flange 438 is retained within the teeth 556 of the guide cap 416. Once secured, the guide cap 416 is prohibited from rotating or moving along the longitudinal axis L of the main body 402.
  • the plunger 412 is shown inserted into the insertion end 414 of the main body 402.
  • the sealing member 524 circumscribing the outer surface 496 of the plunger body 506 proximate the lower end 512 thereof provides a fluid tight seal between the outer surface 496 of the plunger body 506 and the main body wall 418 of the main body 402.
  • the plunger 412 is restricted from moving along the longitudinal axis L of the main body 402 in a direction toward the insertion end 414 of the main body 402.
  • the sample collection member 404 may be utilized to collect a fecal sample, such as by inserting the fecal engagement portion 468 into a fecal matter, and collecting the fecal sample within the receptacle 500 between the pincers 488.
  • the sample collection member 404 may then be inserted into the main body 402 through the sample collection aperture 520 formed in the plunger body 506 and through the insertion end 414 of the main body 402 into the main body cavity 420.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468 Prior to inserting the sample collection member 404 into the plunger 412, the fecal engagement portion 468 is in the uncompressed position with the pincers 488 spaced apart from one another to define the uncompressed sample collection outer diameter.
  • the uncompressed sample collection outer diameter of the plunger body 506 is greater than the aperture inner diameter of the sample collection aperture 520. Therefore, as the fecal engagement portion 468 is inserted into the plunger 412 and contacts the inner surface 514 of the plunger body 506 at the sample collection aperture 520, the inner surface 514 of the plunger body 506 compresses the pincers 488 of the fecal engagement portion 468 to position the fecal engagement portion 468 into the compressed position. As described herein, when the fecal engagement portion 468 is in the compressed position, the fecal engagement portion 468 has a compressed sample collection outer diameter that is less than the aperture inner diameter.
  • the fecal engagement portion 468 is permitted to pass through the sample collection aperture 520. In doing so, excess fecal sample clinging to an outside of the fecal engagement portion 468 is retained within the plunger 412, rather than being further inserted into the main body cavity 420 and mixing with the emulsifying buffer 572. This ensures that only a controlled amount of fecal matter is permitted to mix with the emulsifying buffer 572 within the main body cavity 420.
  • the sample collection member 404 is moved in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis L of the main body 402 throughout the main body cavity 420 and rotated. In doing so, the bristles 466 of the brush 410 scrape the fecal sample out of the fecal engagement portion 468 of the sample collection member 404 so that the fecal sample mixes with the emulsifying buffer 572.
  • the plunger 412 is shown in the locked state and the unlocked state, respectively.
  • the first rail 558 of the plunger 412 is received within the first slot 538 of the first slotted portion 530
  • the second rail 560 is received within the second slot 544 of the second slotted portion 532. More specifically, when the plunger 412 is in the locked state, the first rail 558 is positioned between the first upper wall 534 and the first lower wall 536 of the first slotted portion 530, and the second rail 560 is positioned between the second upper wall 540 and the second lower wall 542 of the second slotted portion 532.
  • the first upper wall 534 of the first slotted portion 530 abuts against the first stopper 562, and the second upper wall 540 of the second slotted portion 532 abuts against the second stopper 564 to permit rotation of the plunger 412 in only one direction.
  • the plunger 412 is rotated in a direction away from the first stopper 562 and the second stopper 564 such that the first rail 558 is moved out of the first slot 538 and the second rail 560 is moved out of the second slot 544.
  • the sealing member 524 and/or the second end 512 of the plunger 412 contacts the brush 410 or, alternatively, the first flange 526 and the second flange 528 contact the upper end 548 of the guide cap 416.
  • indicia may be provided on the outer wall 546 of the guide cap 416 to provide a visual indication of a position or state of the plunger 412.
  • the indicia may include a lock symbol to indicate that the plunger 412 is in the locked state, and an unlock symbol to indicate that the plunger 412 is in the unlocked state.
  • the plunger 412 is rotated into the unlocked state and pressed toward the removal end 408 of the main body 402 along the longitudinal axis L. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 24, the plunger 412 is shown in a lowered position.
  • the sample collection member 404 may be additionally moved, either by twisting or moving in an out of the main body cavity 420 independently of the plunger 412 to facilitate the brush 410 removing fecal sample from the sample collection member 404 and mixing with the emulsifying buffer 572.
  • the plunger 412 may alternate between the raised position and the lowered position to dispense an additional supply of mixture of the emulsifying buffer 572 and the fecal sample.
  • the sample collection member 404 may be withdrawn from the main body cavity 420 prior to moving the plunger 412 into the lowered position and a cap may be inserted into the plunger 412 to prevent the emulsifying buffer 572 from escaping from the main body 402.
  • a fecal collection apparatus that a main body, a sample collection member positionable within the main body, and a plug provided at a removal end of the main body to restrict fluid from passing through the main body through from removal end.
  • the sample collection member includes a fecal engagement portion that facilitates the collection of a predetermined amount of fecal matter to be mixed with an emulsifying buffer within the main body.
  • the fecal collection apparatus may include a plunger to control a predetermined amount of dispensing of an emulsifying buffer out of the main body that has mixed with the collected fecal sample.
  • a fecal collection attachment device is disclosed that may be coupled to an end of a main body or syringe as a retrofit attachment.
  • a fecal collection apparatus comprising: a main body including an insertion end and a removal end opposite the insertion end, the main body defining a main body cavity between the insertion end and the removal end; a sample collection member positionable within the main body cavity through the insertion end, the sample collection member defining a fecal engagement portion for holding a fecal sample and a handle portion spaced apart from the fecal engagement portion; and a plug releasably coupled to the removal end of the main body, the plug positionable from a closed position in which the plug restricts fluid from passing from the main body cavity through the removal end, to an open position.
  • Clause 4 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 3, wherein the fecal engagement portion is deformable between a compressed position and an uncompressed position, the fecal engagement portion defining an uncompressed sample collection outer diameter when in the uncompressed position that is greater than the aperture inner diameter, and a compressed sample collection outer diameter when in the compressed position that is less than the uncompressed sample collection outer diameter.
  • Clause 5 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 2-4, further comprising a guide cap positioned at the insertion end of the main body.
  • Clause 7 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 5 or clause 6, wherein the guide cap defines an upper retaining groove defining a first groove portion having a first height extending in an axial direction corresponding to a longitudinal axis extending from the insertion end to the removal end of the main body, and a second groove portion having a second height extending in the axial direction, the second height being greater than the first height.
  • Clause 10 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 1-9, further comprising a brush positioned within the main body cavity of the main body proximate the removal end, the brush having a plurality of bristles for engaging the fecal engagement portion of the sample collection member.
  • Clause 11 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 1-10, further comprising an emulsifying buffer positioned in the main body cavity.
  • Clause 13 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 1-12, wherein the plug is monolithic with the main body.
  • a fecal collection apparatus comprising: a main body comprising an insertion end and a removal end; a plunger positioned at least partially within the main body; a sample collection member positionable within the main body through the insertion end, the sample collection member defining a fecal engagement portion for holding a fecal sample; and a guide cap positioned at the insertion end of the main body, wherein: the plunger is movable with respect to the guide cap between a locked state and an unlocked state; the plunger and sample collection member are prevented from moving in an axial direction with the plunger in the locked state, the axial direction corresponding to a longitudinal axis extending from the insertion end to the removal end of the main body; and the plunger and sample collection are moveable in the axial direction with the plunger in the unlocked state.
  • Clause 16 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 15, wherein the sample collection member comprises a handle portion and the fecal engagement portion opposite the handle portion, the fecal engagement portion being deformable between a compressed position and an uncompressed position, the fecal engagement portion defining an uncompressed sample collection outer diameter that is greater than the aperture inner diameter when in the uncompressed position.
  • Clause 17 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 14-16, wherein: the guide cap comprises a lower retaining groove; and the main body includes a flange extending from the insertion end, wherein the flange of the main body is insertable into the lower retaining groove to retain the guide cap on the main body.
  • Clause 18 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 14-17, wherein the guide cap defines an upper retaining groove defining a first groove portion having a first height extending in an axial direction corresponding to a longitudinal axis extending from the insertion end to the removal end of the main body, and a second groove portion having a second height extending in the axial direction, the second height being greater than the first height.
  • Clause 20 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 14-19, further comprising a brush positioned within the main body, the brush having a plurality of bristles for engaging the fecal engagement portion of the sample collection member. [0143] Clause 21.
  • a fecal collection attachment device positionable onto a syringe comprising: a guide cap positionable onto the syringe, the guide cap comprising an upper retaining groove defining a first groove portion and a second groove portion; a plunger comprising a finger partially insertable into the upper retaining groove, the plunger rotatable relative to the guide cap to position the finger between the first groove portion and the second groove portion; and a sample collection member positionable through the plunger, the sample collection member defining a fecal engagement portion for holding a fecal sample, wherein the plunger and the sample collection member are inhibited from moving in an axial direction relative to the guide cap when the finger is positioned within the first groove portion, and wherein the sample collection member and the plunger are permitted to move in the axial direction when the finger is positioned within the second groove portion.
  • Clause 23 The fecal collection attachment device of clause 22, wherein the sample collection member comprises a handle portion and the fecal engagement portion opposite the handle portion, the fecal engagement portion being deformable between a compressed position and an uncompressed position, the collection end defining an uncompressed sample collection outer diameter that is greater than the aperture inner diameter when in the uncompressed position.
  • a fecal collection apparatus comprising: a main body including an insertion end and a removal end opposite the insertion end, the main body defining a main body cavity between the insertion end and the removal end; a sample collection member positionable within the main body cavity through the insertion end, the sample collection member defining a fecal engagement portion for holding a fecal sample and a handle portion spaced apart from the fecal engagement portion; and a plug releasably coupled to the removal end of the main body, the plug positionable from a closed position in which the plug restricts fluid from passing from the main body cavity through the removal end, to an open position.
  • Clause 25 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 24, further comprising a buffer solution reservoir positioned within the main body cavity, the buffer solution reservoir defining one or more sidewalls.
  • Clause 26 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 25, further comprising a buffer plunger engaged with the one or more sidewalls of the buffer solution reservoir.
  • Clause 27 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 26, wherein the buffer plunger comprises a buffer valve, the buffer valve positionable in a closed position, in which the buffer valve restricts the flow of fluid through the buffer valve, and an open position, in which the buffer valve permits the flow of fluid through the buffer valve.
  • Clause 28 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 27, wherein the buffer valve comprises a securement portion and a releasable portion movable relative to the securement portion upon a force applied by the fecal engagement portion of the sample collection member.
  • Clause 29 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 27 or clause 28, wherein the buffer valve is movable within the buffer solution reservoir in a direction toward the removal end of the main body upon a force applied by the fecal engagement portion of the sample collection member.
  • Clause 30 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 25-29, wherein the one or more sidewalls of the buffer solution reservoir define one or more openings.
  • Clause 31 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 24-30, further comprising a filter positioned at the removal end of the main body.
  • Clause 32 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 25-31, further comprising a plunger seal positioned within the main body cavity of the main body at an end of the buffer solution reservoir.
  • Clause 34 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 33, wherein the fecal engagement portion is deformable between a compressed position and an uncompressed position, the fecal engagement portion defining an uncompressed sample collection outer diameter when in the uncompressed position that is greater than the aperture inner diameter, and a compressed sample collection outer diameter when in the compressed position that is less than the uncompressed sample collection outer diameter.
  • Clause 35 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 24-34, wherein the plug is coupled to the main body through a frangible seal.
  • Clause 36 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 24-35, wherein the plug is monolithic with the main body.
  • a fecal collection apparatus comprising: a main body including an insertion end and a removal end opposite the insertion end, the main body defining a main body cavity between the insertion end and the removal end; a buffer solution reservoir positioned within the main body cavity, the buffer solution reservoir defining a reservoir body; a sample collection member positionable within the main body cavity and the buffer solution reservoir through the insertion end, the sample collection member defining a fecal engagement portion for holding a fecal sample; and a plug releasably coupled to the removal end of the main body, wherein the buffer solution reservoir is movable in a direction toward the removal end of the main body upon application of a force by the sample collection member.
  • Clause 38 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 37, further comprising a buffer plunger engaged with the buffer solution reservoir.
  • Clause 40 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 39, wherein the buffer valve comprises a securement portion and a releasable portion movable relative to the securement portion.
  • Clause 41 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 39 or clause 40, wherein the buffer valve is movable within the buffer solution reservoir in a direction toward the removal end of the main body.
  • Clause 42 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 37-41, wherein a plurality of openings are formed in one or more sidewalls of the buffer solution reservoir.
  • Clause 43 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 37-42, further comprising a filter positioned at the removal end of the main body.
  • Clause 44 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 37-43, further comprising a fluid stored within the buffer solution reservoir.
  • Clause 45 The fecal collection apparatus of clause 44, wherein the fluid is an emulsifying buffer.
  • Clause 46 The fecal collection apparatus of any one of clauses 37-45, further comprising a fluid stored within the buffer solution reservoir and permitted to mix with the fecal sample when the buffer valve is in the open position.

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Abstract

Un appareil de collecte de matières fécales comprend un corps principal comprenant une extrémité d'insertion et une extrémité de retrait opposée à l'extrémité d'insertion, le corps principal définissant une cavité de corps principal entre l'extrémité d'insertion et l'extrémité de retrait, un élément de collecte d'échantillon pouvant être positionné à l'intérieur de la cavité de corps principal à travers l'extrémité d'insertion, l'élément de collecte d'échantillon définissant une partie de mise en prise avec les matières fécales pour maintenir un échantillon de matières fécales et une partie de poignée espacée de la partie de mise en prise avec les matières fécales, et un bouchon disposé au niveau d'une extrémité de retrait du corps principal, le bouchon pouvant être positionné à partir d'une position fermée dans laquelle le bouchon limite le passage du fluide de la cavité de corps principal à travers l'extrémité de retrait, vers une position ouverte.
PCT/US2023/075487 2022-09-30 2023-09-29 Appareils de collecte de matières fécales, dispositifs de fixation de collecte de matières fécales et leurs procédés d'utilisation WO2024073645A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202263411670P 2022-09-30 2022-09-30
US63/411,670 2022-09-30
US202263476664P 2022-12-22 2022-12-22
US63/476,664 2022-12-22
US18/476,618 US20240108319A1 (en) 2022-09-30 2023-09-28 Fecal collection apparatuses, fecal collection attachment devices, and methods of using same
US18/476,618 2023-09-28

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003068398A1 (fr) * 2002-02-12 2003-08-21 Schebo Biotech Aktiengesellschaft Dispositif de preparation d'echantillons et appareillage d'essai faisant appel a ce dernier
US20110130681A1 (en) * 2008-09-08 2011-06-02 Arkray ,Inc. Sample collection implement
US20220000456A1 (en) * 2020-07-01 2022-01-06 Idexx Laboratories, Inc. Collection device and method

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003068398A1 (fr) * 2002-02-12 2003-08-21 Schebo Biotech Aktiengesellschaft Dispositif de preparation d'echantillons et appareillage d'essai faisant appel a ce dernier
US20110130681A1 (en) * 2008-09-08 2011-06-02 Arkray ,Inc. Sample collection implement
US20220000456A1 (en) * 2020-07-01 2022-01-06 Idexx Laboratories, Inc. Collection device and method

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