KR102656743B1 - Sample collection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sample collection device, which is inserted into the nasal cavity or mouth of a person to be collected (patient) to collect a sample in the form of mucus for the purpose of diagnosing a disease.
In particular, the present invention can greatly improve the absorption rate of the sample by increasing the area of the sample collection section by forming a large number of hairs in the sample collection area where the sample is collected, and through this, disease diagnosis for the subject (patient) of collection. accuracy can be greatly improved.
In addition, by making the sample collection part a composite material of hydrophilic material and hydrophobic material, not only does it increase the amount of mucus component collected by hydrophilicity, but also increases the contact area by hydrophobic material (elastic material), thereby increasing the amount of mucus component collected. can be further increased.
Therefore, reliability and competitiveness can be improved in the field of disease diagnosis, especially in the field of respiratory virus diagnosis, respiratory virus diagnostic equipment, and specimen collection equipment, as well as similar or related fields.

Description

Sample collection device}

The present invention relates to a sample collection device, and more specifically, to a sample collection device that can be inserted into the nasal cavity or oral cavity of a subject (patient) to collect a sample in the form of mucus for the purpose of diagnosing a disease.

In particular, the present invention can greatly improve the absorption rate of the sample by increasing the area of the sample collection section by forming a large number of hairs in the sample collection area where the sample is collected, and through this, disease diagnosis for the subject (patient) of collection. It relates to a specimen collection device that can greatly improve the accuracy of.

Respiratory diseases caused by viral respiratory infections are the diseases with the highest incidence and are frequently infected, accounting for about half of all infectious diseases.

Respiratory virus infections occur frequently in age groups with low immunity, such as children and the elderly, and the most well-known respiratory infection viruses include Adenovirus and Parainfluenza virus (PIV). , RS virus (Respiratory syncytial virus, RSV), Rhinovirus, Coronavirus, etc.

Such respiratory viral infections have similar initial symptoms and signs regardless of the type of virus, so it is difficult to determine the cause based on clinical symptoms alone, and because they are highly contagious, they can cause a pandemic in a short period of time.

Therefore, early diagnosis of respiratory virus infection, identification of the causative virus, and establishment of appropriate infection control measures are very important to prevent large-scale infection and provide early treatment.

Meanwhile, in order to diagnose a respiratory virus, a sample must be collected through the patient's mouth or nasal cavity, and the sample is usually collected by inserting an instrument such as a cotton swab into the patient's nasal cavity or oral cavity.

However, in the case of a general collection device as shown in the prior art literature below, the shape of the collection part formed at the end of the device is simply oval, so the absorption of the sample is low, which results in a high misdiagnosis rate when diagnosing a disease and a high diagnosis rate. There is a problem with this low level.

Republic of Korea Registered Utility Model Publication No. 20-0218753 ‘Sample collection and storage kit’

In order to solve the above problems, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a sample collection device that can be inserted into the nasal cavity or mouth of a person to be collected (patient) to collect a sample in the form of mucus for the purpose of diagnosing a disease. There is.

In particular, the present invention can greatly improve the absorption rate of the sample by increasing the area of the sample collection section by forming a large number of hairs in the sample collection area where the sample is collected, and through this, disease diagnosis for the subject (patient) of collection. The purpose is to provide a specimen collection device that can greatly improve the accuracy of.

In addition, the present invention can minimize pain during insertion by adjusting the direction of the hair, thereby minimizing the subject's (patient) resistance to sample collection, and through this, sample collection from infants and young children can be smoothly performed. The purpose is to provide a tool for use.

In order to achieve the above object, a sample collection device according to the present invention includes a sample collection unit made of a fabric material with a plurality of brushes formed thereon; and a main body configured with the sample collection unit at one end.

Additionally, the sample collection unit may be made of a composite material in which a hydrophilic main material and a hydrophobic secondary material are mixed.

Additionally, the sample collection unit may be composed of a hydrophilic material and a hydrophobic material ratio of 9:1 to 7:3.

In addition, the sample collection unit may adjust at least one of the density of the brush and the ratio of the material in response to the mucus concentration of the target sample.

In addition, the sample collection unit may increase the surface area of the sample collection unit by increasing the ratio of hydrophilic materials when the mucus concentration of a specific target sample is relatively high compared to the mucus concentration of other target samples.

In addition, the specimen collection part may have a material thickness of 0.01de (denier) to 2.0de, and a brush length of 0.4 to 1.5mm.

Additionally, the sample collection unit may be made of a fabric material formed by applying adhesive to the surface of the material and then attaching a plurality of brushes to the adhesive.

In addition, the fabric material can be formed by a mechanical attachment method in which a plurality of brushes are sprinkled on the adhesive and then the brush is attached to the adhesive while vibrating the material.

Additionally, the fabric material may be formed using an electrostatic attachment method in which static electricity is generated so that a plurality of bristles are directed in one direction, and then the bristles are attached to an adhesive.

In addition, the sample collection unit may be made of a fabric material in which brushing is formed by manufacturing a fabric material and then processing the surface of the fabric.

Additionally, in the fabric material, fluff can be formed by processing the surface of the fabric, and then cutting the formed fluff to a certain length to form brushing.

In addition, the sample collection unit may be made of a fabric material in which fluff (pile) is formed in the process of weaving the fabric of the material, and then the fluff is cut to form a pile.

Additionally, the sample collection unit may be formed to be inclined in a direction opposite to the direction in which the hair is inserted into the body of the person being collected for sample collection.

Additionally, the sample collection unit may modify the exposed portion of the brush to be hydrophobic.

In addition, the sample collection unit further includes a protective cover configured to surround the brush, and the protective cover maintains a wrapped state to protect the brush during the process of being inserted into the body of the subject for sample collection, When inserted into the body of a harvesting subject, the hair can be removed to expose it.

Additionally, the sample collection unit may include circular knitting produced by cutting hollow fibers.

In addition, the sample collection unit forms a hollow fiber by weaving a woven bar of synthetic resin material on the outer surface of the woven bar, cuts the woven bar with the hollow fiber woven, and connects it to one end of the main body by heat fusion or insert injection. It can be configured as follows.

Additionally, the sample collection unit may be formed in a balloon shape by supplying air to the hollow part of the hollow fiber.

With the above solution, the present invention has the advantage of being able to collect a sample in the form of mucus by inserting it into the nasal cavity or oral cavity of a subject (patient) for diagnosis of a disease.

In particular, the present invention can greatly improve the absorption rate of the sample by increasing the area of the sample collection section by forming a large number of hairs in the sample collection area where the sample is collected, and through this, disease diagnosis for the subject (patient) of collection. It has the advantage of greatly improving the accuracy.

At this time, by making the sample collection part a composite material of hydrophilic material and hydrophobic material, not only does it increase the amount of mucus component collected by hydrophilicity, but also increases the contact area by hydrophobic material (elastic material), thereby increasing the amount of mucus component collected. There is an advantage that can further increase.

In addition, the present invention has the advantage of providing an instrument optimized for the diagnosis of target diseases by adjusting the ratio of hydrophilic and hydrophobic materials depending on the type of sample to be collected.

In addition, the present invention has the advantage of minimizing pain during insertion by controlling the direction of the brush, thereby minimizing the subject's (patient) resistance to sample collection, and through this, sample collection from infants and young children can also be performed smoothly. there is.

In addition, the present invention has the advantage of minimizing the collection of unnecessary mucus components during the process of insertion into the nasal cavity or oral cavity of the subject (patient).

At this time, when the total amount of the collected mucus components is the same or similar, the collection of unnecessary mucus components is minimized, which has the advantage of greatly increasing the relatively necessary amount of sample collection.

In addition, the present invention has the advantage of providing a device optimized for the type of sample to be collected by manufacturing and forming the sample collection unit in various ways.

Therefore, reliability and competitiveness can be improved in the field of disease diagnosis, especially in the field of respiratory virus diagnosis, respiratory virus diagnostic equipment, and specimen collection equipment, as well as similar or related fields.

1 is a partially enlarged view showing an example of a sample collection device according to the present invention.
Figures 2 to 4 are flowcharts showing embodiments of a method for forming the sample collection unit shown in Figure 1.
Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view showing another embodiment of the sample collection unit shown in Figure 1.
Figure 6 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the sample collection unit shown in Figure 1.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another embodiment of FIG. 1.

Examples of the sample collection device according to the present invention can be applied in various ways, and the most preferred embodiment will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

1 is a partially enlarged view showing an example of a sample collection device according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the sample collection device (A) includes a sample collection unit 100 and a main body 200.

As shown in the enlarged portion of Figure 1, the sample collection unit 100 is formed with a plurality of brushes 110 and is mainly composed of a fabric material.

In this way, when the brush 110 is formed on the sample collection unit 100, the area in contact with the mucus, which is the sample target, increases, making it possible to collect a larger amount of sample more easily.

The main body 200 is for inserting the sample collection unit 100 into the nasal cavity or oral cavity of a person to be collected (patient), and is formed by extending from the handle 210 and the handle 210 held by the collector's hand to collect the sample. The connection part 220 connected to the part 100 may be formed integrally.

In other words, the sample collection unit 100 may be configured at one end (upper part in FIG. 1) of the main body 200.

At this time, the sample collection unit 100 may be configured to surround one end of the main body 200, or may be manufactured separately and configured to be connected to one end of the main body 200.

Additionally, the sample collection unit 100 may be made of a composite material in which a hydrophilic main material and a hydrophobic secondary material are mixed.

For example, hydrophilic materials may include cotton, nylon, urethane, carbon fiber, rayon, alginate, etc.

Additionally, hydrophobic materials may include acetate, synthetic fiber, elastomer fiber (rubber, spandex, anidex), etc.

This hydrophilic material can serve to easily absorb mucus, which is the target sample, and the hydrophobic material is formed of an elastic material and is woven in a pulled state when weaving, and then wrinkles are formed during the process of gluing to the main body 200. It can play a role in creating something.

At this time, tension is applied to the yarn when weaving the fiber due to the hydrophobic material, and when weaving is completed, the tension is released and wrinkles are formed. Of course, the higher the elastic ratio of the hydrophobic material, the higher the surface area.

In this way, when wrinkles are formed in the sample collection unit 100 itself, the area in contact with the mucus, which is the sample target, can be increased along with the brush 110.

Looking at this specifically, the ratio of the hydrophilic material can be adjusted to be easily absorbed depending on the concentration of mucus, and the ratio of the hydrophobic material can be adjusted to adjust the surface area of the sample collection unit 100.

When the mucus concentration of a specific target sample is relatively high compared to the mucus concentration of other target samples, the sample collection unit 100 increases the surface area of the sample collection unit by increasing the proportion of hydrophilic material to make it more easily absorbed and collected. can do.

Preferably, the ratio of the hydrophilic material and the hydrophobic material of the sample collection unit 100 may be 9:1 to 7:3.

In addition, the sample collection unit 100 can adjust the ratio of the material and the density of the brush 110 in response to the mucus concentration of the target sample.

At this time, the material thickness of the sample collection unit 100 may be 0.01 de (denier) to 2.0 de, and the length of the brush 110 may be 0.4 to 1.5 mm.

Additionally, the sample collection unit 100 may be woven using microfiber.

For example, microfibers may include N island-in-the-sea yarns and NP split yarns.

N island-in-the-sea yarn can be produced by weaving a mixture of nylon and polyester and then melting the polyester portion, leaving only a thin layer of nylon.

NP split yarn undergoes a heat treatment process in a cross-sectional shape where nylon and polyester are attached to each other. Since polyester has a lower relative shrinkage rate than nylon, the surface is treated with alkali as the two components split apart due to the difference in expansion. It can be manufactured by dissolving and dividing nylon and polyester.

Figures 2 to 4 are flowcharts showing embodiments of a method for forming the sample collection unit shown in Figure 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, the sample collection unit 100 of the present invention may be processed using a flocking method.

Looking at this specifically, the material described above is first woven (S110), then adhesive is applied to the surface of the material (S120), and a plurality of brushes 110 are attached to the applied adhesive to form a fabric material. The sample collection unit 100 can be constructed using a fabric material.

For example, the fabric material is supplied by spraying a plurality of brushes 110 on the top of the adhesive (S131), and then attaching the brushes 110 to the applied adhesive while applying vibration to the material (S132). It can be formed by a mechanical attachment method (S133).

As another example, the fabric may be formed by an electrostatic attachment method of generating static electricity (S136), causing a plurality of brushes 110 to face one direction (S137), and then attaching and fixing the brushes 110 to an adhesive. (S138).

Referring to Figure 3, the sample collection unit 100 of the present invention may be processed by a shearing method.

Looking at this in detail, first weave (manufacturing) the material described above (S210), and then processing the surface of the fabric (S220) to weave a fabric material on which the brush 110 is formed. It can be composed of such a fabric material. .

At this time, as shown in FIG. 3, the fabric material can form fluff by processing the surface of the fabric (S230), and the formed fluff can be cut to a certain length to form the brush 100 of a desired length (S240).

Referring to Figure 4, the sample collection unit 100 of the present invention may be processed in a velvet method.

Looking at this in detail, in the process of weaving the material, the material is woven so that a pile is formed (S310), and then the pile is cut to form a raised 110 fabric.

Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view showing another embodiment of the sample collection unit shown in Figure 1.

Referring to FIG. 5 , the sample collection unit 100 may be formed to be inclined in a direction opposite to the direction in which the brush 110 is inserted into the body of the subject for sample collection.

If the brush 110 is formed to be inclined in this way, it may be possible to insert the sample collection device (A) with no or low pain during the process of inserting it into the nasal cavity or oral cavity of the sample collection subject (patient).

Thereafter, when the sampler collects the desired mucus by repeatedly pulling the sample collection device (A), the inclined bristles 110 are opened and the desired mucus can be absorbed into the slanted bristles 110.

Meanwhile, the mucus collected is generally located deep inside the nasal cavity or oral cavity.

The total amount of mucus that can be absorbed and collected by the sample collection unit 100 is determined, so when unnecessary mucus is absorbed into the sample collection unit 100 during the process of inserting the sample collection device (A), it is removed from the desired area. The amount of mucus absorbed decreases accordingly.

Accordingly, if the brush 110 is formed at an angle as shown in Figure 5, absorption of unnecessary mucus can be minimized during the process of inserting the sample collection device (A), and as a result, the desired mucus can be absorbed to the maximum. You can.

Below, we will look at ways to maximize these effects.

Figure 6 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the sample collection unit shown in Figure 1.

Referring to FIG. 6, the sample collection unit 100 may form the dog leash unit 120 by modifying the exposed portion of the inclined brush 110 to be hydrophobic.

In this way, if the exposed portion of the brush 110 is modified to be hydrophobic, unnecessary mucus can be prevented from being absorbed during the process of inserting the sample collection device (A).

Thereafter, when the collector collects the desired mucus by repeatedly pulling the sample collection device (A), the bristles 110 are opened as shown in the lower part of FIG. 6, and the mucus is collected at the end of the bristles 110. It may pass through the modified portion 120 formed in and be absorbed inward.

Therefore, a larger amount of mucus can be absorbed and collected, which allows for a more accurate diagnosis.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another embodiment of FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 7, the sample collection unit 100 may further include a protective cover 300 configured to surround the brush 110.

This protective cover 300 can remain wrapped to protect the brush 110 during the process of being inserted into the body of the subject for sample collection, and is removed so that the brush 110 is exposed when inserted into the body of the subject. It can be.

For this purpose, the protective cover 300 can be connected to the handle portion 210 of the main body 200 with a removal handle 310 and a pull-out string 320 configured to be slideable, and the user can use the removal handle 310. When pulled, the protective cover 300 can be peeled off and pulled out by the pull-out string 320.

In the above, the sample collection unit 100 can be constructed by wrapping a flat fabric around the end of the connection unit 220.

However, difficulties may arise in the process of wrapping the flat fabric around the end of the thin-diameter connecting portion 220.

To solve this problem, in the present invention, the sample collection unit 100 can be constructed by inserting a circular knit produced by cutting a hollow fiber into the terminal part of the connection unit 220.

However, even when inserting circular knitting, the shape of the circular knitting is not fixed, so difficulties may arise in the process of wrapping around the end portion of the connecting portion 220.

Accordingly, in the present invention, a hollow yarn is formed by weaving a synthetic resin bar on the outer surface of the bar, and then the bar on which the hollow yarn is woven is cut and heat fused to one end of the connection part 220 of the main body 200. Alternatively, by manufacturing the main body 200 using the insert injection method, the sample collection unit 100 can be formed more easily, and through this, productivity can be greatly improved.

On the other hand, when forming the sample collection unit 100 using the flat fabric discussed above or when using circular knitting, the sample collection unit 100 is formed in a cylindrical shape, so the sample collection device A is placed on the sample collection target ( Pain may occur during insertion into the patient's nasal cavity or oral cavity.

Accordingly, in the present invention, by supplying air to the hollow part of the hollow fiber for producing circular knits to form it into a balloon shape, the sample collection unit 100 can be formed in a shape such as an oval, as shown in FIG. 1.

If the specimen collection unit 100 is formed as a curved surface in this way, pain occurring during the process of inserting the specimen collection instrument A into the nasal cavity or oral cavity of the subject (patient) can be minimized.

Above, the sample collection instrument according to the present invention has been described. Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical configuration of the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without changing the technical idea or essential features of the present invention.

Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive.

A: Instrument for sample collection
100: Sample collection department
110: brushing 120: modified section
200: main body
210: handle part 220: connection part
300: Protective cover
310: Removal handle 320: Pull-out string

Claims (18)

A sample collection unit made of a fabric material with a plurality of brushes formed; and
A main body configured with the sample collection unit at one end; Including,
The sample collection department,
It further includes a protective cover configured to surround the main body and surround the brush,
The protective cover is,
During the process of insertion into the body of the subject for sample collection, the hair is kept wrapped to protect it,
When inserted into the body of a sample collection subject, a sample collection device is removed from the brush to expose the brush while being located in the main body by sliding relative to the brush along the main body toward the opposite side of the insertion direction.
According to clause 1,
The sample collection department,
A sample collection device characterized by being composed of a composite material in which a hydrophilic main material and a hydrophobic secondary material are mixed.
delete According to clause 2,
The sample collection department,
A sample collection device characterized in that at least one of the density of the brush and the ratio of the material is adjusted in response to the mucus concentration of the target sample.
According to clause 4,
The sample collection department,
A sample collection device that increases the surface area of the sample collection section by increasing the proportion of hydrophilic material when the mucus concentration of a specific target sample is relatively high compared to the mucus concentration of other target samples.
According to clause 1,
The sample collection department,
A sample collection device characterized in that the thickness of the material is 0.01de (denier) to 2.0de, and the length of the brush is 0.4 to 1.5mm.
According to clause 1,
The sample collection department,
A sample collection device characterized by being composed of a fabric material formed by applying adhesive to the surface of the material and then attaching a plurality of brushes to the adhesive.
According to clause 7,
The fabric material is,
A sample collection device characterized in that it is formed by a mechanical attachment method that sprinkles a plurality of brushes on the top of the adhesive and then attaches the brushes to the adhesive while applying vibration to the material.
According to clause 7,
The fabric material is,
A sample collection device characterized in that it is formed by an electrostatic attachment method in which a plurality of brushes are directed in one direction by generating static electricity and then the brushes are attached to an adhesive.
According to clause 1,
The sample collection department,
A sample collection device characterized in that it is made of a fabric material in which brushing is formed by processing the surface of the fabric after manufacturing the material.
According to clause 10,
The fabric material is,
A sample collection device characterized in that fluff is formed by processing the surface of the fabric, and the formed fluff is cut to a certain length to form brush.
According to clause 1,
The sample collection department,
A sample collection device characterized in that it is made of a fabric material in which fluff is formed during the process of weaving the material, and then the fluff is cut to form a pile.
According to clause 1,
The sample collection department,
A sample collection device, characterized in that the brush is formed to be inclined in the opposite direction to the direction in which the sample is inserted into the body of the subject for sample collection.
According to clause 13,
The sample collection department,
A sample collection device characterized in that the exposed portion of the brush is modified to be hydrophobic.
delete According to clause 1,
The sample collection department,
A sample collection device comprising a circular knit made by cutting a hollow fiber.
According to clause 16,
The sample collection department,
A hollow yarn is formed by weaving on the outer surface of the weaving bar centered on a weaving bar of synthetic resin material,
A sample collection device characterized in that it is constructed by cutting a woven bar made of hollow fibers and connecting it to one end of the main body by heat fusion or insert injection.
According to clause 16,
The sample collection department,
A sample collection device characterized in that it is formed in a balloon shape by supplying air to the hollow part of the hollow fiber.

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