Cell collection device

Abstract

This invention relates generally to medical devices, and more particularly, an apparatus and method for collecting cells or tissue samples from the cervix of a patient for medical testing.

1 . A device for the collecting cells and other biological materials, comprising: 
 a substantially porous distal end portion configured for collecting cells comprising;    a proximal end portion having an actuator coupled thereto; and    an elongated middle portion having a lumen in fluid connection with said distal and proximal end portions and extending therethrough.    
   
   
       2 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said actuator comprises an elastomeric retention bulb.  
   
   
       3 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said cells are ectocervical cells.  
   
   
       4 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said substantially porous tip is comprised of an open cell foam material.  
   
   
       5 . The device according to  claim 1 , wherein said distal and proximal end portions are integrally molded with said elongated middle portion.  
   
   
       6 . A method for collecting cells and other biological materials, comprising: 
 inserting a collection device into a patient's vagina wherein the collection device is comprised of: 
 a substantially porous distal end portion configured for collecting cells; a proximal end portion having a pump coupled thereto; and an elongated middle portion having a lumen in fluid connection with said distal and proximal end portions and extending therethrough;  
 wiping the patient's cervix with the substantially porous distal end of the collection device to collect a biological sample;  
 removing the collection device from the patient's vagina;  
 inserting the substantially porous distal end of the collection device into a specimen vial containing collection fluid;  
 drawing fluid into the lumen of the collection device through the substantially porous distal tip by creating negative pressure in the lumen by an actuator; and  
 expelling the fluid back through the lumen and out of the substantially porous distal end by releasing the negative pressure;  
   wherein expelling the fluid back through the lumen and out of the substantially porous distal tip releases the collected cells from the porous distal tip and into the collection fluid.    
   
   
       7 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said actuator comprises an elastomeric retention bulb.  
   
   
       8 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said biological sample comprises ectocervical cells.  
   
   
       9 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said substantially porous tip is comprised of an open cell foam material.  
   
   
       10 . The method according to  claim 6 , wherein said distal and proximal end portions are integrally molded with said elongated middle portion.