Sample collection device and method

Abstract

The invention is directed to sample collection assemblies and methods for collecting a sample from a collection source.

1 . A sample collection assembly comprising: 
 a collection device having a working end, and an operating end; and    a container to receive the collection device, having an assay chamber and a partition member;    wherein the working end of the collection device has a collection tip configured for collecting a sample;    wherein a shaft extends between the working end and the operating end; and    wherein the assay chamber is detachable such that detaching the assay chamber from the container causes the shaft to detach with the collection tip therein.    
   
   
       2 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 1  wherein the shaft includes a weakened location between the working end and the operating end at which weakened location the shaft detaches when the assay chamber is detached.  
   
   
       3 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 1  wherein the shaft includes a sealing arrangement distal from a location of shaft detachment and proximal to the partition member for sealing the assay chamber.  
   
   
       4 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 3  wherein the container is detachable from the assay chamber and the sealing arrangement comprises a plug configured to seal the orifice of the partition member.  
   
   
       5 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 1  wherein the partition member includes an orifice configured for snug passage of the working end therethrough.  
   
   
       6 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 5  wherein the partition member is configured for collection of a measured amount of a sample.  
   
   
       7 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 1  wherein the collection tip is configured to collect a measured amount of a sample.  
   
   
       8 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 1  wherein the collection device includes the collection tip being configured as a scoop for collecting a predetermined volume of sample.  
   
   
       9 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 1  wherein the partition member includes an orifice with a boundary complementary to a cross-section of the collection tip such that an excess of a sample material is excluded from entering the assay chamber when passing the collection tip through the orifice.  
   
   
       10 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 1  wherein the assay chamber is adapted for transportation, processing, and analysis of a sample.  
   
   
       11 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 10  wherein the assay chamber is adapted to be pre-sealed with a reagent therein as useful to transportation, processing, and analysis of the sample.  
   
   
       12 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 10  wherein the assay chamber is adapted to be detached and interfaced with other standard laboratory equipment individually or in multi-well formats.  
   
   
       13 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 1  wherein the working end is adapted to be inserted in body cavities of biological entities including humans and animals for collection of biological samples.  
   
   
       14 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 13  wherein the working end is adapted to be inserted through an anus for collection of feces and samples from regions of a gastro-intestinal tract.  
   
   
       15 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 1  wherein the working end and the assay chamber are adapted to collect, transport, and assay infectious agents.  
   
   
       16 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 15  wherein the infectious agents include infectious agents present in host species including humans and animals.  
   
   
       17 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 16  wherein the working end and the assay chamber are adapted to collect, transport, and analyze sample for detection and diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis.  
   
   
       18 . The sample collection assembly of  claim 15  wherein the working end and the assay chamber are adapted to collect, transport, and analyze samples with application in biodefense.  
   
   
       19 . A sterile sample collection assembly, comprising: 
 an apparatus configured to collect a measured amount of a sample and to process the sample for analysis; including: 
 a collection device having a working end, and an operating end; and  
 a container to receive the collection device, having an assay chamber and a partition member;  
 wherein the working end of the collection device has a collection tip configured for collecting a sample;  
 wherein a shaft extends between the working end and the operating end; and  
 wherein the assay chamber is detachable such that detaching the assay chamber from the container causes the shaft to detach with the collection tip therein.  
   
   
   
       20 . A sample collection assembly, comprising: 
 an apparatus configured to collect, transport, and assay samples for diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, including:    a collection device having a working end, and an operating end; and    a container to receive the collection device, having an assay chamber and a partition member;    wherein the working end of the collection device has a collection tip configured for collecting a sample;    wherein a shaft extends between the working end and the operating end; and    wherein the assay chamber is detachable such that detaching the assay chamber from the container causes the shaft to detach with the collection tip therein.