Devices and methods for the detection of strep a

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to devices and methods for rapidly detecting streptococcus bacteria. An illustrative device includes a first elongate handle connected to a first edible portion and a second elongate handle connected to a second edible portion. The first and second elongate handles are connected by a banding material. The first and second edible portions are inserted into the mouth of an individual for receiving a saliva sample.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for rapidly detecting  streptococcus  bacteria, including:
 a) a first elongate handle having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the first handle being connected to a first edible substance; and   b) a second elongate handle having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the second handle being connected to a second edible substance;   c) the first elongate handle being connected to and maintained in contact along at least a portion of its longitudinal length with the second elongate handle; and   d) the first edible substance and the second edible substance being configured to be inserted into the mouth of an individual for receiving a saliva sample.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the first and second edible substances include edible components selected from the group consisting of corn syrup, sugar, water, gelatin, modified corn syrup, and mineral oil. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second elongate handles include at least one of plastic and wood. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the banding material includes glue or tape. 
     
     
         5 . A device for rapidly detecting  streptococcus  bacteria, including:
 a) an outer elongate tubular handle having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the outer elongate tubular handle being disposed within an edible substance; and   b) a plurality of swabs slidable out of a distal end of the edible substance to receive to receive a saliva sample.   
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , further comprising an elongate proximal handle disposed within the elongate passage of the outer elongate tubular handle, the elongate proximal handle being disposed in operable communication with the plurality of swabs to advance the plurality of swabs into a throat of a patient after the edible material is disposed in the mouth of the patient. 
     
     
         7 . A device for rapidly detecting  streptococcus  bacteria, including:
 a) an outer elongate flavored tubular handle having a proximal end and a distal end; and   b) a plurality of swabs mounted on a respective elongate member, the plurality of swabs being slidable out of a distal end of the tubular handle to receive a saliva sample.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , further comprising an elongate proximal handle disposed within the elongate passage of the outer elongate tubular handle, the elongate proximal handle being disposed in operable communication with the plurality of swabs to advance the plurality of swabs into a throat of a patient after the edible material is disposed in the mouth of the patient. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein the outer elongate tubular handle includes edible flavored material. 
     
     
         10 . A method for rapidly detecting  streptococcus  bacteria, comprising:
 a) inserting a first elongate handle connected to a first edible substance and a second elongate handle connected to a second edible substance into the mouth of an individual for a predetermined amount of time until saliva is received on the first and second edible substances;   b) removing a connector that couples the first elongate handle with the second elongate handle; and   c) testing the first and second edible substances for strep A bacteria.