Medical Apparatus for Sampling Cervical Tissue

Abstract

A cervical sampling system for collecting a cervical sample for a Pap test. The cervical sampling system includes an insertion tube and an introduction guide member that guides the insertion tube into a vaginal cavity.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A cervical sampling apparatus, comprising:
 an elongated body including an interior pathway configured to receive an insertable shaft therein,   a plurality of offset guide members pairs disposed longitudinally on the elongated body and over the interior pathway so that the pathway is open for receiving the insertable shaft therein;   the elongated body having at least one resilient locking tab configured to extend into the interior pathway and engagely lock the insertable shaft therein.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a sample collecting member having the shaft with a removable cervical brush head for obtaining a cervical sample when positioned within the vaginal cavity of a human body. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the cervical sampler includes a plurality of resilient locking tabs. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the elongated body of the cervical sampler includes a collar lock to engage the cervical brush head. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body of the cervical sampler includes at least one stiffing ribs extending in a longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body of the cervical sampler includes at least one guide member extending therefrom and the guide member has a semi-circular shape. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongated body of the cervical sampler includes a circular handle. 
     
     
         8 . A cervical sampling apparatus for being slidably and rotatably disposed in a vaginal insertion tube, comprising:
 an elongated tubular body including an interior pathway within the tubular body configured to receive an insertable shaft therein,   a plurality of offset guide members pairs disposed longitudinally on the elongated body and over the interior pathway so that the pathway is open for receiving the insertable shaft therein;   the elongated tubular body having a plurality of opposing resilient locking tabs configured to extend into the interior pathway and engagely lock the insertable shaft within the interior pathway to prevent longitudinal movement of the shaft relative to the interior pathway.   
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , further comprising a sample collecting member having the shaft with a removable cervical brush head for obtaining a cervical sample when positioned within the vaginal cavity of a human body. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein the elongated body includes a collar lock to engage the cervical brush head. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the elongated body of the cervical sampler includes at least one stiffing rib extending in a longitudinal direction. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the elongated body at least one guide member extending therefrom and the guide member has a semi-circular shape. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 8 , wherein the elongated body of the cervical sampler includes a circular handle.