Method and apparatus for collecting and preparing biological samples for testing

Abstract

A kit and a method are disclosed for collecting and preparing a biological sample for testing where the sample is to be mixed with a buffer prior to being tested.

1 .- 15 . (canceled) 
     
     
         16 . A kit for collecting and preparing a biological sample for testing, the kit comprising:
 a sterile swab separate and distinct from a dropper bottle assembly;   wherein the sterile swab has a stick with a sorbent fixed to the stick at one end of the stick, the stick having a weakened portion at a pre-selected location to facilitate breaking the stick; and   wherein the dropper bottle assembly comprises a dropper cap having a spout and a base, a squeezable bottle with a neck, and a cover that is manually removable from the dropper cap to expose the spout of the dropper cap, the bottle containing a liquid buffer, the base of the dropper cap being coupled to the neck of the bottle, and the dropper cap configured to dispense at least one drop from contents of the bottle when the bottle is squeezed, wherein length of the sterile swab is greater than height of the bottle without the dropper cap, and wherein the weakened portion of the stick is located a distance from the end of the sorbent, the distance being 90% to 100% of the height of the bottle without the dropper cap.   
     
     
         17 . A kit according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 an alcohol swab, a safety lancet, and a bandage.   
     
     
         18 . A kit according to  claim 16 , further comprising:
 a blood collection loop.   
     
     
         19 . A kit according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 the cover is connected to the dropper cap by a hinge that permits the cover to rotate about the hinge relative to the dropper cap   
     
     
         20 . A kit according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 the cover is connected to the dropper cap by a thread interface.   
     
     
         21 . A kit according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 the base of the dropper cap is connected to the neck of the bottle by a thread interface.   
     
     
         22 . A kit according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 the biological sample is a blood sample.   
     
     
         23 . A kit according to  claim 16 , wherein:
 the biological sample is one of oral fluid, blood, urine, stool, and epithelia.   
     
     
         24 . A kit for collecting and testing a biological sample, the kit comprising;
 an immunoassay device;   a sterile swab separate and distinct from a dropper bottle assembly;   wherein the sterile swab has a stick with a sorbent fixed to the stick at one end of the stick, the stick having a weakened portion at a pre-selected location to facilitate breaking the stick;   wherein the dropper bottle assembly comprises a dropper cap having a spout and a base, a squeezable bottle with a neck, and a cover that is manually removable from the dropper cap to expose the spout of the dropper cap, the bottle containing a liquid buffer, the base of the dropper cap being coupled to the neck of the bottle, and the dropper cap configured to dispense at least one drop from contents of the bottle when the bottle is squeezed, wherein length of the sterile swab is greater than height of the bottle without the dropper cap, and wherein the weakened portion of the stick is located a distance from the end of the sorbent, the distance being 90% to 100% of the height of the bottle without the dropper cap; and   wherein the immunoassay device has a first opening identified for receiving drops dispensed from the bottle.   
     
     
         25 . A kit according to  claim 24 , further comprising:
 an additional dropper bottle containing a liquid buffer;   wherein the immunoassay device has a second opening identified for receiving drops dispensed from the additional bottle.   
     
     
         26 . A kit according to  claim 24 , wherein:
 the biological sample is a blood sample.   
     
     
         27 . A kit according to  claim 24 , wherein:
 the biological sample is one of oral fluid, blood, urine, stool, and epithelia.