Sample extraction device and methods of using the same

Abstract

The presently disclosed subject matter provides devices and methods for sample extraction from a swab during biological sample processing. In particular embodiments, the devices and methods are configured for use in conjunction with microfluidic devices for sample processing.

1 . A sample extraction device comprising:
 a swab shaft comprising a first end and a second end;   a connector slidably engaged to the first end of the swab shaft and is slidable along the length of the swab shaft;   a squeezing structure positioned on the inside of the connector;   a swab tip positioned at the second end of the swab shaft;   an extraction container comprising a first end, a second end, and a liquid medium, wherein said first end comprises an aperture adapted to receive said swab tip and at least a portion of said swab shaft and wherein said first end also is adapted to receive said connector.   
     
     
         2 . The sample extraction device of  claim 1 , wherein said first end and said connector comprise threads that engage to secure said connector to said first end. 
     
     
         3 . The sample extraction device of  claim 1 , wherein the connector is a screw top connector or a press fit connector. 
     
     
         4 . The sample extraction device of  claim 1 , wherein the squeezing structure is an O-ring. 
     
     
         5 . The sample extraction device of  claim 1 , wherein the connector further comprises an outlet port connectable to a microfluidic device. 
     
     
         6 . The sample extraction device of  claim 1 , further comprising a check valve to prevent backflow of the liquid medium. 
     
     
         7 . The sample extraction device of  claim 1 , wherein the microfluidic device further comprises a microfluidic cartridge with on-board stored reagents in reagent pouches, an integrated nucleic acid lateral flow strip for detection, and one or more actuator elements. 
     
     
         8 . The sample extraction device of  claim 1 , further comprising a ringshaped heater that forms a jacketed sheath around the sample extraction container. 
     
     
         9 . The sample extraction device of  claim 8 , wherein the heater is a resistive heating element comprising a resistor embedded in a block of thermally conducting material. 
     
     
         10 . The sample extraction device of  claim 8 , wherein the heater is a resistive thin- film heater or a peltier element or a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) self-regulating heater. 
     
     
         11 . The sample extraction device of  claim 10 , wherein the heater comprises a phase change material in a sealed pouch. 
     
     
         12 . The sample extraction device of  claim 1 , wherein the sample extraction container comprises a piston plunger inserted through said second end. 
     
     
         19 . A method for sample extraction from a swab tip comprising the use of the sample extraction device of  claim 1  comprising the steps of:
 a. inserting the swab tip into the sample extraction container through said aperture; 
 b. sliding the connector along the swab shaft and securing the connector to the first end of said sample extraction container; 
 c. pulling the swab tip through the connector thereby allowing the swab tip to contact the squeezing structure and displace the sample from said swab tip; 
 d. pulling the swab tip and swab shaft out of the sample extraction container; 
 e. connecting the sample extraction device to an inlet on a microfluidic device; and 
 f. pressing the piston plunger to dispense the liquid medium and sample into the microfluidic device.