Intra-vaginal self-administered cell collecting device and method
US6702759B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2001 |
| Grant date | Mar 9, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2010/0074
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An intra-vaginal self-administered cell collecting device and method includes inserting a tampon-like telescoping tube intra-vaginally. The tube includes an expandable preformed absorbent member having a textured cover. The absorbent member also includes a retrieval member extending therefrom. The tube is manipulated to expel the absorbent member intra-vaginally. The tube is removed and the absorbent member is retained intra-vaginally for a period of time. The absorbent member is retained from expanding from its preform when exposed to vaginal fluids by means of a cover on the absorbent material. The cover also captures soughed-off cells in the vaginal fluids. The absorbent material is retrieved manually by the retrieval member.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.