Cellular collection apparatus and method
US6926677B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | Aug 9, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 14, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2010/0216
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A personal cellular collection apparatus and method for collecting a non-intrusive cell or tissue sample for medical testing such as cervical cancer screening is provided. The apparatus includes a cervical guide ring, an insertion handle, a means for movably attaching the guide ring, and a means for directing a tissue sampling tool to a woman's cervix. The means for movably attaching the guide ring to the insertion handle is a hinge or rachet mechanism having a tab or latch on the ring and a catch on the proximal end of the insertion handle. The method of the invention includes insertion of the collection tool through the introitus of the user's vagina, digital positioning of the guide ring to encircle the user's cervix, guiding a sampling tool to the cervix, wiping the cervix with the sampling tool to collect a tissue sample and removing the sampling tool and cervical guide from the user's vagina.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.