Biological agent specimen collection and growth system
Inventors
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11517903-B2
Publication Date
2022-12-06
Expiration Date
2038-05-03
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Abstract
A system for collecting, growing, and analyzing biological specimens that may present a health threat. The system includes separate modules for specimen collection, sample isolation, and sample analysis that can be interconnected to safety process, culture, and analyze and unknown specimen. A decapitation module allows a user to safely collect a swab tip containing an unknown sample and transport the sample to a culture module where the sample can be washed from the swab tip and isolated in a cuvette for growth and analysis. The culture module may be coupled to a base station that can provide mixing, heating and cooling, as well as optical and spectral analysis.
Core Innovation
The invention is a specimen collection system designed for the safe collection, growth, and analysis of biological specimens that may represent a health threat. The system is composed of multiple interconnected modules, including a swab decapitation unit, a growth chamber with wash and specimen receptacles, and a cuvette for culture growth. The decapitation unit safely severs and isolates the swab tip containing the specimen, which can then be securely transferred into the growth chamber for further processing without exposing the operator to the biological agent.
The growth chamber uses a combination of controlled slides and filters to wash the specimen from the swab tip, isolate the biological material, and transfer the sample into a growth cuvette. This chamber provides an isolated environment to culture and expand the sample, permitting controlled introduction of growth media and subsequent movement of sample fluids through the device using slides and interlocks that minimize cross-contamination and contain potential biological hazards at every stage. A base station may be connected to the system for temperature control, optical and spectral analysis, and mechanical stirring, supporting real-time monitoring and manipulation of culture conditions.
The problem addressed by this invention is the difficulty in safely collecting, preparing, and transporting unknown biological agents, particularly in remote or field environments where sophisticated equipment and trained personnel may not be available. Existing methods risk unsafe handling, contamination, or insufficient analysis capability. This invention provides a means for non-technical operators to collect, expand, and prepare specimens for detailed subsequent analysis, minimizing exposure risk and supporting comprehensive study of potentially hazardous biological samples.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims, each outlining a core inventive feature of the system for specimen collection and analysis.
Integrated swab decapitation and growth chamber system
The system includes: - A swab decapitation unit with a swab port for accepting a sample swab, a moveable cutting instrument positioned to sever the swab tip, a swab receptacle to retain the severed tip, and a valve controlled by a first interlock. - A growth chamber having an entry port with a second interlock adapted to couple to the first interlock and open the valve, allowing safe transfer of the swab tip to the growth chamber. - A wash receptacle in communication with the entry port, equipped with a moveable first slide to control open or isolated communication with the entry port. - A specimen receptacle coupled to the wash receptacle, with a second slide to control communication between the wash and specimen receptacles, supporting controlled transfer of sample fluids. - A cuvette extending from the growth chamber, in open communication with the specimen receptacle when the second slide is in the designated position.
Base unit with integrated analysis and environmental control
The base unit features: - A cuvette receptacle for receiving the cuvette from the growth chamber. - An illumination source positioned to illuminate the cuvette for analytical purposes. - At least one detector in the base unit to collect data on cuvette contents, such as optical or spectral analysis. - A thermal device positioned to change or control the temperature of the cuvette's contents, enabling manipulation of culture conditions within the cuvette.
In summary, the inventive features are an integrated, modular system for safe collection, transfer, and controlled analysis of biological specimens, incorporating mechanical, containment, optical, and thermal functionalities in a unified workflow.
Stated Advantages
Provides safe collection, growth, and analysis of biological specimens, minimizing operator exposure to hazardous samples.
Prevents cross-contamination and leakage of samples during collection and processing.
Operable by non-technical personnel, including users in personal protective equipment, and suited for field environments.
Supports subsequent serological and omni-omic analyses, enabling integration with further downstream analytics.
Allows real-time monitoring and control of culture growth, including assessment of growth rates, replication, and biofilm formation.
Designed for ready decontamination and disposal of system components.
Amenable to large-scale manufacturing and distribution.
Documented Applications
Collection, growth, and analysis of environmental samples, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative prokaryotic organisms and fungal specimens.
Field use for the identification and assessment of potential biological threats by remotely deployed personnel.
Use inside a field glove box for rapid detection and identification of biological hazards.
Preparation of specimens for serological, omni-omic, and downstream analytical techniques such as transcriptomics and metabolomics.
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