Sample collection device
Provided herein is technology relating to collecting and preparing samples. For example, the technology relates particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits that allow a subject to collect and prepare a sample for analysis.
1. A device for collecting a sample, the device comprising:
a) a body comprising a sample collection chamber bounded on a distal end by a penetrable seal and bounded on a proximal end by a septum comprising an aperture, said penetrable seal being penetrable by a pipette tip or needle;
b) a flexible sampling rod comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, said sampling rod adapted to fit through and seal said aperture when said distal portion is in said sample collection chamber, wherein said distal portion comprises:
i) an asymmetrical beveled tip at a distal end, said beveled tip having an apex at the circumference of the flexible sampling rod and configured to bend the flexible sampling rod away from collisions and/or to deflect collisions with an inserted pipette tip or needle; and
ii) one or a plurality of metering ridges.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein at least one of said one or plurality of metering ridges comprises a frustum of a cone.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein a cap is attached to said proximal end of said sampling rod, wherein said cap is configured to engage a proximal end of said body.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein said cap and said proximal end of said body have mated threads for securing said cap to said body.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein said aperture has a radius, and wherein said distal portion of said sampling rod has a radius the same as said radius of said aperture and said proximal portion of said sampling rod has a radius larger than said radius of said aperture.
6. The device of claim 5 wherein a junction between said distal portion of said sampling rod and said proximal portion of said sampling rod forms a stopper that seals said aperture when said distal portion of said sampling rod is fully inserted through said aperture.
7. The device of claim 6 wherein said aperture when sealed is configured to hold 30 psi when the device is internally pressurized with air.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein the composition of said penetrable seal comprises one or more of:
a) a foil;
b) a foil layer and a polyester layer;
c) a material selected from the group consisting of paper, rubber, wax, and plastic.
9. The device of claim 1 wherein said penetrable seal is configured to hold 30 psi when said device is internally pressurized with air.
10. The device of claim 1 wherein said body further comprises a sealing surface, wherein said penetrable seal is affixed to said sealing surface.
11. The device of claim 10 wherein said sealing surface is recessed.
12. The device of claim 1 further comprising a protective cap adapted to fit on a distal end of said body, wherein said cap covers said penetrable seal.
13. The device of claim 1 , wherein said body is made from a material selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polytetrafluoroethylene.
14. The device of claim 1 wherein said sample collection chamber has a volume of 1-5 milliliters.
15. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a solution in said sample collection chamber for preserving a suspended sample.
16. The device of claim 15 , wherein said solution comprises Tris buffer, bovine serum albumen, polysorbate 20, sodium azide, sodium chloride, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and gentamicin.
17. A kit for collecting a sample, the kit comprising:
I) a device for collecting a sample, the device comprising:
a) a body comprising a sample collection chamber bounded on a distal end by a penetrable seal and bounded on a proximal end by a septum comprising an aperture, said penetrable seal being penetrable by a pipette tip or needle;
b) a flexible sampling rod comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, said sampling rod adapted to fit through and seal said aperture when said distal portion is in said sample collection chamber, wherein said distal portion comprises:
i) an asymmetrical beveled tip at a distal end, said beveled tip having an apex at the circumference of the flexible sampling rod and configured to bend the flexible sampling rod away from collisions and/or to deflect collisions with an inserted pipette tip or needle; and
ii) one or a plurality of metering ridges; and
II) an instruction for use.
18. The kit of claim 17 , further comprising a package in which to mail said device containing a collected sample.