Testing for particulates
Apparatus is provided for testing a biological fluid for presence of a biological particulate. The apparatus includes a tube, a plunger sized and shaped to be inserted into and advanced within the tube, and a filter. The apparatus is configured such that as the plunger is advanced within the tube while the biological fluid is within the tube, the biological fluid in the tube is pushed through the filter, thereby trapping, by the filter, the biological particulate present in the biological fluid. The apparatus is shaped so as to define at least one enclosed cavity containing a biological particulate-presence-testing-facilitation solution configured to test for the presence of the biological particulate trapped by the filter. The enclosed cavity is configured to open while the plunger is inside the tube, so as to release the biological particulate-presence-testing-facilitation solution within the tube. Other embodiments are also described.
1. Apparatus for testing a biological fluid for presence of a biological particulate, the apparatus comprising:
a tube having a proximal opening;
a plunger sized and shaped to be inserted into the tube via the proximal opening and advanceable within the tube while sealably contacting the tube; and
a filter,
wherein the apparatus is configured such that as the plunger is advanced within the tube while the biological fluid is within the tube, the biological fluid in the tube is pushed through the filter, thereby trapping, by the filter, the biological particulate present in the biological fluid,
wherein the apparatus is shaped so as to define at least one enclosed cavity containing a biological particulate-presence-testing-facilitation solution configured to facilitate testing for the presence of the biological particulate trapped by the filter, and
wherein the enclosed cavity is configured to open while the plunger is inside the tube, so as to release the biological particulate-presence-testing-facilitation solution within the tube.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the enclosed cavity is configured to open while the plunger is inside the tube, so as to apply the biological particulate-presence-testing-facilitation solution to the filter.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the enclosed cavity is configured to open after the biological fluid in the tube is pushed through the filter.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the enclosed cavity is configured to open upon the plunger being moved within the tube.
5. The apparatus according to claim 4 , wherein the enclosed cavity comprises a seal.
6. The apparatus according to claim 5 , wherein the plunger is configured to puncture the seal as the plunger is advanced, thereby opening the enclosed cavity.
7. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the plunger is shaped so as to define the at least one enclosed cavity.
8. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the filter is disposed on a distal end of the plunger.
9. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein a distal end of the plunger is shaped so as to define the at least one enclosed cavity.
10. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein a wall of the plunger is shaped so as to define the at least one enclosed cavity.
11. The apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the at least one enclosed cavity is shaped as a lumen defined by the plunger.
12. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein a wall of the tube is shaped so as to define the at least one enclosed cavity.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein a distal wall of the tube is shaped so as to define the enclosed cavity.
14. The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein a distal portion of a lateral wall of the tube is shaped so as to define the enclosed cavity.
15. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the biological particulate contains an antigen, and wherein the biological particulate-presence-testing-facilitation solution comprises a releasing agent configured to release the antigen from the biological particulate.
16. The apparatus according to claim 15 , wherein the biological particulate is a microorganism containing the antigen.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16 , wherein the microorganism is streptococcus bacteria.
18. The apparatus according to claim 1 , further comprising a one-way-valve that separates the enclosed cavity from a lumen of the tube.
19. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured to force the biological particulate-presence-testing-facilitation solution out of the enclosed cavity using a gas above atmospheric pressure.
20. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is configured such that opening of the cavity occurs independently of the plunger.
21. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the filter is arranged to allow, while the plunger remains advanced in the tube, the testing for the presence of the biological particulate trapped by the filter.
22. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the biological particulate is selected from the group consisting of: a microorganism, a spore, a virus, a mite, a biological cell, a biological antigen, a protein, a protein antigen, and a carbohydrate antigen.