Patent ID: 8992438
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
1. A method of sampling exfoliated cells from a colorectal mucosal surface of a human subject, comprising the steps of: providing a colorectal sampling device comprising: inserting the colorectal insertion member into the rectal cavity and bringing said insertion member into proximity with a colorectal mucosal surface without the outer, cell sampling surface of the flexible membrane making prior contact with any other body surface; pressurizing the interior cavity to at least a first elevated pressure so that the flexible membrane emits from the distal end of the insertion member; contacting the colorectal mucosal surface with the outer, cell sampling surface of said membrane such that a sample of exfoliated cells is obtained from the colorectal mucosal surface; applying a second reduced pressure to the interior cavity so that the flexible membrane inverts and the sample present on the cell sampling surface of said membrane returns to the interior cavity of the insertion member, said flexible membrane forming said receptacle with said cell sampling surface, and said sample on the interior of said receptacle; removing the insertion member from proximity with the colorectal mucosal surface and withdrawing said insertion member from the rectal cavity without said flexible membrane or sample making contact with any other body surface; adding a liquid buffer to said receptacle formed by said cell sampling surface of said flexible membrane; and sealing said receptacle by engaging said threaded cap with said threads defined at the tip of said insertion end of said insertion member, said closed cavity containing said sample.