Patent ID: 6336905
Filing Date: 2002-01-08
Classification: A61B

Abstract:
An endocervical sampling device, comprising:a cytology brush having a shaft, said shaft having a first end and a second, bristles attached to said first end of said shaft and a plunger/hub attached on said second end of said shaft and an indicator provided on said shaft between said first end of said shaft and said second end of said shaft; a sleeve having a sleeve first end and a distal end, wherein said sleeve slidably receives a portion of said brush, said brush shaft and said sleeve extend along a longitudinal axis, said sleeve having a cylindrical portion and a tapered tip located at an end of said cylindrical portion, wherein a radius as measured from the longitudinal axis of said tapered tip varies with respect to the longitudinal axis so that initially the tapered tip radius increases to a maximum radius moving away from the cylindrical portion of said sleeve and then the tapered tip radius decreases at the distal end of said sleeve; and a penetrable seal attached to the distal end of said sleeve, whereby in a first position said bristles are received in said tapered tip and positioned adjacent said seal, said indicator is positioned exteriorly of said second end of said sleeve and when said plunger is pushed toward said distal end, said penetrable seal is broken and said bristles extends outwardly from said sleeve into a second position and said indicator is positioned within said sleeve.