Patent ID: 6103192
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: B01L,Y10S

Abstract:
A device to collect and process a small amount of a biological specimen, said biological specimen selected from a group consisting of liquid and solid tissues, comprising(a) a matrix selected for its ability to adhere and immobilize one or more cells and viruses present in the biological specimen, said matrix comprising a durable fibrous structure that(i) collects cells and viruses upon contact;(ii) drys quickly to dehydrate said cells and viruses to preserve native nucleic acids; and(b) a handle, said matrix affixed to said handle, and said handle capable of directing said matrix into contact with cells and viruses;wherein the nucleic acids of cells and viruses immobilized on said matrix are detectable for the comparison of particular nucleic acid sequences in said biological specimen with another biological specimen; and wherein the nucleic acids that are detectable are selected from a group consisting of RNA and DNA.