Urine Diagnostic Testing Device

A urine toxicology testing device. The urine toxicology testing device includes a collection container having one or more toxicology testing strips for completing a chemical analysis of the collected urine. The testing strips are positioned within a drum that can be placed within the collection container and exposed to collected urine. A catheter has a first end that is in fluid communication with an opposing second end, wherein the first end is configured to be inserted into a urethra. The second end is disposed within the collection container, through a lid affixed to the collection container. The lid includes a valve that is movable between an open and closed position.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a urine testing device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a urine testing a device that utilizes a catheter to collect urine within a collection container having one or more toxicology testing strips for completing a chemical analysis of the collected urine.

A toxicology screen is often performed in emergency medical situations to determine if patient has certain chemicals or metabolites within their system. Typically, the toxicology screen requires the patient to provide a urine sample that is sent to a laboratory where the urine toxicology analysis is performed. To perform the toxicology analysis, a test strip having reagent chemicals impregnated into them is contacted with the urine. The urine is absorbed into the test stripes and a chemical reaction occurs between the reagents and urine, typically producing a visual indication of the chemical reaction, such as a change in color of the test strip. The test strip is compared to a color chart having the results of each test. The evaluation of the test alp with the color chart produces a negative test result if the urine does not contain a sufficient amount of certain chemical or metabolite. A positive test result is produced if the urine does contain a sufficient amount of certain chemical or metabolite.

However, there are several deficiencies with the above stated toxicology screen. First, obtaining urine from certain patients, for example unconscious patients, requires catheterization of the individual and collection of urine to a collection bag. This current testing process requires transferring the urine from a collection bag to a toxicology collection container so that the test strips may be tested. In some circumstances, delays in receiving test results delays treatment which may have significant impact on patient treatment and outcome. This is especially true for a patient with a suspected overdose that requires immediate treatment. Second, these known devices give opportunity to the nerfarious to tamper with the urine sample. These individuals may attempt to tamper with their urine to receive a certain toxicology test result. For example, the urine from the individual may be swapped with “clean” urine prior to collection having the effect of cheating the toxicology test.

The present invention provides a collection container that removably receives a catheter. The collection container includes a drum having, one or more compartments for receiving test strips for completing an analyses of the collected urine quickly. Further, the present invention collects urine directly from the bladder of the individual and prevents certain types of tampering, such as utilizing “clean” urine as a replacement. In addition, the present invention provides a customizable toxicology screening that tests certain chemicals that may be completed at the bedside of the patient.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of urine testing devices now present in the known art, the present invention provides a urine testing device that utilizes a collection container that removably receives a catheter, herein a drum is configured to receive test strips therein. The present invention further provides a lid having a valve that is movable between an open and closed position.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved urine testing device that has all of the advantages of the known art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a urine toxicology testing device that allows urine to be collected from patients directly from the bladder and without requiring the transferring of urine from one container to another.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a urine toxicology testing device having a drum that receives one or more testing strips within compartments positioned therein. The testing strips can test the urine within the container and detect drugs, their metabolites, and the like.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a urine toxicologyy testing device having a lid that is movable between an open position that allows urine to be transferred from the catheter into the container, and a closed position that allows the container and its contents to be sealed.

Other objects, features, anal advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the urine a device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for collecting urine from a patient. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention and an exploded view of one embodiment of the present invention, respectfully. The present invention provides a urine testing device10that collects urine directly from an individual for the purpose of performing a chemical analysis of the collected urine. The urine testing device10comprises a collection container11that removably receives a catheter12. The catheter12includes a first end14that is in fluid communication with an opposing second end15, wherein the first end13is configured to be inserted into a urethra. The second end15is removably disposed within the collection container11, through a lid16that is removably affixed to the collection container11.

A drum18comprises one or more compartments19each configured to receive one or more test strips20therein for completing an analyses of the urine. The drum18is dimensioned to be received by and interior volume of the collection container11, such that the urine collected in the container11contacts the one or more test strips20.

In the shown embodiment, the collection container11is a centrifuge container having an open upper end that removably receives the lid16thereon. The drum18comprises a hollow cylinder having the one or more compartments19facing outward and disposed longitudinally therealong. The compartments19are substantially parallel relative to one another and spaced at intervals from adjacent compartments.

The collection container11further comprises spaced apart graduated measuring indicia17disposed on a sidewall of the collection container11. Each indicia17is provided at the point of intersection of a plane coincidental with the horizontal level of fluid filling the collection container11. In one embodiment, the indicia17is calibrated for indicating the volume of fluid within the container11with the drum18. In another embodiment, the indicia17is calibrated for indicating the volume of fluid within the container11without the drum18.

Referring specifically toFIG. 2, the catheter12includes a one-way valve21configured to prevent backflow of fluid from the second end15towards the first end14. In this way, urine that is collected—Within the collection container11cannot reenter the body by flowing back up the catheter12. Further, the valve21allows urine to flow through the catheter12without air pockets forming.

Referring now toFIG. 3, there is shown an overhead view of one embodiment of the collection container of present invention. In the shown embodiment, the drum18is received within the container11and testing strips20are being inserted into the one or more compartments19. The container11and the drum18have corresponding dimensions, such that the drum18fits within the cylindrical container11. However, in alternative embodiments, the container11and drum18may comprise any shape, such as rectangular, oval, and the like.

Referring now toFIG. 4, there is shown a phantom perspective view of one embodiment of the lid of the present invention. In the shown embodiment, the lid16includes ridges32disposed annularly about the perimeter thereof. The ridges32provide a gripping surface for removing and affixing the lid16to an upper end of the collection container11. The lid16is threadably affixed to the upper end of the collection container11via corresponding threaded fasteners33. The lid16includes a valve30that is hingedly affixed thereto and an aperture31that is configured to receive the catheter12therethrough. The valve30is hingedly affixed to the lid via hinge34. In the shown embodiment, the hinge34is a ball and socket joint, wherein the lid16includes a pair of corresponding recessed sockets each configured to receive a ball member to permit rotation of the valve is such, the valve30is movable between an open position and a closed position.

The valve30further comprises a protruding member35dimensioned to cover the aperture31when in a closed position. A channel37runs through the valve30and sized to receive the catheter12therethrough. In the shown embodiment, the valve30includes one or more flanges36extending outwardly on opposing sides thereof.

Referring now toFIGS. 5A, and 5B, there are shown cross sectional views of one embodiment of the present invention in an open position and a closed position taken along4-4ofFIG. 4of the present invention, respectfully. In the shown embodiments, the lid16is threadably affixed to the container11. InFIG. 5A, the valve30is in an open position and the catheter12is running through the channel37and aperture31. In the open position, the channel37is aligned over the aperture31to permit fluid to freely flow from the catheter12into the container11.

InFIG. 5B, the valve is in a closed position and the catheter has been removed from the channel37. The removal of the catheter12allows the valve30to rotate towards the container11, wherein the upper surface of the valve20and lid16are substantially flush with each other. In the closed position, the protruding member35is positioned within the aperture31and prevents fluids from flowing therethrough.