TESTING BOOTH FOR VIRUS SAMPLE COLLECTION HAVING EXAMINATION WINDOW ALLOWING CLOSE-CONTACT INSERTION OF SAMPLE COLLECTION TOOL

The present invention relates to a testing booth for virus sample collection having an examination window allowing close-contact insertion of a sample collection tool, and more specifically relates to a testing booth for virus sample collection having an examination window, wherein a tester can collect, from inside the booth, a sample from a test subject who is outside of the booth, the tester can collect the sample from the test subject while manipulating a sample-collecting swab tool from inside the booth, the efficiency of the task of sample collection can be increased due to the sample collection task being carried out by the tester without wearing thick and heavy rubber gloves, and it is possible to prevent contamination and cross infection during the sample collection process. To this end, provided is a testing booth for virus sample collection having an examination window, comprising: a space part which provides a space in which the tester is located, is sealed from the outside, and has a window wall facing the test subject; and an examination window which is provided in the window wall of the space part and corresponds to the face of the test subject, wherein the examination window comprises: a swab inlet/outlet part which is formed so as to pass through opposite sides of the examination window, and has a passageway having a diameter through which a sample-collecting swab tool can go in/come out; and a detachable cap which can be detachably attached to the swab inlet/outlet part at the space part side and has formed therein an opening means for guiding the sample-collecting swab tool from the space part to the passageway of the swab inlet/outlet part, wherein the examination window is characterized by the opening means opening only in one direction going from the space part toward the passageway of the swab inlet/outlet part, or, the examination window is characterized in that if the opening means is not required, a fitting portion, into which the swab can be fitted from the outside of the booth, passes through the examination window, and there is a handle portion which is connected to the swab and which protrudes to the inside of the booth.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a test booth for collecting virus samples, wherein the test booth has an examination window allowing close-fitting insertion of sampling tools. More specifically, the present invention relates to a test booth for collecting virus samples, wherein the test booth has an examination window capable of increasing the efficiency of sample collection by a tester by excluding wearing of blunt rubber gloves and preventing contamination and cross-contamination through rubber gloves by sample collection swabs during a sample collection process.

BACKGROUND ART

Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in numerous infections and deaths worldwide. In a situation where a medicine or vaccine is being developed, it is very important to wear a mask to prevent infection and to quickly find suspected infected persons. As one of the quarantine activities for COVID-19, screening clinics are set up to collect samples from suspected infected persons, and medical staffs, who are testers, collect samples from suspected infected persons at the screening clinics.

In addition, in the process of collecting samples from suspected infected persons, preventing environmental contamination at sampling sites has emerged as an important issue to prevent transmission to medical staffs, who are testers, and the next subject. To accurately perform a virus test, it is important for a medical staff to collect a sufficient amount of sample from the upper respiratory tract (oropharyngeal swab, nasopharyngeal swab, nasal swab, etc.). When collecting a sample from the upper respiratory tract, a tester collects a sample from the oropharynx (mouth) and nasopharynx (nose) of a subject while the subject takes off a mask. When collecting a sample from the mouth or nose, a tester must use sterile cotton swabs. Even when a subject is somewhat uncomfortable, it is necessary to collect a sufficient amount of sample by swabbing the posterior nasopharynx and palatopharyngeal wall several times. During this sample collection process, a subject is likely to sneeze or cough due to stimulation of reflex nerves. When a subject sneezes or coughs, contamination may be spread to a wide space through droplets and aerosols at a sampling site. Also, there is a high possibility that medical staffs, who are testers, will be infected. In practice, there are many cases in which medical staffs who examine suspected infected persons are infected.

Therefore, it is important to block contaminants such as droplets and aerosols discharged when a subject sneezes or breathes. To solve this problem, as shown inFIG.1, a test booth having a window wall installed between a tester and a subject is provided. As a walking-thru test becomes possible by installing a test booth having a window wall, a tester can collect samples from a large number of people in a short period of time. According to the walking-thru test, in a state where a medical staff is located in a booth and a subject is located outside the booth, the tester wears a rubber glove protruding out of the booth and collects a sample from the subject using a sample collection swab. Due to the test booth having such a window wall, the tester does not need to wear a protective clothing because the tester is not affected by the outside temperature, and thus the tester can collect samples in a comfortable environment. In addition to ensuring the safety of a tester, when a test booth having a window wall is used, since the tester does not have to disinfect the inside of the test booth for each test, sample collection time may be reduced.

However, in the case of the test booth having the above-described window wall, since a tester has to perform precise sample collection while wearing thick and blunt rubber gloves that prevent easy tearing, the tester cannot easily perform precise manipulations. For example, due to wearing rubber gloves, it is not easy for a tester to hold the sanitary wrapping paper of sample collection swabs. In addition, after collecting a sample, it is difficult for the tester to easily perform a series of processes of cutting a sample collection swab and inserting the swab into a diagnostic tube.

Furthermore, while collecting a sample from the next subject while the contaminant of an infected person is on rubber gloves, the contaminant on the rubber gloves may come into contact with the sample collection swab of the next subject. In this case, cross-contamination may occur, and test accuracy may be reduced. To solve these problems, when a tester wears disposable plastic gloves, it is difficult for the tester to completely exclude cross-contamination and perform precise manipulations. In addition, in the case of a large-scale test, test time may rather increase.

DISCLOSURE

Technical Problem

Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is one object of the present invention to provide a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window capable of increasing the efficiency of sample collection work by enabling a tester to easily collect a sample by directly holding one end of a sample collection swab or the handle of a swab fitting portion into which the sample collection swab is inserted in a booth separated from the outside without a special quarantine device; and increasing the accuracy of a test by preventing contaminants from adhering to the sample collection swab.

Technical Solution

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, provided is a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window, the test booth including a space part that provides a space where a tester is located, is blocked from an outside, and has a window wall configured to face a subject; and an examination window installed on the window wall of the space part and configured to correspond to a face of the subject, wherein the examination window includes swab entry/exit holes formed through opposite sides of the examination window and having a passage having a diameter that allows entry and exit of a sample collection swab tool; and a detachable cap configured to be attached to or detached from a swab entry/exit hole on a side of the space part among the swab entry/exit holes and having an opening means to be opened to guide a sample collection swab to a passage of the swab entry/exit hole in the space part, wherein the opening means is configured to open only in one direction toward the passage of the swab entry/exit hole in the space part, or a fitting portion into which a swab is inserted from an outside of the booth is formed to penetrate the examination window, and a handle part connected thereto and exposed to an inside of the booth is formed.

In the examination window having the opening means, the opening means may be configured as an incision line formed on a part of the detachable cap, wherein, when a sample collection swab is inserted, the opening means is incised by an external force to form incision pieces, and airtightness of the detachable cap is maintained as the incision pieces are rolled into the detachable cap. In addition, an interference plate having a larger diameter than a diameter of the sample collection swab may be formed on the sample collection swab, wherein, as the sample collection swab is inserted into and comes out of a swab entry/exit hole, the interference plate interferes with the opening means to separate the detachable cap. In addition, a through hole connecting the space part where a tester is located and an outside where a subject is located may be formed through the window wall, and the examination window may be configured to be attached to or detached from the through hole through the detachable means. In addition, a connection portion made of a flexible material may be formed to penetrate an inside and outside of the examination window, a non-contact thermometer may be installed to be exposed to the outside of the examination window through the connection portion, and a handle of the non-contact thermometer may be installed to be exposed to the inside of the examination window through the connection portion.

In addition, the space part may be installed so that the space part is moved from a central control building through a moving means, and a wrinkled portion having elasticity may be installed between the space part and the central control building.

Advantageous Effects

A test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the present invention has the following effects.

First, in a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window, a test can handle a sample collection swab with bare hands without wearing rubber gloves, allowing the tester to manipulate the sample collection swab precisely. Accordingly, the test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window has an effect of increasing sample collection efficiency by the tester.

Second, since the test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window does not require rubber gloves, contaminants can be prevented from being transmitted to the next examiner's sample collection swab through rubber gloves. Accordingly, the test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window has an effect of increasing the safety of a test.

Third, since an examination window is configured to be detachable from the test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window, the examination window can be replaced when necessary, and a hygienic sampling environment can be provided by separately sterilizing and disinfecting the examination window.

Fourth, since a moving means is installed in the test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window, the test booth can be applied to the drive-thru method as well as the walking-thru method. That is, when a tester approaches a subject in a vehicle, the test booth can move toward the subject in the vehicle. Accordingly, the tester can conveniently and comfortably collect samples regardless of external temperature changes without being exposed to the outside.

BEST MODE

The terms and words which are used in the present specification and the appended claims should not be construed as being confined to common meanings or dictionary meanings but should be construed as meanings and concepts matching the technical spirit of the present invention in order to describe the present invention in the best fashion.

Hereinafter, referring toFIGS.2to7B, a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The test booth is configured so that a medical staff, who is a tester, may collect a sample from a subject outside the booth using a swab tool with bare hands inside the booth.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, the test booth includes a space part100and an examination window200.

The space part100provides a space in which a medical staff, who is a tester, is located, and is preferably formed to be transparent so that visibility outside the space part100is secured. The shape of the space part100is not particularly limited, and may be any shape capable of providing a closed space from the outside. As shown inFIG.2, the space part100is preferably provided in the form of a hexahedron. In this case, a through hole110through which the inside and outside of the space part100communicate with each other is formed in the space part100. The through hole110is a space required for a tester to collect a sample from a subject through the examination window200to be described later, and is preferably formed in a circular shape. In addition, detachable means300for attaching or detaching the examination window200are provided in the space part100, and attachment/detachment protrusions310are installed as the detachable means300around the through hole110. In this case, the diameter of the end of the attachment/detachment protrusion310is larger than that of the attachment/detachment protrusion310.

The examination window200provides a passage through which a tester pushes a sample collection swab400from the inside of the space part100to the outside of the space part100, and is made of a transparent material. The examination window200is preferably formed in a circular shape suitable for covering the through hole110, and is configured to be attached to or detached from the space part100through the detachable means300. For this configuration, attachment/detachment holes320corresponding to the attachment/detachment protrusions310of the detachable means300are formed along the circumference of the examination window200. The attachment/detachment holes320are preferably formed in the form of a long hole, and the diameter of the end of the attachment/detachment hole320is larger than that of the attachment/detachment hole320. After the attachment/detachment protrusions310are inserted through the ends of the attachment/detachment holes320, the examination window200may be coupled to the space part by rotating the examination window200so that the ends of the attachment/detachment protrusions310are caught in the attachment/detachment holes320. As described above, the examination window200may be configured to be detachable from the space part100through the detachable means300.

Alternatively, the examination window200may be integrally formed in the space part100. As shown inFIG.2, a support portion200afor supporting the subject's chin is preferably formed below the examination window200. The support portion200ais preferably formed in an arc shape along the curvature of the examination window200. Although not shown, extension pieces may be extended to opposite sides of the support portion200ato support opposite cheeks of a subject.

As shown inFIG.4, the examination window200includes swab entry/exit holes210and detachable caps220. The swab entry/exit holes210provide a passage through which the sample collection swab400enters and exits the subject's respiratory system, and are formed at the center of the examination window200. The number of the swab entry/exit holes210is preferably one or more. Considering that the sample collection swab400is usually inserted into the nose or mouth of a subject, the number of the swab entry/exit holes210is preferably two, as shown inFIGS.2to4. The swab entry/exit holes210protrude toward the inner side of the examination window200, i.e., toward the space part100, and are formed to be opened and closed through the detachable caps220. The swab entry/exit holes210are preferably formed to be inclined so that the detachable caps220are fitted into the swab entry/exit holes210. That is, the swab entry/exit holes210are formed to protrude from the examination window200toward the space part100, and the diameter of the swab entry/exit holes210gradually decreases toward the space part100. This configuration of the swab entry/exit holes210may be effective for press-fitting of the detachable caps220. In addition, as shown inFIGS.2and4, a sealing member (S) may be installed on the circumferential surface of the examination window200to maintain airtightness with the space part.

The detachable caps220of the examination window200are configured to cover the swab entry/exit holes210to close the passage of the swab entry/exit holes210and configured to be attached to or detached from the swab entry/exit holes210. The detachable caps220are preferably composed of a resin material so that the detachable caps220are forcibly fitted into the swab entry/exit holes210. As shown inFIGS.4,7A, and7B, the detachable caps220are preferably formed to have an inclined surface. The detachable caps220are formed in a hollow shape with one side opened, and an opening means221is formed on the other side of the detachable caps220. The opening means221is a component for guiding insertion of the sample collection swab400into the swab entry/exit holes210, and are configured to be opened only in one direction toward the swab entry/exit holes210. With this configuration, the detachable caps220may maintain airtightness even when the sample collection swab400is inserted into the detachable caps220through the opening means221. The configuration of the opening means221is not particularly limited. As shown inFIG.6, the opening means221is preferably formed as an incision line capable of incising the other side of the detachable caps220in all directions. The thickness of an incision line221is smaller than the thickness of the detachable caps220, and the incision line221is configured to be incised when external force is applied using the sample collection swab400. Accordingly, as shown inFIG.7A, due to the material characteristics of the detachable caps220, as soon as the sample collection swab400passes, the opening means221is cut toward the swab entry/exit holes210and spreads in one direction to form incision pieces221a. Alternatively, the incision line221may be provided in an already incised state. In addition, although not shown, the incision line221may be provided in various forms. For example, the incision line221may be formed in a circular shape with only one side fixed. In this case, when force is applied with the sample collection swab400, the incision line221may be configured so that a circular incision piece is rolled around one side.

In addition, the sample collection swab400configured to pass through the examination window200through the swab entry/exit holes210will be described. As shown inFIG.5, the sample collection swab400includes a cutting portion410, an interference plate420, and a handle430. The cutting portion410is a portion for separating the sample collection swab400and the handle430, and is formed so that the diameter thereof is smaller than the diameters of the sample collection swab400and the handle430. When a tester in the space part100swabs a specific body part of a subject using the sample collection swab400through the swab entry/exit holes210and collects a sample, the interference plate420is configured to detach the detachable caps220from the swab entry/exit holes210by interfering with the detachable caps220so that the sample does not come into contact with the detachable caps220. The interference plate420is formed so that the diameter thereof is greater than the diameter of the handle430and smaller than the diameter of the passage of the swab entry/exit holes210. The handle430has a bar shape suitable for a tester to grip. In addition, although not shown, the interference plate420may be composed of concave-convex wrinkles. That is, the sample collection swab400may be configured to remove the detachable caps220through the wrinkled portion. The configuration of the wrinkled portion may be a configuration corresponding to the circular incision pieces of the detachable caps220described above.

In addition, as shown inFIG.2, the examination window200preferably further includes a non-contact thermometer230and grip portions240. The non-contact thermometer230is a component for measuring the subject's body temperature, and is installed in the examination window200through a connection portion231made of a flexible material. That is, the non-contact thermometer230is provided so that a tester detects heat without directly facing a subject. Thus, the present invention enables complete non-face-to-face contact in a series of processes for collecting a sample from a subject. The non-contact thermometer230includes a sensor232, and the sensor232is exposed to the outside of the examination window200. In this case, as shown inFIG.4, a handle233of the non-contact thermometer230is positioned inside the examination window200so that a tester may adjust the position of the sensor232. The grip portions240are configured so that a manager easily carries the examination window200, and is installed on opposite sides of the examination window200.

Hereinafter, a process of collecting a sample from a subject by a tester in a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window configured as described above will be described.

A test booth is installed adjacent to a central control building, and samples are collected from suspected infected persons passing through the test booth according to the walking-thru method. At this time, a tester is located in the test booth, and a subject is positioned so that the subject's face faces the examination window200of the test booth. At this time, the subject puts his/her chin on the supporting portion200aand waits for examination.

When management of sample collection swabs is to be performed only inside a test booth, an examination window that allows sample collection swabs to be inserted inside the test booth is used. At this time, a tester in the test booth pushes the sample collection swab400into the opening means221of the detachable cap220and inserts the sample collection swab400into the passage of the swab entry/exit hole210. At this time, as shown inFIG.7A, the sample collection swab400is inserted while incising and widening the incision line221, which is an opening means, and then the sample collection swab400is inserted into the subject's respiratory tract through the passage of the swab entry/exit hole210.

In this process, the open incision pieces221aare restored and adhere to the handle430of the sample collection swab400. Accordingly, the inside of the examination window200, i.e., the inside of the space part100may be maintain an enclosed state. Even when the subject sneezes toward the examination window200, since the incision pieces221ado not spread outward, the passage of the swab entry/exit hole210may remain airtight. Accordingly, the subject's breath or droplets are prevented from entering the space part100where the tester is located.

Then, the tester checks the subject's face through the examination window200and performs swabbing using the sample collection swab400. At this time, since the tester handles the sample collection swab400with bare hands inside the space part100, the efficiency of the sample collection operation may be increased. After swabbing, the tester pulls out the sample collection swab400toward the inside of the examination window200, i.e., the space part100.

At this time, when the tester pulls the sample collection swab400into the examination window200, as shown inFIG.7A, the sample collection swab400is moved to the left in the drawing, and then the interference plate420interferes with the incision pieces221ato apply pressure to the detachable cap220. Then, as shown inFIG.7A, the sample collection swab400separates the detachable cap220from the swab entry/exit hole210.

When management of sample collection swabs is to be performed outside an examination booth, as shown inFIG.8, an examination window having a swab fitting portion into which a sample collection swab is inserted outside the examination booth is used. A tester collects a sample by holding the fitting portion and handles protruding into the booth and connected to the examination window.

Thereafter, the tester cuts the cutting portion410of the sample collection swab400and performs virus diagnosis using a test kit. At this time, since the process of cutting the sample collection swab400may also be performed by the tester with bare hands, the cutting process may be performed accurately and quickly.

In addition, when the process of collecting a sample from a subject is completed, as show inFIG.7B, the detachable cap220is separated and the swab entry/exit hole210is opened. After sampling, the subject's breath or ambient aerosol may flow in through the swab entry/exit hole210.

When the subject sneezes, droplets may flow into the examination window200through the swab entry/exit hole210. To prevent contaminants from entering the examination window200from the subject after sample collection is completed, as shown inFIG.4, the swab entry/exit hole210is shielded with a shielding cover500provided inside the examination window200. The shielding cover500is shaft-coupled to the inner lower part of the examination window200, and is provided so as to rotate toward the swab entry/exit hole210around the shaft. In this case, although not shown, a fastening means (not shown) may be installed at the end of the shielding cover500so that the shielding cover500is rotated toward the inside of the examination window200to shield the swab entry/exit hole210, and then movement of the shielding cover500is constrained.

As described above, the test booth is provided as a structure on one side of the central control building, and a walk-thru method in which a sample is collected while a subject passes through the test booth may be used. In addition, a drive-thru method may be used by allowing the test booth to move and access a subject in a vehicle. This method is presented as a second embodiment of the present invention, and will be described with reference toFIGS.9and10. Prior to the description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are indicated by reference numerals.

A test booth is provided as a separate body from a central control building, and a wrinkled portion600capable of performing stretching action is installed between the test booth and the central control building. The wrinkled portion600facilitates movement and access of the test booth based on the central control building while performing stretching action. The wrinkled portion600provides a connection passage connecting the central control building and the test booth. The configuration of the wrinkled portion600is similar to that of a boarding bridge that connects an airport boarding gate and an airplane to provide a passage.

In addition, as shown inFIG.10, in the test booth, a driving means700for moving the test booth is installed and a height adjusting means800for adjusting the height of the test booth is installed. The driving means700includes a driving unit including a driving motor and wheels capable of performing a rolling action through the power of the driving unit. In this case, a steering device capable of changing the direction of the wheels may also be configured. The height adjusting means800allows the position of the test booth to correspond to the driver's seat position of a vehicle when the drive-thru test method is performed. Since the height of the driver's seat is different for each type of vehicle, the height adjusting means800is configured to elevate the test booth.

The height adjusting means800may include a hydraulic cylinder and the like. Any apparatus capable of generating power capable of elevating the test booth may be used as the height adjusting means800.

In addition, the test booth may be connected to a mobile trailer and transported to a location where group testing is required. This case is presented as a third embodiment of the present invention and described with reference toFIG.11.

As shown inFIG.11, an ambulance and a trailer900are provided, and the examination window200is installed on one side of the trailer900. A general automobile may be used instead of an ambulance, and the examination window200has the same configuration as the examination window200described in the first embodiment. In this way, when the test booth is connected to the trailer900, since the tester may directly visit a subject regardless of distance, a virus test may be performed quickly.

As described above, the test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the present invention is configured so that a tester may collect a sample from a subject outside the test booth while handling a sample collection swab tool without wearing rubber gloves while being located inside the test booth. Accordingly, the present invention may provide a comfortable test environment to testers while securing infection safety of testers, and may be applied to various test methods such as walk-thru and drive-thru.

Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail. However, these examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are also within the scope of the appended claims.