Biological sample collection apparatus

A testing container is described having a vessel with a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end. The first end forms an opening into the vessel. The sidewall has one or more protrusions extending inwardly therefrom. The one or more protrusions form a gap having a width in a range between 2-4 mm, and the one or more protrusions have sufficient strength to withstand lateral pressure of a swab positioned in the gap relative to the one or more protrusions and to remove a head of the swab.

BACKGROUND

The collection, preservation, and processing of biological samples for DNA testing often requires a number of devices that could introduce DNA contamination and sample mix-up as transfers are made. Biological samples, such as those for forensic DNA analysis, are usually collected from blood, saliva, semen, and other bodily fluids by wiping onto a cotton-tipped swab or a cotton pad. The swabs, pads, or other collection devices are placed into plastic or paper containers or bags for storage, preservation and future analysis. Wet samples could be prone to microbial action and biological degradation if not dried or preserved properly. Cotton swabs or cotton pads may obtain small samples with a limited amount of biological materials which can be contaminated or diminished when the swab or pad comes in contact with the container or bag, or when the swab or pad is transferred to a processing or testing container.

The biological samples are then transferred to microtiter plates or tubes like microfuge tubes for testing or processing. Microfuge tubes are small plastic tubes capable of holding between 0.4-2.0 ml of liquid and are constructed to be placed into racks for automated manipulation and withstand the forces exerted by a centrifuge during centrifugation. Biological samples that may have dried in the previous container may be removed from the previous container, inserted into the microfuge tubes, and combined with a solution to separate DNA, for instance. The microfuge tubes usually have caps sized and shaped to protect and cover the tube opening, while maintaining the inside of the tube in an aseptic condition. The caps are usually attached by a flexible hinge and are closed and secured by press fit. Closing the cap often causes an annular sealing portion of the underside of the cap to be pushed downward into the tube. The caps are secured against accidental opening by a number of means which vary in effectiveness, including friction, integrated lid catches, or separate lid clamps. The caps are often provided with an unsealing portion opposite the cap hinge extending horizontally beyond the outer diameter of the tube's cap flange to provide a standard lifting tab. A thumb, thumbnail, or opener device may be used to lift upward on the lifting tab, but may lead to contamination of the sample held within the microfuge tube. Even the use of surgical gloves may not prevent cross-contamination between successively opened microfuge tubes. Container opener tools may reduce incidence of contamination however may not preclude contamination.

Biological samples that are not immediately processed and tested may be stored in the collection container for indefinite periods of time, in which case, the biological samples will benefit from drying or other preservation techniques to prevent degradation of the sample. Traditionally sample drying has been allowed to occur naturally, or aided by the use of protected holes in the cap of a container whereby air is allowed to circulate while limiting potential contact between the sample and contaminants. Drying or preservation agents, such as desiccants, may be used. However drying or preservation agents present contamination problems where the agent is placed in the same container as the biological sample.

There is a need for a container which may serve as the collection, processing, and testing container for biological samples, preventing the possibility of contamination of samples through transfer between containers. Further, there is a need for a container which aids in drying and preservation of biological samples without the potential contamination effects of exposing the biological sample to outside airflow or contamination by contact with a drying or preservation agent.

SUMMARY

In one version, the present disclosure is directed to a testing container having a vessel and a cap. The vessel may be provided with a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end. The first end of the testing container may form an opening into the vessel. The sidewall is provided with one or more protrusions extending inwardly therefrom. The cap has a first end, a second end, and a desiccant chamber. The cap is configured to fill and seal the opening of the vessel. The second end of the cap is provided with a semi-permeable barrier configured to allow air and moisture circulation between the vessel and the desiccant chamber. The desiccant chamber is configured to house a desiccant.

In another version, the present disclosure describes a testing container with a vessel and a cap. The vessel has a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end. The first end may form an opening into the vessel. The second end may form a closed end of the vessel opposite the first end. The cap has a first end, a second end, and a desiccant chamber. The cap is configured to fill and seal the opening of the vessel, the second end of the cap has a semi-permeable barrier configured to allow air and moisture circulation between the vessel and the desiccant chamber when the second end is positioned within the vessel. The desiccant chamber is configured to house a desiccant.

In another version, the present disclosure describes an insert vessel. The insert vessel has a vessel with a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end. The first end may form an opening into the vessel. The second end may be permeable to a sample fluid passing through the insert vessel. The sidewall has one or more protrusions extending inwardly therefrom. The insert vessel is configured to be inserted or secured into a testing container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Specific embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that the various embodiments, although different, are not necessarily mutually exclusive. For example, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described herein in connection with one embodiment may be implemented within other embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Further, in the following detailed description of embodiments of the present disclosure, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have not been described in detail to avoid unnecessarily complicating the description.

It should also be noted that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous decisions specific to circumstance may be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

The terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as “including,” “comprising,” “having,” “containing,” or “involving,” and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited.

Furthermore, the description and examples are presented solely for the purpose of illustrating the different embodiments, and should not be construed as a limitation to the scope and applicability. While any composition or structure may be described herein as comprising certain materials, it should be understood that the composition could optionally comprise two or more different materials. In addition, the composition or structure can also comprise some components other than the ones already cited.

It should also be understood that throughout this specification, when a range is described as being useful, or suitable, or the like, it is intended that any value within the range, including the end points, is to be considered as having been stated. Furthermore, each numerical value should be read once as modified by the term “about” (unless already expressly so modified) and then read again as not to be so modified unless otherwise stated in context. For example, “a range of from 1 to 10” is to be read as indicating each possible number along the continuum between about 1 and about 10. In other words, when a certain range is expressed, even if a few specific data points are explicitly identified or referred to within the range, or even when no data points are referred to within the range, it is to be understood that the inventors appreciate and understand that any data points within the range are to be considered to have been specified, and that the inventors have possession of the entire range and points within the range.

Referring now toFIGS. 1 and 2, therein shown is a testing container10. The testing container10is provided with a vessel12, a cap14, and a desiccant chamber16formed within the cap14. The testing container10may be formed from polyethylene, polyallomer, polypropylene, glass, or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, the testing container10may be formed using, for example, injection molding, and may be formed such that the vessel12, cap14, and desiccant chamber16are of a single piece construction. In another embodiment, the vessel12may be formed separate from the cap14and the desiccant chamber16such that the cap14and the desiccant chamber16may be secured to the vessel12. In one embodiment, the testing container10may be configured to a standard size of a microfuge tube such that the testing container10may be inserted, with the cap14opened or closed, within a microfuge or liquid handling robot for automated processing.

The vessel12is provided with a first end18, a second end20opposite the first end18, and a sidewall22extending between the first end18and the second end20. The first end18forms an opening24into the vessel12. The sidewall22is provided with one or more protrusions26extending inwardly therefrom. The one or more protrusions26may be used to break a shaft of a swab containing a sample as discussed above. The sidewall22may be tapered proximate to the second end20with the second end20forming a closed end23and a rounded bottom of the vessel12. It will be understood that the sidewall22may be provided with a taper or without taper and the second end20may be rounded, flat, or pointed and remain within the scope of the present disclosure and the inventive concepts disclosed herein. The vessel12may be configured for insertion into a microfuge or other centrifuge or liquid handling robot for automated processing. In one embodiment, the vessel12may be sized to contain between 1.2-2.0 mL of fluid, for example. In one embodiment, the vessel may be between 35-45 mm in height, and have an internal diameter of between 5-11 mm, for example. It will be understood, however, that the vessel12may be of varying height and diameter without departing from the function and the spirit of the inventive concepts of the present disclosure. The one or more protrusions26may be formed from polyethylene, polyallomer, polypropylene, glass, or other suitable materials and formed through the same process as the vessel12, such that the one or more protrusions26form a part of the vessel12. The one or more protrusions26may also be formed independent of the sidewall22and connected thereto such that the one or more protrusions26extend inwardly from the sidewall22.

In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 3 and 4, a first protrusion26-1and a second protrusion26-2are illustrated, as the one or more protrusion26, extending inwardly approximately one third of the internal diameter of the vessel12on opposing sides of the vessel12with a gap28having a width extending approximately one third of the internal diameter of the vessel12, for example between about 2-4 mm, between the first and second protrusions26-1and26-2. In this embodiment, the first and second protrusions26-1and26-2extend proximate to the first end18of the vessel toward the second end20of the vessel12approximately 5-7 mm along the interior of the sidewall22. It will be understood, however, that the one or more protrusion26may be of varying dimensions so long as the protrusions26-1and26-2may aid a user to break the shaft of the swab and thereby remove a head of the swab, as described below.

Referring again toFIGS. 1 and 2, the cap14has a first end30, a second end32, a sidewall34extending between the first end30and the second end32, and the desiccant chamber16formed therein and defined by the sidewall34. The first end30and the sidewall34may create a vessel within the cap defining the desiccant chamber16. The second end32of the cap14may be formed of a material configured as an air/moisture barrier, a semi-permeable barrier or semi-permeable membrane. For example, the material may be paper, or a polymeric material in a mesh configuration, a slotted configuration, or any other suitable material or configuration which may prevent a desiccant stored within the desiccant chamber16from contacting contents of the vessel12or entering the vessel12. When the cap14is closed on the vessel12and secured to seal the contents of the vessel12, the second end32of the cap14may allow air and moisture circulation between the vessel12and the desiccant chamber16. The circulation of air and moisture between the vessel12and the desiccant chamber16may allow a desiccant within the desiccant chamber16to absorb moisture within the vessel12and the desiccant chamber16. In some embodiments, the cap14may be provided without the desiccant chamber16. In this embodiment, the second end32may employ a semi-permeable membrane may to allow air/moisture circulation between the vessel12and an environment outside of the vessel12while retaining a sample stored within the vessel12and preventing contamination of the sample. In other embodiments without the desiccant chamber16, the cap14may be provided without the semi-permeable membrane to prevent communication between the vessel12and the environment outside of the vessel12.

The cap14may be formed from polyethylene, polyallomer, polypropylene, glass, or other suitable materials, for example. In one embodiment, the cap14may be provided integral to the vessel12and made during the same process as the vessel12. In another embodiment, the cap14may be provided as a separate piece securable proximate to the first end18of the vessel12. The cap14may have an internal diameter of 5-11 mm, for example, to correspond to the internal diameter of the vessel12. The cap14may be between 6-13 mm in height between the first and second ends30and32. It will be understood, however, that the cap14may be of varying heights and diameters without departing from the function and the spirit of the inventive concepts of the present disclosure. In some embodiments where the second end32is a semi-permeable barrier or membrane, a moisture barrier tab or seal may be placed on across the second end32of the cap14to prevent activation of a desiccant placed therein. The tab may be removed prior to sealing the tube so the desiccant is activated and is still separated by the semi-permeable barrier or membrane of the second end32.

The desiccant chamber16is configured to house the desiccant. The desiccant chamber may have dimensions determined by the type and amount of desiccant used to appropriately maintain desired humidity levels within the vessel12after a biological sample has been placed within and the cap14secured onto the vessel12to seal the contents. In one embodiment, for example, the desiccant chamber16may have an interior diameter of between 5-11 mm and may be between 6-13 mm in height. The desiccant chamber16may be configured to accept differing types and amounts of desiccant, for example, loose silica gel, silica gel packets, silica gel capsules, tablet desiccants, non-indicating silica gel, self-indicating silica gel, rice, montmorillonite clay, molecular sieve, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate, or other suitable desiccants.

Referring now toFIGS. 5 and 6, therein shown is another embodiment of a testing container38. The testing container38includes a vessel40, a cap42, and a desiccant chamber44formed within the cap42. The testing container38may be formed from materials similar to that of testing container10and formed by similar processes. For example, vessel40and the cap42may be formed via injection molding, 3D printing, or other processes. In some embodiments, the vessel40and the cap42are formed separate from one another such that the cap42and the desiccant chamber44may be secured to the vessel40. In these embodiments, where the cap42and vessel40are formed separately, the cap42may be connected and secured to the vessel40via friction, a clip, a clamp, a locking mechanism, screw threads, or any other suitable mechanism.

The vessel40is provided with a first end46, a second end48opposite the first end46, and a sidewall50extending between the first end46and the second end48. The first end46may form an opening49and the second end48may form a closed end. The sidewall50is provided with one or more protrusions52extending inwardly therefrom and formed from the sidewall50. In the example shown, the sidewall50has a substantially constant thickness proximate to the opening49, but is shaped to have one or more indentation54resulting in the one or more protrusions52. As shown inFIG. 5, the vessel40is provided with a first protrusion52-1and a second protrusion52-2formed from a first indentation54-1and a second indentation54-2, respectively. The first and second protrusion52-1and52-2may form a gap56extending therebetween approximately one third of a maximum internal diameter of the vessel40. In some embodiments, the vessel40may be between 35-45 mm in height, and have an internal diameter of between 5-11 mm, for example. However, it will be understood that the dimensions of the vessel40may vary while still being insertable into a microfuge or liquid handling robot for automated processing. The first and second protrusions52-1and52-2may be used to break a shaft of a swab containing a sample, thereby removing a swab head from the swab, as previously discussed with regards to the testing container10. The first and second indentations54-1and54-2may form a pitcher-like shape on an exterior of the sidewall50corresponding to the gap56within an interior of the sidewall50between the first and second protrusions52-1and52-2. In some embodiments the gap56and the pitcher-like shape may taper between the first end46and the second end48of the vessel40. In these embodiments, the sidewall50proximate to the second end48may be formed without the first and second indentations54-1and54-2. In some embodiments, the gap56may be between 2-4 mm between the first and second protrusions52-1and52-2. However, it should be understood that the gap56may be of varying dimensions based at least in part on dimensions of the vessel40.

The cap42may be similar to the cap14, with the exception that the cap42may interface with the opening49and the first and second indentations54-1and54-2of the vessel40. In some embodiments, the cap42may connect to a rim58of the vessel40positioned at the first end46. In other embodiments, the cap42may interface with at least a portion of the interior of the vessel40proximate to the first end46, such as by a friction fit between a portion of the cap42inserted into the interior of the vessel40and the portion of the interior of the vessel40. In some embodiments, the cap42may be provided without the desiccant chamber44. In this embodiment, a semi-permeable membrane may allow air/moisture circulation between the testing container38and an environment outside of the testing container38while retaining a sample stored within the testing container38and preventing contamination of the sample. In other embodiments without the desiccant chamber44, the cap42may be provided without the semi-permeable membrane to prevent communication between the testing container38and the environment outside of the testing container38.

Referring now toFIGS. 7-10, therein shown is another embodiment of a vessel60having a single protrusion62with a portion extending inwardly approximately one third of the internal diameter of the vessel60. The single protrusion62extends from a sidewall64of the vessel60proximate to a first end66of the vessel60. A gap68is shown extending into the single protrusion62at approximately the center of the single protrusion62. The gap68may be triangular in shape (as shown inFIGS. 7 and 8), dome shaped (as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10), semi-circular, square, or any other suitable shape. In this embodiment, the single protrusion62extends proximate to the first end66of the vessel toward a second end70of the vessel60approximately 5-7 mm along the interior of the sidewall64. It will be understood, however, that the single protrusion62may be of varying dimensions without departing from the function and the spirit of the inventive concepts of the present disclosure.

Referring now toFIGS. 11 and 12, another embodiment of a testing container80is shown. The testing container80is provided with a vessel82, a cap84, and a desiccant chamber86. The testing container80may be implemented similarly to the testing container10with the exception that the vessel82may not include the one or more protrusions26, as described above in relation to the vessel12. In this embodiment, the vessel82of the testing container80may accept an insert vessel88.

The insert vessel88has a first end90, a second end92, a sidewall94extending between the first end90and the second end92, and one or more protrusion96extending inwardly from the sidewall94of the insert vessel88. The first end90may form an opening in the insert vessel88. The second end92may form a floor of the insert vessel88. The second end92may be in the form of a mesh, a series of slots, or other suitable configuration allowing liquid, air, and particles below a predetermined size to pass through the second end92while preventing larger particles and solids from passing through and leaving the insert vessel88. The second end92, being permeable to air and liquid may allow a sample fluid to pass into the vessel82through the insert vessel88, when inserted into the testing container80. The insert vessel88may be formed from polyethylene, polyallomer, polypropylene, glass, or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, the insert vessel88may be formed using, for example, injection molding. The insert vessel88may have an exterior diameter of between 5-11 mm, and may have a height of between 15-20 mm measured from the first end90to the second end92. Insert vessel88may be secured into testing vessel80by a friction fit or locking mechanism.

The one or more protrusion96may be implemented similarly to the one or more protrusion26, the first and second protrusions26-1and26-2, or the single protrusion62. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 12, the one or more protrusion96may be formed as a first protrusion98-1and a second protrusion98-2formed on opposing sides of the insert vessel88and extending inwardly toward the center of the insert vessel88. A first gap100-1and a second gap100-2may be formed within the first protrusion98-1and the second protrusion98-2, respectively. In one embodiment, the first and second protrusions98-1and98-2may extend into the insert vessel88approximately one third of the internal diameter.

Referring now toFIGS. 13 and 14, another embodiment of an insert vessel110is shown. The insert vessel110may be implemented similarly to the insert vessel88with the exception that the insert vessel110has a receiving slot112configured to receive a locking protrusion114of a testing container (not shown). In some embodiments, the receiving slot112may be provided with one or more locking tabs118. As shown inFIG. 13, the insert vessel110is provided with a two locking tabs118-1and118-2cooperating to receive the locking protrusion114extending inwardly from an interior of the testing container. Once the locking protrusion114is accepted into the receiving slot112and passes the two locking tabs118-1and118-2, the locking protrusion114, the receiving slot112, and the two locking tabs118-1and118-2cooperate to secure the insert vessel110within the testing container. In another embodiment, as shown inFIG. 14, the insert vessel110is configured to receive the locking protrusion114and secure the insert vessel110within the testing container without the one or more locking tabs118. As shown inFIG. 14, the receiving slot112is provided with a first portion112-1substantially perpendicular to a second portion112-2of the receiving slot112. However, it will be understood that the receiving slot112may be configured with the first portion112-1and the second portion112-2positioned at any angle with respect to one another that will function to secure the insert vessel110within the testing container. In some embodiments, the insert vessel110may be frustoconical, cylindrical, or other shapes configured to correspond to a shape of the testing container.

Referring now toFIG. 15, another embodiment of an insert120is shown. In one embodiment, the insert120may be provided with an engagement member122configured to at least partially surround and engage a testing container123proximate to an opening of the testing container123, one or more protrusions124extending inwardly from the engagement member122, and a cap126connected to the engagement member122. The testing container123, similar to the testing containers10and80, may have a first end128forming an opening130, a second end132, and a sidewall134extending between the first and second ends128and132. The insert120may be formed from polyethylene, polyallomer, polypropylene, glass, or other suitable materials. In one embodiment, the insert120may be formed using, for example, injection molding or 3D printing, and may be formed such that the engagement member122, the one or more protrusions124, and the cap126are of a single piece construction. In another embodiment, the engagement member122and the one or more protrusion124may be formed separately from the cap126such that the cap126may be secured to the engagement member122. The insert120may be configured to be at least partially inserted and/or connected to the testing container123, where the testing container123, similar to testing containers10and80, is configured to a standard size of a microfuge tube such that the testing container123may be inserted within a microfuge or liquid handling robot for automated processing.

The engagement member122, as shown inFIG. 15, may be substantially ring shaped and configured to engage the testing container123proximate to the opening130of the testing container123. In embodiments where the testing container123is non-circular, the engagement member122may be shaped to correspond to the testing container123. The engagement member122may have a sidewall135configured to contact at least a portion of the testing container123and extend a distance between the first end128and the second end132of the testing container along the sidewall134. The engagement member122may engage the testing container123via latch, screw threads, a lip, a clip, a clamp, a friction fit, a locking mechanism, or any other suitable mechanism. In some embodiments, the engagement member122may engage the first end128of the testing container123, such as by friction fit extending contacting a portion of an interior or exterior surface of the sidewall134of the testing container123, for example. In some embodiments, the engagement member122may engage an outer rim of the testing container123proximate to the first end128, such as by a lip fitting around an exterior of the outer rim and engaging an underside of the outer rim, for example. In other embodiments, the engagement member122may be configured to engage the exterior of the testing container123, while the one or more protrusion124contacts the interior of the testing container123. While in still other embodiments, the engagement member122is configured to engage the testing container123using a receiving slot and locking protrusion similar to that of the insert vessel110. In either event, when the engagement member122engages the testing container123, the one or more protrusion124may be positioned within the interior of the testing container123and extend at least partially between the first and second ends128and132along the sidewall134.

The one or more protrusion124may be formed from polyethylene, polyallomer, polypropylene, glass, or other suitable materials and formed through the same process as the insert120, such that the one or more protrusion124form a part of the insert120. The one or more protrusion124may also be formed independent of the insert120and connected thereto such that the one or more protrusion124extends inwardly from the engagement member122of the insert120. As shown inFIG. 15, the one or more protrusion124may be provided as a first protrusion124-1and a second protrusion124-2, extending inwardly approximately one third of the internal diameter of the insert120. The first and second protrusions124-1and124-2may form a gap136therebetween, having a width extending approximately one third of an internal diameter of the insert120between the first and second protrusions124-1and124-2. It will be understood that the one or more protrusion124and the gap136may be of varying dimensions so long as the one or more protrusions124may be inserted into the testing container123and may aid the user to break the shaft of the swab and/or otherwise remove the head of the swab, as described above and below.

The one or more protrusion124may have an outer surface138that is aligned with at least a portion of the engagement member122. The outer surface138may be shaped so as to mate with an interior surface140of the testing container123. For example, where the testing container123is cylindrical, the outer surface138may form an arc shape. Further, by way of example, where the testing container123has a substantially square cross section, the outer surface138of the one or more protrusion124may form a flat portion or a plurality of flat portions to mate with one or more portion of the interior surface140. The one or more protrusion124may be of varying lengths extending downwardly from the engagement member122. In one embodiment, the one or more protrusion124may extend downwardly from a first end141of the engagement member122without extending downwardly beyond the sidewall135of the engagement member122. When the insert120is connected to the testing container123and the one or more protrusions124inserted therein, the one or more protrusions124may extend between the first and second ends128and132of the testing container123along the interior surface140and, in some embodiments, may contact the interior surface140. For example, in one embodiment, where the testing container123is between 35-45 mm in height, the one or more protrusions124may extend between 5-7 mm along the interior surface140of the sidewall134of the testing container123.

The gap136, formed by the first and second protrusions124-1and124-2may be formed in a substantially rectangular shape, as shown inFIGS. 15 and 16. In other embodiments, the gap136may extend into a single protrusion of the one or more protrusions124, similar to the gap68, described above. The gap136may be triangular in shape, dome shaped, semi-circular, square, polygonal, or any other suitable shape. As shown, the gap136, in one embodiment, may be sized proportionally to the testing container123, such that the gap has a width extending approximately one third of the internal diameter of the testing container123and the insert120. For example, where the testing container has an internal diameter of between 5-11 mm, the gap136may have a width of between 2-4 mm. In other embodiments, as previously stated, the gap136may have a width greater than or less than the one third of the internal diameter of the testing container123and the insert120.

The cap126may be implemented similarly to the caps14or84, with a first end142, a second end144, and a sidewall145extending between the first end142and the second end144. However the cap126differs from the caps14and84in that the cap126is configured to engage the engagement member122of the insert120, proximate to a second end144of the cap126, to secure the cap126to the insert120. In some embodiments, the cap126may have a circular, triangular, square, polygonal, or other suitable shaped cross section and have a generally cylindrical shape, dome shape, frustoconical shape, or any other suitable shape extending vertically from the engagement member122, when secured thereto. The cap126may be provided with a desiccant chamber146extending between the first end142and the second end144, where the first end142forms a top of the desiccant chamber146and the second end144forms a bottom of the desiccant chamber146. The second end144may be a semi-permeable membrane, similar to one described embodiment of the cap14. The cap126, in one embodiment, may have a substantially constant thickness such that a shape of the desiccant chamber146corresponds to a shape of the cap126. In some embodiments, the cap126may be provided without the desiccant chamber146. In this embodiment, the semi-permeable membrane may allow air/moisture circulation between the testing container123and an environment outside of the testing container123while retaining a sample stored within the testing container123and preventing contamination of the sample. In other embodiments without the desiccant chamber146, the cap42may be provided without the semi-permeable membrane to prevent communication between the testing container123and the environment outside of the testing container123.

The cap126may further be provided with a rim148extending outwardly from the cap126proximate to the second end144. In some embodiments, the cap126may secure to the engagement member122or the testing container123via a latch150capable of interfacing with the engagement member122or the outer rim of the testing container123. In one embodiment, as shown, the latch150may be connected to the rim148and extend outwardly from the second end144such that the latch150, when in the closed position, is at least partially aligned with the engagement member122and the one or more protrusion124. The cap126, in other embodiments, may also secure to the engagement member122via friction fit, a clip, a clamp, a locking mechanism, or any other suitable mechanism. In some embodiments, as shown inFIG. 16, the cap126may secure to the engagement member via the rim148. For example, the rim148may extend outwardly from the cap126a distance and downwardly past the second end144of the cap126, such that the rim148may engage the engagement member122by friction fit around a circumference of the engagement member122. In some embodiments, the rim148may also engage the engagement member122by a latch, locking mechanism, screw threads, a lip, or any other suitable mechanism. When the insert120is inserted into the testing container123and the cap126secured to the engagement member122, the cap126may thereby secure to the testing container123. In one embodiment, when secured to the testing container123, the cap126may allow air and moisture circulation between the testing container and the desiccant chamber130of the cap126.

The second end144, where implemented as the semi-permeable membrane, may be configured to permit air passage between the desiccant chamber146and the testing container123when the insert120is secured to the testing container123. The semi-permeable membrane may be implemented as a paper, a polymeric material in a mesh configuration, a polymeric material in a slotted configuration, or any other suitable material or configuration which may prevent a desiccant stored within the desiccant chamber146from contacting contents of the testing container123or entering the testing container123.

In use, the testing container10may be sealed in a package, such as a plastic bag, foil bag, or other suitable container to prevent activation of the desiccant within the desiccant chamber16. A user may obtain the testing container10and remove it from the sealed package. The user may use a swab, with a wooden or plastic shaft, to obtain a biological sample such as blood, saliva, and cellular samples, for example. The user may then place the tip of the swab, used to collect the sample, into the vessel12of the testing container10. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 1, the shaft of the swab may then be placed between the first and second protrusions26-1and26-2. Lateral pressure may then be applied to the shaft breaking the shaft between the first and second protrusions26-1and26-2. When the shaft breaks, the tip of the swab (also referred to herein as the head of the swab) containing the biological sample, may fall into the vessel12. The cap14of the testing container10may be closed, sealing the vessel12from outside contaminants and moisture. The desiccant within the desiccant chamber16, activated by removing the testing container10from the sealed package or removing the barrier tab, may absorb the moisture from the air within the vessel12, drying the biological sample to preserve the biological sample for later testing. The testing container10, with the contents of the vessel12sealed by the cap14may be transported to a location for testing, such as a mobile or stationary lab, or other testing facility, for example. The testing container10may also be stored in an evidence containment unit, such as an evidence locker in a police station, prior to testing. For testing the biological sample, the testing container10may be opened, and placed in a rack of an automated processing instrument for processing. Otherwise, the biological sample may be rehydrated using an appropriate solution, such as 1 ml lysis buffer and 10 μl Proteinase K, or other suitable solution and processed manually. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that other forms of testing of the biological sample may be performed while the biological sample remains in the testing container10.

The testing container80may be used similar to the testing container10. The testing container80may be sealed in a suitable container to prevent activation of the desiccant in the desiccant chamber86(or have a barrier tab). The insert vessel88may be packaged with the testing container80, or may be separate from the testing container80. A user may obtain the testing container80and remove it from the sealed package. The user may then insert the insert vessel88into the testing container80such that the insert vessel88is secured within the vessel82of the testing container80. The user may use a swab, with a wooden or plastic shaft, for example, to obtain a biological sample such as blood, saliva, and cellular samples, for example. The user may then place the tip of the swab, used to collect the sample, into the insert vessel88within the testing container80. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 11, the shaft of the swab may then be placed between the first and second protrusions98-1and98-2. Lateral pressure may then be applied to the shaft breaking the shaft between the first and second protrusions98-1and98-2. When the shaft breaks, the tip of the swab, containing the biological sample, may fall into the insert vessel88. The cap84of the testing container80may be closed, sealing the vessel82from outside contaminants and moisture. The desiccant within the desiccant chamber86, activated by removing the testing container80from the sealed package (or removing barrier tab), may absorb the moisture from the air within the vessel82, drying the biological sample to preserve the biological sample for later testing. The testing container80, with the contents of the vessel82sealed by the cap84may be transported to a location for testing, such as a mobile or stationary lab, or other testing facility, for example. The testing container80may also be stored in an evidence containment unit, such as an evidence locker in a police station, prior to testing. For testing the biological sample, the testing container80may be opened, and if necessary, the biological sample may be rehydrated using an appropriate solution, such as 1 ml lysis buffer and 10 μl Proteinase K, or other suitable solution. When the appropriate solution is applied to the biological sample, the sample and solution may pass through the second end92of the insert vessel88and enter into the vessel82of the testing container80. The insert vessel88may then be removed from the testing container80in order to remove the swab tip and the testing container80may be placed into a microfuge or liquid handling robot for automated processing for separation of the biological sample and later analysis. It will be understood by one skilled in the art that other forms of testing of the biological sample may be performed while the biological sample remains in the testing container80.