Abstract:
An apparatus for comminuting biological specimens includes a receiving component provided with a drive source, a sample retainer configured for retaining at least one biological specimen and for engagement in the receiving component, and a single use comminution mechanism in operational relationship with the sample retainer. The drive source is configured for driving the comminution mechanism. A collector is associated with the receiving component for receiving comminuted product generated by the comminution mechanism. A method for comminuting biological specimens is provided so that, upon comminution, the specimen is readily subject to rapid extraction and detection of drugs and their metabolites, compounds, chemicals, pesticides, steroids, growth enhancers, contaminants or other pharmacologic agents which may reside in the specimen.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention is generally related to methods and apparatus for comminuting biological specimens onsite or in a laboratory, and is more particularly related to devices used for providing biological specimens for subsequent chemical analysis.  
         [0002]     For the purposes of this application, the term “comminution” will be understood to mean to mechanically reduce to powder, pulverize, grind, shred, tear or otherwise increase the surface area of biological specimens including, but not limited to hair, feathers, nails, hooves, claws, horns, fur, beaks, scales and other sources of keratin, (or access to the cortex of the specimen), as well as bone, tissue, organs and/or muscle found in humans and animals (hereinafter referred to as biological specimens or samples), whether or not in the presence of a carrier liquid, so that the specimen is readily subject to extraction or detection of drugs and their metabolites, compounds, chemicals or other pharmacologic agents.  
         [0003]     Increased drug abuse in North America has been associated with criminal activities, health problems, newborn addiction, lost worker productivity and staggeringly high medical costs. Currently of greatest concern are opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine), cocaine, marijuana, MDMA (Ecstasy), phencyclidine, amphetamine and methamphetamine.  
         [0004]     Possible pesticide residues in the breast tissues of women and the concern over the presence of synthetic agents and compounds in plant and animal foodstuffs has raised concerns about possible environmental exposure including air- and water-borne agents, as well as, exposure of domestic animals to agricultural chemical agents such as pesticides and herbicides, growth hormones and/or antibiotics. Verifying a natural “organic” status prior to slaughter has, thus, recently become of significant interest.  
         [0005]     In testing for human drugs of abuse, several test systems are presently marketed for detecting drug analytes in urine e.g., ONTRAK™ and ONLINE™ (Roche Diagnostic Systems, Inc.), the ADx™ automated fluorescence polarization immunoassay system (Abbott Laboratories, Inc.) and EZ-SCREEN™ (Environmental Diagnostics). Unfortunately, there are significant problems associated with urine testing for drugs of abuse, e.g., (i) possible false positive results for opiates recorded in subjects who are on certain medications and who have recently ingested poppy seeds; (ii) rapid elimination rates and short half-life of many drug metabolite compounds; and particularly (iii) false negatives associated with purposeful adulteration, dilution, urine substitution and other creative ways donor discover to beat a drug test.  
         [0006]     Unlike liquid urine samples, solid samples such as hair require special sample preparation prior to conducting assays. Conceptually, hair provides a better toxicological specimen than urine, serum, sweat or saliva because its relatively slow growth increases the period of time during which drug usage is detectable. Human head hair grows approximately 1/64 (0.016) inch per day, thus creating a calendar of drug use. It takes about seven (7) days after ingestion of drugs for the drugs to be extractable from hair outside the scalp. Approximately 1.5 inches of human head hair can show drug usage over a ninety (90) day period. The hair can also be sectioned into periods of thirty (30) day use.  
         [0007]     In present day practice, extraction of drugs from hair often involves cutting the hair it into small pieces using razor blades or scissors and inserting the cut hair into a test tube where it is then exposed to acid and/or base hydrolysis, prolonged enzymatic digestion, heat, organic solvent extraction and/or sonication. The cutting procedure is labor intensive, time consuming and is subject to the particular cutting techniques of individual technicians. Also, when multiple specimens need to be analyzed, technicians are subject to repetitive stress injuries. These methods require technical experience and are presently most easily conducted in a test laboratory. However, even then the sample process can take two to three hours to complete, and the results are not available for as long as seven days, the samples frequently suffer from poor reproducibility, there are long delays before results can be released and, even then, variability occurs in the ability to isolate different drugs and their metabolites. Hydrolysis conditions can also result in conversion of drug metabolites such as 6-monoacetylmorphine, i.e., whose presence provides judicial proof of drug abuse, into parent compounds, i.e., morphine. Fortunately, it has been found that certain drugs and their metabolites can persist in hair for extended periods of time.  
         [0008]     Another method for preparing a sample of hair for chemical analysis is for a technician to freeze dry the sample using liquid Nitrogen, then grind the frozen hair in a mortar and pestle for 5 to 10 minutes until it is powdery in appearance. This comminution or maceration operation is useful for increasing the surface area of the hair and, thus reducing the reaction time of the analytical chemicals on the sample and increasing extractability of the agents of interest. Using this method the amount of prepared specimen obtained for analysis may vary by sample as well as by individual technician, and the liquid Nitrogen limits usage to a laboratory setting. An alternative procedure for comminution involves a ball mill, but that device inherently has contamination issues with the balls from sample to sample, and is thus only useful in a laboratory process and this method of comminution is relatively slow.  
         [0009]     There is a need for a rapid mechanical comminution method and apparatus for biological specimens which method is easily adapted to both portable on-site comminution and laboratory comminution to prepare samples for detection of the agents of interest. There is also a need for a comminution method and apparatus for such specimens which is repeatable on an objective basis, maximizes sample integrity by eliminating cross contamination between specimens, increases the surface area of the hair and exposes the cortex of the hair for increased and rapid extractability of the agents of interest.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The above-identified needs are met or exceeded by the present method and apparatus for the comminution of biological specimens, which provides a receiving unit and a disposable sample retainer. The preferred receiving unit is provided with a drive system for powering the comminution of the specimen and for temporarily accommodating a sample retainer. In the preferred embodiment, the sample retainer includes comminution elements which reduce the specimens to a granular or powder-like state for more efficient and rapid detection for the agents of interest. Further, the receiving unit is preferably configured for enhancing the collection of ground specimen from the sample retainer.  
         [0011]     More specifically, an apparatus for comminuting biological specimens includes a receiving component provided with a drive source, a sample retainer configured for retaining at least one biological specimen and for engagement in the receiving component, and a single use comminution mechanism in operational relationship with the sample retainer.  
         [0012]     The drive source is configured for driving the comminution mechanism. A collector is associated with the receiving component for receiving comminuted product generated by the comminution mechanism.  
         [0013]     In another embodiment, a disposable sample retainer is provided for use with a comminution apparatus for comminuting a biological specimen, and includes a first portion configured for retaining the specimen and having a first comminution surface, a second portion configured for operational engagement with the first portion and having a second comminution surface, the first and second comminution surfaces being rotatable relative to each other for comminuting the specimen held therebetween. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a top perspective view of the present comminution apparatus;  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the apparatus of  FIG. 1  with portions omitted for clarity;  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the sample retainer apparatus of  FIG. 1 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 3A  is a fragmentary enlarged section of a second comminution surface; and  
         [0018]      FIG. 4  is a vertical section of an assembled view of the sample retaining apparatus of  FIG. 3 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0019]     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an apparatus or device for comminuting biological specimens or samples is generally designated  10  and is intended for comminuting specimens or samples such as hair, nails, fur, feathers, hooves or other materials having keratin, as well as other biological products such as muscle, organ and/or bone or which are known or believed to contain compounds accessible through chemical analysis and other detection systems. While the present apparatus  10  is depicted in a configuration for processing one specimen at a time, it is contemplated that the present principles of operation are convertible into an embodiment comminuting multiple specimens at a time, at least the latter having automatic control to maintain repeatability and consistency.  
         [0020]     More specifically, the apparatus  10  includes a base unit or receiving component, generally designated  12  having a housing  14  constructed and arranged for supporting various operational components described below. In the preferred embodiment, the housing  14  is configured for placement upon a table or other work surface, and the use of terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper” and “lower” refer to the apparatus  10  as depicted in  FIG. 1 , however other orientations are contemplated depending on the application.  
         [0021]     The apparatus  12  is provided with a drive source  16  preferably taking the form of an electric motor (best seen in  FIG. 2 ), powered by either line voltage or battery power, which is located within the housing  14  so that a drive gear  18  driven by the motor is accessible. In the preferred embodiment, the drive gear  18  is disposed on a top surface  20  of the housing  14  in operational proximity to a sample well  22 . The generally cylindrical sample well  22  is defined by a chamber  24  depending from the top surface  20  and being in fluid communication with an interior cavity  26 , preferably through an open bottom  28 .  
         [0022]     At a lower end  30  of the chamber  24 , a pair of opposing “L”-brackets  32  is disposed in generally parallel, spaced relationship to each other. The brackets  32  are configured for slidingly receiving a generally funnel-shaped filter collar  34  provided with at least one laterally extending flange  36  on an upper end  38  of the collar for slidingly engaging the brackets  32  and is generally greater in diameter than a lower end  40 , which is configured for passing comminuted sample from the chamber  26  into a receiving collector  42 . In the preferred embodiment, the collector  42  is at least one conventional test tube provided in a size suitable for such specimen analysis as is well known in the art. Among others, suitable test tube sizes include 12×75 mm, 10×40 mm, 13×45 mm, 13×50 mm and 13×60 mm. Alternatively, the known “Hitachi” cups are contemplated as well as other laboratory standard test tubes and other holding vessels known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0023]     The housing  14  of the receiving component  12  is preferably configured for retaining the collector  42  in a collecting position (best seen in  FIG. 1 ). While a variety of clamping formations, clips or brackets are contemplated, the preferred structure is a clip  44  having a generally “U”-shape when viewed in lateral section, having a pair of generally parallel spaced vertically extending arms  46 . It will be appreciated that the spacing of the arms  46  is determined by the size of the desired test tube  42 , and it is contemplated that the clip  44  as well as an underlying panel  48  may be exchanged for other sizes when other test tube sizes are to be used with the apparatus  10 . Thus, the spacing of the arms  46  will be sufficient to provide a slight yet positive gripping force on the test tube  42  without causing damage. It is also contemplated that the lower end  40  of the filter collar  34  will fit inside an upper end  50  of the test tube  42 .  
         [0024]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , an important portion of the comminution apparatus  10  is a sample retainer, generally designated  52 , configured both for retaining at least one biological specimen and for engagement in the sample well  22  of the receiving component  12 . The sample retainer  52  is operationally associated with a single use comminution mechanism configured for converting a raw specimen into a granular or powdery product more amenable to chemical analysis and other detection systems. In the preferred embodiment, this comminution is obtained by relative rotation of a first component of the sample retainer relative to a second component. This relative rotation is powered by the driving source  16 . The comminuted sample is received in the filter collar  34  and ultimately in the collector or test tube  42 . It is contemplated that the receiving component  12  may alternately have a separate single use comminution mechanism separate from the sample retainer.  
         [0025]     More specifically, in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 4  the sample retainer  52 , also referred in some cases as “a consumable” since it is designed for single use, includes a first component referred to as a cup  54  configured for retaining the above-identified sample or biological specimen  56 , which may be obtained from a variety of human and animal products. In the preferred embodiment, the sample  56  is depicted as a group of hair fibers cut to an approximate 1.5 inch length and having a weight of approximately 20 mg, which, when the hair is taken from the head, represents about 90 days of potential drug use. It is preferred that about 10-20 hairs are suitable as the sample  56 . However, it is contemplated that the size of the sample  56  may vary with the application and/or with the type of hair collected or the location on the body from which the specimen is collected.  
         [0026]     The dimensions of the sample retainer  52  are chosen based on the desired sample size. The cup  54  is generally cylindrical in shape, with an open upper end  58  defined by a generally tubular sidewall  60 . While other lengths and aspect ratios are contemplated, the present sidewall is at least approximately 1.5 inches in length and about 0.875 inch in diameter to adequately accommodate the sample  56 .  
         [0027]     Opposite the upper end  58  is a lower end  62  provided with a supportive grid  64 . The grid  64  consists of first and second pluralities of spaced bars oriented normally to each other. As a result, a supportive yet porous surface is obtained. The grid  64  is secured to the lower end  62  either by being integrally molded to the sidewall  60  or held there by chemical adhesive, ultrasonic welding or similar fastening techniques. To enhance the retention of comminuted particles of the sample  56 , the grid  64  is preferably provided with a transition formation  65  preferably in the form of a depending, annular tapered lip configured for insertion into the upper end  38  of the collar  34 .  
         [0028]     Atop the grid  64  is secured at least one first comminution surface  66  provided in the form of a generally planar perforated metal disk. In the preferred embodiment, the disk  66  is made from, or using techniques known in the electric shaver art for producing electric shaver foil having apertures in the approximate range of  0 . 025  inch, however the size and shape of the openings in the disk may vary to suit the application, provided they are large enough to pass comminuted hair fibers therethrough. Human hair fibers typically have a diameter in the range of 0.002-0.004 inch. Another desirable property of the disk  66  is that it is designed to serve as a fixed surface or “anvil” and as such is perforated but has a generally level upper surface. In the preferred embodiment, this surface is produced by electroplating or electrodeposition. The disk  66  is preferably secured to the grid  64  by chemical adhesive, ultrasonic welding, insert molding or similar fastening technology.  
         [0029]     While a shaver foil or similar perforated disk is the preferred material and construction for the comminution surface  66 , it is contemplated that other materials would be suitable provided they produce comminuted hair, feathers, nails, hooves, horns, fur, beaks, and other sources of keratin or other specimens found in humans and animals suitable for chemical analysis and other detection systems. It is also contemplated that the comminution surface  66  may be integrally formed with the grid  64  and even be made of the same material.  
         [0030]     A second component of the sample retainer  52  is referred to as a ram  68  and is configured for operational engagement with the cup  54  and having at least one second comminution surface  70 . The ram  68  pushes the sample  56  toward the first comminution surface  66  and maintains the sample there until comminution is complete. Another function of the ram  68  is to provide the second comminution surface  70 , which acts against the first surface  66  to comminute the sample  56 . Since the comminution process is obtained through relative rotation of the first and second surfaces  66 ,  70  in the preferred embodiment the ram  68  is configured for being rotated by the motor  16 , and as such functionally serves as the “hammer” of the two comminution surfaces  66 ,  70 . In a similar fashion to the attachment of the first comminution surface  66  to the cup  54 , the second comminution surface  70  is attached to a corresponding surface  71  of the ram  68  by chemical adhesive, ultrasonic welding, insert molding, or integral manufacturing with the ram as is known in the art.  
         [0031]     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 3 A, the disk  70  is secured to the ram  68  as described above to provide sufficient abrasive force when the surfaces  66 ,  70  are rotated against each other to comminute strands of hair into a granular or powdery consistency. In the preferred embodiment, the disk  70  is preferably made of metal by stamping to form a bossed or dimpled, generally planar surface. The sharpness of the edges of the bosses  70   a  may be enhanced by subsequent grinding or lapping operations. It has been found that, for desired results when human hair is being comminuted, the height of the bosses  70   a  should be less than the diameter of the thickness of the hair strands  56   a . Thus, in the preferred embodiment, the bosses  70   a  have a height of approximately 0.002-0.0025 inch. It is contemplated that the boss height may vary to suit the application or the sample type and size, and that boss height may vary within or upon the same surface  70 .  
         [0032]     While shaver foil is the preferred material for the surface  70 , and while the comminution apparatus is presently disclosed in the form of opposed comminution surfaces  66 ,  70 , other comminution surfaces or apparatus capable of comminuting hair, feathers, nails, hooves, horns, fur, beaks, and other sources of keratin or other types of specimens found in humans and animals are contemplated. For example, it is contemplated that the surfaces  66 ,  70  may be made of other materials, including metals such as stainless steel, nickel, aluminum alloys of the above and similar metals, plastics, abrasives such as sandpaper, silica carbide or other suitable abrasive or grinding materials. It is further contemplated that the foil surfaces  66 ,  70  may be exchanged on the respective cup  54  and ram  68  and also that the cup may rotate relative to the ram.  
         [0033]     Since the ram  68  is movable relative to the cup  54 , it is provided with a gear  72  or equivalent drive formation opposite the comminution surface  70 . In the preferred embodiment, the gear  72  is integrally molded to the ram  68  and is provided with a radially extending tooth configuration which meshes with the drive gear  18 . The precise tooth pattern may vary to suit the application as is known in the art. As the ram  68  rotates relative to the cup  54 , a radially extending bearing surface  73  located beneath the gear  72  slidably engages the inner sidewall  60  for maintaining proper alignment of the ram in the cup, and also for maintaining proper engagement of the gears  72 ,  18 .  
         [0034]     Another feature of the ram is that it is preferably configured for retaining the sample  56  between the surfaces  66 ,  70 . To that end, the ram  68  is provided with a sample retainer formation  74  for retaining the sample in place during comminution. It has been found that sample portions often creep upward away from the surfaces  66 ,  70 . The present sample retainer formation  74  is preferably formed as a radially extending helical rib which prevents the sample  56  from migrating away from the surfaces  66 ,  70  by forming a downward directing, moving barrier which acts like an auger against an inner surface of the cup  54  and rotates with the ram  68 . When provided as a helical rib, the formation  74  has to be oriented to accommodate the direction of rotation of the ram  68  to push the stray hair towards the comminution surfaces,  66 ,  70 . Through the use of the retainer formation  74 , the sample is maintained in operational relationship to the comminution surfaces  66 ,  70 .  
         [0035]     An important feature of the present sample retainer  52  is that it is disposable to facilitate single use and avoid cross contamination of samples. Accordingly, the cup  54  and the ram  68  are configured for easy detachability from the sample well  22 . In the preferred embodiment, the sample retainer  52  is vertically removable from the well  22 , however other disengagement configurations are contemplated. With the preferred configuration, when the sample retainer  52  is removed, the comminution surfaces  66 ,  70  as well as the drive formation  72  and the retainer formation  74  are also removed, those being the surfaces subject to contact with the sample  56 , before and after comminution. In addition, the cup  54  and the ram  68  are made of relatively inexpensive materials, which may include an anti static property. Alternatively, the cup  54  and/or the ram  68  may be made of material or otherwise equipped to neutralize positive or negative charges in the sample  56  or the cup  54 .  
         [0036]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , once the sample  56  is placed between the surfaces  66 ,  70  and there is resulting relative rotation by the drive source  16  for a specified period of time, the comminuted sample passes through the apertures in the surface  66 , through the supportive grid  64  and into the filter collar  34 . It has been found that in some situations, the comminuted sample does not fall freely into the filter collar  34  and ultimately into the collector  42 . As such, the receiving component  12  is preferably provided with at least one flow enhancer  76 . In the preferred embodiment, one flow enhancer  76  is a vacuum fan ( FIG. 2 ) which creates a negative pressure at the filter collar  34  by drawing air flow through an elbow duct  78  located within the receiving component  12  and which is in fluid communication with the filter collar.  
         [0037]     Air flows through the filter collar  34  in a generally lateral direction by virtue of a porous filter screen  80  ( FIG. 2 ) affixed in an opening in a wall-of the filter collar. The ram  68  is preferably provided with at least one air vent  81  for facilitating the flow of air through the sample retainer  52 . Alternatively, air may flow through the collar  34  and the cup  54  through a filter at the bottom of the cup. A mesh size is selected for the filter screen  80  so that air flows through, but comminuted bits of sample  56  are caught on the screen. Other types of filter material may be used as well to separate grades of comminuted particles as to size. In instances where there is a need for enhanced retention of the volume of comminuted sample, a motor  84  powering the vacuum fan  76  may be intermittently energized, instead of being constantly energized. It is believed that intermittent energization will enhance retention of comminuted sample  56 .  
         [0038]     The filter collar  34  is mounted in the receiving component  12  so that the filter screen  80  is in communication with the duct  78 . To provide adequate suction generated by the fan  76 , the duct  78  has a collar end  82  (shown partially cut away) configured for tightly engaging the conical wall of the filter collar  34 .  
         [0039]     It is also contemplated that a second flow enhancer is provided, designated  86 . In the preferred embodiment, the second flow enhancer  86  is a vibrator, which generates pulse impacts against the filter collar  34  to facilitate the downward flow of comminuted sample  56  into the collector  42 . More specifically, the vibrator  86  in one embodiment includes a motor  88  powering an eccentric cam  90  which is in periodic contact with the filter collar  34 . Other configurations and orientations of vibrating mechanisms are contemplated, provided the flow of comminuted sample is enhanced.  
         [0040]     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , for beneficial results, it is preferable that there be a biasing force exerted against the sample retainer  52  so that the respective comminution surfaces  66 ,  70  exert sufficient pressure against the sample  56  to achieve desirable comminution. Accordingly, the receiving component  12  is provided with least one biasing device  92  configured for exerting a biasing force on the sample retainer  52 . The preferred biasing device  92  is a releasable clamp affixed at a base  94  to the top surface  20  of the receiving component  12 .  
         [0041]     An over center lever/cam apparatus  96  is secured to the base  94  and includes a handle  98  and an actuator arm  100 . At a free end of the actuator arm  100 , a rotatable contact pad  102  is secured and is biased vertically by a spring  104 . The amount of spring force exerted by the contact pad  102  is determined by a threaded adjustment of an attachment rod  106 . When the handle  98  is pressed in a downward position ( FIG. 1 ), the actuator arm  100  is fixed in a lowered position with the contact pad  102  impacting an end  108  of the ram  68  having the gear  72 . Thus, the contact pad  102  exerts a vertical biasing force against the ram  68 , forcing the comminution surface  70  against the comminution surface  66  in the cup  54 . Further, the contact pad  102  rotates with the ram  68 . It has been found that about 5 pounds of force provides suitable results, but other degrees of biasing force are contemplated depending on the application.  
         [0042]     In the biased position shown in  FIG. 1 , the gear  72  is meshed with the drive gear  18 . It is contemplated that the contact pad  102  rotates with the ram  68  when the drive gear is driving the ram to effect comminution. Upon completion of the comminution process, the handle  98  is pulled upward to release the biasing force on the ram. At that point, the sample retainer.  52  may be withdrawn from the receiving component  12 .  
         [0043]     As the ram  68  rotates relative to the cup  54 , the cup is held stationary or prevented from rotation by being keyed to the sample well  22 . At least one radially projecting lug  110  on the cup  54  is received in a corresponding slot  112  in the sample well  22 . Upon vertical insertion of the sample retainer  52  into the sample well  22 , the lug  110  is engaged in the slot  112  to properly seat the sample retainer.  
         [0044]     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , control over the comminution operation is maintained by a control circuit  114  shown schematically. The circuit  114  includes a microprocessor  116 , programmable controller, central processing unit or similar device, and is actuated by an actuator  118 , represented by a start switch located on the receiving component  12 . The microprocessor  116  is connected to the drive motor  16 , the vacuum fan motor  84 , the eccentric vibrator motor  88  if included and other automated functions of the apparatus  10 . As is well known in the art, actuation of the switch  118  is configured for individually and cooperatively controlling the operation of the drive motor  16  as well as the vacuum fan motor  84  and the vibrator motor  88  if included. It is contemplated that the various motors  16 ,  84  and  88  may be operated sequentially for facilitating the comminution and collection of comminuted sample  56 .  
         [0045]     For automatic operation of the apparatus  10 , it is helpful to be able to monitor the condition of the comminuted sample  56  once it reaches the collector  42 . Many chemical analyses performed on comminuted samples  56  such as human hair are dependent upon the weight of the comminuted sample. Also, when multiple samples  56  are comminuted at a time, a more automated apparatus is preferred for saving time as well as for maintaining consistency and repeatability of the process. Accordingly, the microprocessor  116  is preferably connected to a sensor  120  in operational proximity to the collector  42 . The sensor  120  is schematically represented, since it is contemplated that the sensor may monitor various properties of the comminuted sample  56  including, but not limited to weight, height in the collector  42 , particle size, volume and opacity. Appropriate types of sensors  120  for monitoring such properties include infrared, mechanical, scales, optical and electronic types as are known in the art. Once connected to the microprocessor  116 , the sensor  120  provides feedback information in the form of signals which, when sent to the microprocessor, trigger predetermined operational cycles of the motors,  16 ,  84  and  88  as desired. For example, upon reaching a predetermined weight of sample in the collector  42 , the main drive motor  16  is turned off to stop the comminution process.  
         [0046]     Also, while only one sample retainer  52  and associated receiving portion  12  are discussed, it is contemplated that a unit incorporating the above-described principles of operation may be provided with the capability of simultaneously processing multiple samples at a time. The receiving portion  12  may be provided in a format suitable for processing single or small volumes of sample retainers  52 , or large volumes of such retainers. In the latter applications it is contemplated that the functions of driving the gear  72  on the ram  68 , exerting the biasing force to facilitate comminution and initiating the vacuum may be performed by the master control circuit  114  operating on multiples of the components described above. Also, it is contemplated that the microprocessor  116  may be programmed for varying the time of comminution, vacuum and/or vibration as a function of the size of the sample  56 .  
         [0047]     It is also contemplated that replacement kits of consumables be provided to users of the receiving component  12  or similar device. Such a kit would include at least a cup  54  with the grid  64  and the first comminution surface  66 , a ram  68  with the second comminution surface  70 . In addition, the kit would preferably include a filter collar  34  and a collector or test tube  42 . Thus, any of the components coming in contact with the specimen are single use and disposable.  
         [0048]     In operation, the present invention also contemplates the following method of comminuting specimens or samples for obtaining subject matter upon which chemical analysis may be performed. While the method is preferably performed with the apparatus described above, it is contemplated that other apparatus may be provided for achieving the same goals of generating comminuted sample material suitable for chemical testing and other detection systems.  
         [0049]     More specifically, the method includes first providing a biological sample comminution device including the receiving component  12  provided with the drive source  16 , the sample retainer  52  configured for retaining at least one biological specimen  56  and for engagement in the receiving component  12 , the sample retainer associated with a single use comminution mechanism  66 ,  70 , the drive source configured for driving the comminution mechanism and a collector  42  associated with the receiving component for receiving comminuted product generated by the comminution apparatus  10 . Next, the filter collar  34  is loaded into the receiving component  12 , after which the collector  42  is also loaded onto the component.  
         [0050]     As an option, the biological sample  56  is prewashed while in the first component  54  with methanol or other suitable liquids or compounds, and possibly subject to sonication or agitation, for removing external substances from the sample which may skew the results of the analysis. A removable filter material or screen may be placed at the bottom of the first component or cup  54  to prevent pre-wash movement of the sample through the foil during the washing period, and then removed before the second component  68  is engaged. The biological sample  56  is then placed into the first component  54  of the sample retainer  52 , and the first component is then loaded into the receiving device.  
         [0051]     It has been found that the samples of hair are awkward to handle and are difficult to position suitably at the bottom of the cup  54 . The preferred orientation, in the case of human hair, is flat or generally coplanar with the first comminution disk surface  66 . It has been found that if the hair is moistened with methanol it is easier to locate in the cup  54 . The methanol holds the hair together in a temporary bond which is released as the liquid evaporates. Also, the ethanol or methanol or other liquids quickly vaporizes without residue, especially when vacuum is used. Alternately, tweezers, cardboard or otherwise disposable plungers, or a technician&#39;s finger may be used for placing the sample.  
         [0052]     The source of vacuum  84  is then turned on for drawing air through the sample retainer to dry the sample. After the sample is dry, the second component  68  of the sample retainer  52  is engaged with the first component of the sample retainer with the biological sample  56  therebetween. A biasing force is exerted against the first component  54  of the sample retainer  52  so that the first comminution surface  66  on the first component engages a second comminution surface  70  on the second component  68 , and the drive source  16  is initiated to rotate the second component relative to the first component  54  to cause comminution of the specimen within the retainer  52 . Using the microprocessor  116 , with or without the sensor  120 , the operation of the drive source  16  may be varied as to time of operation, direction of rotation and/or intermittent or constant rotation. If desired, vacuum and/or vibration are employed by controlling the motors  84 ,  88  to facilitate movement of comminuted sample into the collector  42 .  
         [0053]     It will be seen that the present sample comminution apparatus  10  more efficiently provides comminuted sample for subsequent chemical analysis and other detection systems. It has been found that a typical 20 mg sample of hair requires about 2 to 5 minutes of comminution to reach a sufficiently comminuted consistency for chemical analysis and other detection systems. Using the present system, the process of comminution and chemical extraction has been reduced from several hours to about 30 minutes, and can be performed onsite rather than in a remote laboratory. Samples produced according to the present invention have been found to provide higher recovery in a shorter period of time in the subsequent chemical analysis than samples prepared according to prior techniques. The present system for comminuting hair samples has been found to expose the hair&#39;s cortex to enhance the reactivity of the hair with the analytical chemicals and other detection systems.  
         [0054]     While specific embodiments of the present method and apparatus for the comminution of biological specimens has been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the invention in its broader aspects and as set forth in the following claims.