Abstract:
A specimen testing apparatus includes an outer case and an inner case that adjustably extends beyond the bottom end of the outer case. The inner case has a plurality of test strips for biologically testing a specimen, whereby a wick affixed to the bottom end of the inner case draws the specimen into each of the test strips after the inner case is extended and the wick is exposed to the specimen. A cover is provided to protect the apparatus from contamination and to seal the apparatus after exposure to the specimen.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a method and apparatus for evaluating test samples and more particularly, for accepting a sample of a liquid specimen on an extendable wick and transporting the sample to a multitude of test membranes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Various devices have been used to accept liquid biological samples, evaluate the sample and display test results by color change such as detecting AIDS, glucose, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, viruses and the like. The simplest of such are single test strips that have a chemical strip that, after dipped in a sample, undergoes a chemical reaction when exposed to the target substance. These test strips are limited in the number of tests that can be performed at one time, limit privacy and create a biological disposal issue. If a series of tests need be performed, multiple test strips are exposed to the same sample, creating a potential for confusion between the different tests and requiring disposal or storage of multiple strips. If the strips have to be retained for evidence or transported to another location, they need to be sealed in a container to prevent contamination and prevent exposure to potentially biologically hazardous materials. 
     Other devices have extension portions that extend into the sample, and then retract after making contact. One such device is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,178 to Cesarczyk and Phildius, which is hereby incorporated by reference. This patent describes a specimen collecting and testing device that slides out of a plastic holder by pushing a shaft, passing the test membrane and exposing it to the sample. The described device is limited to one particular test. Furthermore, once the sample is collected, there is no seal to prevent leakage if this device is to be stored or transported to another location. 
     What is needed is a method and apparatus for specimen collecting that provides for multiple tests that are easy to read, yet are optionally protected for privacy purposes. Also needed is a specimen collecting device that is self-sealing for mailing, storage and to reduce exposure to biologically hazardous materials. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Accordingly, an objective of the present invention is to provide a specimen tester that performs multiple tests from the same sample, concurrently. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a specimen tester that organizes multiple tests in an easy to read format. 
     Another objective of the present invention is to provide a specimen tester that includes a cover for preventing unwanted exposure to contaminants before the tester is exposed and prevents leakage of potentially biologically hazardous liquids after it is exposed to a specimen. 
     In a first embodiment, an apparatus for testing a specimen is disclosed including an outer case having a bottom end that is open with an extendable carrier adapted within it. A wick is affixed to a bottom end of the extendable carrier for accepting the specimen and a knob is rotatably coupled to a top surface of the outer case. The knob has a screw extending though threads in a top portion of the extendable carrier for extending and retracting the extendable carrier. The is at least one test membrane affixed to the carrier, visible through the outer case and interfaced with the wick member whereby the wick member is coupled to the at least one test membrane so as to transfer the specimen from the wick member to the at least one test membrane. 
     In another embodiment, a method for collecting and testing a specimen is disclosed including providing a test kit having an outer case, an extendable carrier adapted within the outer case, at least one test membrane affixed to the carrier and a knob rotatably coupled to a top surface of the outer case. A wick member affixed to a bottom end of the extendable carrier for accepting the specimen. The at least one test membrane is visible through the outer case and is interfaced with the wick member. The knob has a screw extending though threads in a top portion of the extendable carrier for extending and retracting the extendable carrier. The method proceeds with rotating the knob, thereby extending the wick beyond a bottom edge of the outer case, the exposing the wick to the specimen by dipping the wick into the specimen, thereby transferring the specimen from the wick to the at least one test membrane using capillary action. Finally, rotating the knob in an opposite direction, thereby retracting the wick into the carrier. 
     In another embodiment, an apparatus for collecting and testing a specimen is disclosed including an enclosure and an extendable carrier adapted within the enclosure. A wick is affixed to a bottom end of the extendable carrier for accepting the specimen. There is a mechanism for extending and retracting the extendable carrier and at least one test membrane is affixed to the carrier and visible through the enclosure and interfaced with the wick. The wick is coupled to the at least one test membrane so as to transfer the specimen from the wick to the at least one test membrane. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of the device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a perspective view of the device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of the device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a perspective view of the device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a sectional view along lines  1 - 1  of  FIG. 4  of the device of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a perspective view of the device of the present invention is shown. In the preferred embodiment, the tester  10  is of cylindrical shape, but in other embodiments, the tester is, for example, of square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, pentagonal or triangular shape as the overall shape is exemplary. The tester  10  has an outer case  12  that is preferably clear or translucent to provide visibility to the individual test membranes  50 . The test membranes  50  are affixed to an extendable carrier  22  and interface to the wick  36  located at the bottom of the extendable carrier  22 . It is preferred that the extendable carrier  22  is shaped to match the outer case  12 . For example, if the outer case  12  is hexagonal, the extendable carrier  22  is also hexagonal. In some embodiments, the shape of the extendable carrier  22  is different from the shape of the outer case  12 . For example, the extendable carrier  22  is hexagonal and the outer case  12  is cylindrical. 
     In some embodiments, the test membranes  50  are affixed to an inside surface of the extendable carrier  22  and the extendable carrier  22  is made of a transparent or translucent material, making the test membranes  50  visible from the outside of the tester  10 . In other embodiments, the test membranes  50  are inserted into bores within the extendable carrier  22  and are visible through the bores. 
     In some embodiments, the test membranes  50  comprise a hydrophilic microporous membrane that is treated with an agent that reacts to the presence of specific matter in the test specimen by changing color. For example, a test membrane  50  is treated with an agent that changes color upon exposure to glucose, thereby when exposed to a urine sample containing glucose, that specific test membrane changes color. Many test membranes are known in the industry and the present invention is not limited to any particular test membrane, chemical compound or test membrane construction. For an example, several test membranes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,178 to Cesarczyk and Phildius. In some embodiments, the test membranes  50  include a filter layer and a drying layer, as known in the industry. 
     In some embodiments, the test membranes  50  are obstructed, preventing the technician who obtained the sample from seeing the results. In that embodiment, the tester is transferred to another person for evaluation, whereby the obstruction is defeated. In some embodiments, the obstruction is a layer of opaque security tape. In some embodiments, the obstruction is part of the tester and a mechanical operation must be performed to obtain access to the results. For example, the carrier  22  is moved beyond a detent that locks it in place and provides visibility to the test membranes  50 . 
     The extendable carrier  22  is movably positioned within the outer case  12  allowing it to adjustably extend beyond the bottom edge of the outer case  12  for obtaining a biological sample. The extendable carrier  22  is extended by rotating a knob  20  whereas the knob  20  is rotatably coupled to the top of the outer case  12  and coupled to a screw or threaded shaft  30  that passes through threads  32  in the top of the carrier  22 . In  FIG. 1 , the extendable carrier  22  is retracted so the wick  36  is above the bottom edge of the outer case  12 . In a preferred embodiment, the wick  36  is made from an absorbent foam material. The wick  36  extends into the extendable carrier  22  and is in contact with the test membranes  50  so that when the wick  36  contacts a biological sample (liquid), capillary action transfers a portion of the sample to each of the test membranes  50 . 
     A cover or lid  40  is provided to protect the test membranes from exposure to contaminations and in some embodiments, a seal  60  is provided at the interface between the outer case  12  and the cover  40  to provide a tight seal and prevent liquids from flowing into or out of the tester  10 . Therefore, in some embodiments, the extendable carrier  22  is sealed by attaching the cover  40 , protecting from the release of biologically hazardous materials. Once sealed, the tester can be mailed without the need for further sealing. Some testing requires the tester to be transported and retained for further testing, analysis and evidence. Additionally, in some embodiments, the top portion of the tester may also have a seal (not shown), for example, a rubber o-ring, to prevent leakage through the knob assembly. In the disclosed embodiment, the cover  40  is held in place by friction, requiring a tight fit. Any type of cover retaining mechanism is possible and the present invention is not limited to the described cover. Examples of cover retention mechanisms include a cover that is held in place by ridges, a screw cover, a hinged cover and a twist-and-lock cover. Cover attaching mechanisms are well known in the industry. 
     In some embodiments, the wick comprises absorbent foam. Although the foam can be molded, it is desirable that it be cut from a larger stock to preserve the cell structure. Preferred foam materials include polyethylene foam, polyvinylchloride foam, polyurethane foam, ethyl vinyl acetate foam, polyester foam, polyether foam and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an a perspective view of the device of the present invention is shown. As in  FIG. 1 , the tester  10  has an outer case  12  that is preferably clear or translucent to provide visibility to the individual test membranes  50 . The test membranes  50  are affixed to an extendable carrier  22  and interface with the wick  36 . The extendable carrier  22  is movably positioned within the outer case  12  allowing it to adjustably extend the wick  36  beyond the bottom edge of the outer case  12  for obtaining a sample. The extendable carrier  22  is extended by rotating a knob  20  whereas the knob  20  is rotatably coupled to the top of the outer case  12  and coupled to a threaded shaft or screw  30  that passes through threads  32  in the top of the carrier  22 . In  FIG. 2 , the knob has not been rotated, thereby leaving the extendable carrier  22  retracted so that a wick  36  is contained within the outer case  12  and the optional cover or lid  40  is shown affixed to the tester  10 . In this example, a seal  60  between the outer case  22  and the cover  40  helps prevent leakage of the specimen and helps prevent outside contamination during storage and shipping. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view of the device of the present invention is shown. The tester  10  has an outer case  12  that is preferably clear or translucent to provide visibility to the individual test membranes  50 . The test membranes  50  are affixed to an extendable carrier  22  and extendable carrier  22  is movably positioned within the outer case  12  allowing it to adjustably extend beyond the bottom edge of the outer case  12  for obtaining a sample. The extendable carrier  22  is extended by rotating a knob  20  whereas the knob  20  is rotatably coupled to the top of the outer case  12  and coupled to a screw or threaded shaft  30  that passes through threads  32  in the top of the carrier  22 . In  FIG. 3 , the cover  40  (not shown) is removed and the knob has been rotated, extending the extendable carrier  22  downward so that a wick  36  extends beyond the bottom edge of the outer case  12 . The wick  36  is partially submerged into a biological sample or specimen  70 , for example a urine sample. The specimen  70  at least partially saturates the wick  36  and is transferred to the test membranes  50  through capillary action. After the tester  10  is exposed to the sample  70 , the knob  20  is rotated to retract the extendable carrier  22  into the outer case  12  and the cover  40  (not shown in this figure) is attached, sealing the device and protecting it from contamination as well as preventing leakage of biological materials during storage or shipping of the tester  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , a perspective view of the device of the present invention is shown. In this embodiment, the tester  10  is of hexagonal shape having flat sides. The tester  10  has an outer case  12  that is preferably clear or translucent to provide visibility to the individual test membranes  50 . The test membranes  50  are affixed to flat sides of an extendable carrier  22  and interface to the wick  36  located at the bottom of the extendable carrier  22 . It is preferred that the extendable carrier  22  is shaped to match the outer case  12 . In this embodiment, the outer case  12  is hexagonal and therefore, the extendable carrier  22  is also hexagonal. In some embodiments, the shape of the extendable carrier  22  is different from the shape of the outer case  12 . An example of this would be if the extendable carrier  22  is hexagonal and the outer case  12  is cylindrical. 
     In some embodiments, the test membranes  50  are affixed to an inside surface of the extendable carrier  22  and the extendable carrier  22  is made of a transparent or translucent material, making the test membranes  50  visible from the outside of the tester  10 . In other embodiments, the test membranes  50  are inserted into bores within the extendable carrier  22  and are visible through the bores. In some embodiments, there is a non-porous fill material (not shown) within the carrier  22  and behind the test membranes  50 . 
     In some embodiments, the test membranes  50  comprise a hydrophilic microporous membrane that is treated with an agent that reacts to the presence of specific matter in the test specimen by changing color. For example, a test membrane  50  is treated with an agent that changes color upon exposure to glucose, thereby when exposed to a urine sample containing glucose, that specific test membrane changes color. Many test membranes are known in the industry and the present invention is not limited to any particular test membrane, chemical compound or test membrane construction. For an example, several test membranes are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,150,178 to Cesarczyk and Phildius. In some embodiments, the test membranes  50  include a filter layer and a drying layer, as known in the industry. 
     In some embodiments, the test membranes  50  are obstructed, preventing the technician who obtained the sample from seeing the results. In that embodiment, the tester is transferred to another person for evaluation, whereby the obstruction is defeated. In some embodiments, the obstruction is a layer of opaque security tape. In some embodiments, the obstruction is part of the tester and a mechanical operation must be performed to obtain access to the results. For example, the carrier  22  is moved beyond a detent that locks it in place and provides visibility to the test membranes  50 . 
     The extendable carrier  22  is movably positioned within the outer case  12  allowing it to adjustably extend beyond the bottom edge of the outer case  12  for obtaining a biological sample. The extendable carrier  22  is extended by rotating a knob  20  whereas the knob  20  is rotatably coupled to the top of the outer case  12  and coupled to a screw or threaded shaft  30  that passes through threads  32  in the top of the carrier  22 . In  FIG. 1 , the extendable carrier  22  is retracted so the wick  36  is above the bottom edge of the outer case  12 . In a preferred embodiment, the wick  36  is made from an absorbent foam material. The wick  36  extends into the extendable carrier  22  and is in contact with the test membranes  50  so that when the wick  36  contacts a biological sample (liquid), capillary action transfers a portion of the sample to each of the test membranes  50 . 
     A cover or lid  40  is provided to protect the test membranes from exposure to contaminations and in some embodiments, a seal  60  is provided at the interface between the outer case  12  and the cover  40  to provide a tight seal and prevent liquids from flowing into or out of the tester  10 . Therefore, in some embodiments, the extendable carrier  22  is sealed by attaching the cover  40 , protecting from the release of biologically hazardous materials. Once sealed, the tester can be mailed without the need for further sealing. Additionally, in some embodiments, the top portion of the tester may also have a seal (not shown), for example, a rubber o-ring, to prevent leakage through the knob assembly. In the disclosed embodiment, the cover  40  is held in place by friction, requiring a tight fit. Any type of cover retaining mechanism is possible and the present invention is not limited to the described cover. Examples of cover retention mechanisms include a cover that is held in place by ridges, a screw cover, a hinged cover and a twist-and-lock cover. Cover attaching mechanisms are well known in the industry. 
     Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
     It is believed that the system and method of the present invention and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.