Patent Description:
Liquid samples are acquired and analyzed in a variety of technical fields. One major field is medicine, where liquid samples are acquired from a living organism, for example from a human body. In human medicine a variety of types of liquids can be sampled for a variety of different purposes.

For example, it is known to acquire a saliva sample using a stick with a pad. Such a stick can be stored in a transport container, such as a glass, for the purpose of transportation to a laboratory, where the saliva sample can be analyzed.

For analysis, the liquid sample can be applied to a test strip, for example. Such test strips are commonly known as lateral flow assays, for example.

However, the sampling equipment commonly known exposes the sample to the risk of contamination during transportation and handling. Further, the known equipment requires trained personnel to acquire, transport and analyze the liquid sample.

<CIT> discloses a device for collecting and testing biological samples, as defined in the preamble of claim <NUM>, comprising a housing having a pivot arm. <CIT> relates to a device for collecting liquid samples, especially body fluids such as saliva, comprising an absorbent pad and two housing elements movably linked therewith that may enclose the absorbent pad. <CIT> concerns a specimen sample collection device includes a handle having a sufficiency indicator and an absorbent pad partially contained within said handle.

The present invention aims at providing improved sampling equipment for a liquid sample that is comfortable and safe in use.

This objective is achieved by the subject-matter of the independent claim <NUM>.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention can be gained from the dependent claims and the description.

A first aspect of the invention refers to a sampling device for a liquid sample, comprising:.

wherein said sample transfer member comprises a handling nipple designed to manipulate said sample transfer member, wherein said handling nipple is located on a side portion of said sample transfer member.

The sampling device of the invention allows for safe and comfortable acquisition of a liquid sample by applying said sample acquisition portion in the sample acquisition configuration to a source of said liquid. Thus, said liquid sample is safely and comfortably transferred to said sample acquisition portion that is well accessible outside of said main case, while said sampling device can be handled safely with said sample acquisition portion being securable by said clamping portion.

To manipulate said sample transfer member and said main case from said sample acquisition configuration to said sample transfer configuration, said sample acquisition portion is given free by said clamping portion. To achieve said sample transfer configuration, said sample acquisition portion is moved, preferably while carrying said liquid sample, into said sample reception section. Therein, said sample acquisition portion is again securable by said clamping portion.

As a test strip, if mounted in said test strip mounting portion, extends into said sample reception section, said liquid sample is transferred from said source of said liquid to said sample reception section and can therein be brought in contact with said test strip. Since said test strip is also extending into said indicator section of said main case, a reaction of said test strip to said liquid sample can be observed in said indicator section, preferably from outside of said main case.

Based on that, the sampling device of the invention allows for comfortable and safe acquisition and fast processing of a liquid sample. Accordingly, the sampling device of the invention is in particular suitable for private users, however it is suitable for professional users as well.

The sampling device of the invention preferably has a size to have it comfortably used by hand. Preferably, it measures between <NUM> and <NUM> in length, depending on the current configuration. Preferably, it measures between <NUM> and <NUM> in width. Preferably, it measures between <NUM>,<NUM> and <NUM>,<NUM> in height.

For example, the sampling device of the invention can be delivered originally packed in a protecting case, for example a plastic foil and with a test strip mounted already in said sampling device. Upon delivery, said sampling device can have said sample acquisition configuration with said sample acquisition portion being secured, so as to allow for said sampling device being handled like a one-piece stick-type of device.

A user can unwrap said sampling device and apply said sample acquisition portion to his body or to that of a patient in order to acquire a liquid sample. For example, a saliva sample can be acquired applying said sample acquisition portion to a mouth of a user or patient.

Once said liquid sample is acquired, the user can untighten said clamping portion and manually move said sample acquisition portion along with said liquid sample into said sample reception section. Then, the user can again tighten said clamping portion to secure said sample acquisition portion with said liquid sample within said sample reception section. This shows, how fast and easy said liquid sample can be freshly acquired and freshly stored inside said sampling device, without any danger of decontaminating said liquid sample by environmental factors or of harming the environment by said liquid sample.

Since in said sample transfer configuration said liquid sample is brought into contact with said test strip, processing of said liquid sample starts automatically and a result can be comfortably gained from said indicator section.

Preferably, the sampling device of the invention is designed for single use. In that case, said sampling device can be easily and safely disposed as a unit after having gained the result. Preferably the sampling device of the invention is made of a plastics material.

Depending on the liquid to be sampled, the sample acquisition portion preferably comprises a pad suitable for the respective type of liquid. The sample acquisition portion allows for a temporary binding of the liquid sample for the purpose of transportation, but at least partially releases said liquid sample after said sample transfer member and said main case have been configured in the sample transfer configuration.

The at least partial release can preferably be realized by delayed off-dripping, further preferred by wetting another component inside said sample reception section and even further preferred by squeezing said liquid sample at least partially off the pad by said clamping portion.

It is mostly preferred to use a combination of wetting another component inside said sample reception section and of squeezing said liquid sample at least partially off said pad.

Said sample transfer member can be connected to said main case permanently or reversibly. Preferably, said sample transfer member is connected reversibly to said main case.

It shall be understood that said sample transfer member preferably is continuously moveable between said sample acquisition configuration and said sample transfer configuration and that it can have intermediate configurations, as well.

If said sample acquisition portion is to be secured in said sample acquisition configuration or in said sample transfer configuration, said clamping portion can be tightened. If said sample acquisition portion is to be set free again, said clamping portion can be untightened. The functionality of said clamping portion can be achieved by moving one or more clamping elements of said clamping portion. For example, a clamping element of said clamping portion can be moved in a slidable manner or in a pivoting manner, relatively to the main case. Preferably, said main case can be closed or opened by tightening or untightening said clamping portion.

Said sample acquisition portion is secured, if said clamping portion at least assures that said sample acquisition portion does not lose its current configuration, which means said sample acquisition portion remains outside said main case or within said sample reception section.

If said sample acquisition portion is secured in said sample transfer configuration, said main case is preferably closed. If said sample acquisition portion is secured in said sample acquisition configuration, said main case is preferably closed, as well. To change between said configurations, said main case is preferably opened temporarily.

If said clamping portion secures said sample acquisition portion, it applies a pressing force to an adequate section of said sample transfer member, at least if said sample acquisition portion is about to alter its current configuration. Depending on the tolerances chosen by a person skilled in the art in the mechanical design process based on the disclosure presented herein, limited movement can be allowed, as long as the current configuration persists.

Preferably, said clamping portion is designed to apply a pressing force permanently to an adequate section of said sample transfer member, if it secures said sample acquisition portion either in said sample acquisition configuration or in said sample transfer configuration. A pressing force to secure said sample acquisition portion in either configuration may be different and specific to each configuration.

Permanent application of said pressing force increases distinctness of the mechanical state of said sample transfer member in the respective configuration, in particular distinctness of the mechanical state of said sample acquisition portion. This increases security of handling the sampling device and acquiring and processing said liquid sample.

Said clamping portion and said sample transfer member are preferably designed so that said pressing force is encountered by a structural elastic force of said sample transfer member, if said sample acquisition portion is secured. This way, said sample transfer member structural elastically urges against said clamping portion and therefore has a distinct mechanical state.

Said main case can be a single part or preferably an assembly. In case of said assembly it can be permanently or reversibly assembled.

For reversible connections or assemblies, plug-in connections, latching, snapping or clipping connections and the like are preferred in the context of the invention. This allows for improved production and also disposal as said connections can be separated for recycling.

Said test strip mounting portion preferably has a number of holding structures, such as ribs for example, that are designed to hold a test strip. Thus, the test strip can be easily applied and removed, in case of recycling. However, said test strip mounting portion could also be implemented as a gluing surface for example.

Said indicator section preferably comprise a window through that a mounted test strip is visible. Said indicator section and said test strip mounting portion are adapted to each other, so that at least a result display area of a test strip, if mounted in said test strip mounting portion, is visible. Preferably, only said result display area is visible in said main case from outside.

In a preferred embodiment of the sampling device of the invention, said sample transfer member has a base portion and a sample handling portion that comprises said sample acquisition portion, wherein said sample handling portion and said base portion are designed as a serial kinematics and said base portion is connected to said main case within said clamping portion.

Such type of kinematics makes it easy to switch quickly between the different configurations and is achievable at low manufacturing effort.

Preferably, said sample handling portion comprises a pivoted extension of said base portion.

Further preferred, said sample handling portion comprises a sample handling arm with said sample acquisition portion and said base portion comprises a base arm, said sample handling arm and said base arm being connected by an integral hinge.

In other words, said sample transfer member preferably comprises a structure similar to a pair of compasses type of kinematics.

Such kinematics are especially suitable to realize said sample acquisition configuration and said sample transfer configuration.

Further, such structures can be easily manufactured and equipped with structural elastic properties as referred to above in the context of the pressing force.

For example, said sample handling arm and said base arm can be injection molded. For example, in the area of the desired integral hinge some material can be removed or a material strength can be reduced even in the injection molding process itself.

If some material is to be removed it can be stamped out, for example. For example, a pad can be applied to said sample handling arm forming said sample acquisition portion.

In a further preferred embodiment of the sampling device of the invention, in said sample acquisition configuration said serial kinematics is in an elongated condition while said clamping portion can be closed entirely, so that said sample acquisition portion is forming a rod-type structure with said main case.

In said elongated condition, said serial kinematics has similarity with a totally spread pair of compasses.

This makes it possible to use the sampling device of the invention like a rod or stick when applying it to the body providing said liquid sample. Doing so said clamping portion can be closed entirely, making it very safe and comfortable in use.

To close said clamping portion entirely, while said sample handling portion ranges out of said main case, a recess can be provided at a proximal end of said main case. Said recess remains, if said clamping portion is closed entirely.

For example, said sample handling portion, for example with said sample handling arm, can extend through said recess. In that case, said integral hinge remains located inside said main case to assure that said sample handling arm is forming said rod-type structure with said main case and is not pivoting or at least not pivoting out of defined tolerances while extending through said recess.

Said sample handling arm can have structurally elastic properties and urge against said recess driven by said elasticity, while extending through said recess. In that case, said structural elastic force referred to above preferably originates from said integral hinge.

In a further preferred embodiment of the sampling device of the invention, in said sample transfer configuration said serial kinematics is in a shortened condition while said clamping portion can be closed entirely, so that said sample acquisition portion is stored entirely within said main case.

In said shortened condition, said serial kinematics has similarity with a totally folded pair of compasses.

As said sample acquisition portion is stored entirely within said main case, no interaction between said liquid sample and the environment is possible. Said sampling device can be stored as a compact unit for later disposal or if said result shown by said test strip is to be inspected later on.

To switch between said elongated condition and said shortened condition, said serial kinematics can be manipulated manually. Additionally, said structural elastic force, if present, can support switching between said elongated condition and said shortened condition, as it can initially move said serial kinematics towards said sample transfer configuration. This significantly supports said manual manipulation.

In other words, said (so called) folded pair of compasses initially starts to fold up on its own, due to said elasticity, which makes it much easier to further fold it up entirely by hand.

Especially if said sample transfer member is connected to said main case by a pin connection, said hand manipulation can directly start in a direction that at least partially traverses a connecting direction of said pin connection and therefore prevents the pin connection from loosening.

In a further preferred embodiment of the sampling device of the invention, said clamping portion has a snap-fit, designed to reversibly secure said clamping portion once it has been closed entirely.

This way, even if said sample handling portion applies a structurally elastic force to said clamping portion, it remains securely closed, unless it is opened by additional manual manipulation. Said manipulation by hand can be applied to said clamping portion directly but also to said sample handling portion that pushes said clamping portion open due to said manipulation by hand.

In a further preferred embodiment of the sampling device of the invention, said clamping portion comprises a beak-like kinematics.

Such type of kinematics, known in concept for example from ducks or other birds, can be realized and used quite easily.

For example, said main case can have an upper case and a lower case. Said upper case can have a front section pivoting relatively to a back section. Said lower part can be a stiff structure.

Preferably, said front section is designed to pivot on said back section by means of an integral hinge.

In a further preferred embodiment of the sampling device of the invention, a strainer is located within said sample reception section, separating said strip mounting portion from said sample acquisition portion in said sample transfer configuration.

This way it is assured that only said liquid sample is applied to said strip mounting portion or in particular to a test strip if mounted therein. This assures that said test strip is not harmed mechanically by said sample acquisition portion. Still, in other embodiments, said test strip may be brought well in contact with said sample acquisition portion to be wet, if both components are designed for that purpose.

In the embodiment currently discussed, said liquid sample can be applied to said strip mounting portion in said sample reception section via said strainer. This can be realized by delayed off-dripping for example. This delayed off-dripping can happen automatically after a certain time period of can be initiated as said sample acquisition portion is wetting said strainer.

Said liquid sample then drips through said strainer or runs along said strainer. Said strainer can preferably have guiding blades to lead said liquid sample to said strip mounting portion or said test strip, respectively.

In a further preferred embodiment of the sampling device of the invention, in said sample transfer configuration said sample acquisition portion can be pressed against said strainer.

Thus, said liquid sample can be squeezed at least partially off said sample acquisition portion by said strainer, if pressed against.

It is mostly preferred, that said strainer is wetted by said sample acquisition portion and squeezes said sample acquisition portion, if pressed against it.

In a further preferred embodiment of the sampling device of the invention, said clamping portion is capable of pressing said sample acquisition portion against said strainer in said sample transfer configuration.

Preferably, said sample acquisition portion can be pressed against said strainer by said beak-like structure if it is closed.

In a further preferred embodiment of the sampling device of the invention, a pressing force applied to said sample acquisition portion ranges from <NUM> N to <NUM> N, if said clamping portion is closed entirely. Further preferred, said pressing force ranges from <NUM> N to 5N, further preferred from <NUM> N to <NUM> N, further preferred from <NUM> N to <NUM> N and even further preferred from <NUM> N to <NUM> N or from <NUM> N to <NUM> N.

Test runs done by the applicant have shown that said pressing force, if kept in said range allows for a high level of comfort and safe extraction of said liquid sample from said sample acquisition portion. The given values have turned out to be in particular suitable, if said liquid sample is a saliva sample. In case of said saliva sample a pressing force in said range of <NUM> N to <NUM> N or <NUM> N to <NUM> N has turned out to be most suitable, depending on the properties of said sample acquisition portion. If said sample acquisition portion comprises a pad, a range of <NUM> N to <NUM> N is preferred in case of a very soft pad, whereas a range of <NUM> N to <NUM> N is preferred in case of a common saliva pad.

In a further preferred embodiment of the sampling device of the invention, said strainer is comprised by a base portion of said sample transfer member.

This way, said strainer can be easily manufactured along with said sample transfer member. Said strainer can for example be integrated in an injection molding process. Said strainer can also be stamped out, for example.

Alternatively, said strainer can be comprised by said main case and can be manufactured integrally with said main case or permanently or reversibly assembled with said main case.

Said sample transfer member comprises a handling nipple designed to manipulate said sample transfer member.

Thus, especially if said liquid sample has already been acquired and applied to for example a pad of said sample transfer member, safety and comfort are increased significantly. Said handling nipple can be grabbed without interference of a user's hand with said liquid sample.

Said handling nipple is located on a side portion of said sample transfer member. This makes said handling nipple even accessible if said main case is closed, as it can extend out of said main case at a side.

Said handling nipple can be designed to open said clamping portion, if said clamping portion is closed and said handling nipple is then pushed upwards. This makes it easy to open said clamping portion on demand.

In a further preferred embodiment of the sampling device of the invention, a test strip is mounted in said test strip mounting portion.

Said test strip preferably ranges from said indicator section to said sample reception section. Preferably said test strip is running below said strainer in said sample reception section.

Another aspect of the invention refers to a sampling system, comprising said sampling device of the invention according to the preceding description and a corresponding reading device.

Preferably, said reading device comprises a mechanical interface designed to receive said sampling device of the invention according to the preceding description, said reading device further comprising a sensing unit capable of acquiring data from said indicator section of said sampling device, if said sampling device is applied to said mechanical interface.

Said reading device is designed to read a result displayed by said test strip. Since test strips often display a result encoded, for example barcode-like, said reading device is preferably capable of communicating said result to a user in a better understandable manner. For example, said result can be communicated verbally or by illustration, such as a pictogram or symbol.

Preferably, said sensing unit comprises an optical sensor.

Preferably, said reading device comprises means for wireless communication of said result. For example, said reading device can be configured to communicate said result to a smart device of a user.

<FIG> shows a sampling device <NUM> of the invention for a liquid sample <NUM>. As <FIG> shows a schematic diagram it is not depending on a certain physical structure, but illustrates the functioning of said sampling device <NUM> in principle.

Said sampling device <NUM> comprises two major elements: a main case <NUM> and a sample transfer member <NUM>.

Said main case <NUM> has a clamping portion <NUM> with a clamping element <NUM> that features an operative connection <NUM> to the rest of said main case <NUM>. Due to said operative connection <NUM> said clamping element <NUM> is capable of performing a sliding movement <NUM> or a pivoting movement <NUM> relatively to said main case <NUM>, for example.

Said main case <NUM> further has a sample reception section <NUM>. Said sample reception section <NUM> is located within said clamping portion <NUM> and represents an area to that said liquid sample <NUM> is to be transferred.

Said main case <NUM> further has a test strip mounting portion <NUM> designed to have a test strip <NUM> mounted therein, which is illustrated by operative connection <NUM> between said test strip mounting portion <NUM> and said test strip <NUM>.

Said main case <NUM> further has an indicator section <NUM>.

Said test strip <NUM> is mountable in said test strip mounting portion <NUM> so that it extends into said sample reception section <NUM>, as well as into said indicator section <NUM>. Said test strip <NUM> is observable through said indicator section <NUM> to gather a result displayed by said test strip <NUM>.

Said sample transfer member <NUM> is connected to said main case <NUM> by a permanent or temporary connection <NUM>.

Said sample transfer member <NUM> has a sample acquisition portion <NUM>, suitable to collect and transfer said liquid sample <NUM>.

Said sample transfer member <NUM> and said main case <NUM> are configurable in a sample acquisition configuration <NUM>. In said sample acquisition configuration <NUM>, said sample acquisition portion <NUM> is located outside said main case <NUM>. This is shown in <FIG> by a continuous line illustrating said sample transfer member <NUM> at a proximal end <NUM> of said sampling device <NUM>.

In said sample acquisition configuration <NUM> said sample acquisition portion <NUM> is securable by said clamping portion <NUM>.

For this purpose, said clamping portion <NUM> is designed to reversibly apply a pressing force to said main case <NUM> and/or to said sample transfer member <NUM>, which is illustrated by operative connection <NUM>.

Said sample transfer member <NUM> and said main case <NUM> are further configurable in a sample transfer configuration <NUM>.

In said sample transfer configuration <NUM> said sample acquisition portion <NUM> is located within said sample reception section <NUM>. This is shown in <FIG> by an interrupted line, illustrating said sample transfer member <NUM> in said sample reception section <NUM>.

In said sample transfer configuration <NUM> said sample acquisition portion <NUM> is again securable by said clamping portion <NUM>.

Or this purpose, said clamping portion <NUM> is designed to reversibly apply a pressing force to said main case <NUM> and/or to the sample transfer member <NUM>, illustrated by said operative connection <NUM> and/or to apply a pressing force to said sample transfer member <NUM>, illustrated by operative connection <NUM>.

If said operative connection <NUM> and/or <NUM> is supposed to apply said pressing force via a sliding movement <NUM>, a person skilled in the art knows adequate kinematic concepts to realize this function, such as the use of inclined planes or wedges moved along in said sliding movement <NUM>.

If both, said liquid sample <NUM> and said test strip <NUM> are present in said sample reception section <NUM>, said liquid sample <NUM> can be transferred to said test strip <NUM> and then be analyzed by said test strip <NUM>. A result, displayed by said test strip <NUM>, can then be gained from said indicator section <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a preferred embodiment of a sampling device <NUM> according to the invention. Said sampling device <NUM> implements the functions schematically described with regard to <FIG>. Therefore, the reference signs of <FIG> are applicable for <FIG>, as well. The embodiment of <FIG> additionally describes exemplary structure suitable to realize said sampling device <NUM> and to achieve said functions in a preferred manner.

Said sampling device <NUM> in <FIG> has a main case <NUM>. Said main case <NUM> comprises an upper case <NUM> and a lower case <NUM>. Said upper case <NUM> comprises a front section <NUM> and a back section <NUM>. Said front section <NUM> is pivoted to said back section <NUM> by means of an integral hinge <NUM>.

Said lower case <NUM> is a stiff structure. Thus, said pivoted front section <NUM> and said lower case <NUM> are forming a clamping portion <NUM> of said main case <NUM>. Said clamping portion <NUM> has a beak-like kinematics <NUM>.

In said back section <NUM>, said upper case <NUM> comprises an indicator section <NUM> that is herein implemented as a window <NUM>.

Said main case <NUM> further has a sample reception section <NUM>. Said sample reception section <NUM> is located within said clamping portion <NUM>.

Said main case <NUM> further has a test strip mounting portion <NUM> designed to have a test strip <NUM> mounted therein. In the shown embodiment, said test strip <NUM> is mounted in said test strip mounting portion <NUM>. As can be seen, said test strip <NUM> extends into said indicator section <NUM> and from there no further in the direction of a proximal end <NUM> of said sampling device <NUM>. Said test strip <NUM> further extends well into said sample reception section <NUM>.

Now, a sample transfer member <NUM> comprised by said sampling device <NUM> will be described.

Said sample transfer member <NUM> has a base portion <NUM> and a sample handling portion <NUM>. Said base portion <NUM> and said sample handling portion <NUM> are jointly designed as a serial kinematics <NUM>. For that purpose, said sample transfer member <NUM> has an integral hinge <NUM> that connects said base portion <NUM> and said sample handling portion <NUM> in a way that said sample handling portion <NUM> is pivoted to said base portion <NUM>.

Said base portion <NUM> is connected to said main case <NUM> within said clamping portion <NUM>. Herein, said base portion <NUM> is connected to said lower case <NUM>. In particular, said base portion <NUM> is connected to said lower case <NUM> by means of a pin connection <NUM>, that is covered by said sample transfer member <NUM> in the given illustration of <FIG>.

Further, said sample handling portion <NUM> comprises a sample acquisition portion <NUM>. Said sample acquisition portion <NUM> is pivoted to said base portion <NUM> via said sample handling portion <NUM>. Said sample acquisition portion <NUM> is suitable to collect said liquid sample <NUM>, transfer said liquid sample <NUM> by temporarily binding of said liquid sample <NUM> and pivoting of said sample handling portion <NUM> and then at least partially releasing of said liquid sample <NUM>. For example, said sample acquisition portion <NUM> can be implemented as a pad <NUM>.

Further, said base portion <NUM> comprises a strainer <NUM> that is located within said sample reception section <NUM>. In said sample reception section <NUM>, said test strip <NUM> runs below said strainer <NUM> and said pad <NUM> can be brought in contact with said strainer <NUM>.

Said strainer <NUM> comprises a plurality of guiding blades <NUM>, making said test strip <NUM> accessible for said liquid sample <NUM> carried by said pad <NUM>.

For the purpose of manual manipulation, said sample transfer member <NUM> comprises a handling nipple <NUM>.

Now, with regard to <FIG>, certain functions of said sampling device <NUM> of <FIG> are described in more detail. It shall be understood that the following description refers to exactly that sampling device <NUM> of <FIG>, so that for the sake of illustration not all of the reference signs used in <FIG> are shown again.

<FIG> shows said sampling device <NUM> in a sample acquisition configuration <NUM>. At the proximal end <NUM> of said sampling device <NUM> said liquid sample <NUM> is illustrated.

Right next to said liquid sample <NUM>, said serial kinematics <NUM> is illustrated in an elongated condition <NUM>. While said serial kinematics <NUM> is in said elongated condition <NUM>, said clamping portion <NUM> can be closed entirely. Comparison of said clamping portion <NUM> in <FIG> and <FIG> underlines said beak-like kinematics <NUM>.

In said sample acquisition configuration <NUM> as the shown in <FIG>, with said clamping portion <NUM> being closed entirely said sample acquisition portion <NUM> is forming a rod-type structure <NUM> with said main case <NUM>.

To have said sample acquisition portion <NUM> extending out of said main case <NUM>, a recess <NUM> is provided in said main case <NUM> that remains even if said clamping portion <NUM> is closed entirely.

Said clamping portion <NUM> has a snap-fit <NUM>, designed to reversibly secure said clamping portion <NUM> once it has been closed entirely.

While said clamping portion <NUM> is closed, said sample handling portion <NUM> urges against said recess <NUM> driven by a structural elastic force <NUM>. Said structural elastic force <NUM> is created due to said integral hinge <NUM>, in particular by structural elastic properties of a material of said integral hinge <NUM> that tend to keep said serial kinematics <NUM> not entirely in said elongated condition <NUM>.

However, said clamping portion <NUM> secures said sample acquisition portion <NUM> in position by encountering said structural elastic force <NUM> by a pressing force <NUM>. Herein, this pressing force <NUM> is first applied manually to close said clamping portion <NUM> and then kept up by said snap-fit <NUM>.

Now with regard to <FIG>, said liquid sample <NUM> has been gathered by said pad <NUM>. Said clamping portion <NUM> can be opened manually by overcoming said pressing force <NUM> kept up by said snap-fit <NUM>.

Said pad <NUM> can now be pivoted in the direction of said structural elastic force <NUM>. This can be supported by hand, for example grapping said handling nipple <NUM>.

Now with regard to <FIG>, said sampling device <NUM> is in-between said sample acquisition configuration <NUM> and a sample transfer configuration <NUM>, as said sample acquisition portion <NUM> moves from outside of said main case <NUM> towards said sample reception section <NUM>.

Once it reaches said sample transfer configuration <NUM>, said sample acquisition portion <NUM> can come into contact with said strainer <NUM>. Even though said strainer <NUM> separates said test strip <NUM> from said sample acquisition portion <NUM>, it allows said liquid sample <NUM> to run through said strainer <NUM> in said sample transfer configuration <NUM> and reach said test strip <NUM>. To support this process, said sample acquisition portion <NUM> can be pressed against said strainer <NUM>, for example manually.

Said sample transfer configuration <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. As can be seen, said sample acquisition portion <NUM> is now located within said sample reception section <NUM>. This is achieved, as said serial kinematics <NUM> is now in a shortened condition <NUM>.

In this state, said sample acquisition portion <NUM> is again secured by said clamping portion <NUM>, that is closed entirely and thus entirely stores said sample acquisition portion <NUM> within said main case <NUM>. To keep said clamping portion <NUM> closed entirely, said snap-fit <NUM> is engaged again.

As indicated, to support the process of transferring liquid sample <NUM> to said test strip <NUM>, said sample acquisition portion <NUM> can be pressed against said strainer <NUM>.

In said sample transfer configuration <NUM> said clamping portion <NUM> is capable of pressing said sample acquisition portion <NUM> against said strainer <NUM>.

Preferably, said sample acquisition portion <NUM>, said strainer <NUM> and said clamping portion <NUM> are designed so that said clamping portion <NUM> applies a pressing force <NUM> to said sample acquisition portion <NUM> that amounts to <NUM>,<NUM> N in this embodiment, if said clamping portion <NUM> is closed entirely.

<FIG> shows a sampling system <NUM> according to the invention.

Said sampling system <NUM> comprises a sampling device <NUM> according to the invention, that is preferably designed as described above with regard to <FIG>. Accordingly, the same reference signs will be applied in <FIG>. However, any other sampling device according to the invention is suitable for said sampling system <NUM>.

Further, said sampling system <NUM> comprises a reading device <NUM> according to the invention.

The sampling device <NUM> shown is in said sample transfer configuration <NUM> and displays a result <NUM> in said indicator section <NUM>.

Said reading device <NUM> comprising a mechanical interface <NUM> designed to receive said sampling device <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Sampling device (<NUM>) for a liquid sample (<NUM>), comprising:
a) a main case (<NUM>) having a clamping portion (<NUM>), a sample reception section (<NUM>) and an indicator section (<NUM>), said sample reception section (<NUM>) being located within said clamping portion (<NUM>), wherein said main case (<NUM>) further has a test strip mounting portion (<NUM>) designed to have a test strip (<NUM>) mounted therein so that said test strip (<NUM>) extends into said sample reception section (<NUM>) as well as said indicator section (<NUM>); and
b) a sample transfer member (<NUM>) being connected to said main case (<NUM>) and having a sample acquisition portion (<NUM>), wherein said sample transfer member (<NUM>) and said main case (<NUM>) are configurable in at least the following configurations:
- a sample acquisition configuration (<NUM>), wherein said sample acquisition portion (<NUM>) is located outside said main case (<NUM>) and securable in said configuration by said clamping portion (<NUM>); and
- a sample transfer configuration (<NUM>), wherein said sample acquisition portion (<NUM>) is located within said sample reception section (<NUM>) and securable in said configuration by said clamping portion (<NUM>);
characterized in that said sample transfer member (<NUM>) comprises a handling nipple (<NUM>) designed to manipulate said sample transfer member (<NUM>), wherein said handling nipple is located on a side portion of said sample transfer member (<NUM>).