| 主权项 |
1. A sampling system comprising:
a) a mailing package; and b) a cell sampling device comprising:
a. a flexible linear shaft configured to allow an individual to self-collect a sample from mucous tissue, said shaft having a first end and a second end and a handle at the first end and a longitudinal axis extending from the first end to the second end, and the second end having a shaft extension with two perpendicular prongs, each prong having an inner surface defining a groove and a protrusion, said grooves being on a same longitudinal level as each other at a proximal end of the forks and said protrusions being on a same longitudinal level as each other at a distal end of the forks;b. a detachable cylindrical sample collecting element having a rounded distal end and a collection element extension at a proximate end, the collection element extension dimensioned to fit in between the two prongs of the shaft extension and having two protrusions, one on each opposite side, fitting in the grooves of the shaft extension, wherein the sample collecting element was connected to the shaft extension at a connection by snapping the collecting element extension in between the forks of the shaft extension and aligning the protrusions of the collecting element extension with the grooves on the forks, and wherein the collecting element can be disconnected from the shaft extension by pivoting the shaft in relation to the collection element at the connection of shaft extension and collection element extension to release the protrusions of the collection element extension from the grooves on the forks, and wherein the collecting element has a surface formed of raised portions and grooves; andc. a sealable unit, wherein the unit is configured to store the sample collecting element, disconnected from the shaft and having a cell sample thereon, in a sealed form and to be received within the mailing package in a selected form. |
