| 摘要 |
A uterine endometrial tissue sample brush includes a flexible core having a distal core end and a cylindrical brush member carried adjacent the distal core end. The core is formed from a spirally wrapped pair of wires and includes an atraumatic tip. The brush member is about 3 to 5 cm long and has a free outside diameter, preferably about 5.08 to 7.62 mm (0.2 to 0.3 in.), suited to maintain patient comfort yet comprehensively contact the undilated uterine canal. The brush member includes a plurality of resilient bristles axially spaced about 0.5 .to 1.5 mm apart. The bristles have a stiffness equivalent to that possessed by nylon-6,12 at a diameter of about 0.076 to 0.152 mm (0.003 to 0.006 in.). This stiffness is critical and unexpectedly gives the brush good exfoliating and collecting abilities simultaneously, in contrast to prior devices which may possess either good exfoliating or good collecting abilities, but not both abilities at the same time. The bristles are preferably composed of nylon-6,12 of about 0.127 mm (0.005 in.) diameter, and are retained between the pair of wires so that they are spirally arrayed. The brush also preferably includes a flexible sheath adapted to slidably receive the core and brush member therein, to prevent the collection of undesired exocervicalor vaginal fluid or material during introduction or removal of the brush. The brush especially useful for routinely and repeatedly collecting samples for cancer screening or for monitoring ongoing estrogen replacement therapy.
|
