Methods and devices for obtaining samples from hollow viscera

摘要

A gastrointestinal sampling device that increases the number of epithelial cells removed from the stomach lining without causing additional discomfort to the patient, and which is particularly useful for obtaining samples from the gastric mucus and between the epithelial cells of the stomach. It comprises a drag material ( 12 ) for obtaining a gastrointestinal sample and a protective sheath ( 22 ) for deployment about the drag material such that the drag material is substantially enclosed by the protective sheath upon removal from the gastrointestinal tract.