An oral fluid collection, transfer and transportation device and method

摘要

An oral fluid collection and transfer device comprises a collection device (10) and a test cartridge (100). The collection device includes a frame or chassis (14), and an absorbing pad (12) for absorbing oral fluid and which is secured around part of the frame with part of the frame protruding from the pad. A collapsible cover (16) covers the absorbing means and has apertures (68) forthe ingress of oral fluid into contact with the absorbing pad. Acap (18) covers the part of the frame protruding from the absorbing pad. The cap and the cover latch together to surround the frame and the absorbing pad. The device also includes a fluid adequacy indicator (20) in the form of an electrical circuit with an LED (66) which is completed when the absorbing means has absorbed a predetermined volume of oral fluid. The test cartridge (100) has a collection chamber (110) to allow insertion of the collection device into the test cartridge. A test strip (150) is used to for test the oral fluid for the presence of analytes. The collection device (10) is located at a fixed location relative to the test cartridge (100) within the collection chamber(110), in which location the absorbing pad (12) undergoes a controlled degree of compression, thereby transferring a predetermined volume of oral fluid from the absorbing pad to the test strip. A transportation vial may also be provided for the secure transportation of a sample of oral fluid to a laboratory for test verification. After initial testing, the collection device (10) is inserted into a transportation vial (180) wherein the remaining oral fluid contained within the collection device (10) is transferred to a sample vial (190) containing a preservative substance to prevent degradation of the sample during transportation. The collection device (10) and transportation vial (180) are repackaged and sealed with a tamper proof seal before being returned to a laboratory for confirmation or further tests. <IMAGE> <IMAGE>