1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to the field of fecal sample collection devices, which can be used to manipulate samples, including samples used to assay for indicators of medical condition. In particular, the present invention relates to improvements in fecal collection device design that provide increased ease of use to the subject and the technician, as well as increased cleanliness, decreased incidence of sample contamination and reduced repulsiveness of the sample.
2. Description of the Related Art
Specimen test slides and procedures for detecting occult blood in fetal matter are well known. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,996,006 discloses slides having a specimen receiving sheet between a front panel and a rear panel with openings in the front and rear panels and pivotal covers or flaps to cover these openings. One such test slide is sold under the trademark of “Hemoccult”.
The specimen receiving sheet is generally an absorbent paper impregnated with a guaiac reagent. The hemoglobin catalyzed oxidation of the guaiac extract coated paper is used clinically to detect occult blood in feces.
A sample of fecal matter is smeared onto the guaiac paper through an opening of the front panel. The panel is then covered and the flap of the rear panel is opened. A developing solution such as hydrogen peroxide is applied to the guaiac paper via the corresponding opening in the rear panel. If blood is present in the fecal matter, the guaiac reaction will color the paper blue.
One of the problems associated with this test is the number of false negatives, i.e., negative test results in samples of known bleeding patients. The test is not sensitive enough to pick up power levels of blood in the feces.
Previous attempts have been made to increase the sensitivity of the test result. For example, the patient collects the specimen and posts the specimen to the doctor, hospital or laboratory for test. However, since the design or package is not good enough, the specimen is easily disabled when the doctor, hospital or laboratory receives it. Furthermore, previous design does not have sanitary means so as not to stain the patient or the doctor, or the laboratory assistant.
It is therefore the object of this invention to provide a sanitary collection and package means.