U.S. patent application number 11/605043 was filed with the patent office on 2007-07-19 for sample collection device and method.
Invention is credited to Sagarika Kanjilal, Vivek Kapur.
Application Number | 20070167900 11/605043 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34825907 |
Filed Date | 2007-07-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070167900 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kanjilal; Sagarika ; et
al. |
July 19, 2007 |
Sample collection device and method
Abstract
The invention is directed to sample collection assemblies and
methods for collecting a sample from a collection source.
Inventors: |
Kanjilal; Sagarika;
(Shoreview, MN) ; Kapur; Vivek; (Shoreview,
MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Brooks & Cameron, PLLC
Suite 500
1221 Nicollet Avenue
Minneapolis
MN
55403
US
|
Family ID: |
34825907 |
Appl. No.: |
11/605043 |
Filed: |
November 28, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
11035662 |
Jan 14, 2005 |
7141033 |
|
|
11605043 |
Nov 28, 2006 |
|
|
|
60537057 |
Jan 16, 2004 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
604/1 ; 600/570;
600/572 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01L 3/5082 20130101;
A61B 10/0038 20130101; A61B 10/0096 20130101; B01L 3/5029
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/001 ;
600/570; 600/572 |
International
Class: |
A61M 35/00 20060101
A61M035/00; A61B 10/00 20060101 A61B010/00 |
Claims
1. A sample collection assembly comprising: a collection device
having a working end, and an operating end; and a container to
receive the collection device, having an assay chamber and a
partition member; wherein the working end of the collection device
has a collection tip configured for collecting a sample; wherein a
shaft extends between the working end and the operating end; and
wherein the assay chamber is detachable such that detaching the
assay chamber from the container causes the shaft to detach with
the collection tip therein.
2. The sample collection assembly of claim 1 wherein the shaft
includes a weakened location between the working end and the
operating end at which weakened location the shaft detaches when
the assay chamber is detached.
3. The sample collection assembly of claim 1 wherein the shaft
includes a sealing arrangement distal from a location of shaft
detachment and proximal to the partition member for sealing the
assay chamber.
4. The sample collection assembly of claim 3 wherein the container
is detachable from the assay chamber and the sealing arrangement
comprises a plug configured to seal the orifice of the partition
member.
5. The sample collection assembly of claim 1 wherein the partition
member includes an orifice configured for snug passage of the
working end therethrough.
6. The sample collection assembly of claim 5 wherein the partition
member is configured for collection of a measured amount of a
sample.
7. The sample collection assembly of claim 1 wherein the collection
tip is configured to collect a measured amount of a sample.
8. The sample collection assembly of claim 1 wherein the collection
device includes the collection tip being configured as a scoop for
collecting a predetermined volume of sample.
9. The sample collection assembly of claim 1 wherein the partition
member includes an orifice with a boundary complementary to a
cross-section of the collection tip such that an excess of a sample
material is excluded from entering the assay chamber when passing
the collection tip through the orifice.
10. The sample collection assembly of claim 1 wherein the assay
chamber is adapted for transportation, processing, and analysis of
a sample.
11. The sample collection assembly of claim 10 wherein the assay
chamber is adapted to be pre-sealed with a reagent therein as
useful to transportation, processing, and analysis of the
sample.
12. The sample collection assembly of claim 10 wherein the assay
chamber is adapted to be detached and interfaced with other
standard laboratory equipment individually or in multi-well
formats.
13. The sample collection assembly of claim 1 wherein the working
end is adapted to be inserted in body cavities of biological
entities including humans and animals for collection of biological
samples.
14. The sample collection assembly of claim 13 wherein the working
end is adapted to be inserted through an anus for collection of
feces and samples from regions of a gastro-intestinal tract.
15. The sample collection assembly of claim 1 wherein the working
end and the assay chamber are adapted to collect, transport, and
assay infectious agents.
16. The sample collection assembly of claim 15 wherein the
infectious agents include infectious agents present in host species
including humans and animals.
17. The sample collection assembly of claim 16 wherein the working
end and the assay chamber are adapted to collect, transport, and
analyze sample for detection and diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium
subspecies paratuberculosis.
18. The sample collection assembly of claim 15 wherein the working
end and the assay chamber are adapted to collect, transport, and
analyze samples with application in biodefense.
19. A sterile sample collection assembly, comprising: an apparatus
configured to collect a measured amount of a sample and to process
the sample for analysis; including: a collection device having a
working end, and an operating end; and a container to receive the
collection device, having an assay chamber and a partition member;
wherein the working end of the collection device has a collection
tip configured for collecting a sample; wherein a shaft extends
between the working end and the operating end; and wherein the
assay chamber is detachable such that detaching the assay chamber
from the container causes the shaft to detach with the collection
tip therein.
20. A sample collection assembly, comprising: an apparatus
configured to collect, transport, and assay samples for diagnosis
of Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis, including: a
collection device having a working end, and an operating end; and a
container to receive the collection device, having an assay chamber
and a partition member; wherein the working end of the collection
device has a collection tip configured for collecting a sample;
wherein a shaft extends between the working end and the operating
end; and wherein the assay chamber is detachable such that
detaching the assay chamber from the container causes the shaft to
detach with the collection tip therein.
Description
PRIORITY DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 11/035,662, filed Jan. 14, 2005, which claimed priority from
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/537,057, which is
incorporated herein by reference
BACKGROUND
[0002] Devices and systems are available for collection of
biological samples for analysis by known methods including
immunochemistry, PCR, biochemical analysis, microbial culture, mass
spectrometry, and biosensor-based detection. However, often times a
particular sample collection device may be difficult to use for
collecting a particular type of sample or from a particular source
or for a particular type of analysis. The present invention is
directed to novel sample collection devices, assemblies and methods
particularly suited for collection, storage and/or analysis of a
biological sample, such as fecal material, from a human or
animal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] FIG. 1 is a plane view of an embodiment of a sample
collection assembly according to the invention.
[0004] FIG. 2 is a plane view of an alternative embodiment of a
sample collection assembly according to the invention.
[0005] FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view through line 3-3 of a scoop
according to the invention.
[0006] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the working end of a
collection wand according to the invention.
[0007] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an assay chamber with a
partition member according to the invention.
[0008] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assay
chamber and cap according to the invention.
[0009] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an assay
chamber according to the invention.
[0010] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a collection
wand according to the invention.
[0011] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate an embodiment of a protocol for
testing fecal samples in association with the sample collection
assembly.
[0012] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a protocol for
testing fecal samples in association with the sample collection
assembly.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] The present invention is directed to a sample collection
assembly comprising a collection tube and collection wand. The
collection tube has a barrel portion, an assay chamber and a
partition member. The collection wand includes an operating end and
a working end and is configured to fit within the collection tube.
The operating end of the collection wand includes a handle
configured for gripping and/or orientation by the operator's hand.
The working end includes a collection tip suitable for collecting a
measured amount of sample. A shaft can extend between the operating
end and the collection tip. The shaft can be of any length
appropriate for collection of the sample from a particular source.
In some embodiments, the shaft can be scored or otherwise weakened
to provide for separation of a portion of the shaft from the
collection tip after sample collection. In some, embodiments, the
shaft may have a mark or marks indicating depth of insertion for
sample collection.
[0014] For descriptive purposes herein, one embodiment of a sample
collection assembly of the invention will be described with
reference to the figures. The illustrated embodiments may be
particularly suited for collecting a fecal sample from the rectum
of a horse or a production animal such as a cow, sheep or, pig or a
companion animal such as a dog or a cat, or a human. Thus,
according to this embodiment, the collection tip at the working end
can be passed through the anus of a cow or other species and
directed towards a part of the rectal wall such as the dorsal wall.
Once at a desired location the handle at the operating end can be
rotated to cause the collection tip to collect a fecal sample along
the rectal wall, such as along the dorsal lateral wall, as the
collection wand is rotated about its longitudinal axis.
[0015] In the drawings, like reference numerals represent like
parts and assemblies throughout the several views. Reference to the
drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.
[0016] Referring to FIG. 1, a sample collection assembly 10
includes a collection tube 11 and a collection wand 12. Collection
tube 11 includes a proximal end 13 having an opening 14 and a
distal end 15. Collection tube 11 also includes a barrel portion 16
and assay chamber 17. In some embodiments, collection tube 11 can
be scored or otherwise weakened at location 18 to provide for
selective detachment of barrel portion 16 from assay chamber 17. A
partition member 19 can be located near the proximal end of the
assay chamber and is sealingly attached or integral with the inner
perimeter of collection tube 11. If a weakened location 18 is
present, partition member 19 can be located either proximal or
distal thereto. The partition member 19 includes an orifice 20 for
passage of the wand as will be further described below. The
collection tube 11 can be manufactured from any suitable material
including a polymeric material, such as plastics commonly used in
the art for similar sample material collection and/or performance
of analyses as will be apparent from reading the present
disclosure. Examples of suitable plastics include polyurethane,
polysterene, polyvinyl, polypropylene, polyurethane, etc. Parts of
the collection tube, such as a detachable barrel, may also be made
of biodegradable or organic material such as card board. The sample
collection assembly 10 is amenable to sterilization during or after
manufacture either as an assembled unit or as separate
components.
[0017] The orifice 20 of partition member 19 can be covered with a
polymeric sheet or foil that preferably seals the assay chamber 17
prior to use but can be penetrated by the collection wand 12.
Suitable materials for covering the orifice 20 include, for
example, polymers such as poly
(acrylonitrile-co-butadiene-co-styrene) polymers, acrylic polymers
such as the polymethylmethacrylate, poly-n-butyl acrylate,
poly(ethylene-co-acrylic acid), poly(ethylene-co-methacrylate),
etc.; fluoropolymers including polytetrafluoroethylene (teflon),
poly(ethylene-co-tetrafluoroethylene) copolymers,
(tetrafluoroethylene-co- propylene) copolymers, polyvinyl fluoride
polymers, etc., polyamides such as nylon 6, nylon 6,6, etc.;
polycarbonates; polyesters such as poly(ethylene-co-terephthalate),
poly(ethylene-co-1,4-naphthalene dicarboxylate),
poly(butylene-co-terephthalate); polyimide materials; polyethylene
materials including low density polyethylene; linear low density
polyethylene, high density polyethylene, high molecular weight high
density polyethylene, etc.; polypropylene, biaxially oriented
polypropylene; polystyrene, biaxially oriented polystyrene; vinyl
films including polyvinyl chloride. (vinyl chloride-co-vinyl
acetate) copolymers, polyvinylidene chloride. polyvinyl alcohol,
(vinyl chloride-co-vinylidene dichloride) copolymers, specialty
films including polysulfone, polyphenylene sulfide, polyphenylene
oxide, liquid crystal polyesters, polyether ketones,
polyvinylbutyrl, foils; self-sealing membranes; etc. Thus, when
sealed the assay chamber can be preloaded with a reagent, e.g.,
gas, liquid or solid material, that may be used to prepare or
preserve the sample for downstream analysis. Examples of materials
include glass fragmentation beads (as the same are known and
understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, washing solutions,
stabilizers, buffers, enzymes, etc. Embodiments of the invention,
however, are not limited to these examples. One of ordinary skill
in the art will appreciate other materials which may be suited for
use in preparing and/or preserving the sample for downstream
analysis. In some embodiments, multiple partition members may be
present in the collection assembly. Some of the partition members
may include the sealing material while other members may include
the orifice.
[0018] In different embodiments the assay chamber 17 can serve as a
container for collection and transportation of samples as well as
for performance of part or all of the analysis. The assay chamber
17 can be configured for removal of the collected sample at the
laboratory at the time of analysis. Alternatively, the assay
chamber 17 can be sized and configured to fit within a tray or
other holder that is compatible with automated sample analyzers and
other laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, shakers, etc. and
some or all of the analysis process steps performed directly in the
chamber 17. For example, the assay chamber 17 can be sized for
insertion into a multi-well (e.g., 96 well) analysis tray and the
sample processed and analyzed directly in assay chamber 17. In some
embodiments, the assay chamber 17 may also fit individually with
standard laboratory equipment such as centrifuges, shakers,
etc.
[0019] Collection wand 12 includes an operating end 25 at proximal
end 26 and working end 27 at distal end 28. Operating end 25 can
include a handle 30 configured to fit and/or orient with the
operator's hand. A shaft 31 between operating end 25 and working
end 27 can be of any length sufficient to reach the sample source.
For example, if the sample source is the rectum of a cow, the shaft
can be about 10_cm to 25_cm, in some embodiments, about 15 cm.
[0020] Working end 27 can include a scoop 33 for collecting a
sample. The shape and volume of scoop 33 can be sized, designed,
and/or configured to collect a predetermined sample volume as
suited for a particular analytical test. Shaft 31 may contain a
plug (e.g., plug 60 as illustrated in FIG. 2) that sealingly fits
orifice 20 of a partition member 19. Shaft 31 can be scored or
otherwise weakened at location 35 to allow for selective detachment
of the scoop 33 from shaft 31. The amount of force necessary for
detachment of scoop 33 from shaft 31 is preferably selected to
provide for ease of detachment when desired, yet not so easy that
the scoop 33 inadvertently detaches during sample collection. As
one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate from reading this
disclosure, various embodiments can include multiple dividers, some
of which can be used for separating and sealing and/or providing
additional seals for a sample to be tested. Likewise, as one will
appreciate upon reading this disclosure, in the various embodiments
dividers are included which function in a leveling role.
[0021] FIG. 3, is a cross sectional view through line 3-3 of scoop
33 in FIGS. 1 and 4. In preferred embodiments, the cross sectional
shape of scoop is 33 is configured to have a complementary fit with
the shape of orifice 20 of partition member 19 as shown in FIG. 5.
The complementary fit of scoop 33 with orifice 20 provides for
removal of excess sample material from the exterior surface of
scoop 33. This ensures that a consistent sample size of an amount
predetermined by the scoop 33 volume is delivered to the assay
chamber 17.
[0022] The handle 30, shaft 31 and scoop 33 can all be manufactured
from the same material. Alternatively, some or all the these
components can be manufactured from different materials that are
presently or later known in the art for collecting and handling
samples of similar biological materials. Suitable materials for the
scoop include plastics and metals. The handle and shaft can also be
manufactured from plastics, metals, wood, etc. In various
embodiments the scoop is manufactured from a material that
facilitates removal of a sample from the scoop surface, for
example, polyurethane, PTFE, high density polyethylene (HDPE),
Teflon, etc.
[0023] Referring to FIG. 2, the handle 30 can have a distal end 5
configured to sealing fit within opening 14 at the proximal end 13
of collection tube 11. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 1, a cap 36
can be located at the distal end 5 of handle 30 and include
internal threads (not visible) for mating with external threads 37
if present at the proximal end of 13 of collection tube 11 or
proximal end of assay tube 17. Alternatively, a separate cap 50
(shown in FIG. 6) may be used for sealing of the collection tube or
the proximal end of the assay tube 17.
[0024] In use, collection wand 12 is removed from collection tube
11 and passed into the collection source, such as the rectum of an
animal. The handle 30 can be rotated to facilitate collection of a
fecal sample into scoop 33 as described above. After removal from
the animal, the distal end 28 of wand 12 is passed through opening
14 of collection tube 11. The scoop 33 is then penetrated through
orifice 20 and sealing material of one or more partition members 19
and into the assay chamber 17. After the scoop 33 passes through
orifice 20, excess sample material over the predetermined scoop
volume remains outside of the assay chamber.
[0025] In some embodiments the wand 12 can be inserted into the
collection tube 11 with the assay chamber 17 removed. As the reader
will appreciate, this will allow for the scoop to be advanced and
retracted within the now open ended barrel 16 of the collection
tube 11. In such embodiments, the barrel 16 will serve as a shield
and/or sheath while passed into the collection source, such as the
rectum of an animal. That is, in some embodiments collection wand
12 may be passed into the collection source whilst protected inside
barrel 16 and the working end 27 of collection wand 12 exposed once
at the site of sample collection. After a sample is collected with
the tip of the working end 27 designed to collect a specific amount
of sample, e.g., scoop 33, the working end 27 can be retracted into
the barrel 16 and the assembly retracted from the collection
source. The scoop could then be penetrated through orifice 20 and
sealing material of one or more partition members 19 and into the
assay chamber 17, as described above.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 2, if handle 30 has a distal end 5
configured to seal opening 14 the sample may be shipped to the lab
sealed within collection tube 11. Alternatively, as shown in FIG.
1, if handle 30 includes a threaded cap 36, cap 36 can be threaded
onto threads 37 on the exterior of collection tube 11 to seal the
sample within collection tube 11.
[0027] In other alternatives, some or all portions of the barrel 16
of collection tube 11 and some or all of shaft 31 of collection
wand 12 can be removed and disposed. The sample can then be sealed
in assay chamber 17. Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4-6, in one
embodiment collection tube 11 is divided at weakened location 18
leaving assay chamber 17 in a configuration such as shown in FIG. 5
or 6. As described above, a partition member 19 can be located
distal to weakened location 18 and remain in assay chamber 17 (FIG.
5.) Alternatively, a partition member 19 can be located proximal to
weakened area 18, and thus will not be present in assay chamber 17
(FIG. 6). In the embodiment of either FIG. 5 or 6, a cap 50 can be
used to seal assay chamber 17. Cap 50 can be attached by sealing to
assay chamber 17 by any suitable means, including for example
internal threads (not seen) that can mate with threads 51 on the
exterior of chamber 17. The scoop 33 of collection wand 12 can be
separated at weakened location 35 to fit into chamber 17.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, in an alternative
embodiment, collection wand 12 can include a seal plug 60 located
distal to weakened location 35. According to this embodiment,
partition member 19 of collection tube 11 is located distal to
weakened region 18 such that after separation of barrel portion 16
from assay chamber 17, partition member 19 remains in assay chamber
17 and seal plug 60 can be force fit into orifice 20 of partition
member 19 to seal assay chamber 17. After removing shaft 31 at
weakened location 35, a cap 50 can be used to further seal chamber
17.
[0029] As shown in FIG. 6 the assay chamber can include a label 70
such as a bar code label, radio frequency label, or other suitable
label for identifying and tracking a sample.
[0030] A sample collection device according to the invention can be
used for collecting samples that can be analyzed using, for
example, PCR analysis, other methods of nucleic acid-based
diagnostics, immunochemistry, biochemical analysis, microbial
culture, mass spectrometry, and biosensor-based detection etc.
Embodiments of the invention, however, are not limited to these
examples. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate other
types of analyses which may be performed on samples collected by
the sample collection device disclosed herein.
[0031] As one example, the sample collection devices herein can be
advantageously used to detect bacterial organisms shed in the feces
such as Mycobacterium paratuberculosis. The following process for
detecting this organism is not meant to limit the invention, but
rather to provide an example of use.
[0032] FIGS. 9A-9B illustrate an embodiment of a protocol for
testing fecal samples in association with the sample collection
assembly. FIGS. 9A-9B, illustrate an embodiment for a 96 sample
preparation. As shown in FIG. 9A, at 904, two samples, each
containing two grams or other suitable amount of fecal material,
can be collected using the collection wands of two sample
collection devices and individually transferred into assay chambers
containing one milliliter or other suitable volume of an aqueous
solution, such as a buffer or laboratory water. Next, the two
samples can be shaken, for example, shaken for thirty minutes. As
shown at 906, each of the two samples can be further divided into
three test tubes containing additional solutions. In each of the
resulting samples ten five millimeter beads can be added and the
samples can be subjected to a bead beater, e.g., for five minutes.
The sample can further be placed in a centrifuge for five minutes
at 1000.times.g at four degrees Celsius. 1.4 milliliters of
supernatant from each tube can be transferred into corresponding
fresh tubes containing 0.6 milliliters ASL buffer and 250
milligrams of 0.1 millimeter beads (as shown at 908). The samples
can be incubated at 70 degrees Celsius for thirty minutes and
placed, once again, in a bead beater, e.g., for another five
minutes, and once again be placed in a centrifuge for five minutes
at 1000.times.g at four degrees Celsius. As shown at 912, samples
can be further processed in a QIAamp 96 DNA Blood BioRobot kit such
as in a BioRobot 9604. For example, tubes containing the samples
can be placed eight to a bar and a number of bars may be batch
processed at one time. At 914 a suitable mechanism can be employed
for identifying and tracking the samples, e.g., scanning bar codes.
As shown at 916, 400 micro liters of supernatant from the samples
can be transferred from each of tube and arranged as twelve bars of
eight to the corresponding wells of a 96-well block and further
undergo Aliquoting of QIAGEN protease, e.g., 40 micro liters per
well, and 400 micro liters of a lysis buffer, e.g., AL, can be
added. Further, the samples can undergo incubation at 70 degrees
Celsius for thirty minutes in a thermoblock.
[0033] In FIG. 9B at 920 400 micro liters of ethanol can be added
and the samples transferred. A first overlay of 650 micro liters of
lysate to QIAamp 96 plate is performed and the samples subjected to
a vacuum for three minutes. The remaining lysate can be transferred
with 310 micro liters of Buffer AW1. The samples can be subjected
to a vacuum for another seven minutes. At 922, the samples can
undergo a first wash with 310 micro liters of Buffer AW1. The
samples can be subjected to a vacuum for another five minutes. At
924, the samples can undergo a second wash with 1000 micro liters
of Buffer AW2. The samples can be subjected to a vacuum for another
two minutes. At 926, the samples can undergo a third wash with
1,100 micro liters of Buffer AW2. The samples can be subjected to a
vacuum for another two minutes. The samples can be placed in a
centrifuge for ten minutes at 5,700.times.g to dry. At 928, 100
micro liters of dH.sub.2O can be added to the samples and the
samples can be incubated fifteen minutes with shaking at room
temperature. The samples can be placed in a centrifuge for three
minutes at 5,700.times.g to elute. According to this exemplary
embodiment, the samples are then ready to use as DNA samples as
shown at 930.
[0034] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of a protocol for
testing fecal samples in association with the sample collection
assembly. FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment for a single sample
preparation. As shown in FIG. 10, this exemplary testing protocol
embodiment in association with the sample collection assembly
includes collection of two samples, each containing two grams of
fecal material, using the collection wands of two sample collection
devices and individually transferring the samples into assay
chambers containing one milliliter of an aqueous solution. After
transportation to the laboratory, as shown at 1004, water of a
buffer containing salts and/or enzymes to dilute to a specified
amount, e.g., 2 fold, etc., can be added. The two samples can be
agitated to mix thoroughly for a given period of time, e.g., thirty
minutes. Stage 1006 illustrates continuing to process the sample or
aliquot material, e.g., into three replicate tubes. A specified
number, e.g., ten, beads of silica, zirconium, or a combination of
glass and or metal having a specified diameter, e.g., five
millimeters, can be added. The samples can be agitated using a
manual or robotic device, e.g., bead beater or mixer mill, for a
specified period of time, e.g., five minutes. The sample can
further be placed in a centrifuge for a specified period of time,
temperature and relative centrifugal force, e.g., 1000.times.g at
four degrees Celsius for five minutes. At 1008 a given amount of
supernatant, e.g., 1.4 milliliters, can be added to a specified
volume, e.g., 0.6 milliliters of a solubalization buffer, e.g.,
ASL. Further 250 milligrams of 0.1 millimeter beads, e.g., silica
or zirconium can be added. At 1010 the samples can once again be
agitated with a bead beater, e.g., for another five minutes and
incubated at 70 degrees Celsius for thirty minutes. The sample can
once again be placed in a centrifuge for five minutes at
1000.times.g at four degrees Celsius. At 1012, one can prepare DNA
using methods that are familiar to one of ordinary skill in the art
or using a specified kit, e.g., Qiagen blood kit. 200 micro liters
of supernatant along with 20 micron liters of PK and 200 micro
liters of a buffer, e.g., AL, can be added. Further, the sample can
undergo incubation at 70 degrees Celsius for thirty minutes. As
shown at 1014 a washing step may be performed using Ethanol and
buffers AW1, AW2, etc. The sample can again undergo a centrifuge
for three minutes at 6000.times.g. According to this exemplary
embodiment, the sample is then ready to use for DNA sampling as
shown at 1016.
[0035] In other embodiments, the protocols may be simplified, e.g.,
steps may be omitted, centrifugation used instead of vacuum, and
other volumes, buffers, or g forces used. Different portions of the
protocol may also be performed at different sites with some steps
being accomplished at the collection location, e.g., an animal
production facility such as a dairy farm, some steps being
accomplished during transportation, and others at a facility such
as a laboratory where the sample has been transported to.
[0036] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and
described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will
appreciate that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same
techniques can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.
This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or
variations of the embodiments of the invention. It is to be
understood that the above description has been made in an
illustrative fashion, and not a restrictive one. Combination of the
above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described
herein will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing
the above description. The scope of the various embodiments of the
invention includes any other applications in which the above
structures and methods are used. Therefore, the scope of various
embodiments of the invention should be determined with reference to
the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to
which such claims are entitled.
[0037] In the foregoing Detailed Description, various features are
grouped together in a single embodiment for the purpose of
streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be
interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of the
invention require more features than are expressly recited in each
claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject
matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed
embodiment. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into
the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a
separate embodiment.
* * * * *