U.S. patent application number 15/030201 was filed with the patent office on 2016-09-01 for biopsy collector.
The applicant listed for this patent is SNPSHOT TRUSTEE LIMITED. Invention is credited to Roy Victor BLADEN, Michael Stuart GARDNER.
Application Number | 20160249888 15/030201 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 52827742 |
Filed Date | 2016-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160249888 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
GARDNER; Michael Stuart ; et
al. |
September 1, 2016 |
BIOPSY COLLECTOR
Abstract
A sample collector to take and hold a biopsy sample from an
organism upon being driven by an actuator into the organism, the
collector comprising of a punch that includes a cutter with a
cutting edge formed at a cutting end of the punch to remove and
retain a biopsy sample and a plunger retained to the punch in a
manner to allow it to move relative to the cutter to remove a
cutter retained biopsy sample from the cutter.
Inventors: |
GARDNER; Michael Stuart;
(Remuera, Auckland, NZ) ; BLADEN; Roy Victor;
(Albany, Auckland, NZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SNPSHOT TRUSTEE LIMITED |
Auckland |
|
NZ |
|
|
Family ID: |
52827742 |
Appl. No.: |
15/030201 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2014 |
PCT Filed: |
October 17, 2014 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2014/065394 |
371 Date: |
April 18, 2016 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
600/567 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 10/0096 20130101;
A61B 2010/0208 20130101; A01K 11/006 20130101; A61B 2010/0225
20130101; A61B 2090/081 20160201; A61B 2562/08 20130101; A61B
10/0266 20130101; A01K 11/003 20130101; A01K 11/00 20130101; A61B
10/0283 20130101; A61B 2503/40 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 10/00 20060101
A61B010/00; A61B 10/02 20060101 A61B010/02; A01K 11/00 20060101
A01K011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Oct 18, 2013 |
NZ |
616807 |
Jun 5, 2014 |
NZ |
625902 |
Jun 5, 2014 |
NZ |
625904 |
Claims
1. A sample collector to take and hold a biopsy sample from an
organism upon being driven by an actuator into said organism, said
collector comprising: a punch that includes a cutter with a cutting
edge formed at a cutting end of the punch to remove and retain a
biopsy sample and a plunger retained to said punch in a manner to
allow it to move relative said cutter to remove a cutter retained
biopsy sample from the cutter.
2. A sample collector as claimed in claim 1 wherein the plunger is
mounted to said punch.
3. A sample collector as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the
plunger is not caused to be moved relative said punch by said
actuator upon driving of the collector into the organism.
4. A sample collector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3
wherein the plunger is able to move relative said punch but is not
able to be removed there from.
5. A sample collector as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 4 wherein
said punch includes a passage there through extending from the
cutting edge of said cutter to an opposed end of said punch, said
plunger retained to said punch at said passage to be guided for
movement thereby.
6. A sample collector as claimed in claim 5 wherein said plunger is
positioned at least in part in said passage.
7. A sample collector as claimed in claim 6 wherein the plunger is
positioned entirely in said passage.
8. A sample collector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7
wherein said punch includes an opposed end to said cutting end at
where said punch can receive a force from said actuator to drive
said collector into said organism.
9. A sample collector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8
wherein a sample holding pocket is defined between an end of the
plunger and punch, at the cutting end of the punch.
10. A sample collector as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9
further comprising an EID.
11. A sample collector as claimed in claim 10 wherein the EID is
secured to one of said plunger and punch.
12. A sample collector as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 11
wherein said punch is adapted and configured to be held to said
actuator.
13. A sample collector as claimed in anyone of claims 12 wherein
said punch is adapted and configured to be releasably held to said
actuator in a manner to allow said collector to be pulled back by
said actuator in a direction opposite to its collector driving
direction.
14. A sample collector as claimed in claim 12 or 13 wherein said
punch includes a recess at which said actuator can become
releasably wedged in order to allow the actuator to pull the
collectors back to the side of the organisms from which sample
removal was initiated.
15. A sampler tool to cooperate with the collector as claimed in
claim 1, the tool comprising a body carrying a ram to drive the
collector and able to be actuated to move along a path relative the
body between a first position aligned to drive the collector from a
primed position and push the cutter through part of an organism and
a second position where said cutter has been so pushed through by
said ram, to remove a sample from said organism.
16. A sampler tool as claimed in claim 15 wherein said ram acts on
said punch of said collector in a manner to not be able to cause
relative movement of the plunger relative said punch.
17. A sampler tool as claimed in claim 15 or 16 wherein said ram is
adapted and configured to become associated with said collector in
a manner to cause the collector to be moved back to its primed
position as said ram moves from its second position to its first
position.
18. A sampler tool as claimed in claim 17 wherein said ram and said
punch are adapted and configured to allow a severable interference
fit to be established between them, the interference fit, when
established, allowing the ram to pull the collector back to its
primed position.
19. A sampler tool as claimed in anyone of claims 15 to 18 wherein
the tool includes a magazine receptacle, to hold a magazine
containing a plurality of said collectors, the magazine receptacle
allowing the magazine to move relative the tool so that each
collector can be presented in a manner for being driven by said
ram.
20. A sampler tool as claimed in claim 19 wherein said ram when
moving back to its first position from said second position,
deposits a sample retaining collector back into the position is
came from in the magazine.
21. A sampler tool as claimed in anyone of claims 15 to 20 wherein
said second position of the ram is more proximate but shy of the
location of the tool at where said sample is cut than the first
position of the ram.
22. A sample retaining sample collector comprising a sample
collector as claimed in claim 1 wherein a sample from an organism
removed by said cutter is retained by said cutter and said plunger
is in a position relative said punch able to move said sample from
cutter.
23. A dispenser to dispenser a sample from a sample retaining
sample collector as claimed in claim 22 the dispenser including a
pusher able to move said plunger toward the cutting end of the
punch to eject the sample from the cutter without the pusher
directly contacting the sample.
24. A plurality of sample retaining sample collectors as claimed in
claim 22 retained together in a magazine.
25. An assembly of a sample retaining sample collector as claimed
in claim 22 and a storage container comprising a container body
having an opening closed by a removable cap together defining a
containment region, the cap including a passage into said
containment region, sealed by said collector, said collector
holding said sample in said containment region.
26. An assembly as claimed in claim 25 wherein the plunger
protrudes from said punch.
27. An assembly as claimed in claim 25 having been assembled by a
tool that comprising a body able to hold said collector and said
container and carrying a ram to drive the collector from (a) a
primed position, separated from said container by a part of the
organism from which the sample is to be cut, through said part of
said organism to (b) a second position where said collector has
been driven through said part of said organism by said ram, to
remove a sample from said organism, the second position lodging
said collector at said passage with said container body.
28. A method of removing a biopsy sample from an organism upon
being driven by an actuator into said organism, said collector
comprising a punch that includes a cutter with a cutting edge
formed at a cutting end of the punch be driven from an initial
position through said organism to remove and retain a biopsy sample
and a plunger held by said punch in a manner to allow it to move
relative said cutter to remove the cutter retained biopsy sample
from the cutter said method comprising driving said collector into
said organism so that its cutter moves through said organism to
take a sample from said organism and removing said collector from
said organism by moving it in one of a direction to drive the
collector through the organism and a direction retracting the
collector to its initial position, wherein the plunger is not
caused to be moved relative said punch by said actuator during
driving of the collector into the organism and during said removing
of said collector.
29. A method as claimed in claim 28 wherein said plunger is
actuated to remove the sample from the cutter in a laboratory.
30. A method of decapping an assembly as claimed in claim 25 the
method comprising the steps pressing the plunger toward the cutting
end of the punch to cause the plunger to push a sample off the
cutter before or after removing the cap, including the collector
held therein, from the storage container body to access the
sample.
31. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein pressing occurs after
the cap is removed from said container body.
32. A method as claimed in claim 30 wherein pressing occurs before
the cap is removed causing the plunger to move toward the cutting
end of the punch to cause the plunger to push a sample off the
cutter and into contact with the storage container body; then
removing the cap, including the collector held therein, from the
storage container body to access the sample.
33. The method of any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein the storage
container is one of a plurality of storage container, each storage
container being held within a cell of a multi-cell rack.
34. The method of any one of claims 30 to 33 wherein each of the
storage containers are decapped simultaneously by a machine.
35. A method of delivering the sample held by the sample retained
collector of claim 22 for laboratory analysis the method
comprising; (a) presenting and exposed sample of the sample
retained collector for transfer to a receptacle (b) pressing the
plunger toward the cutting end of the punch to cause the plunger to
push the sample off the cutter and into contact with the
receptacle
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the sample retaining collector
is one of a plurality of sample retaining collectors, each being
held by a magazine.
37. The method of claim 35 or 36 wherein each of the plungers are
pressed sequentially or simultaneously by a machine.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to a biopsy collector and in
particular though not solely for the obtaining of tissue samples
from animals or samples from plants.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] To improve the tracking of livestock and to facilitate DNA
testing, tissue samples may be collected from animals. A tissue
sample may be taken from an animal at any time. The tissue sample
is usually cut from an animal using a tissue sampling device and is
placed in a storage container for laboratory analysis.
[0003] United States patent numbers US20110295148A1 and
US20130204159A1 describe a tissue sampler in the shape of a clamp
and comprising a pair of jaws that move toward each other. A punch
having a cutting element and plunger is located in one of the jaws
and is forced through an animal's ear, for example, to cut a plug
of tissue from the ear as the jaws are clamped together using a
first actuation action. A storage tube is held by the other jaw of
the tissue sampler. At one end of the storage tube there is an
aperture through which the tissue sample is pushed. A plunger is
used to push the tissue sample out of the cutting element and into
the storage tube at the time of sampling. The plunger remains in
the aperture of the storage tube to seal the tube before the tube
is removed from the jaws and taken away for analysis. The cutting
element is separated from the plunger and the storage tube after
the sample is collected and has been pushed into the storage
tube.
[0004] The so dropped sample is located in the storage tube and is
to some extent protected. However the sample may be exposed to
light where the container is transparent or translucent. Over time
this may affect the quality of the sample taken.
[0005] After sampling, the used cutting element needs to be removed
from the sampler because a different cutting element needs to be
used for each tissue sample to prevent contamination of the tissue
sample. The cutting element can be automatically ejected through a
second actuation action of the sampler. The cutting element is then
discarded onto the ground or into a refuse container. The cutting
elements are sharp so handling the cutting element carries a risk
of being cut. Discarding the cutting element on the ground also
carries this risk.
[0006] After the cutting element has been removed, a new punch and
storage tube needs to be loaded into the tissue sampler before
another tissue sample can be collected. The loading and unloading
of punches is done manually and is a slow and fiddly process.
[0007] When the sample containing storage container is processed at
the laboratory, lab equipment is used to remove the sample from
each container for further processing. The lab equipment contacts
the sample to remove it from the container. To avoid cross
contamination the equipment that contacts each sample must be
cleaned between each sample removal step. This can be time
consuming, adds costs and/or may not be 100% reliable.
[0008] It is an object of the present invention to provide a biopsy
collector that goes at least some way toward overcoming the
disadvantages as mentioned above and/or that will at least provide
the public with a useful choice.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In a first aspect the present invention may broadly be said
to be a sample collector to take and hold a biopsy sample from an
organism upon being driven by an actuator into said organism, said
collector comprising:
[0010] a punch that includes a cutter with a cutting edge formed at
a cutting end of the punch to remove and retain a biopsy sample and
a plunger retained to said punch in a manner to allow it to move
relative said cutter to remove a cutter retained biopsy sample from
the cutter.
[0011] Preferably the plunger is mounted to said punch.
[0012] Preferably the plunger is secured to said punch in a movable
manner.
[0013] Preferably the plunger is not caused to be moved relative
said punch by said actuator upon driving of the collector into the
organism.
[0014] Preferably the plunger is able to move relative said punch
but is not able to be removed there from.
[0015] Preferably the plunger is actuatable to remove the cutter
retained biopsy sample after sampling.
[0016] Preferably the collector is driven through said
organism.
[0017] Preferably just the cutter is driven through said
organism.
[0018] Preferably at least the cutting edge is pushed through a
part of the organism to remove and retain a biopsy sample.
[0019] Preferably said punch includes a passage there through
extending from the cutting edge of said cutter to an opposed end of
said punch, said plunger retained to said punch at said passage to
be guided for movement thereby.
[0020] Preferably said plunger is positioned at least in part in
said passage.
[0021] Preferably said plunger protrudes out of said passage at
said opposed end.
[0022] Preferably the plunger is positioned entirely in said
passage.
[0023] Preferably the plunger does not protrude out of said
passage.
[0024] Preferably said punch includes an opposed end to said
cutting end at where said punch can receive a force from said
actuator to drive said collector into said organism.
[0025] Preferably a sample holding pocket is defined between an end
of the plunger and punch, at the cutting end of the punch.
[0026] Preferably the sample holding pocket is defined between an
end of the plunger and the cutter at cutting end of the punch.
[0027] Preferably the plunger can be caused to move into the pocket
to help eject a sample from the pocket.
[0028] Preferably the cutter defines a pocket to receive and hold a
said sample.
[0029] Preferably the sample collector further comprises an
EID.
[0030] Preferably the EID is secured to one of said plunger and
punch.
[0031] Preferably each of said punch and plunger carry an EID.
[0032] Preferably the EID is embedded in said plunger, preferably
in a manner so it cannot be removed yet can be read.
[0033] Preferably said punch is adapted and configured to be held
to said actuator.
[0034] Preferably said punch is adapted and configured to be held
by said actuator.
[0035] Preferably said punch is adapted and configured to be
releasably held to said actuator in a manner to allow said
collector to be pulled back by said actuator in a direction
opposite to its collector driving direction.
[0036] Preferably the punch includes a graspable region at where
said actuator can be made to grip the punch and pull it back.
[0037] Preferably said punch includes a recess at which said
actuator can become releasably wedged in order to allow the
actuator to pull the collectors back to the side of the organisms
from which sample removal was initiated.
[0038] Preferably the recess is part of the passage through said
punch.
[0039] Preferably the recess includes a lip to encourage releasable
holding of the collector by the actuator.
[0040] Preferably the recess isolates the actuator from contacting
the organism when the sample is being taken.
[0041] Preferably the actuator engages the punch by penetrating
partially into said passage, said actuator causing the penetration
of at least the cutting edge of said collector through said
organism and not the entire collector, said actuator being isolated
from contact with said organism by said punch.
[0042] Preferably the collector is straight and elongate and
preferably generally cylindrical.
[0043] Preferably the force applied by said actuator is parallel
the direction of elongate.
[0044] Preferably the cutter extends from and surrounds one end of
the passage at the cutting end of the punch to form a surrounding
wall to a sample holding pocket.
[0045] Preferably the plunger has a first end and an opposing
second end, the plunger being located within the passage of the
punch and being adapted to slide within the passage and into the
sample holding pocket and toward the cutting edge of the punch.
[0046] Preferably the first end of the plunger is enlarged.
[0047] Preferably the first end of the plunger has is of or
includes a non-stick surface material.
[0048] Preferably the collector is adapted so that the second end
of the plunger can be depressed to move the plunger toward the
cutting end of the punch to cause the first end of the plunger to
push a tissue sample out of the sample holding pocket.
[0049] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be
said to be a sampler tool to cooperate with the collector as
hereinbefore described, the tool comprising a body carrying a ram
to drive the collector and able to be actuated to move along a path
relative the body between a first position aligned to drive the
collector from a primed position and push the cutter through part
of an organism and a second position where said cutter has been so
pushed through by said ram, to remove a sample from said
organism.
[0050] Preferably said ram acts on said punch of said collector in
a manner to not be able to cause relative movement of the plunger
relative said punch.
[0051] Preferably the end of the ram includes a recess into which
the plunger, when projecting from said punch, can be accommodated
during driving of said collector, so as to prevent the ram from
moving the plunger relative the punch.
[0052] Preferably the sampler tool during movement of the collector
by said ram, cannot cause the plunger to be moved relative the
punch.
[0053] Preferably said ram is adapted and configured to become
associated with said collector in a manner to cause the collector
to be moved back to its primed position as said ram moves from its
second position to its first position.
[0054] Preferably said ram and said punch are adapted and
configured to allow a severable interference fit to be established
between them, the interference fit, when established, allowing the
ram to pull the collector back to its primed position.
[0055] Preferably the ram is an elongate member that is axially
aligned with said collector when moving from its first position to
its second position.
[0056] Preferably the tool includes a magazine receptacle, to hold
a magazine containing a plurality of said collectors, the magazine
receptacle allowing the magazine to move relative the tool so that
each collector can be presented in a manner for being driven by
said ram.
[0057] Preferably the magazine is removably held at said
receptacle.
[0058] Preferably said ram when moving back to its first position
from said second position, deposits a sample retaining collector
back into the position is came from in the magazine.
[0059] Preferably said second position of the ram is more proximate
but shy of the location of the tool at where said sample is cut
than the first position of the ram.
[0060] Preferably the ram travels into the magazine in moving from
its first position to its second position.
[0061] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be
said to be a sample retaining sample collector comprising a sample
collector as hereinbefore described wherein a sample from an
organism removed by said cutter is retained by said cutter and said
plunger is in a position relative said punch able to move said
sample from cutter.
[0062] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be
said to be a dispenser to dispenser a sample from a sample
retaining sample collector as hereinbefore described the dispenser
including a pusher able to move said plunger toward the cutting end
of the punch to eject the sample from the cutter without the pusher
directly contacting the sample.
[0063] Preferably the pusher only contacts the plunger.
[0064] Preferably the pusher does not contact the punch.
[0065] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be
said to be a plurality of sample retaining sample collectors as
hereinbefore described retained together in a magazine.
[0066] Preferably the magazine is the same as that from which the
collectors were stored prior to sampling.
[0067] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be
said to be an assembly of a sample retaining sample collector as
hereinbefore described and a storage container comprising a
container body having an opening closed by a removable cap together
defining a containment region, the cap including a passage into
said containment region, sealed by said collector, said collector
holding said sample in said containment region.
[0068] Preferably the plunger protrudes from said punch.
[0069] Preferably the plunger protrudes from the punch to allow it
to pushed after the sample is located in said containment region,
to eject the sample from said collector.
[0070] Preferably the ejecting causes the sample to contact said
container body.
[0071] Preferably the ejecting is done after the cap has been
removed from said container body after sample taking.
[0072] Preferably the cap and container body are connected together
in a threaded manner.
[0073] Preferably the cap and container body are connected together
in manner that includes a tamper evident indictor to visually
indicate separation of the cap from the container body.
[0074] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be
said to be an assembly as hereinbefore described having been
assembled by a tool that comprising a body able to hold said
collector and said container and carrying a ram to drive the
collector from (a) a primed position, separated from said container
by a part of the organism from which the sample is to be cut,
through said part of said organism to (b) a second position where
said collector has been driven through said part of said organism
by said ram, to remove a sample from said organism, the second
position lodging said collector at said passage with said container
body.
[0075] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be
said to be a method of removing a biopsy sample from an organism
upon being driven by an actuator into said organism, said collector
comprising a punch that includes a cutter with a cutting edge
formed at a cutting end of the punch be driven from an initial
position through said organism to remove and retain a biopsy sample
and a plunger held by said punch in a manner to allow it to move
relative said cutter to remove the cutter retained biopsy sample
from the cutter said method comprising driving said collector into
said organism so that its cutter moves through said organism to
take a sample from said organism and removing said collector from
said organism by moving it in one of a direction to drive the
collector through the organism and a direction retracting the
collector to its initial position, wherein the plunger is not
caused to be moved relative said punch by said actuator during
driving of the collector into the organism and during said removing
of said collector.
[0076] Preferably the sample is collected from an organism that is
an animal.
[0077] Preferably the sample is a tissue sample.
[0078] Preferably the sample is taken from the ear of an
animal.
[0079] Preferably the sample is taken from an animal at a farm.
[0080] Preferably said plunger is actuated to remove the sample
from the cutter in a laboratory.
[0081] Preferably the sample is removed from the cutter after the
collector is disassociated with the actuator.
[0082] Preferably the plunger is actuated after the collector is
disassociated with the actuator.
[0083] Preferably the actuator is of a sampling tool as is herein
described.
[0084] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be
said to be a method of decapping an assembly as hereinbefore
described the method comprising the steps pressing the plunger
toward the cutting end of the punch to cause the plunger to push a
sample off the cutter before or after removing the cap, including
the collector held therein, from the storage container body to
access the sample.
[0085] Preferably pressing occurs after the cap is removed from
said container body.
[0086] Preferably pressing occurs before the cap is removed causing
the plunger to move toward the cutting end of the punch to cause
the plunger to push a sample off the cutter and into contact with
the storage container body; then removing the cap, including the
collector held therein, from the storage container body to access
the sample.
[0087] Preferably the storage container is one of a plurality of
storage container, each storage container being held within a cell
of a multi-cell rack.
[0088] Preferably each of the storage containers are decapped
simultaneously by a machine.
[0089] Preferably the method also includes reading a machine
readable code of the container body and reading the EID of the
collector.
[0090] In a further aspect the present invention may broadly be
said to be a method of delivering the sample held by the sample
retained collector as hereinbefore described for laboratory
analysis the method comprising;
[0091] (a) presenting and exposed sample of the sample retained
collector for transfer to a receptacle
[0092] (b) pressing the plunger toward the cutting end of the punch
to cause the plunger to push the sample off the cutter and into
contact with the receptacle
[0093] Preferably the sample is presented above said receptacle to
be able to drop into the receptacle upon the sample being pushed
off the cutter.
[0094] Preferably the sample retaining collector is one of a
plurality of sample retaining collectors, each being held by a
magazine.
[0095] Preferably each of the plungers are pressed sequentially or
simultaneously by a machine.
[0096] Preferably the method includes removing the collector from
any associated container body with which it may be engaged prior to
step a, in order to expose the sample for transfer to said
receptacle.
[0097] Preferably the method also includes reading the EID of the
collector an, where used the machine readable code of the container
bodies.
[0098] Preferably the method includes associating the reading(s)
taken with the receptacle by which the sample is to be
retained.
[0099] Preferably the container body includes engagement means
adapted to engage with the rack in a manner to preventing rotation
within and/or withdrawal from, the rack during removal of the cap
from the container body.
[0100] According to another aspect there is described a container
body holder having a plurality of cells, each adapted to receive
therein a storage container body defining a containment region in
which a sample is retained, a base of each cell being adapted to
engage with a respective storage container body, an upper end of
each storage body presenting a cap holding a sample collector
therein, the cap being removable from said container body to gain
access to the sample within the containment region.
[0101] Preferably the sample collectors are as herein
described.
[0102] Preferably the caps are as herein described.
[0103] In another aspect, there is described a magazine for use
with a sampler tool as herein described, wherein the magazine
comprises a plurality of chambers each chamber having an open first
and an open second end and each hold a collector as herein
described.
[0104] Preferably the magazine comprises chamber indexing formation
or formations to assist in aligning a chamber of the magazine with
an actuator of the sampling tool.
[0105] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the
parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the
specification of the application, individually or collectively, and
any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements
or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which
have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates,
such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if
individually set forth.
[0106] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or
both.
[0107] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural
and/or singular forms of the noun.
[0108] The term "comprising" as used in this specification means
"consisting at least in part of". When interpreting statements in
this specification which include that term, the features, prefaced
by that term in each statement, all need to be present but other
features can also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and
"comprised" are to be interpreted in the same manner.
[0109] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and
publications, cited above and below, if any, are hereby
incorporated by reference.
[0110] Any reference to prior art documents in this specification
is not to be considered an admission that such prior art is widely
known or forms part of the common general knowledge in the
field.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0111] Preferred forms of the invention will now be described by
way of example only and with reference to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0112] FIG. 1a is an exploded view of one form of collector;
[0113] FIG. 1b is a side view of one form of the collector;
[0114] FIG. 1c is a cross-sectional side view of the collector
taken along line A-A of FIG. 1b;
[0115] FIG. 1d is an end view of the collector of FIG. 1b;
[0116] FIG. 1e is a perspective view of another form of the
collector;
[0117] FIG. 1f is a cross-sectional side view of the collector of
FIG. 1e;
[0118] FIG. 1g is a view of the collector in a condition where the
plunger is actuated;
[0119] FIG. 2a is a perspective view of one form of punch for a
collector
[0120] FIG. 2b is a side view of the punch of FIG. 2a;
[0121] FIG. 2c is an end view showing the pushing end of the punch
of FIG. 2a;
[0122] FIG. 2d is a side view of the punch taken along line A-A of
FIG. 2c;
[0123] FIG. 2e is an end view showing the cutting end of the punch
of FIG. 2a;
[0124] FIG. 3a is a perspective view of one form of storage
body;
[0125] FIG. 3b is a side view of the body of FIG. 3a;
[0126] FIG. 3c is a cross-sectional side view of the body taken
along line A-A of FIG. 3a;
[0127] FIG. 3d is an end view of the closed second end of the body
of FIG. 3a;
[0128] FIG. 3e is a perspective view of one form of cap for a
storage container;
[0129] FIG. 3f is another perspective view of the cap of FIG.
3e;
[0130] FIG. 3g is a side view of the cap of FIG. 3e;
[0131] FIG. 3h is a cross-sectional side view of the cap of FIG.
3g;
[0132] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of one form of the collector
before being inserted into a storage container;
[0133] FIG. 5 is a side view of one form of tissue sampler in which
a storage container is about to be placed into the tissue
sampler;
[0134] FIG. 5a is a perspective view of the tissue sampler with a
collecting device magazine about to be placed into the magazine
housing of the tissue sampler;
[0135] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the tissue sampler
of FIG. 5 in which an animal's ear is located in the cutting
region;
[0136] FIG. 6a is a cross-sectional side view of one form of
collector before taking a tissue sample from an animal's ear and
placing it into a storage container;
[0137] FIG. 6b is a cross-sectional side view of the collector of
FIG. 6a when cutting a tissue sample from the animal's ear;
[0138] FIG. 6c is a cross-sectional side view of the collector of
FIG. 6a after a tissue sample has been cut;
[0139] FIG. 6d is a cross-sectional side view of the collector of
FIG. 6a pressing against a membrane in the cap of the storage
container;
[0140] FIG. 6e is a cross-sectional side view of the collector of
FIG. 6a after the membrane has been broken;
[0141] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the tissue sampler
of FIG. 6 in which a tissue sample has been cut from the animal's
ear;
[0142] FIG. 7a is a cross-sectional side view of the collector of
FIG. 6a in which it is plugging the first end of the storage
container;
[0143] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the tissue sampler
of FIG. 6 in which the animal's ear is removed from the cutting
region and the collector has plugged the storage container;
[0144] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the tissue sampler
of FIG. 6 in which the ram has been retracted through an empty
chamber of the collector magazine and is returned to its rest
position;
[0145] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the tissue sampler
of FIG. 6 in which the storage container containing a tissue sample
and collector is being removed from the sampler;
[0146] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a collecting device
magazine;
[0147] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a plurality of collectors
held within a multi-cell rack;
[0148] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional side view of the storage
container in which the tissue sample has been released from the
collector;
[0149] FIG. 14 is a partial cross sectional view of a sampler
holding a magazine with a collector shown in the ready position
aligned to a collection container and wherein a shield 900 is
provided as an extension to the collector for the purposes of
shielding the ram 130 from the surface or surfaces of the tissue to
be sampled and thereby avoid cross contamination between
samples;
[0150] FIG. 15a is an exploded perspective view of part of the
mechanism of the sampler as well as the shield 900, its associated
collector 250 and the collection container;
[0151] FIG. 15b is a partial sectional view of the ram 130, the
shield 900 and the collector 250 and showing an arrangement between
the ram and the shield to allow for the shield to be withdrawn back
into the magazine after the ram having delivered the collector into
engagement with the storage container to thereby retract the shield
into the magazine for subsequent disposal;
[0152] FIG. 16 is a partial sectional view for a sampler showing a
collector and arranged for the purposes of retracting the collector
back into the magazine after sampling, where the ram is in the
withdrawn position;
[0153] FIG. 17 shows the sampler of FIG. 16 wherein the ram has
moved to the advanced position to drive a collector at least
partially through the tissue to be sampled and ready to be
withdrawn back into the magazine;
[0154] FIG. 18 is a variation of a sampler of the kind that will
withdraw the collector back into the magazine wherein a secondary
magazine is provided on the opposite side to the cutting region,
the secondary magazine provided for the purposes of presenting a
clean or fresh surface for each of the cutters of a collector to
react against to avoid cross contamination, the secondary magazine
optionally also carrying a plug or cap to plug or cap the sample
when the ram is in a fully advanced position and for that cap to be
retracted back into the magazine with the respective collector for
storage; and
[0155] FIG. 19 is a view of the sampler of FIG. 18 with the ram in
the extended position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED FORMS OF THE INVENTION
[0156] Reference will now be made to a collector for collecting a
biopsy sample from an organism. The sample may be from plants or
animals particularly, including pigs, goats, cattle, sheep,
poultry, and fish. It is preferably a tissue sample taken from the
ear of an animal. In use, the collector may optionally be used
together with a storage container so that together the collector
and container can collect and store a biopsy sample for later
analysis. The use of a storage container with the collector may not
be required in certain manners of use of the collector. Also herein
described is a method of taking a biopsy sample and to a method of
ejecting a biopsy sample from a collector.
[0157] FIGS. 1a to 1g show a preferred form of a collector 250. The
collector can be used with the tissue sampler as will herein after
be described or with another suitable tissue sampler.
[0158] The collector 250 comprises a punch 251 having a body with a
cutter 255 at a cutting end 252a of the punch 251. The punch 251
also has an opposing pushing end 252b. The body of the punch 251
preferably has a slot or bore 253. The bore 253 extends from one
end of the punch to the other. It preferably extends along the
length of the punch between the cutting end and the pushing end, as
shown in FIGS. 2a to 2e. Preferably, the punch has an elongate
straight body and the bore is centrally located within the body of
the punch.
[0159] In one form, the outer surface of the body of the punch
comprises guides in the form of one or more projections or recesses
to help locate the punch within a cap of a storage container as
will be described later. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d,
the guides comprise three evenly spaced ribs 254 that project from
the pushing end 252b of the punch. A lead-in 254a may also be
provided.
[0160] A cutter 255 is provided at the cutting end 252a of the
punch to remove a sample from an organism. The cutter may be
attached to the punch or it may be integral with the punch so that
the cutter and punch are formed as a single part. The cutter 255
may be cylindrical. It may alternatively be of another shape
suitable to remove a sample. The sample may for example be taken
from the tip of the ear of an animal and the cutter may as a result
be U or V shaped or other shape. It need not take a core sample but
an edge sample instead. Being of a hollow section such as
cylindrical does offer the added benefit of being able to retain
the sample, as a plug, by the cutter. The cutter can remove a
sample plug that ends up sitting in the cutter.
[0161] A free end of the cutter 255 is presented to form a cutting
edge 255a. The cutter 255 preferably extends from and surrounds one
end of the bore 253 of the punch at the cutting end of the punch
body to form a projecting surrounding wall or walls. Preferably,
the bore 253 of the punch is cylindrical so that the cutting edge
is substantially circular. A sample holding section 256 is formed
by the cutter, preferably within the projecting wall(s) of the
cutter. In this way, the cutter provides a sample holding section
256 such as a bore. The bore is a blind bore terminated by the end
of the plunger 257. It is aligned with the bore formed in the body
of the punch. For the sake of simplicity, the bore 253 of the
punch, when referred to in this specification, should be
interpreted to include the bore formed in the body of the punch and
the bore formed in the cutter because the two are preferably
contiguous.
[0162] A plunger 257 is held at the bore 253 of the punch and forms
part of the collector. In one form the plunger protrudes at least
partially from the punch. In other forms it is contained entirely
within the bore. Being within the bore helps protect it and prevent
tampering therewith at least unless an appropriate tool is
used.
[0163] The plunger preferably includes a machine readable
electronic identity (EID) tag such as a radio frequency identity
(RFID) tag. The RFID system may be selected according to the
anticipated manufacturing and use conditions of the tissue sample
collector. For example a typical passive tag, active reader, system
operating at low frequency can provide robust identification
devices suitable for embedding in molded plastic components at a
unit cost that is appropriate. The tag 259 illustrated in FIGS. 1a
and 1c is typical of the form of RFID tags of this type. However
other systems, such as passive tag systems operating in the UH
range can provide lower unit costs. Tags of this type are available
that are claimed to be sufficiently robust for embedding in molded
plastic components.
[0164] To work well with these small RFID tags, an RFID reader may
be integrated to the tissue sampler, or mounted to the tissue
sampler, immediately adjacent the position that a sample occupies
at the time of use.
[0165] The plunger has a first end 258a and an opposing second end
258b.
[0166] The plunger 257 can be seen to extend into the bore 253 of
the punch 251. The fit of the plunger in the bore is snug yet
allowing for the plunger to slide relative the punch. In the
preferred form the plunger outer surface is contiguous the inner
surface of the bore. This ensure that a seal is created there
between, preventing ingress of contaminants from the pushing end of
the punch to the cutting end, through the bore.
[0167] The plunger and punch are in a sliding relationship with
each other whether it is using a bore and pin like relationship or
other. They are in a sliding relationship so that the sample can be
pushed off the cutter.
[0168] The plunger in the preferred form extends into the bore of
the punch and can push a plug of sample tissue from the sample
holding section 256. This pushing may be to push the sample into a
storage container with which the collector becomes associated after
sample taking. It may occur at the time of sampling or well after
such as in the laboratory at where the sample will be processed. In
the lab the sample may be pushed off the cutter and into a test
tube, or into a storage container if used, for analysis.
[0169] The plunger is able to be positioned in an active position
as shown in FIG. 1b and be moved to a plunged position as seen in
FIG. 1g.
[0170] When the plunger is in an active position, ready for the
collector to remove a sample from the cutter, the second end of the
plunger may project from the pushing end of the punch and the first
end of the plunger is held within the bore of the punch between the
sample holding section and the pushing end of the punch.
Preferably, at or near the first end 258a of the plunger is
enlarged or provides some form that creates an interference to the
removal of the plunger from the punch in one direction. A similar
enlargement (not shown) may be provided at or near the other end of
the plunger. The or each enlargement helps prevent the removal of
the plunger that may carry the RFID from the collector.
[0171] The collector is adapted to cut a sample of tissue from an
animal or plant, using the cutter. The sample can temporarily be
held by the cutter such as within the sample holding section. To
release the sample from the sample holding section, the plunger can
be pushed from its active position so that it moves in the
direction of the sample. It may be pushed into the bore of the
punch more and toward the cutting edge and through the sample
holding cavity so that the tissue sample is pushed off the
cutter.
[0172] Although in a preferred form the punch is substantially
tubular and the plunger is substantially cylindrical, it is
envisaged that the punch and plunger may be of any suitable
complementary shape. For example, the bore of the punch may have a
square cross-section and the plunger may also have a square
cross-section of a slightly smaller size so that the plunger can
slide within the bore of the punch. It should be appreciated that
the cutting edge of the cutter could also be of any suitable shape
and size to cut a tissue sample that fits within the storage
container for receiving the sample. For example, the cutting tip
may be square, oval, star shaped or irregularly shaped.
[0173] As mentioned, the collector may be used together with a
storage container. In the preferred form the collector is held by a
tissue sampler as will herein after be described that also holds
the storage container at the time of sampling.
[0174] In one form, as shown in FIGS. 3a to 3d, the storage
container 500 comprises a container body 510 having an open first
end 501a and a closed second end 501b, which forms the base of the
container body, although it should be appreciated that the
container body will not always be oriented so that the base is at
the bottom of the container body.
[0175] Optionally, the base of the container body is flat and
unique indicia 502, such as a bar code, QR code, matrix code, or
the like machine readable code is provided on the base, as shown in
FIG. 9d. Alternatively or additionally, unique indicia is provided
along the side of the container body. The unique indicia is used to
provide information about the source of the sample that will
ultimately be placed within the storage container 500. An RFID may
instead or also be attached to the container when used.
[0176] In one form, the container body 510 comprises a tissue
sample chamber 503 at its base to receive a tissue sample. A
preservative 505 may be provided in the tissue chamber.
[0177] Preferably, the outer surface of the container body
comprises anti-rotation means 504 located at or near the base of
the container, as shown in FIGS. 3a to 3d. The anti-rotation means
comprise one or more recesses and/or projections adapted to prevent
the container body from rotating within a cell of a holding rack,
as will be described later in this specification.
[0178] Optionally, the storage container comprises a cap that
attaches to the open first end of the container body to seal the
container body. Alternatively, the cap may have an aperture/passage
formed therein through which a tissue sample can pass to be placed
in the container body. In this form, the cap is attached to the
container body, but does not fully seal the container body. The
storage container, preferably at the cap, provides a die for the
punch to cooperate with in cutting the sample away from the animal.
The die includes the aperture/passage. This allows a shear action
like removal of the tissue by the die/punch combination.
[0179] Preferably, the container body comprises a threaded region
at or near its first end that meshes with a threaded region of the
cap to allow the cap to be screwed onto and off the storage
container. Alternatively, the cap is attached to the open end of
the container body with a snug fit. In yet another form, the cap
comprises a lip on its inner surface that nests within a channel
that surrounds the outer surface of the container body near the
open end of the container body. As will be appreciated, the cap may
be attached to the container body in any other suitable arrangement
and these are just some examples that could be used. A threaded
relationship is preferred because it assists in cap removal.
[0180] In one form, the storage container 500 comprises a cap 550
that is screwed onto a threaded region 506 of the container body
510, as described above. In particular, the cap comprises a
threaded shaft 551 that is adapted to engage with a threaded
interior region 506 of the storage container 500 so that a first
end of the shaft projects toward the base 501b of the container.
Alternatively, the shaft may have a threaded bore that is adapted
to engage with a threaded exterior region of the container body so
that a first end of the shaft projects toward the end of the
container body. A collar 552 extends from the opposing second end
of the threaded shaft. The collar 552 comprises an outwardly
projecting annular flange 553 and a guide wall 554 that extends
from the periphery of the flange 553 in a direction away from the
shaft 551 to form a substantially cylindrical wall. Preferably, an
outer surface of the guide wall is contoured or textured to provide
a knurled cap.
[0181] A centrally located recess 555 is provided within the collar
552 and between the guide wall. The recess may be specially shaped
for engagement with a correspondingly shaped cap-release tool to
remove the cap from the container body. For example, the recess 555
may have a tool-engageable edge 559 that provides the recess with a
cruciform shape, star shape, hex shape, square shape, oval shape,
or any other regular or irregular shape that corresponds to the
shape of a tool for inserting into the recess and turning the cap
to unscrew the cap from the container body. However, it is
preferred that the outer surface of the guide wall is shaped to
correspond with the shape of a tool, or to at least provide a
gripping region, for gripping the outer wall and turning the cap to
decap the storage container.
[0182] The recess 555 aligns with a passage 556 that is centrally
located through the cap. The cap also comprises a breakable seal
557, which may be in the form of a membrane, or the like, that
extends laterally across the cap. The seal may be formed integrally
with the collar and shaft of the cap so that the entire cap is made
as one part.
[0183] Preferably, the seal is located at or near a first end of
the shaft, but in other forms, the seal may be located within the
collar of the cap or in any other suitable location. The seal 557
may be of any suitable material, such as polypropylene, rubber,
polyethylene, or the like. When the cap 550 is attached to the body
of a container body 510 so that the first end of the shaft projects
into the body, the seal 557 extends across the body to seal the
first end 501a of the container body. Preferably, the cap 550 also
comprises a second seal 558, such as an o-ring, that fits over the
outside of the threaded shaft 551 and abuts the collar 552 of the
cap. In this form, when the cap is attached to the body of a
storage container, the second seal is positioned between the first
end 501a of the body and the collar 552 of the cap 550 to seal the
connection between the cap and the body. In this arrangement, the
cap can be screwed onto a sterile body to hermetically seal the
containment region in the body. The body interior can remain
sterile until the seal is broken and a tissue sample is placed in
the container body.
[0184] In the preferred form the cap and the container body are
engaged to each other in some tamper evident manner. This allow for
detection of the removal of the cap from the container body.
Preferably the tamper evident manner provides some visual evidence
of tampering. For example, connecting tabs may be provided between
the collar and an attachment ring of the cap that is securely
attached to the container body. In this form, if the cap is twisted
away from the attachment ring (such as by unscrewing the cap from
the body), the connecting tabs break to indicate that the storage
container has been tampered with. A shrink wrap over the container
cap interface may be used as a tamper evident indicator. A sticker
may be used that will pull apart when the cap and container are
separated. A frangible ring or the like could be used also.
[0185] The storage container, when used, and collector are aligned
at the time of sampling as shown in FIG. 4. They are separated
prior to sampling so that part of the organism from which the
sample is to be removed can be located there between.
[0186] As will now be described, the collector and when used the
storage container may be so held for sampling purposes by a
sampler. The sampler is described in our co-pending international
application PCT/NZ2014/000106 which by way of cross reference is
hereby incorporated. Pneumatically or electrically operated
samplers or other are also envisaged as being adaptable for use
with the present invention.
[0187] The storage container is dimensioned to fit within the
storage container holder 300 of the tissue sampler 1 as shown in
FIGS. 5 and 6 and to receive a collector through the first end of
the storage container, as indicated in FIG. 4.
[0188] When a tissue sample is to be taken, a storage container 500
is placed in the container holder 300 so that its first end 501
faces toward the cutting region 400, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0189] A plurality of collectors 250 may be positioned within a
magazine housing 200 loaded into the tissue sampler. The magazine
can sequentially present each collector for sampling. This is
achieved by aligning the collectors individually with an actuator
such as a ram 130 of the sampler 1.
[0190] As shown in FIG. 11, the magazine housing 200 is sized to
receive a magazine 240 comprising a plurality of chambers 241, each
chamber being adapted to hold a collector 250 therein and having
open first and second opposing ends 241a, 241b. The magazine, is
preferably in the form of a cylinder having a centrally located
axle or bore 242 that extends through or into the magazine. The
chambers are positioned concentrically around the bore and
preferably near the circumference of the magazine. Preferably, at
least a portion of the chambers in the magazine 240 is of a
transparent material, so that the presence of a collector in any of
the chambers can be identified. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 11,
the magazine comprises 25 chambers, although the magazine may have
any suitable number of chambers. The magazine may carry an EID or
machine removable code. In the preferred form the magazine can
rotate to index collectors for actuation. In other forms the
magazine may translate instead.
[0191] The second end of the collector aligns the ram 130 and the
cutting edge 255a of the cutter 255 aligns with a cutting region
aperture 211 of the sampler, as shown in FIG. 6.
[0192] The storage container holder 300 of the tissue sampler is
adapted to hold a storage container 500 therein.
[0193] As shown in FIG. 5 the cutting region 400 comprises a space
in which tissue 450 from a sample specimen can be positioned. In
FIG. 6, an animal's ear 450 is schematically shown positioned
within the cutting region. The ear, or other item, is kept in the
cutting region as a tissue sample is cut from the ear.
[0194] A ram 130 is positioned within the ram housing 120 of the
sampler. The ram forms part of an actuating means, which also
comprises a trigger 150 operably connected to the ram 130. A
guiding recess 132 is formed in the first end of the ram and is
shaped to correspond with the second end 258b of the plunger, which
projects from the punch. The guiding recess 132 is dimensioned so
that the projecting portion of the plunger can fit within the
recess and so that the first end of the ram 121a can abut the
pushing end 252b of the punch.
[0195] This prevents the ram actuating the plunger during sampling,
only driving the collector through the sample specimen by pushing
on the punch.
[0196] The ram 130 is adapted to slide back and forth within the
ram housing 120 as the trigger 150 is engaged and disengaged.
[0197] To cut a tissue sample, a user may use the sampler as herein
described. They may insert a storage container 500 into the holder
300 so that a portion of the storage container is pushed into the
sampler receiving aperture 321 so that the first end of the storage
container projects slightly from the sample receiving aperture 321
and into the cutting region, as shown in FIG. 6. The magazine 240
is orientated so that the cutting edge of a punch 251 of the active
collecting device 250 is aligned with the cutting region aperture
211 and the second end of the plunger 257 is aligned with the ram
receiving aperture 221. As will be appreciated, the magazine can be
placed into the tissue sampler before or after the storage
container is placed in the tissue sampler.
[0198] The user then holds the handle of the tissue sampler and
positions the sampler so that tissue 450 to be sampled (such as of
an animal's ear) is located in the cutting region 400, as shown in
FIG. 6. The user squeezes the trigger 150 toward the gripping
member 160 to move the trigger from the disengaged position to the
engaged position.
[0199] The ram moves through the ram receiving aperture and pushes
against an active collecting device. The ram continues pushing to
push the collector out of the chamber of the magazine, through the
cutting region aperture, into the cutting region, and toward the
storage container.
[0200] As the ram pushes the collector through the cutting region,
the cutting end of the punch pushes the animal's ear (or other
tissue) against the first end of the storage cap and the first wall
of the cutting region. The cutting edge of the punch is then pushed
through the ear or other tissue to cut a sample plug from the
tissue.
[0201] The tissue sample is held within the sample holding region
of the collector and the collector is pushed into the first end of
the storage container to place the sample within the container.
[0202] As shown where the first end of the storage container 500
comprises a cap 550 with a seal 557 as described above, the
collector 250 is pushed into the recess 555 formed in the cap.
Optionally, the wall of the recess comprises one or more ribs for
engaging with the guiding ribs 254 of the punch to guide the body
of the punch within the cap. As the collector pushes into the cap,
the cutting edge 255a of the punch presses against and then pierces
the seal or membrane 557 to form an opening to the storage body.
The cutting end of the punch (holding the plunger therein) is then
pushed through the opening so that the sample holding region 256,
and the sample 460 held within the cavity 256, is located within
the body of the storage container 500. The collector fills the
opening formed by the broken seal to close off the first end of the
container. In particular, the diameter of the punch is sized to fit
snugly within the opening formed in the cap so that the cap is able
to hold the collector therein. Preferably, the second end of the
plunger projects from the pushing end of the punch and the first
end of the plunger is located within the bore of the punch between
the sample holding cavity and the pushing end of the punch. In this
arrangement, the plunger can be depressed and pushed through the
sample holding region to release the tissue sample into the storage
container. This may occur manually or by tool and may be done at
sampling or after.
[0203] When the collector closes off the first end of the storage
container, the punch and the plunger are held by the cap of the
storage container so that the cutter is held within the container
body. It is therefore not necessary for the user to handle the
punch with its sharp cutting edge or to otherwise remove and
discard the punch from the tissue sampler.
[0204] The trigger mechanism of the sampler 1 is such that the
action of cutting the tissue sample, placing the sample in the
storage container, and releasing the animal's ear is almost
instantaneous so that if the animal reacts to having its ear cut
and pulls away, there is little chance that the animal can pull the
tissue sampler from the user's hand before the ear is released.
[0205] The storage container, including the cap holding the
collector can then be removed from the container holder and an
unused replacement storage container can then be fitted into the
holder. The collector magazine is rotated incrementally until the
next chamber containing an unused collector is aligned with the ram
receiving aperture and cutting region aperture, ready for another
tissue sample to be taken.
[0206] Once all the collectors in the magazine have been used the
magazine can be removed from the sampler 1.
[0207] Preferably, the storage containers removed from the tissue
sampler are placed within respective cells 610 of a multi-cell rack
600, such as a 96 well rack as shown in FIGS. 12, before being sent
to a laboratory for decapping and future analysis of the
samples.
[0208] The collector is adapted so that the plunger can be pushed
to release the tissue sample from the sample holding region and
into the tissue chamber at the bottom of the container. In
particular, the second end of the plunger can be depressed toward
the pushing end of the punch to cause the first end of the plunger
to push a tissue sample out of the sample holding region and into
the body of the storage container. To assist with the release of
the tissue sample, the first end of the plunger may be enlarged and
may comprise an anti-stick surface formed of a non-stick material,
such as Teflon.TM.. The plunger may be depressed and pushed towards
the sample holding region after the container has been removed from
a tissue sampler.
[0209] Preferably, the tissue sample is held at the sample holding
region when the storage container is removed from the tissue
sampler. The storage containers may then be placed within
respective cells of a multi-cell rack so that the base of each
storage containers is at the bottom of the respective cell and the
caps of the storage containers project above the cells, as shown in
FIG. 12. The diameter or width of the cells is sized to be
commensurate with the diameter or width of the storage
containers.
[0210] A machine may be used to depress the plungers within the
caps of the storage containers automatically, either by depressing
the plunger consecutively or by simultaneously depressing the
plungers of all n the rack. As each plunger is depressed and pushed
deeper into or through the bore of the punch and through the sample
holding region toward the base of the storage containers, the
sample is pushed from of the sample holding region and is deposited
into the chamber at the bottom of the storage containers, as shown
in FIG. 13. The tool so used in the lab does not contact the
sample.
[0211] Where the outer surface of the body of each storage
containers comprises anti-rotation means, the storage containers
are located within the respective cells of the holder so that the
anti-rotation means engage with corresponding anti-rotation means
provided within the cells. For example, one or more projections
formed on a container body will engage with one or more recesses
formed in the walls of the respective cell.
[0212] The anti-rotation means of the storage containers and cells
prevent the containers from rotating within the cells so that the
storage containers can be automatically decapped by unscrewing the
caps from the body.
[0213] To decap the storage containers, a cap engaging tool (not
shown) engages with the correspondingly shaped recess of the cap,
or to grip onto the outer surface of the guide wall of the cap, and
is rotated in the appropriate direction to unscrew the cap from the
body. Typically, a machine is provided in which multiple cap
engaging tools engage with the caps of multiple containers in a
rack to decap the containers of the rack simultaneously. Decapping
enables the samples within the containers to be accessed and
removed from the container body for analysis.
[0214] Optionally, each cell within the rack comprises an open or
transparent bottom for reading unique indicia located on the base
of each storage containers held within the rack so that the source
of each sample can be identified and linked with the data obtained
from the sample.
[0215] Laboratory testing of the sample may occur in the storage
container itself is one is used, or alternatively the sample is
removed from the container before testing.
[0216] A variation of the present invention may not involve a
storage container at the time of sampling. Instead the sample is
taken by the collector by driving the cutter through the sample and
then taking the sample carrying collector to a laboratory for
testing. The sample containing collector, after taking a sample may
be retracted back into the magazine for storage therein. This is
for example shown with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17. A tapered or
wedging or catch like relationship between the ram and the
collector can be established to withdraw. A stop can be employed to
stop the sample retaining collector in the magazine allowing the
ram to then separate.
[0217] The collectors may be transported for testing without a
storage container and may be housed by the magazine and the samples
may be directly dispensed by depressing each plunger whilst
remaining retained to said magazine, in the laboratory.
[0218] If no storage container is used, the plunger may eject the
sample from the punch for subsequent testing.
[0219] A collector located RFID tag is useful for tracking and
tamper prevention purposes. The RFID may be used at the time the
sample is taken, it identifies the sample to a collector ID.
[0220] Prior, during or immediately after the sample is taken, the
sample collector RFID tag can be read and stored along with a
unique ID that is derived from a storage container ID and/or
derived from an animal associated ID such as from an ear tag
carried by the animal tested. This will ensure that at least 2 and
preferably three individual identifiers (eg numbers) are locked to
a sample taken. One from the collector RFID tag, and one from said
animal associated ID and preferably from said container. These
linked numbers are stored at sampling time in a database. The aim
is to make it tamper resistant and limit the options to substitute
samples. The container's (when used and when carrying an ID) and
the collector's ID may be read during the lab processing and again
checked to the database. The methods to read/transfer information
from the container, collectors and ear tags at sampling would be
existing technologies of reader and an intended reader within the
sampler if possible. The data collected at the laboratory from the
RFID devices would be unique identifier with which information
derived from sample testing can be associated.
Advantages
[0221] The present invention allows the sample that is taken by the
biopsy collector to be retained by the collector. It can remain
retained with the cutter and be carried thereby and be protected
thereby. A plunger of the biopsy collector stays associated with
the biopsy collector after sampling and can be actuated at any time
after sampling to eject the sample from the cutter. This allows the
sample to be ejected by the still associated plunger at the
laboratory and thereby avoid cross contamination. Such sample cross
contamination may otherwise occur by use of a laboratory tool that
comes into contact with the sample. Instead the tool contacts the
plunger.
[0222] When used with a storage container the biopsy collector
avoids the need for the user to handle and/or dispose of used
punches at the time of sampling. The biopsy collector is held by
the storage container after a sample is taken, so it is not
necessary for the user to handle and/or dispose of the used punch.
Furthermore, the biopsy collector allows for the sample to be held
by the cutter and be deliberately ejected from the cutter and into
a storage container at will. Not just at the time of sampling. And
not automatically at the time of sampling. The collector and its
punch stay connected to the storage container after sampling
reducing or eliminating waste at time of sampling.
[0223] If no storage container is used at the time of sampling, the
sample retained by the cutter remains protected and well retained
by the cutter.
[0224] Where the collector is pulled back into the magazine after
sampling the animal, no storage container is involved. Container
costs and time handling such is eliminated. The cost of sampling
would be less, and be quicker to complete.
[0225] Although the invention has been described by way of example,
it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be
made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined
in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents exist to
specific features, such equivalents are incorporated as if
specifically referred in this specification.
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