U.S. patent application number 17/209566 was filed with the patent office on 2021-07-08 for method for obtaining a saliva sample and collecting device.
This patent application is currently assigned to BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM VETMEDICA GMBH. The applicant listed for this patent is BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM VETMEDICA GMBH. Invention is credited to Christoph WEBER.
Application Number | 20210204918 17/209566 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005475784 |
Filed Date | 2021-07-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210204918 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
WEBER; Christoph |
July 8, 2021 |
METHOD FOR OBTAINING A SALIVA SAMPLE AND COLLECTING DEVICE
Abstract
A method for obtaining a saliva sample from an animal,
particularly a pig, by means of a receiving device and a collecting
device with an integrated filter, and a method of using a
collecting device with an integrated filter for obtaining a saliva
sample from an animal, particularly a pig. In addition, a
collecting device comprising a bag, a removable container and a
filter, and a kit having such a collecting device, and a receiving
device for taking saliva from an animal, particularly a pig.
Inventors: |
WEBER; Christoph; (Ingelheim
am Rhein, DE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM VETMEDICA GMBH |
Ingelheim am Rhein |
|
DE |
|
|
Assignee: |
BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM VETMEDICA
GMBH
Ingelheim am Rhein
DE
|
Family ID: |
1000005475784 |
Appl. No.: |
17/209566 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2021 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15576475 |
Nov 22, 2017 |
10959707 |
|
|
PCT/EP2016/025056 |
Jun 8, 2016 |
|
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17209566 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 10/0096 20130101;
A61B 10/0051 20130101; A61B 2050/3008 20160201; A01K 29/00
20130101; A61J 1/2086 20150501; A61B 50/30 20160201; A61B 2503/40
20130101; A61J 19/00 20130101; A61B 42/10 20160201 |
International
Class: |
A61B 10/00 20060101
A61B010/00; A01K 29/00 20060101 A01K029/00; A61J 1/20 20060101
A61J001/20; A61B 42/10 20060101 A61B042/10; A61B 50/30 20060101
A61B050/30; A61J 19/00 20060101 A61J019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 8, 2015 |
DE |
10 2015 007 097.5 |
Claims
1. A kit for obtaining a filtered saliva sample from an animal,
said kit comprising a rope as a receiving device for taking the
sample and a collecting device with a bag, the bag comprising a
filter, a first section and a second section, wherein the first
section is fluidically connected to the second section via the
filter.
2. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the filter forms a
dividing wall in the bag which subdivides the bag into the first
section and the second section.
3. The kit according to claim 1, wherein one of the first and
second sections is configured to receive the rope.
4. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the bag is of a deformable
construction.
5. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the filter is of a
deformable construction such that the filter can be deformed
together with the bag.
6. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the collecting device
comprises at least one removable container.
7. The kit according to claim 6, wherein the container is of a
rigid construction.
8. The kit according to claim 6, wherein the collecting device
comprises a second filter, the container being fluidically
connected to the bag via the second filter.
9. The kit according to claim 6, wherein the container is
fluidically connected to the first section or the second
section.
10. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the kit further comprises
at least one of a pair of gloves, instructions for use, a pipette
or a solvent.
11. A kit for obtaining a filtered saliva sample from an animal,
said kit comprising a rope as a receiving device for taking the
sample and a collecting device with a bag and at least one
removable container, wherein the bag comprises a filter, and
wherein the container is fluidically connected to the bag via the
filter.
12. The kit according to claim 11, wherein the bag is of a
deformable construction.
13. The kit according to claim 11, wherein the container is of a
rigid construction.
14. The kit according to claim 11, wherein the kit further
comprises at least one of a pair of gloves, instructions for use, a
pipette or a solvent.
15. A kit for obtaining a filtered saliva sample from an animal,
said kit comprising a rope as a receiving device for taking the
sample, a collecting device with a bag and at least one removable
container, wherein the bag comprises a filter, a first section and
a second section, wherein the first section is fluidically
connected to the second section via the filter and wherein the
container is fluidically connected to the first section or the
second section.
16. The kit according to claim 15, wherein the filter forms a
dividing wall in the bag which subdivides the bag into the first
section and the second section.
17. The kit according to claim 15, wherein one of the first and
second sections is configured to receive the rope.
18. The kit according to claim 15, wherein the bag is of a
deformable construction.
19. The kit according to claim 15, wherein the container is of a
rigid construction.
20. The kit according to claim 15, wherein the kit further
comprises at least one of a pair of gloves, instructions for use, a
pipette or a solvent.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a division of commonly-owned, co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/576,475 filed Nov. 22, 2017,
which is a 371 of International Patent Application No.
PCT/EP2016/025056 filed Jun. 8, 2016, which claims the benefit of
priority to German Patent Application No. 10 2015 007 097.5 filed
Jun. 8, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by
reference in their entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a
saliva sample from an animal, particularly a pig wherein saliva
from the animal is absorbed by a receiving device in a collecting
device comprising a bag and at least one container device for
obtaining a filtered saliva sample from an animal, such as a pig,
the collecting device having a bag, a filter and at least one
removable container, a kit for obtaining a filtered saliva sample
from an animal, particularly a pig, and a method of using a
collecting device with an integrated filter for obtaining a saliva
sample from an animal, particularly a pig.
[0003] Saliva and/or liquid from the oral cavity of an animal
contains, among other things, water, proteins, electrolytes, mucus,
serum and serum components, blood cells, mucous membrane cells as
well as microorganisms and antibodies.
[0004] For the veterinary examination of animals, particularly
domesticated mammals such as pigs, cows, goats, sheep or the like,
it is conventional to examine the saliva or oral cavity liquid of
the animal for diseases and/or pathogens. Diseases and/or pathogens
can be detected in particular by the detection of antibodies and/or
microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and/or fungi in the saliva
of the affected animal.
Description of Related Art
[0005] The removal of saliva or oral cavity liquid from an animal,
particularly a pig, or the taking of a sample for analysis or a
saliva sample, is carried out for example as described in US
2003/0082528 A1 and US 2007/0062460 A1, using a receiving device
such as a rope or cord. Preferably, the saliva is taken up or
absorbed by the receiving device by oral contact between the animal
and the receiving device, particularly by chewing and/or biting.
Then the saliva or sample material taken is separated from the
receiving device, for example by wringing out the receiving device.
The saliva sample thus obtained is then subjected to examination by
a veterinary specialist.
[0006] The above-mentioned method for obtaining a saliva sample
from an animal has the disadvantage, however, that the quantity
and/or quality of the saliva sample thus obtained is often
inadequate for the subsequent veterinary examination. In addition
to the contaminants already present in the saliva, the sample
material taken may be further contaminated by the handling of the
receiving device at the sampling site. This adversely affects the
subsequent veterinary examination and/or requires complex
processing of the resulting saliva sample in the laboratory.
[0007] Against this background, the present invention sets out to
provide a method for obtaining a saliva sample from an animal, and
an improved collecting device for separating sample material or
saliva from a receiving device, preferably thereby achieving or
assisting with a simple, safe, inexpensive, efficient, hygienic
and/or fast method of taking a saliva sample, reducing contaminants
or particles in the saliva sample and/or enabling the saliva sample
obtained to be subjected to direct or immediate veterinary
examination, preferably without any further processing.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The above problem is solved by methods, a collecting device,
and a kit as described herein.
[0009] In the proposed method for obtaining a saliva sample from an
animal, particularly a pig, saliva from the animal is taken up or
absorbed by a receiving device, particularly a rope, preferably by
oral contact with the animal. Preferably, the receiving device is
then at least partially placed in an at least partially flexible,
elastic, pliable and/or compressible collecting device or received
by an at least partially flexible, elastic, pliable, deformable
and/or compressible collecting device, and/or the saliva or sample
material absorbed by the receiving device is separated from the
receiving device inside the collecting device, preferably by
compressing or deforming the collecting device.
[0010] By the term "sample material" is preferably meant, according
to the present invention, the saliva taken from the animal during
testing. Particularly preferably, the sample material is the saliva
taken from the animal by means of the receiving device or the
saliva absorbed by or adhering to the receiving device. The sample
material preferably comprises saliva and/or consists predominantly
of saliva. However, the sample material may also contain
contaminants or particles such as fibers of the receiving device,
food residues, dust, fecal traces or the like. Preferably, the
sample material is the starting material for a saliva sample and/or
the sample material is processed, particularly eluted, in order to
obtain or prepare a saliva sample.
[0011] By the term "receiving device" is preferably meant,
according to the present invention, a construction which is
configured particularly to remove saliva from the animal, by
preferably oral contact with an animal, particularly by chewing
and/or biting of the receiving device, and/or for sucking up and/or
absorbing saliva and/or sample material from the animal and/or for
preparing a saliva sample. Particularly preferably, the receiving
device is embodied as a rope, cord or the like.
[0012] In one aspect of the present invention, the animal's saliva
absorbed by the receiving device or the sample material within the
collecting device is at least partially filtered, the filtered
saliva or the filtered sample material forming a saliva sample
and/or being suitable as a saliva sample for veterinary
examination. This makes it possible to work up the saliva or obtain
a filtered saliva sample in a particularly simple, fast, hygienic
and/or inexpensive manner.
[0013] Preferably, the saliva and particles or contaminants are
separated from one another in the collecting device and/or by means
of the collecting device and/or by--in particular,
partial--deformation or compression of the collecting device,
particularly so that filtered sample material or a filtered saliva
sample is provided in the collecting device.
[0014] By the term "saliva sample" is preferably meant, according
to the present invention, the processed, particularly eluted and/or
filtered, sample material. In particular, the saliva sample can be
analyzed and/or fed into an analyzer immediately or directly and/or
without any further processing.
[0015] The proposed collecting device preferably comprises a bag
and at least one removable container, the bag preferably being at
least substantially flexible, elastic, compressible and/or
deformable and the container being at least substantially
rigid.
[0016] By the term "collecting device" is preferably meant,
according to the present invention, a construction which is
embodied in particular to at least temporarily store biological
material and/or fluids such as saliva, keep them away from the
environment and/or collect them. Particularly preferably, a
collecting device according to the present invention is a
container, a reservoir, a bag, a funnel and/or a vessel. Most
particularly, in a collecting device according to the present
invention, saliva or the sample material taken from the animal by
means of the receiving device can be separated from the receiving
device, particularly dissolved or eluted out of it, wrung out,
squeezed out and/or removed by centrifuging.
[0017] According to a first aspect which can also be implemented
independently, the collecting device comprises a filter and/or a
filter is integrated in the collecting device. Particularly
preferably, the container of the collecting device is fluidically
connected to the bag via the filter. Such a construction enables
particularly simple, fast and/or cheap filtration of the saliva or
of the sample material, or the obtaining of a filtered saliva
sample. In particular, using the proposed collecting device, the
saliva or the sample material can be filtered at least
substantially at the same time as and/or automatically with the
separation of the saliva or sample material from the receiving
device or the dissolving of the sample material out of the
receiving device.
[0018] According to a second aspect which can also be implemented
independently, the bag of the collecting device comprises a first
section and a second section, the first section being fluidically
connected to the second section through a filter and the container
being fluidically connected to one of the sections. This results in
corresponding advantages.
[0019] The proposed kit for obtaining a filtered saliva sample from
an animal, particularly a pig, preferably comprises a receiving
device, particularly a rope, for absorbing the saliva and a
proposed collecting device. The kit optionally contains
instructions for use, a pipette and/or a solvent for dissolving the
saliva or sample material out of the receiving device. This results
in corresponding advantages.
[0020] A kit in the sense of the present invention is, in
particular, a combination and/or a system comprising the proposed
receiving device and a collecting device. Preferably, the receiving
device and the collecting device each form a component of the kit.
The components of the kit are preferably sold in combination,
particularly in a combined pack or the like. However, it is also
possible for the above-mentioned components to be provided loose
for using together. Preferably, a common or linking element is
provided, such as, for example, instructions for use, handling
recommendations or information in the text on one or more of the
components of the kit or on the common packaging.
[0021] A proposed method of using a collecting device provides that
saliva or sample material should be filtered by means of a filter
integrated in the collecting device in order to obtain a filtered
saliva sample. This results in corresponding advantages.
[0022] Additional advantages, features, properties and aspects of
the present invention will become apparent from the following
description of preferred embodiments with reference to the
accompanying drawings
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the taking of a sample from an
animal using a receiving device;
[0024] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a proposed collecting device
according to a first embodiment;
[0025] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a proposed collecting device
according to a second embodiment, and
[0026] FIG. 4 shows a kit in accordance with the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0027] In the figures, which are purely schematic and not to scale,
the same reference numerals have been used for identical or similar
parts resulting in corresponding or comparable properties and
advantages, even if there is no repetition of the related
description.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows a receiving device 1 for receiving saliva 2
from an animal 3. FIG. 1 shows, by way of example, the use of the
receiving device 1 on a pig. However, the receiving device 1 may
also be used to take saliva from another, particularly
domesticated, animal 3, such as a cow, a goat, a sheep or the
like.
[0029] The receiving device 1 is preferably at least substantially
elongate in the shape of a rod, or ball. Particularly preferably,
the receiving device 1 is at least partially in the form of a rope
or cord, as shown in FIG. 1, in particular. However, other
solutions or embodiments are also possible. In particular, the
receiving device 1 may be at least substantially spherical, annular
or cylindrical or at least partially in the form of a ball, ring or
cylinder.
[0030] Preferably, the receiving device 1 is shorter than 3 m or 2
m, particularly preferably shorter than 1.5 m or 1.2 m,
particularly shorter than 100 cm or 80 cm, and/or longer than 20 cm
or 30 cm, particularly preferably longer than 50 cm or 60 cm.
[0031] By the term "rope" is preferably meant, according to the
present invention, an elongate object which is embodied
particularly for transmitting tensile forces. According to this
meaning, a rope is, in particular, at least substantially axially
rigid, flexible and/or elastic. Preferably, a rope is a plaited,
woven or knitted structure, particularly made from fibers, or
particularly preferably comprises such a structure as its
casing.
[0032] Preferably, the receiving device 1 is at least substantially
flexible, elastic, tear-resistant and/or bite-proof. Particularly
preferably, the receiving device 1 is configured to be at least
partially and/or temporarily received, chewed and/or bitten in the
mouth 4 of the animal 3.
[0033] The receiving device 1 is preferably adapted to be attached,
particularly suspended, in a stall (not shown). In the embodiment
shown the receiving device 1 is attached to or suspended from a
carrier 5. However, it is also possible to make the receiving
device 1 accessible to the animal 3 in some other way.
[0034] Particularly preferably, a loop may be formed or shaped from
the receiving device 1. This enables the receiving device 1 to be
mounted particularly easily, quickly and/or securely.
[0035] The receiving device 1 is preferably configured to take up
or absorb saliva 2, preferably by oral contact with the animal
3.
[0036] Preferably, the receiving device 1 comprises natural fibers
such as cotton, linen, hemp, coconut and/or sisal, and/or synthetic
fibers such as polyester, polyamide, polypropylene and/or
polyethylene, and/or the receiving device 1 may be formed
thereby.
[0037] Preferably, the receiving device 1 is biodegradable and/or
digestible or can be broken down by digestive enzymes. This removes
or reduces potential damage to the health of the animal 3 and/or
ensures that the receiving device 1 or constituents of the
receiving device 1 is or are tolerated by the animal 3, in the
event that the animal 3 eats the receiving device 1 or parts of the
receiving device 1.
[0038] FIG. 2 shows a proposed kit 6 having the proposed receiving
device 1 and a proposed collecting device 7 according to a first
embodiment.
[0039] Optionally, the kit 6 contains at least a pair of gloves,
instructions for use, a pipette and/or an extraction agent or
solvent.
[0040] The collecting device 7 is preferably designed to at least
partially accommodate the receiving device 1. In particular, the
receiving device 1 can be placed in the collecting device 7.
[0041] Preferably, the collecting device 7 comprises an, in
particular, flexible, elastic, pliable, deformable and/or
compressible bag 8 and/or the collecting device 7 is configured as
an, in particular, flexible, elastic, pliable, deformable and/or
compressible bag 8.
[0042] Preferably, the collecting device 7 or the bag 8 is
flexible, elastic, deformable and/or compressible, so that the
receiving device 1 can be wrung out, squeezed out and/or pressed
out in the collecting device 7 or in the bag 8, particularly
manually. In particular, the receiving device 1 can be wrung out,
squeezed out and/or pressed out by compressing the collecting
device 7 or the bag 8.
[0043] In the first embodiment shown, the collecting device 7 or
the bag 8 comprises a first section 9 and a second section 10, the
first section 9 preferably being fluidically connected to the
second section 10 through a filter 11.
[0044] Preferably, the filter 11 forms a dividing or intermediate
wall in the collecting device 7 or the bag 8. In particular, the
filter 11 subdivides the collecting device 7 or the bag 8 into the
two sections 9 and 10 and/or the filter 11 separates the first
section 9 from the second section 10.
[0045] Preferably, the first section 9 or the volume of the first
section 9 is smaller than the second section 10 or the volume of
the second section 10.
[0046] Preferably, the volume of the first section 9 is less than
50%, particularly preferably less than 40 or 30%, more particularly
less than 20 or 10%, of the total volume of the collecting device 7
or the bag 8.
[0047] Preferably, the volume of the first section 9 and/or of the
second section 10 is more than 10 ml or 30 ml, particularly
preferably more than 50 ml or 100 ml, particularly more than 200 ml
or 500 ml, and/or less than 5000 ml or 4000 ml, particularly
preferably less than 3500 ml or 3000 ml, particularly less than
2000 ml or 1000 ml.
[0048] Preferably, the collecting device 7 or the bag 8,
particularly the second section 10, is of such a size and
dimensions that the receiving device 1 can be--at least
partially--accommodated in the collecting device 7 or in the bag 8,
particularly the second section 10.
[0049] The filter 11 is preferably in the form of a membrane, a
film, a mesh or a lattice. In particular, the filter 11 is in the
form of a sieve, a paper filter or a nonwoven/fleece filter.
[0050] Particularly preferably, the filter 11 is made of plastics
or metal.
[0051] In particular, the filter 11 is at least substantially
flexible, pliable, elastic, foldable, compressible and/or
deformable. Most preferably, the filter 11 can be deformed together
with the bag 8.
[0052] In the first embodiment of the collecting device 7 shown in
FIG. 2, the filter 11 extends substantially over the entire height
of the collecting device 7 or the bag 8. In particular, the filter
11--in the usual position of use--is substantially vertically
aligned or arranged in the collecting device 7. Particularly
preferably, the filter 11 subdivides the collecting device 7--in
the conventional position of use--at least substantially vertically
into sections 9 and 10. However, other solutions are also possible,
particularly wherein the filter 11 extends over the width of the
collecting device 7 or the bag 8 and/or the filter 11--in the usual
position of use--is aligned or arranged substantially horizontally
in the collecting device 7. In particular, the filter 11 may
subdivide the collecting device 7--in the normal position of
use--at least substantially horizontally into the sections 9 and
10.
[0053] The collecting device 7 is preferably configured to filter
or purify saliva 2 or sample material 12 collected by the receiving
device 1 by means of the filter 11. In particular, particles or
contaminants 13 can be separated out of the saliva 2 or the sample
material 12 by means of the filter 11.
[0054] The filter 11 preferably has a filter porosity of less than
1000 .mu.m, particularly preferably less than 800 .mu.m or 500
.mu.m, particularly less than 300 .mu.m or 100 mm Preferably,
particles or contaminants 13 measuring more than 2000 .mu.m or 1500
.mu.m in size or diameter, particularly preferably more than 1000
.mu.m or 800 .mu.m, most preferably more than 500 .mu.m or 200
.mu.m, particularly more than 100 .mu.m or 50 .mu.m, can be
separated from the saliva 2 or sample material 12 by means of the
filter 11.
[0055] Particularly preferably, the first section 9 is designed to
collect the filtered saliva 2 or the filtered sample material 12.
In particular, the collecting device 7, preferably the first
section 9, is designed to prepare/provide a saliva sample 14.
[0056] Preferably, the filtered sample material 12 or the saliva
sample 14 can be removed from the collecting device 7, particularly
from the first section 9, by means of a syringe, pipette 18, or the
like.
[0057] In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the collecting
device 7 or the bag 8 is at least partially embodied as a funnel or
is at least partially funnel-shaped.
[0058] Preferably, the collecting device 7 comprises an optional
container 15, the container 15 being at least substantially rigid
in construction. Particularly preferably, the container 15 is
embodied as a glass container, particularly a test tube.
[0059] The container 15 is preferably connected to the bag 8 by
interlocking, frictional and/or material connection, particularly
by adhesive bonding, particularly at the base or on a side of the
bag 8 opposite the opening of the bag 8.
[0060] Preferably, the container 15 can be separated or removed
from the bag 8, or vice versa.
[0061] The container 15 is preferably fluidically connected to the
bag 8 via the filter 11. In the second embodiment shown, the
container 15 preferably forms the first section 9 and the bag 8
forms the second section 10. However, it is also possible for the
bag 8 to comprise or form both the first section 9 and the second
section 10, the container 15 being fluidically connected, in
particular, to one of the sections 9 or 10, particularly the first
section 9.
[0062] Preferably, the filter 11 or an additional filter 11 may be
arranged in the bag 8 or may subdivide the bag 8 into the sections
9 and 10, as indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 3. Particularly
preferably, a filter or the filter 11 is--additionally or
alternatively--set into, suspended or arranged in the collecting
device 7 or the bag 8, in the shape of a funnel or bowl, in
particular.
[0063] Preferably, the filter 11 is integrated in the collecting
device 7, particularly the bag 8 and/or the container 15, and/or is
fixedly attached to the collecting device 7, particularly the bag 8
and/or the container 15, particularly by interlocking, frictional
and/or material connection. Particularly preferably, the filter 11
is formed by the collecting device 7, particularly the bag 8 and/or
the container 15.
[0064] In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the filter 11 is
integrated in the opening of the container 15, or the filter 11
forms the opening of the container 15. In particular, the container
15 can be removed or separated from the bag 8 together with the
filter 11. However, other solutions are also possible, in
particular by having the filter 11 formed by the bag 8.
[0065] Preferably, the container 15 is configured to be sealable.
This facilitates the transporting or handling of the saliva sample
14 collected in the container 15, and/or prevents the saliva sample
14 from escaping from the container 15.
[0066] The proposed method and the proposed use for obtaining an,
in particular, filtered saliva sample 14 from the animal 3 will be
explained in more detail hereinafter.
[0067] The proposed method or the proposed method of use is
preferably carried out using the receiving device 1 or the kit 16.
The proposed kit for obtaining a filtered saliva sample from an
animal, particularly a pig, preferably comprises the receiving
device 1, and a collecting device, formed by container 15. The kit
optionally contains instructions for use 17, a pipette 18 and/or a
solvent 19 for dissolving the saliva or sample material out of the
receiving device. This results in corresponding advantages.
[0068] Preferably, the receiving device 1 is made available to the
animal 3, particularly by allowing preferably oral contact between
the animal 3 and the receiving device 1.
[0069] Preferably, the receiving device 1 is secured in a stall
(not shown) by interlocking, frictional and/or material connection,
preferably to the carrier 5. Most preferably, the receiving device
1 is arranged or mounted in a suspended position in a stall, as
shown in FIG. 1, in particular.
[0070] Preferably, saliva 2 from the animal 3 is taken up or
absorbed by the receiving device 1, particularly as a result of, in
particular, oral contact with the animal 3, particularly by chewing
and/or biting of the receiving device 1.
[0071] Preferably, the saliva 2 taken up or absorbed or the sample
material 12 taken from the animal 3 penetrates or flows partially
or completely through the receiving device 1.
[0072] The sample material 12 preferably comprises the saliva 2 as
well as contaminants or particles 13. In particular, the receiving
device 1 takes up or absorbs both saliva 2 and also particles or
contaminants 13.
[0073] In addition, the receiving device 1 may be further
contaminated or absorb further particles or contaminants 13, for
example by handling in the stall.
[0074] Preferably, the receiving device 1 is released from the
carrier 5 after the sampling process.
[0075] Preferably, the receiving device 1 is then at least
partially placed in the collecting device 7 or the bag 8,
particularly the second section 10 of the bag 8, and/or
accommodated within the collecting device 7 or the bag 8,
particularly the second section 10 of the bag 8.
[0076] Optionally, extraction agents or solvents are introduced
into the collecting device 7 or the bag 8, for eluting or
dissolving out the saliva 2 absorbed or sample material 12 by the
receiving device 1.
[0077] Preferably, the receiving device 1 is wrung out, squeezed
out, spun out and/or pressed out in the collecting device 7 or in
the bag 8, particularly manually, so that the collected saliva 2 or
the sample material 12 is at least partially released from the
receiving device 1 and/or collects in the collecting device 7,
particularly in the bag 8 and/or the container 15. Additionally or
alternatively, the collected saliva 2 or the sample material 12 is
eluted or dissolved out, preferably using a solvent.
[0078] Preferably, the collecting device 7 and/or the bag 8 is at
least partially deformed or compressed, particularly in order to
release the saliva 2 or the sample material 12 at least partially
from the receiving device 1 or to wring out, squeeze out and/or
press out the receiving device 1 in the collecting device 7 or bag
8.
[0079] Optionally, the collecting device 7 or the bag 8 can be
sealed/closed, or the collecting device 7 or the bag 8 is
sealed/closed, particularly in order to prevent the saliva 2 or
saliva sample 14 from escaping.
[0080] Preferably, the saliva 2 or the sample material 12 is at
least partially filtered in the collecting device 7, particularly
by means of the filter 11, at least substantially at the same time
as the saliva 2 or sample material 12 is separated from or
dissolved out of the receiving device 1.
[0081] Preferably, the saliva 2 or the sample material 12 in the
collecting device 7 which has been separated from or dissolved out
of the receiving device 1 flows from the second section 10 into the
first section 9 and/or through the filter 11 and/or from the bag 8
into the container 15. In particular, the sample material 12 or the
saliva 2 is--at least substantially automatically--filtered in the
collecting device 7 or through the collecting device 7.
[0082] Preferably, at least larger or coarser particles 13 in the
saliva 2 are filtered or deposited on the surface of the filter 11
and/or in the filter 11, particularly such that filtered or
purified saliva 2 flows into the first section 9 and/or into the
container 15 and/or the purified saliva sample 14 can be removed
from the first section 9 or the container 15.
[0083] Preferably, the container 15 is separated from the
collecting device 7 or the bag 8, particularly pulled off or
twisted off. The container 15 may be sealed/closed for better
handling or transporting.
[0084] Preferably, the saliva sample 14 thus obtained and/or the
container 15 containing the saliva sample 14 is then taken for
immediate or direct veterinary examination, particularly on the
spot or close to the sampling site and/or in a location remote from
a laboratory, preferably with no need for any further processing or
filtering of the saliva sample 14.
[0085] However, the saliva sample 14 may also be removed directly
from the collecting device 7, particularly the container 15 and/or
the first section 9, preferably using a syringe, pipette or the
like.
[0086] Preferably, the filtered sample material 12 or the saliva
sample 14 is examined, particularly directly or immediately,
preferably for diseases and/or pathogens, particularly
microorganisms and/or antibodies.
[0087] Preferably, the filtered sample material 12 or the saliva
sample 14 has a volume of more than 1 ml or 2 ml, particularly
preferably more than 5 ml or 8 ml, particularly more than 10 ml or
15 ml.
[0088] Individual aspects and features of the proposed invention or
embodiments may be implemented independently of one another, but
also in any desired combination or sequence.
* * * * *