Devices and methods for collecting fecal antigen specimens

Abstract

A fecal antigen specimen tube apparatus preferably consists of a 16.times.75 mm screw-top specimen tube and a special screw cap assembly. The screw cap has a hollow 'straw' with a specimen collection brush on the end. The screw-cap assembly can be removed from the specimen tube so that the brush end may be dipped into a fecal sample and rotated to collect a specimen. The cap assembly with specimen is then screwed back into the specimen tube to seal the container. The straw preferably has a number of openings along its length, which permits fluid to move back and forth through the straw as the specimen tube is agitated. Filters with pore sizes of approximately 100 microns are disposed over the openings to prevent larger pieces of fecal matter from penetrating into the straw. The filter, however, will permit most parasites to pass into the straw. The top of the straw (and cap assembly) is preferably sealed with a heat-seal film. This film seals the specimen tube, preventing spillage and evaporation. The film can be penetrated by a sample probe of an automated instrument for removal of a portion of the liquid during the analytical process. After specimen processing, the tube may be resealed with tape or disposed of. Advantageously, then, the inventive device permits semi-automated specimen processing, which provides for a complete system from specimen collection to introduction on automated immunodiagnostic instruments.