The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 14, 2002
Filed:
Oct. 13, 2000
Ronald M. Wallach, Westport, CT (US);
Wallach Surgical Devices, Inc., Orange, CT (US);
Abstract
A device is provided for self-sampling a body cavity, in particular the cervix, and a method is provided to use the device to obtain samples from the cervix for testing for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. The device includes elongated flexible bristles attached to a handle to form a mop-like sampling member. The sampling member is slidably disposed within an annular shield for insertion into the vaginal cavity and for positioning in contact with the cervix. After the shield is located in position, the shield is partially withdrawn to expose the elongated bristles to the cervix. The sampling member is rotated to mop the cervix and obtain a sample of cervical cells on the elongated bristles. The sampling device is then withdrawn from the vaginal cavity and the sample is sent for analysis.