COLLECTION CONTAINER

Abstract

The invention relates to a flexible specimen collection container for use with a toilet frame comprising: a sealable opening for receiving stool directly from a donor; a first compartment for receiving and holding stool, said first compartment coupled to said opening; a second compartment for collecting and holding fluid received from the donor through the sealable opening, the second compartment being in fluid communication with said first compartment and configured to substantially separate the fluid from the stool. At least one port may be connected to said first compartment and being configured to pass at least a portion of the stool.

Claims

1. A specimen collection container for the collection and processing of faeces and configured for use with a toilet frame, the container comprising: a sealable opening for receiving stool directly from a donor; a first compartment for receiving and holding stool, said first compartment coupled to said sealable opening; and one or more further compartments configured to receive a sample from the first compartment, wherein the further compartments comprise a further sealable opening.

2. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, further comprising at least one port connected to said first compartment and being configured to pass at least a portion of the stool.

3. The specimen collection container according to claim 45, wherein the first compartment and the second compartment are separated by a filter which allows fluid ingress to the second compartment from the first compartment.

4. The specimen collection container according to claim 3, wherein the filter comprises a porous membrane.

5. The specimen collection container according to claim 3, wherein the filter is a constriction in the material of the container between the first compartment and the second compartment.

6. The specimen collection container according to claim 45, the first compartment is tapered to the second compartment for collecting and holding fluid.

7. The specimen collection container according to claim 45, further comprising a sump in fluid communication with said second compartment for collecting and holding fluid.

8. The specimen collection container of claim 7, wherein the sump is in fluid communication with said second compartment for collecting and holding fluid via at least one of a one way valve, a drain hole and an orifice.

9. The specimen collection container according to claim 7, wherein an absorbent material is located in said sump.

10. The specimen collection container according to claim 7, wherein a device for detecting and indicating the pH of the fluid is located in said sump.

11. The specimen collection container according to claim 7, wherein said second compartment for collecting and holding fluid is fluidly isolated from said sump by a seal.

12. The specimen collection container according to claim 11, wherein the seal is at least one of the following; a welding line comprising material for welding, a clamp and clamping line comprising material suitable for clamping, an adhesive, magnetic fasteners, a hook and loop fastener, a zip-lock, and a snap fit seal.

13. The specimen collection container according to claim 7, wherein a destructible portion is located between said first compartment and sump to allow removal of said sump from said first compartment.

14. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, wherein the collection container is formed of a material suitable for visual inspection of the contents.

15. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, wherein the collection container is formed of a deformable material suitable for manipulation of the contents by hand.

16. The specimen collection container according to claim 44, wherein the second compartment being is detachable from the collection container.

17. The specimen collection container according to claim 16, wherein the sealable port is sealable by at least one of the following; welding section comprising material for welding including, a clamp and clamping line comprising material suitable for clamping, an adhesive, a zip-lock, and a snap fit seal.

18. The specimen collection container according to claim 16, wherein the sealable port has an internal diameter of up to 10 mm.

19. The specimen collection container according to claim 16, wherein a destructible portion is located between the second compartment for transferring stool and said first compartment to allow removal of the second compartment for transferring stool from said first compartment.

20. The specimen collection container according to claim 16, wherein the second compartment for transferring stool further comprises at least one sealable external port.

21. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, wherein the sealable opening is held closed by a deformable material clamp circumscribing the sealable opening until a force is applied to deform said deformable material clamp moving same to an open position.

22. The specimen collection container of claim 1, comprising an indicated clamp area which can be closed by a clamp for closing said sealable opening.

23. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, further comprising at least one attachment element for attaching the container to a toilet support frame.

24. The specimen collection container according to claim 23, wherein the at least one attachment element comprises an aperture in the material of the container wherein the aperture is configured to engage with a clip element on a support frame.

25. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, further comprising at least one handle.

26. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, further comprising a timing mechanism.

27. The specimen collection container according to claim 26, wherein the timing mechanism is a stopwatch.

28. The specimen collection container according to claim 27, wherein the stopwatch is configured to start recording time when the sealable opening is sealed.

29. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, wherein the specimen is faecal matter or an IMMP.

30. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, wherein the first compartment comprises a filter configured to separate the first compartment into two sub-compartments.

31. The specimen collection container as claimed in claim 31, wherein the first compartment comprises more than one filter configured to separate the first compartment into more than two compartments.

32. The specimen collection container as claimed in claim 31, wherein filters are arranged at least one of longitudinally and horizontally within the first compartment.

33. The specimen collection container as claimed in claim 31, wherein the filters are sequentially graduated filters.

34. A toilet support frame for use with a specimen collection container, the frame comprising: an opening through which a donor may deposit a stool sample; at least one clip for engaging an attachment element of a flexible faecal matter collection container; a urine shield configured to deflect urine away from said opening.

35. A toilet support frame according to claim 34, wherein the urine shield comprises a deformable flap configured to be moved from a stowed position to a deployed position in which it is operable to deflect urine away from the opening.

36. A toilet support frame according to claim 34, comprising a location tab operable to engage with a toilet to secure the toilet support frame in the correct orientation and position relative to the toilet bowl.

37. The toilet support frame according to claim 34, further comprising a plurality of support arms for positioning under a toilet seat or directly on a toilet bowl.

38. The toilet support frame according to claim 37, wherein the plurality of support arms are attached to the frame by a hinge.

39. The toilet frame according to claim 38, wherein the hinge is a living hinge.

40. The toilet frame according to claim 34, wherein said frame is a unitary construction.

41. The toilet frame according to claim 34, wherein said frame has a fluid resistant surface.

42. The toilet frame according to claim 34, comprising a removable and replaceable lid configured to close the opening through which a donor may deposit a stool sample.

43. A system for the collection and processing of faeces comprising: a specimen collection container comprising: a sealable opening for receiving stool directly from a donor, a first compartment for receiving and holding stool, said first compartment coupled to said sealable opening, and one or more further compartments configured to receive a sample from the first compartment, wherein the further compartments comprise a further sealable opening; and a toilet support frame comprising: an opening through which a donor may deposit a stool sample, at least one clip for engaging an attachment element of a flexible faecal matter collection container, and a urine shield configured to deflect urine away from said opening.

44. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, wherein the one or more further compartments comprises a second compartment, and wherein the sealable opening is a sealable port configured to transfer stool from the first compartment to the second compartment.

45. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, wherein the one or more further compartments comprises a second compartment, wherein the second compartment is configured for collecting and holding fluid received from the donor through the sealable opening, and wherein the second compartment is in fluid communication with the first compartment and configured to substantially separate the fluid from the stool.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] Embodiments of the invention are further described hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0105] FIG. 1 shows an aspect of the present invention comprising a specimen collection container which comprises first, second and third compartments.

[0106] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of the present invention comprising a first, second and third compartment, further comprising a sump.

[0107] FIG. 3 shows a further aspect of the present invention comprising a toilet frame, with a lid.

[0108] FIG. 4A shows a further embodiment of the toilet frame comprising support arms on hinges.

[0109] FIG. 4B shows a further embodiment of the toilet frame in place on a toilet rim.

[0110] FIG. 5A shows a further aspect of the present invention, a system for faecal matter collection and processing, comprising a toilet frame and a disengaged complimentary specimen collection container.

[0111] FIG. 5B shows a further embodiment of the system for faecal matter collection and processing comprising a toilet frame and an engaged complimentary specimen collection container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0112] FIG. 1 shows a specimen collection container 100 formed of a transparent flexible polymer material which comprises first compartment 118 a second compartment 120 and a third compartment 116. In this embodiment the first compartment 118 comprises a mesh such that the first and second compartments are in fluid communication and fluid is separated from the specimen deposited in the first compartment 118. Non-fluid matter will not enter the second compartment 120 without urging. The first compartment may be separated into two sub-compartments by a porous membrane or mesh. The holes in the mesh may be between 200 and 300 microns in size. The porous membrane (not shown) extends longitudinally (parallel to the side walls of the container) from the clamp locator 108 towards the second compartment 120. The porous membrane is able to separate the stool sample into a roughage containing sample of larger particulates and a filtered stool sample comprising small particulates and microbiome from the stool sample and also fluids once the deposited stool specimen. The filtered stool sample may then have additives such as glycerol, trehalose, sucrose and/or saline added before the sample is processed further into a final product.

[0113] The specimen collection container further comprises a handle 102 and a clip aperture 104. The handle 102 is located distant from the stool sample deposited during a donation and can therefore be used to transport the specimen collection container after donation with a lowered risk of contamination to the stool sample. The clip aperture 104 is a means of connecting the specimen collection container to a toilet frame. It should be understood that any suitable connection means may be used, for example, adhesive, a snap on connector, hook and loop tape, poppers, buttons, fast release mechanism, zip tie, VELCRO® or magnets.

[0114] The specimen collection container 100 further comprises a clamp locator 108, being a line drawn on the material of the container 100. In other embodiments (not shown), the clamp locator 108 is in the form of one or more of: written instructions, a coloured area, a dotted line, tactile features such as bumps or the like. A clamp 106 is applied around the specimen collection container in a position indicated by the clamp locator 108. Although not shown in the depicted embodiment, after a stool sample deposit has been made into the collection container 100 and when the clamp 106 has been secured around the container, the portion of the specimen collection container comprising the clip aperture 104 and the handle 102 can be removed as superfluous. This has the advantage that the specimen collection container cannot then be reused. A destructible portion may be provided in the collection container 100 at a position above the clamp locator 108, on the same side of the clamp as the handle 102.

[0115] In the depicted embodiment of FIG. 1, a third compartment 116 is connected to the first compartment 118 and the second compartment 120 by a destructible portion being line of weakening 114 and a port 110 through which a stool sample can be urged. The port is 5 mm in diameter and can be sealed by a tool known in the art. This detachable third portion 116 can be filled with a sample, labelled and kept for destructive analysis whilst the remaining sample in the first compartment is prepared for use.

[0116] In this embodiment four further fluid ports 122A-D are shown connected to the first compartment, these can be used to admit fluids such as saline and glycerol or to emit further samples or prepared donations into external containers or a recipient. The fluids ports comprise unidirectional valves to ensure the contents of the first compartment remain sterile once the container 100 is sealed by clamp 108.

[0117] FIG. 2 shows a flexible faecal matter collection container 200 comprising a handle 202 and a clip aperture 204. In this embodiment the handle comprises a aperture in the flexible material of the container, though it could be formed of an additional loop of material. Similarly, the clip aperture 204 is formed of an aperture in the flexible container, though in other embodiments the clip aperture may be replaced by any attachment means including adhesive, a snap on connector, hook and loop tape, poppers, buttons, fast release mechanism, a zip tie.

[0118] The embodiment shown in FIG. 2 further comprises a clamping region 208 which is a region indicated by the material of the container being a different colour to that surrounding it. Alternatively, or in addition, the clamping region may be shown by a line, an arrow, written instructions, tactile features or the like. A clamp 206 is also shown in place on the clamp locator. After a deposit and when the clamp is in place the portion of the flexible faecal matter collection container comprising the clip aperture and the handle may be removed as superfluous and to ensure that the container is not reused. This may be eased by including a destructible portion atop the clamp, on the same side of the clamp as the handle.

[0119] In this embodiment four fluid ports 222A-D are shown connected to the first compartment, these can be used to admit fluids such as saline or to emit further samples or prepared donations into external containers or a recipient.

[0120] The first compartment comprises a mesh, which allows liquid to flow through it into the second compartment which will substantially separate liquid from stool. This liquid can then flow through the sealable port 224 that leads to the sump 220. The sump is connected to the first compartment by a destructible portion being a line of weakening having perforations suitable for tearing by a user. In alternative embodiments, the destructible portion is one of: a cutting line comprising material for destruction by cutting, a heating line comprising a material for destruction or weakening by heating or any known method. The donated stool in the first compartment 218 can be processed by urging liquid from the first compartment or by simply allowing it to drain by gravity. The sealable port 224 may be sealed when sufficient liquid has been removed and the destructible portion 226 may be utilised to remove the sump from the rest of the collection container. This allows the liquid in the sump to be tested or destroyed separately.

[0121] A further compartment 216 which may be used to hold a sample of the stool from the first compartment 218. Stool may be urged through the sealable port 212 from the first compartment and into the removable sample compartment 216. An inlet/outlet port 230 is also attached to the removable sample compartment, this can be used to remove any waste liquid which makes its way into the removable sample compartment or to allow liquids in for tests, or to emit, under urging a portion of the sample into or onto a separate vessel or slide. The sealable port 212 can be sealed after a portion of the donated stool has been urged into the removable sample portion. The destructible portion 214 may then be utilised to allow a user to remove the sample for testing and to allow the remaining donation in the first compartment to be delivered to a separate destination.

[0122] The seal 228 surrounds the flexible faecal matter collection container with the exception of the top such that an opening is formed at the top of the container which can be opened up such that said container may be fitted to a toilet frame.

[0123] FIG. 3 shows a frame 400 for a toilet which may be fitted under a toilet seat. The embodiment shown comprises a urine shield 410 which comprises a deformable flap configured to be moved from a stowed position to a deployed position in which it is operable to deflect urine away from the opening. The embodiment shown further comprises a lid 411 which covers an opening. The lid 411 includes a handle 413 which is formed by bending pre-formed or pre-cut sections of the lid. The lid 411 is separable from the removing material of the frame 400 along a destructible line of weakening 423. The line of weakening 423 may be a partially cut through line in the material of the frame 400. The lid 411 is generally circular with four protrusions 422 extending radially outwardly from the circumference of the lid 411. The protrusions 422 initially align with notches 421 in the frame 400. Once the lid 411 is removed from the frame 400, it can be rotated before being replaced onto the frame. When replaced, the protrusions 422 no longer align with protrusions 421 and the lid 411 serves to close the opening in the frame and hide the deposited specimen from the donor or other person. The notches 422 prevent the detached lid 411 form falling onto the deposited specimen an causing contamination of that sample.

[0124] The embodiment shown further includes a flexible location tab 414 which can be in a stowed or deployed position such that when stowed several toilet frames may be stacked on top of each other. When in the deployed position the location tab is perpendicular to the surface of the frame which will abut the rim of the toilet. Different sizes of location tab may be used for different sizes of toilet such that when a flexible faecal matter collection container is fitted it fits into the toilet, preferably without touching the sides or the water in the bowl.

[0125] The toilet frame further comprises clips 404A and 404B which can be deployed or a stowed such that when stowed several toilet frames may be stacked on top of each other. When deployed the clips may be fitted with a with complimentary clip apertures on the specimen collection container. The clips may be replaced by any other connection means including adhesive, a snap on connector, hook and loop tape, poppers, buttons, fast release mechanism, zip ties.

[0126] The toilet frame may further include written instructions which detail how to fit the frame to the toilet and how to fit a specimen collection container to the frame. The instructions may be printed directly onto the surface of the frame. The instructions may also be in the form of an image of a deployed toilet frame.

[0127] The toilet frame may be formed of cardboard, a coated board material or a polymer.

[0128] FIG. 4A shows a further embodiment of the toilet frame 500, comprising an aperture 508, support arms 502A, 502B attached to the frame by hinges 506A, 506B as well as a urine shield 510 comprising a flexible tab. The support arms can be retracted or deployed such that when retracted they have a smaller profile for transportation. The clips 504A and 504B are integrally formed with the frame.

[0129] FIG. 4B shows the toilet frame 500 of FIG. 4A further comprising a flexible location tab 514 which can be stowed or deployed. When deployed the location tab will facilitate correct fitting of the toilet frame and allow a user to place the frame in the correct position and orientation by making the location tab abut the rear of the toilet rim, ensuring that when the collection container is connected it is always in the optimal position.

[0130] FIG. 5A shows a system 600 comprising the flexible faecal matter collection container of FIG. 2 and a deployed frame for a toilet as shown in FIG. 3. The flexible faecal matter collection container comprises an opening 632 and a rim 634.

[0131] The frame comprises a urine shield 610 which comprises a deformable flap configured to be moved from a stowed position to a deployed position in which it is operable to deflect urine away from the opening. The lid 711 (FIG. 5B) includes a handle 713 which is formed by bending pre formed or pre-cut sections of the lid. The lid 711 is separate from the frame to allow a collection container to be inserted into opening 608 and connected by clip apertures 604 to clips 604A and 604B.

[0132] A flexible location tab 614 which can be in a stowed or deployed position such that when stowed several toilet frames may be stacked on top of each other. When in the deployed position the location tab 614 is perpendicular to the surface of the frame which will abut the rim of the toilet.

[0133] The system of FIG. 5A also has a flexible faecal matter collection container comprising a handle 602 and a clip aperture 604. The collection container is mounted to the toilet support frame by placing the clips 604A and 604B through clip apertures 604.

[0134] Four fluid ports 622A-D connected to the first compartment can be used to admit fluids such as saline and glycerol to the first compartment 628 or to emit further samples or prepared donations into external containers or a recipient.

[0135] The first compartment 628 comprises a mesh (not shown), which allows liquid to flow through it into the second compartment which will substantially separate liquid from stool. This liquid can then flow through the sealable port 624 that leads to the sump 620. The sump 620 is connected to the first compartment by a destructible portion being a line of weakening 626 having perforations suitable for tearing by a user. In alternative embodiments, the destructible portion is one of: a cutting line comprising material for destruction by cutting, a heating line comprising a material for destruction or weakening by heating or any known method. The donated stool in the first compartment can be processed by urging liquid from the first compartment or by simply allowing it to drain by gravity. The sealable port 624 may be sealed when sufficient liquid has been removed and the destructible portion 626 may be utilised to remove the sump from the rest of the collection container. This allows the liquid in the sump to be tested or destroyed separately.

[0136] A further compartment 616 which may be used to hold a sample of the stool from the first compartment. Stool may be urged through the sealable port 612 from the first compartment and into the removable sample compartment 616. An inlet/outlet port 630 is also attached to the removable sample compartment, this can be used to remove any waste liquid which makes its way into the removable sample compartment or to allow liquids in for tests, or to emit, under urging a portion of the sample into or onto a separate vessel or slide. The sealable port 612 can be sealed after a portion of the donated stool has been urged into the removable sample portion. The destructible portion may then be utilised to allow a user to remove the sample for testing and to allow the remaining donation in the first compartment to be delivered to a separate destination.

[0137] FIG. 5B shows a system 700 comprising the flexible faecal matter collection container of FIG. 2 and a deployed frame for a toilet as shown in FIG. 3. The flexible faecal matter collection container comprises an opening 732 and a rim 734. The clip apertures 704 of the collection container are attached to the clips 704A and 704B of the frame.

[0138] The frame comprises a urine shield 710 which comprises a deformable flap configured to be moved from a stowed position to a deployed position in which it is operable to deflect urine away from the opening. The lid 711 includes a handle 713 which is formed by bending pre formed or pre-cut sections of the lid. The lid 711 is separate from the frame to allow a collection container to be inserted into opening 608 and connected by clip apertures 704 to clips 704A and 704B.

[0139] A flexible location tab 714 which can be in a stowed or deployed position such that when stowed several toilet frames may be stacked on top of each other. When in the deployed position the location tab 714 is perpendicular to the surface of the frame which will abut the rim of the toilet.

[0140] The system of FIG. 5B also has a flexible faecal matter collection container comprising a handle 702 and a clip aperture 704. The collection container is mounted to the toilet support frame by placing the clips 704A and 704B through clip apertures 604.

[0141] The first compartment 728 comprises a mesh (not shown), which allows liquid to flow through it into the second compartment which will substantially separate liquid from stool. This liquid can then flow through the sealable port 724 that leads to the sump 720. The sump 720 is connected to the first compartment by a destructible portion being a line of weakening 726 having perforations suitable for tearing by a user. In alternative embodiments, the destructible portion is one of: a cutting line comprising material for destruction by cutting, a heating line comprising a material for destruction or weakening by heating or any known method. The donated stool in the first compartment 718 can be processed by urging liquid from the first compartment or by simply allowing it to drain by gravity. The sealable port 724 may be sealed when sufficient liquid has been removed and the destructible portion 726 may be utilised to remove the sump from the rest of the collection container. This allows the liquid in the sump to be tested or destroyed separately.

[0142] A further compartment 716 which may be used to hold a sample of the stool from the first compartment. Stool may be urged through the sealable port 712 from the first compartment and into the removable sample compartment 716. An inlet/outlet port 730 is also attached to the removable sample compartment, this can be used to remove any waste liquid which makes its way into the removable sample compartment or to allow liquids in for tests, or to emit, under urging a portion of the sample into or onto a separate vessel or slide. The sealable port 712 can be sealed after a portion of the donated stool has been urged into the removable sample portion. The destructible portion may then be utilised to allow a user to remove the sample for testing and to allow the remaining donation in the first compartment to be delivered to a separate destination.

[0143] Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the words “comprise” and “contain” and variations of them mean “including but not limited to”, and they are not intended to (and do not) exclude other moieties, additives, components, integers or steps. Throughout the description and claims of this specification, the singular encompasses the plural unless the context otherwise requires. In particular, where the indefinite article is used, the specification is to be understood as contemplating plurality as well as singularity, unless the context requires otherwise.

[0144] Features, integers, characteristics, compounds, chemical moieties or groups described in conjunction with a particular aspect, embodiment or example of the invention are to be understood to be applicable to any other aspect, embodiment or example described herein unless incompatible therewith. All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. The invention is not restricted to the details of any foregoing embodiments. The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

[0145] The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.