A FLUID COLLECTION DEVICE

Abstract

This invention relates primarily to a fluid collection device for laboratory analysis. Accordingly, the fluid collection device (100) includes a specimen collection tube assembly (200); characterised in that the specimen collection tube assembly (200) comprises: a) a barrel (210) defining a first chamber (211); b) an inner tube or plunger (220) defining a second chamber (221). It should be noted that the barrel (210) is provided with a luer tip (214) at one end, and another end (215) is in slidable sealing engagement with the inner tube (220) defining a closed system thereof. The inner tube (220) is provided with a luer tip (224) at one end, and the opposite end is equipped with a seal (222) separating the first and second chambers (211 and 221) in said closed system. It should be noted that a conduit (212) is selectively provided either at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) extended towards the second chamber (221) or from the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) extended towards the first chamber (211). The luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) and the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) are releasably provided with at least one luer knob (230a or 230b), such that the luer knob (230a or 230b) can be selectively loosened or tightened for negative pressure release in the closed system to allow fluid drop under the gravity.

Claims

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33. A specimen collection tube assembly (200), comprising: i. a barrel (210) defining a first chamber (211) with a luer tip (214) at one end and open at another end; and ii. an inner tube or plunger (220) in a slidable sealing engagement within the barrel (210), wherein the inner tube (220) defines a second chamber (221) with a luer tip (224) at one end and open at another end; wherein the open end of the inner tube (220) is slidable within the first chamber (211) such that the chambers (211, 221) allow fluid transfer between one another; wherein a seal (222) encircles the open end of the inner tube (220) for the slidable sealing engagement within the barrel (210); wherein a closed system is defined within the inner tube (220) and the barrel (210) when each luer tip (214, 224) is closed by a luer knob (230a, 230b); and wherein a volume of the closed system is variable by sliding the inner tube (220) within the barrel (210).

34. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 33, wherein each luer knob (230a, 230b) can be selectively loosened or tightened for negative pressure release in the closed system to allow fluid discharge.

35. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 33, wherein a conduit (212) is provided at at least one of the luer tips (214, 224) to extend towards the corresponding chamber (211, 221).

36. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 33, wherein the the barrel (210) and the inner tube (220) are configured to aspirate a specimen or fluid into the first chamber (211) through the luer tip (214), when the luer tip (224) is closed using the luer knob (230b) and the inner tube (220) is pulled away from the barrel (210).

37. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 36, wherein the the barrel (210) and the inner tube (220) are configured to aspirate the specimen or biological fluid through a hypodermic needle attached to the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210).

38. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 36, wherein the the barrel (210) and the inner tube (220) are configured to aspirate the specimen or biological fluid by a vacuum suction created through a pulling action of the inner tube (220) with the luer knob (230b) tightened to the luer tip (224).

39. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 36, wherein the specimen includes urine.

40. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 36, wherein the fluid is specifically a biological fluid selected from a group including serum, plasma, blood, saliva, interstitial fluid and cytosol.

41. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 36, wherein the fluid in the first chamber (211) flows into the second chamber (221) through the open end of the inner tube (220) when the barrel (210) faces up and the inner tube (220) faces down.

42. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 41, wherein the barrel (210) is fully pushed towards the inner tube (220) with the fluid in the second chamber (221) and the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) is tightened with the luer knob (230a) before placing the specimen collection tube assembly (200) into a centrifuge (400) for fluid separation process.

43. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 42, wherein the inner tube (220) faces inside a holder (400) of the centrifuge (400) when the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is placed in the centrifuge (400).

44. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 36, wherein the fluid in the first chamber (211) flows into the second chamber (221), when the barrel (210) faces down and the inner tube (220) is pushed towards the first chamber (211) with the luer knob (230a) tightened at the luer tip (214) and the luer knob (230b) loosened from the luer tip (224).

45. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 44, wherein the barrel (210) faces inside a holder (400) of a centrifuge (400) when the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is placed in a centrifuge (400) for a fluid separation process.

46. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 43, wherein when the fluid separation process forms a layer of specimen residue (500) and a layer of specimen sediment (510) in the fluid, a conduit (212) at one of the luer tips (214, 224) is configured to discharge the specimen residue (500) from the second chamber (221) and to retain at least 1 cc of the specimen sediment (510) around the conduit (212).

47. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 46, wherein the conduit (212) at the luer tip (224) discharges the specimen residue (500) when: the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is rotated, such that the inner tube (220) faces downwards; the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) is released; and the luer knob (230a) at the luer tip (214) is loosened to release negative pressure from the second chamber (221).

48. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 47, wherein the barrel (210) is adapted to be pulled upward to leave a space of at least 2 mm in the first chamber (211) after the specimen residue (500) is discharged through the conduit (212).

49. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 48, wherein the specimen sediment (510) is discharged through the luer tip (214).

50. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 46, wherein the specimen residue (500) is discharged through the conduit (212) at the luer tip (214) when: the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is rotated, such that the inner tube (220) faces upwards; the luer knob (230a) at the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) is released; and the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) is loosened to release negative pressure from the second chamber (221).

51. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 50, wherein the specimen sediment (510) is discharged through the luer tip (224).

52. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 48, wherein the barrel (210) and the inner tube (220) are configured to evenly distribute the specimen sediment (510) when the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is shaken with the luer knobs (230a, 230b) tightened at the corresponding luer tips (214, 224) after the specimen residue (500) is discharged through the conduit (212).

53. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 52, wherein the specimen sediment (510) is discharged through the luer tip (214) when: the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is rotated, such that the barrel (210) faces down and the inner tube (220) faces up; the luer knob (230a) at the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) is released; and the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) is pressed to allow droplets of the specimen sediment (510) to be discharged through the conduit (212).

54. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 52, wherein the specimen sediment (510) is discharged through the luer tip (224) when: the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is rotated, such that barrel (210) faces up and the inner tube (220) faces down; the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) is released; and the luer knob (230a) at the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) is sparingly loosened to release negative pressure from the second chamber (221).

55. The specimen collection tube assembly (200) according to claim 52, wherein the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is configured to discharge the specimen sediment (510) in the form of droplets through one of the luer tips (214, 224).

56. A fluid collection method for laboratory analysis, the method includes: a) providing a fluid collection device (100) of claim 33 with a specimen collection tube assembly (200) in collaborative connection with a specimen collection cup (300), wherein a conduit (212) is configured at a luer tip (224) of an inner tube (220) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200) to extend towards a second chamber (221) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200); b) collecting a specimen or fluid using the specimen collection cup (300); c) aspirating a specimen or fluid using the specimen collection tube assembly (200) through a spout (320) of the specimen collection cup (300) by pulling action of the inner tube (220) with a luer knob (230b) tightened; d) releasing the specimen collection tube assembly (200) from the specimen collection cup (300); e) turning-over the specimen collection tube assembly (200), such that the barrel (210) faces up and the inner tube (220) faces down to transfer the fluid to the second chamber (221); f) pushing the barrel (210) fully towards the inner tube (220) and tightening the luer knob (230a); g) inserting the the specimen collection tube assembly (200) into a centrifuge with the inner tube (220) facing inside a holder (400) of a centrifuge for a fluid separation process; h) loosening and releasing the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) after removing the specimen collection tube assembly (200) from the holder (400); i) discharging specimen residue (500) from the second chamber (221) through the conduit (212) to the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220), by loosening the luer knob (230a) at the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) to allow negative pressure release from the second chamber (221); j) leaving a specimen sediment (510) of at least 1 cc to remain in the second chamber (221); k) distributing the specimen sediment (510) evenly by shaking the specimen collection tube assembly (200) with both the luer knobs (230a and 230b) tightened at the corresponding luer tips (214 and 224); l) pulling the barrel (210) upward by leaving a space of at least 2 mm in the first chamber (211); m) turning-over the specimen collection tube assembly (200), such that the barrel (210) faces down and the inner tube (220) faces up; and n) discharging the specimen sediment (510) through the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) by releasing the luer knob (230a) at the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210), and gently press the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) to allow droplets of the specimen sediment (510) to be released from the specimen collection tube assembly (200).

57. A fluid collection method for laboratory analysis, the method includes: a) providing a fluid collection device (100) of claim 33 with a specimen collection tube assembly (200) in collaborative connection with a specimen collection cup (300), wherein a conduit (212) extends from a luer tip (214) of a barrel (210) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200) towards a first chamber (211); b) collecting a specimen or fluid using the specimen collection cup (300); c) aspirating a specimen or fluid using the specimen collection tube assembly (200) through a spout (320) of the specimen collection cup (300) by pulling action of an inner tube (220) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200) with a luer knob (230b) tightened; d) releasing the specimen collection tube assembly (200) from the specimen collection cup (300); e) allowing the fluid to flow from the first chamber (211) into a second chamber (221) in the inner tube (220) by a pushing action of the inner tube (220) towards the first chamber (211) with the luer knob (230a) tightened at luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) and with the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) loosened to allow pressure release from the second chamber (221) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200); f) tightening the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220); g) inserting the the specimen collection tube assembly (200) into a centrifuge with the barrel (210) facing inside a holder (400) of the centrifuge for the fluid separation process; h) loosening and releasing the luer knob (230q) at the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) after removing the specimen collection tube assembly (200) from the holder (400); i) discharging the specimen residue (500) from the second chamber (221) of the inner tube (220) through the conduit (212) to the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210), by loosening the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) to allow negative pressure release from the second chamber (221); j) leaving a specimen sediment (510) of at least 1 cc to remain in the second chamber (221); k) distributing the specimen sediment (510) evenly by shaking the specimen collection tube assembly (200) with both the luer knobs (230a and 230b) tightened at the corresponding luer tips (214 and 224); l) turning-over the specimen collection tube assembly (200), such that the barrel (210) faces up and the inner tube (220) faces down; m) releasing the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220); and n) discharging the specimen sediment (510) through the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) by sparingly loosening the luer knob (230a) at the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) to allow negative pressure release from the second chamber (221) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200).

58. A fluid collection device (100) for laboratory analysis, the device includes: (i) a specimen collection cup (300) for a specimen or fluid collection; and (ii) a specimen collection tube assembly (200) in collaboratively connection with the specimen collection cup (300), wherein the specimen collection tube assembly (200) comprises a barrel (210) and an inner tube or plunger (220) in a slidable sealing engagement within the barrel (210); and (iii) the barrel (210) defines a first chamber and is provided with a luer tip (214) at one end for the connection with the specimen collection cup (300) and open at the other end for receiving the inner tube (220), wherein a luer knob (230a) selectively closes the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210); characterised in that the inner tube (220) defines a second chamber (221) and comprises: a) a luer tip (224) at one end, wherein the other end of the inner tube (220) is open to allow fluid transfer between the chambers (211, 221) and is slidable within the first chamber (211); b) a seal (222) encircling the open end for the slidable sealing engagement within the barrel (210); and c) a luer knob (230b) for releasably closing the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220), wherein a closed system is defined within the inner tube (220) and the barrel (210) when the luer tips (214, 224) are closed by the luer knobs (230a, 230b), wherein a volume of the closed system is variable by sliding the inner tube (220) within the barrel (210).

59. The fluid collection device (100) according to claim 58, wherein the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is adapted to be connected via the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) to a spout (320) of the specimen collection cup (300).

60. The fluid collection device (100) according to claim 59, wherein the spout (320) of the specimen collection cup (300) is provided with a luer lock (340).

61. The fluid collection device (100) according to claim 58, wherein the specimen collection cup (300) is equipped with a cover (310).

62. The fluid collection device (100) according to claim 61, wherein the cover (310) is provided with a pressure release mechanism (312) to release vacuum or negative pressure within the specimen collection cup (300).

63. The fluid collection device (100) according to claim 62, wherein the pressure release mechanism (312) includes a luer knob (230a) for pressure release during aspiration process.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] It will be understood that several of the drawings are merely schematic representations of the present disclosure. As such, some of the components may have been distorted from their actual scale for pictorial clarity.

[0037] The present invention will be fully understood from the detailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawings which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the present invention, wherein:

[0038] FIG. 1a is a transparent exploded view of a fluid collection device for laboratory analysis in accordance with a first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0039] FIG. 1b shows an assembly view of a fluid collection device of FIG. 1a according to the first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0040] FIGS. 2 to 3 show a handling of the fluid collection device for sample collection in accordance with the first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0041] FIG. 4 shows the sample is aspirated from a specimen collection cup to a specimen collection tube assembly according to the first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0042] FIG. 5 shows the specimen collection tube assembly detached from the specimen collection cup in accordance with the first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0043] FIG. 6 shows the sample is adapted to flow from a first chamber into a second chamber by turning-over the specimen collection tube assembly according to the first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0044] FIGS. 7a and 7b show a barrel is fully pushed towards an inner tube of the specimen collection tube assembly before entering into a centrifuge for fluid separation process in accordance to the first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0045] FIG. 8 shows the specimen collection tube assembly is inserted into the centrifuge the with the inner tube end facing inside a holder of the centrifuge for the fluid separation process according to the first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0046] FIGS. 9a and 9b show the barrel is being pulled upward leaving a space of approximately 2 mm in the first chamber of the specimen collection tube assembly in accordance to the first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0047] FIG. 10 shows a release of separated specimen residue from the specimen collection tube assembly in accordance with the first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0048] FIG. 11 shows the specimen collection tube assembly is being shaken for even distribution of specimen sediment according to the first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0049] FIGS. 12a and 12b show the specimen collection tube assembly is being turned-over for the specimen sediment to be discharged in accordance with the first preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0050] FIG. 13 shows a release of separated sediment from the specimen collection tube assembly onto Petri dish for microscopic analysis according to the first preferred exemplary of the present invention.

[0051] FIG. 14a is a transparent exploded view of a fluid collection device for laboratory analysis in accordance with a second preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0052] FIG. 14b shows an assembly view of a fluid collection device of FIG. 14a according to the second preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0053] FIGS. 15 to 16 show a handling of the fluid collection device for sample collection in accordance with the second preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0054] FIG. 17 shows the sample is aspirated from a specimen collection cup to a specimen collection tube assembly according to the second preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0055] FIG. 18 shows the specimen collection tube assembly detached from the specimen collection cup in accordance with the second preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0056] FIGS. 19 to 20 show an inner tube urged into a barrel of the specimen collection tube assembly for centrifuge or fluid separation process according to the second preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0057] FIG. 21 shows the specimen collection tube assembly is inserted into the centrifuge with the barrel end facing inside a holder of the centrifuge for the fluid separation process in accordance with the second preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0058] FIGS. 22 to 23 show a release of separated specimen residue from the specimen collection tube assembly in accordance with the second preferred exemplary of the present invention;

[0059] FIG. 24 shows the specimen collection tube assembly is being shaken for even distribution of specimen sediment according to the second preferred exemplary of the present invention.

[0060] FIGS. 25a and 25b show the specimen collection tube assembly is being turned-over for the specimen sediment to be discharged in accordance with the second preferred exemplary of the present invention.

[0061] FIG. 26 shows a release of separated sediment from the specimen collection tube assembly onto Petri dish for microscopic analysis according to the second preferred exemplary of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0062] The present invention relates to a fluid collection device for laboratory analysis purposes. Hereinafter, this specification will describe the present invention according to the preferred exemplary of the present invention. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred exemplary of the invention is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications and equivalents without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0063] The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. Likewise, the term “embodiment” of a system, apparatus, device or article of manufacture does not require that all embodiments of the invention include the described components, structure, features, functionality, processes, advantages, benefits, or modes of operation.

[0064] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various exemplary embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention may be practised. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a methodical understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practised without these specific details. Acronyms and other descriptive terminology are used merely for convenience and clarity and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0065] For the purpose of present invention, the expressions, “specimen”, “urine specimen” or “fluid”-collection device may refer to the same interpretation and may be used interchangeably. Besides, the term, “inner tube” and “plunger” may also be used interchangeably.

[0066] The present invention aims to provide an improved fluid collection device for laboratory analysis purposes, which is designed to address one or more of major limitations relative to the existing conventional specimen collection devices. Accordingly, the fluid collection device is adapted to operate with a high degree of operating reliability in a simple and cost-effective manner, which device includes: i) handle to simultaneously work as specimen tube for easy handling and collection; ii) elimination of spillage or hand contamination; iii) providing a closed system device with accurate specimen transfer method; iv) providing higher efficiency, safety and hygiene laboratory, and lending in both to economy and simplicity of manufacture, and yet higher convenience of use.

[0067] The improved fluid collection device for laboratory analysis purposes will now be described in accordance to the accompanying drawings FIGS. 1a to 26, either individually or in any combination thereof.

[0068] In accordance with a first preferred exemplary of the present invention, the fluid collection device (100) generally includes a specimen collection tube assembly (200) and a specimen collection cup (300) (see FIGS. 1a and 1b). Accordingly, the specimen collection tube assembly (200) comprises: a) a barrel (210) having a first chamber (211); and b) an inner tube or plunger (220) having a second chamber (221). In the preferred exemplary, the barrel (210) is provided with a luer tip (214) at one end, and another end (215) is in slidable sealing engagement with the inner tube (220) defining a closed system thereof. By way of example but not limitation, the inner tube (220) is provided with a luer tip (224) at one end, and the opposite end is equipped with a seal (222) separating the first and second chambers (211 and 221) in said closed system. It should be noted that a conduit (212) is preferably provided at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) extended towards the second chamber (221) in accordance with the first preferred exemplary of the present invention.

[0069] By way of example but not limitation, the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) and the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) are releasably provided with at least one luer knob (230a or 230b), such that the luer knob (230a or 230b) can be selectively loosened or tightened for negative pressure release in the closed system to allow fluid drop under the gravity. It should be noted that the luer knob (230a or 230b) although an exemplary, will be used herein in describing the configurations and functions of the present invention. However other variations, approaches or configuration, such as an air-tight, tough elastic polymeric substance or materials of same group capable of providing similar mechanical and chemical properties, to obtain desired optimal operating characteristics may be contemplated. As such, the luer knob (230a or 230b) as described herein should not be construed as limiting in any way.

[0070] It will be appreciated that the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is adapted to collaboratively connect with the specimen collection cup (300) for a specimen or fluid collection via a luer lock system. Under such circumstance, the specimen or fluid collection may include urine or the like.

[0071] Optionally but not limiting to the invention, the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is adapted to independently aspirate a fluid through a hypodermic needle attached to the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) (not shown). Under such circumstance, the specimen or fluid specifically biological fluid collection may include serum, plasma, blood, saliva, interstitial fluid or cytosol, and the like but not limited to others.

[0072] In the preferred exemplary of the present invention, the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is adapted to be connected to a spout (320) of the specimen collection cup (300) via the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) (see FIG. 1b). By way of example but not limitation, the spout (320) of the specimen collection cup (300) is provided with a luer lock (340) for fitting engagement with the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210). The luer lock (340) may be of a screw type or any leak-free connections, such as male and female mating type of fitting with the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210), and may be altered in a manner so as to obtain desired optimal operating characteristics.

[0073] It will be appreciated that the specimen collection cup (300) is preferably equipped with a cover (310). By way of example but not limitation, the cover (310) is preferably provided with a pressure release mechanism (312) to release vacuum or negative pressure within the specimen collection cup (300). Accordingly, the pressure release mechanism (312) includes a luer knob (230a) for pressure release during aspiration process. It should be noted that the pressure release mechanism (312) is adapted to be activated for aspiration process. Accordingly, the aspiration process is executed only after the pressure release mechanism (312) at the cover (310) of the specimen collection cup (300) is activated.

[0074] As soon as the fluid is collected into the specimen collection cup (300), the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is adapted to aspirate the fluid from the specimen collection cup (300) to the first chamber (211) of the barrel (210) by a vacuum suction created through a pulling action of the inner tube (220) with the luer knob (230b) tightened (see FIGS. 2 to 4). It will be appreciated that the aspiration process is further aided by loosening the luer knob (230a) at the cover (310) to release negative pressure in the specimen collection cup (300). At this point, the luer knob (230a) at the cover (310) of the specimen collection cup (300) is loosened to release negative pressure within the specimen collection cup (300). It will be appreciated that the specimen collection tube assembly (200) may serve as a handle for the specimen collection cup (300) for easy handling and collection of the urine specimen or fluid.

[0075] It should be noted that the fluid is adapted to flow from the first chamber (211) into the second chamber (221) by turning-over the specimen collection tube assembly (200) (see FIG. 6), such that barrel (210) end is facing up and inner tube (220) end is facing down; and with the luer knob (230b) tightened at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) whilst leaving the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) open to allow pressure release from the first chamber (211) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200). The barrel (210) will then be fully pushed towards the inner tube (220) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200) and the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) is being tightened with the luer knob (230a) that is detached from the cover (310) before entering into a centrifuge (400) for fluid separation process (see FIGS. 7a and 7b).

[0076] By way of example but not limitation, the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is adapted to be inserted into a centrifuge with the inner tube (220) end facing inside a holder (400) of the centrifuge for the fluid separation process (see FIG. 8). It will be appreciated that a layer of specimen residue (500) and a layer of specimen sediment (510) will be obtained through the centrifuge separation process.

[0077] Referring to FIGS. 9a to 10, it should be noted that the specimen residue (500) is adapted to be discharged from the second chamber (221) of the inner tube (220) through the conduit (212) to the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220), while enabling the specimen sediment (510) of at least 1 cc is left remaining in the second chamber (221) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200). It should also be noted that the barrel (210) is being pulled upward leaving a space of approximately or at least 2 mm in the first chamber (211) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200). The specimen residue (500) can be discharged by releasing the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220), while loosening the luer knob (230a) at the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) to allow negative pressure release from the second chamber (221) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200).

[0078] It must be noted that in the first preferred exemplary of the present invention, the specimen sediment (510) is adapted to be discharged from the second chamber (221) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200) through the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210). Accordingly, the specimen sediment (510) can be discharged by turning-over the specimen collection tube assembly (200), such that barrel (210) end is facing down and inner tube (220) end is facing up; by releasing the luer knob (230a) at the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210), and gently press the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) to allow droplets of the specimen sediment (510) to be released from the specimen collection tube assembly (200) (see FIGS. 12a to 13). Preferably, but not limited to, the specimen sediment (510) may be discharged by droplets from the specimen collection tube assembly (200) onto Petri dish (600) for microscopic analysis (see FIG. 13).

[0079] In accordance with a second preferred exemplary of the present invention, the fluid collection device (100) generally includes a specimen collection tube assembly (200) and a specimen collection cup (300) (see FIGS. 14a and 14b). Accordingly, the specimen collection tube assembly (200) comprises: a) a barrel (210) having a first chamber (211); and b) an inner tube or plunger (220) having a second chamber (221). In the preferred exemplary, the barrel (210) is provided with a luer tip (214) at one end, and another end (215) is in slidable sealing engagement with the inner tube (220) defining a closed system thereof. By way of example but not limitation, the inner tube (220) is the inner tube (220) is provided with a luer tip (224) at one end, and the opposite end is equipped with a seal (222) separating the first and second chambers (211 and 221) in said closed system. It should be noted that a conduit (212) is preferably extended from the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) towards the first chamber (211) in accordance with the second preferred exemplary of the present invention.

[0080] By way of example but not limitation, the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) and the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) are releasably provided with at least one luer knob (230a or 230b), such that the luer knob (230a or 230b) can be selectively loosened or tightened for negative pressure release in the closed system to allow fluid drop under the gravity. It should be noted that the luer knob (230a or 230b) although an exemplary, will be used herein in describing the configurations and functions of the present invention. However other variations, approaches or configuration, such as an air-tight, tough elastic polymeric substance or materials of same group capable of providing similar mechanical and chemical properties, to obtain desired optimal operating characteristics may be contemplated. As such, the luer knob (230a or 230b) as described herein should not be construed as limiting in any way.

[0081] It will be appreciated that the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is adapted to collaboratively connect with the specimen collection cup (300) for a specimen or fluid collection via a luer lock system. Under such circumstance, the specimen or fluid collection may include urine or the like.

[0082] Optionally but not limiting to the invention, the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is adapted to independently aspirate a fluid through a hypodermic needle attached to the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) (not shown). Under such circumstance, the specimen or fluid specifically biological fluid collection may include serum, plasma, blood, saliva, interstitial fluid or cytosol, and the like but not limited to others.

[0083] In the preferred exemplary of the present invention, the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is adapted to be connected to a spout (320) of the specimen collection cup (300) via the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) (see FIG. 14b). By way of example but not limitation, the spout (320) of the specimen collection cup (300) is provided with a luer lock (340) for fitting engagement with the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210). The luer lock (340) may be of a screw type or any leak-free connections, such as male and female mating type of fitting with the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210), and may be altered in a manner so as to obtain desired optimal operating characteristics.

[0084] It will be appreciated that the specimen collection cup (300) is preferably equipped with a cover (310). By way of example but not limitation, the cover (310) is preferably provided with a pressure release mechanism (312) to release vacuum or negative pressure within the specimen collection cup (300). Accordingly, the pressure release mechanism (312) includes a luer knob (230a) for pressure release during aspiration process. It should be noted that the pressure release mechanism (312) is adapted to be activated for aspiration process. Accordingly, the aspiration process is executed only after the pressure release mechanism (312) at the cover (310) of the specimen collection cup (300) is activated.

[0085] As soon as the fluid is collected into the specimen collection cup (300), the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is adapted to aspirate the fluid from the specimen collection cup (300) to the first chamber (211) of the barrel (210) by a vacuum suction created through a pulling action of the inner tube (220) with the luer knob (230b) tightened (see FIGS. 15 to 17). It will be appreciated that the aspiration process is further aided by loosening the luer knob (230a) at the cover (310) to release negative pressure in the specimen collection cup (300). At this point, the luer knob (230a) at the cover (310) of the specimen collection cup (300) is loosened to release negative pressure within the specimen collection cup (300). It will be appreciated that the specimen collection tube assembly (200) may serve as a handle for the specimen collection cup (300) for easy handling and collection of the urine specimen or fluid.

[0086] By referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the flow of fluid from the first chamber (211) into the second chamber (221) can be attained by a pushing action of the inner tube (220) towards the first chamber (211). Accordingly, the pushing action of the inner tube (220) towards the first chamber (211) can be attained by tightening the luer knob (230a) that is detached from the cover (310) to the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210), while loosening the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) to allow pressure release from the second chamber (221) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200). It will be appreciated that the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) will then be tightened before entering into a centrifuge (400) for fluid separation process.

[0087] By way of example but not limitation, the specimen collection tube assembly (200) is adapted to be inserted into a centrifuge with the barrel (210) end facing inside a holder (400) of the centrifuge for the fluid separation process (see FIG. 21). It will be appreciated that a layer of specimen residue (500) and a layer of specimen sediment (510) will be obtained through the centrifuge separation process.

[0088] Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, it should be noted that the specimen residue (500) is adapted to be discharged from the second chamber (221) of the inner tube (220) through the conduit (212) to the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210), while enabling the specimen sediment (510) of at least 1 cc to be left remaining between the conduit (212) in the barrel (210) and the first chamber (211) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200). Accordingly, the specimen residue (500) can be discharged by releasing the luer knob (230a) at the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210), while loosening the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) to allow negative pressure release from the second chamber (221) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200).

[0089] It must be noted that in the second preferred exemplary of the present invention, the specimen sediment (510) is adapted to be discharged from the second chamber (221) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200) through the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220). It will be appreciated that the specimen sediment (510) is evenly distributed by shaking the specimen collection tube assembly (200) with luer knobs (230a and 230b) tightened at both ends of the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) and the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220) before being discharged (see FIG. 24). Accordingly, the specimen sediment (510) can be discharged by turning-over the specimen collection tube assembly (200), such that barrel (210) end is facing up and inner tube (220) end is facing down; by releasing the luer knob (230b) at the luer tip (224) of the inner tube (220), while sparingly loosening the luer knob (230a) at the luer tip (214) of the barrel (210) to allow negative pressure release from the second chamber (221) of the specimen collection tube assembly (200) (see FIGS. 25a and 25b). FIGS. 25b and 26 show the inverted position of the specimen collection tube assembly (200). Preferably, but not limited to, the specimen sediment (510) may be discharged by droplets from the specimen collection tube assembly (200) onto Petri dish (600) for microscopic analysis (see FIG. 26).

[0090] It should be noted that the configurations and arrangements of various elements used to carry out the above-mentioned system are illustrative and exemplary only and are not restrictive of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that those configurations, arrangements and variations used herein may be altered in a manner so as to obtain different optimal effects or desired operating characteristics. As such, the above-described should not be construed as limiting in any way, but as the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention.

[0091] It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation, no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” or “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and/or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations or two or more recitations).

[0092] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the principle and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would obvious to one skilled in the art intended to be included within the scope of following claims.