TESTING BOOTH FOR VIRUS SAMPLE COLLECTION HAVING EXAMINATION WINDOW ALLOWING CLOSE-CONTACT INSERTION OF SAMPLE COLLECTION TOOL

Abstract

The present invention relates to a testing booth for virus sample collection having an examination window allowing close-contact insertion of a sample collection tool, and more specifically relates to a testing booth for virus sample collection having an examination window, wherein a tester can collect, from inside the booth, a sample from a test subject who is outside of the booth, the tester can collect the sample from the test subject while manipulating a sample-collecting swab tool from inside the booth, the efficiency of the task of sample collection can be increased due to the sample collection task being carried out by the tester without wearing thick and heavy rubber gloves, and it is possible to prevent contamination and cross infection during the sample collection process. To this end, provided is a testing booth for virus sample collection having an examination window, comprising: a space part which provides a space in which the tester is located, is sealed from the outside, and has a window wall facing the test subject; and an examination window which is provided in the window wall of the space part and corresponds to the face of the test subject, wherein the examination window comprises: a swab inlet/outlet part which is formed so as to pass through opposite sides of the examination window, and has a passageway having a diameter through which a sample-collecting swab tool can go in/come out; and a detachable cap which can be detachably attached to the swab inlet/outlet part at the space part side and has formed therein an opening means for guiding the sample-collecting swab tool from the space part to the passageway of the swab inlet/outlet part, wherein the examination window is characterized by the opening means opening only in one direction going from the space part toward the passageway of the swab inlet/outlet part, or, the examination window is characterized in that if the opening means is not required, a fitting portion, into which the swab can be fitted from the outside of the booth, passes through the examination window, and there is a handle portion which is connected to the swab and which protrudes to the inside of the booth.

Claims

1. A test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window, comprising a space part that provides a space where a tester is located, is blocked from an outside, and has a window wall configured to face a subject; and an examination window installed on the window wall of the space part and configured to correspond to a face of the subject, wherein the examination window comprises swab entry/exit holes formed through opposite sides of the examination window and having a passage having a diameter that allows entry and exit of a sample collection swab tool; and a detachable cap configured to be attached to or detached from a swab entry/exit hole on a side of the space part among the swab entry/exit holes and having an opening means to be opened to guide a sample collection swab to a passage of the swab entry/exit hole in the space part, wherein the opening means is configured to open only in one direction toward the passage of the swab entry/exit hole in the space part, or when the opening means is not required, a fitting portion into which a swab is inserted from an outside of the booth is formed to penetrate the examination window, and a handle part connected thereto and exposed to an inside of the booth is formed.

2. The test booth according to claim 1, wherein, in the examination window having the opening means, the opening means is configured as an incision line formed on a part of the detachable cap, wherein, when a sample collection swab is inserted, the opening means is incised by an external force to form incision pieces, and airtightness of the detachable cap is maintained as the incision pieces are rolled into the detachable cap.

3. The test booth according to claim 1 or 2, wherein an interference plate having a larger diameter than a diameter of the sample collection swab is formed on the sample collection swab, wherein, as the sample collection swab is inserted into and comes out of a swab entry/exit hole, the interference plate interferes with the opening means to separate the detachable cap.

4. The test booth according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a through hole connecting the space part where a tester is located and an outside where a subject is located is formed through the window wall, and the examination window is configured to be attached to or detached from the through hole through the detachable means.

5. The test booth according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a connection portion made of a flexible material is formed to penetrate an inside and outside of the examination window, a non-contact thermometer is installed to be exposed to the outside of the examination window through the connection portion, and a handle of the non-contact thermometer is installed to be exposed to the inside of the examination window through the connection portion when necessary.

6. The test booth according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the space part is installed so that the space part is moved from a central control building through a moving means, and a wrinkled portion having elasticity is installed between the space part and the central control building.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0017] FIG. 1 is an image showing a situation in which a sample is collected from a subject through a test booth for collecting virus samples according to the prior art.

[0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 4 illustrates the cross-section of the main part of a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] FIG. 5 illustrates a sample collection swab used in a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a detachable caps of a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIGS. 7A and 7B illustrate a process of detaching a detachable caps of a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the first embodiment of the present invention from an examination window toward a space part.

[0024] FIG. 8 illustrates an examination window according to the first embodiment of the present invention into which a sample collection swab is inserted from the outside and a handle inside a booth.

[0025] FIG. 9 is a top view of a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the second embodiment of the present invention that is configured to be movable using a moving means.

[0026] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the main part of a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the second embodiment of the present invention that is configured to be movable using a moving means.

[0027] FIG. 11 shows an example of transporting a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the third embodiment of the present invention using a trailer.

BEST MODE

[0028] The terms and words which are used in the present specification and the appended claims should not be construed as being confined to common meanings or dictionary meanings but should be construed as meanings and concepts matching the technical spirit of the present invention in order to describe the present invention in the best fashion.

[0029] Hereinafter, referring to FIGS. 2 to 7B, a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0030] The test booth is configured so that a medical staff, who is a tester, may collect a sample from a subject outside the booth using a swab tool with bare hands inside the booth.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the test booth includes a space part 100 and an examination window 200.

[0032] The space part 100 provides a space in which a medical staff, who is a tester, is located, and is preferably formed to be transparent so that visibility outside the space part 100 is secured. The shape of the space part 100 is not particularly limited, and may be any shape capable of providing a closed space from the outside. As shown in FIG. 2, the space part 100 is preferably provided in the form of a hexahedron. In this case, a through hole 110 through which the inside and outside of the space part 100 communicate with each other is formed in the space part 100. The through hole 110 is a space required for a tester to collect a sample from a subject through the examination window 200 to be described later, and is preferably formed in a circular shape. In addition, detachable means 300 for attaching or detaching the examination window 200 are provided in the space part 100, and attachment/detachment protrusions 310 are installed as the detachable means 300 around the through hole 110. In this case, the diameter of the end of the attachment/detachment protrusion 310 is larger than that of the attachment/detachment protrusion 310.

[0033] The examination window 200 provides a passage through which a tester pushes a sample collection swab 400 from the inside of the space part 100 to the outside of the space part 100, and is made of a transparent material. The examination window 200 is preferably formed in a circular shape suitable for covering the through hole 110, and is configured to be attached to or detached from the space part 100 through the detachable means 300. For this configuration, attachment/detachment holes 320 corresponding to the attachment/detachment protrusions 310 of the detachable means 300 are formed along the circumference of the examination window 200. The attachment/detachment holes 320 are preferably formed in the form of a long hole, and the diameter of the end of the attachment/detachment hole 320 is larger than that of the attachment/detachment hole 320. After the attachment/detachment protrusions 310 are inserted through the ends of the attachment/detachment holes 320, the examination window 200 may be coupled to the space part by rotating the examination window 200 so that the ends of the attachment/detachment protrusions 310 are caught in the attachment/detachment holes 320. As described above, the examination window 200 may be configured to be detachable from the space part 100 through the detachable means 300.

[0034] Alternatively, the examination window 200 may be integrally formed in the space part 100. As shown in FIG. 2, a support portion 200a for supporting the subject's chin is preferably formed below the examination window 200. The support portion 200a is preferably formed in an arc shape along the curvature of the examination window 200. Although not shown, extension pieces may be extended to opposite sides of the support portion 200a to support opposite cheeks of a subject.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the examination window 200 includes swab entry/exit holes 210 and detachable caps 220. The swab entry/exit holes 210 provide a passage through which the sample collection swab 400 enters and exits the subject's respiratory system, and are formed at the center of the examination window 200. The number of the swab entry/exit holes 210 is preferably one or more. Considering that the sample collection swab 400 is usually inserted into the nose or mouth of a subject, the number of the swab entry/exit holes 210 is preferably two, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 4. The swab entry/exit holes 210 protrude toward the inner side of the examination window 200, i.e., toward the space part 100, and are formed to be opened and closed through the detachable caps 220. The swab entry/exit holes 210 are preferably formed to be inclined so that the detachable caps 220 are fitted into the swab entry/exit holes 210. That is, the swab entry/exit holes 210 are formed to protrude from the examination window 200 toward the space part 100, and the diameter of the swab entry/exit holes 210 gradually decreases toward the space part 100. This configuration of the swab entry/exit holes 210 may be effective for press-fitting of the detachable caps 220. In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, a sealing member (S) may be installed on the circumferential surface of the examination window 200 to maintain airtightness with the space part.

[0036] The detachable caps 220 of the examination window 200 are configured to cover the swab entry/exit holes 210 to close the passage of the swab entry/exit holes 210 and configured to be attached to or detached from the swab entry/exit holes 210. The detachable caps 220 are preferably composed of a resin material so that the detachable caps 220 are forcibly fitted into the swab entry/exit holes 210. As shown in FIGS. 4, 7A, and 7B, the detachable caps 220 are preferably formed to have an inclined surface. The detachable caps 220 are formed in a hollow shape with one side opened, and an opening means 221 is formed on the other side of the detachable caps 220. The opening means 221 is a component for guiding insertion of the sample collection swab 400 into the swab entry/exit holes 210, and are configured to be opened only in one direction toward the swab entry/exit holes 210. With this configuration, the detachable caps 220 may maintain airtightness even when the sample collection swab 400 is inserted into the detachable caps 220 through the opening means 221. The configuration of the opening means 221 is not particularly limited. As shown in FIG. 6, the opening means 221 is preferably formed as an incision line capable of incising the other side of the detachable caps 220 in all directions. The thickness of an incision line 221 is smaller than the thickness of the detachable caps 220, and the incision line 221 is configured to be incised when external force is applied using the sample collection swab 400. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7A, due to the material characteristics of the detachable caps 220, as soon as the sample collection swab 400 passes, the opening means 221 is cut toward the swab entry/exit holes 210 and spreads in one direction to form incision pieces 221a. Alternatively, the incision line 221 may be provided in an already incised state. In addition, although not shown, the incision line 221 may be provided in various forms. For example, the incision line 221 may be formed in a circular shape with only one side fixed. In this case, when force is applied with the sample collection swab 400, the incision line 221 may be configured so that a circular incision piece is rolled around one side.

[0037] In addition, the sample collection swab 400 configured to pass through the examination window 200 through the swab entry/exit holes 210 will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the sample collection swab 400 includes a cutting portion 410, an interference plate 420, and a handle 430. The cutting portion 410 is a portion for separating the sample collection swab 400 and the handle 430, and is formed so that the diameter thereof is smaller than the diameters of the sample collection swab 400 and the handle 430. When a tester in the space part 100 swabs a specific body part of a subject using the sample collection swab 400 through the swab entry/exit holes 210 and collects a sample, the interference plate 420 is configured to detach the detachable caps 220 from the swab entry/exit holes 210 by interfering with the detachable caps 220 so that the sample does not come into contact with the detachable caps 220. The interference plate 420 is formed so that the diameter thereof is greater than the diameter of the handle 430 and smaller than the diameter of the passage of the swab entry/exit holes 210. The handle 430 has a bar shape suitable for a tester to grip. In addition, although not shown, the interference plate 420 may be composed of concave-convex wrinkles. That is, the sample collection swab 400 may be configured to remove the detachable caps 220 through the wrinkled portion. The configuration of the wrinkled portion may be a configuration corresponding to the circular incision pieces of the detachable caps 220 described above.

[0038] In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the examination window 200 preferably further includes a non-contact thermometer 230 and grip portions 240. The non-contact thermometer 230 is a component for measuring the subject's body temperature, and is installed in the examination window 200 through a connection portion 231 made of a flexible material. That is, the non-contact thermometer 230 is provided so that a tester detects heat without directly facing a subject. Thus, the present invention enables complete non-face-to-face contact in a series of processes for collecting a sample from a subject. The non-contact thermometer 230 includes a sensor 232, and the sensor 232 is exposed to the outside of the examination window 200. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4, a handle 233 of the non-contact thermometer 230 is positioned inside the examination window 200 so that a tester may adjust the position of the sensor 232. The grip portions 240 are configured so that a manager easily carries the examination window 200, and is installed on opposite sides of the examination window 200.

[0039] Hereinafter, a process of collecting a sample from a subject by a tester in a test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window configured as described above will be described.

[0040] A test booth is installed adjacent to a central control building, and samples are collected from suspected infected persons passing through the test booth according to the walking-thru method. At this time, a tester is located in the test booth, and a subject is positioned so that the subject's face faces the examination window 200 of the test booth. At this time, the subject puts his/her chin on the supporting portion 200a and waits for examination.

[0041] When management of sample collection swabs is to be performed only inside a test booth, an examination window that allows sample collection swabs to be inserted inside the test booth is used. At this time, a tester in the test booth pushes the sample collection swab 400 into the opening means 221 of the detachable cap 220 and inserts the sample collection swab 400 into the passage of the swab entry/exit hole 210. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7A, the sample collection swab 400 is inserted while incising and widening the incision line 221, which is an opening means, and then the sample collection swab 400 is inserted into the subject's respiratory tract through the passage of the swab entry/exit hole 210.

[0042] In this process, the open incision pieces 221a are restored and adhere to the handle 430 of the sample collection swab 400. Accordingly, the inside of the examination window 200, i.e., the inside of the space part 100 may be maintain an enclosed state. Even when the subject sneezes toward the examination window 200, since the incision pieces 221a do not spread outward, the passage of the swab entry/exit hole 210 may remain airtight. Accordingly, the subject's breath or droplets are prevented from entering the space part 100 where the tester is located.

[0043] Then, the tester checks the subject's face through the examination window 200 and performs swabbing using the sample collection swab 400. At this time, since the tester handles the sample collection swab 400 with bare hands inside the space part 100, the efficiency of the sample collection operation may be increased. After swabbing, the tester pulls out the sample collection swab 400 toward the inside of the examination window 200, i.e., the space part 100.

[0044] At this time, when the tester pulls the sample collection swab 400 into the examination window 200, as shown in FIG. 7A, the sample collection swab 400 is moved to the left in the drawing, and then the interference plate 420 interferes with the incision pieces 221a to apply pressure to the detachable cap 220. Then, as shown in FIG. 7A, the sample collection swab 400 separates the detachable cap 220 from the swab entry/exit hole 210.

[0045] When management of sample collection swabs is to be performed outside an examination booth, as shown in FIG. 8, an examination window having a swab fitting portion into which a sample collection swab is inserted outside the examination booth is used. A tester collects a sample by holding the fitting portion and handles protruding into the booth and connected to the examination window.

[0046] Thereafter, the tester cuts the cutting portion 410 of the sample collection swab 400 and performs virus diagnosis using a test kit. At this time, since the process of cutting the sample collection swab 400 may also be performed by the tester with bare hands, the cutting process may be performed accurately and quickly.

[0047] In addition, when the process of collecting a sample from a subject is completed, as show in FIG. 7B, the detachable cap 220 is separated and the swab entry/exit hole 210 is opened. After sampling, the subject's breath or ambient aerosol may flow in through the swab entry/exit hole 210.

[0048] When the subject sneezes, droplets may flow into the examination window 200 through the swab entry/exit hole 210. To prevent contaminants from entering the examination window 200 from the subject after sample collection is completed, as shown in FIG. 4, the swab entry/exit hole 210 is shielded with a shielding cover 500 provided inside the examination window 200. The shielding cover 500 is shaft-coupled to the inner lower part of the examination window 200, and is provided so as to rotate toward the swab entry/exit hole 210 around the shaft. In this case, although not shown, a fastening means (not shown) may be installed at the end of the shielding cover 500 so that the shielding cover 500 is rotated toward the inside of the examination window 200 to shield the swab entry/exit hole 210, and then movement of the shielding cover 500 is constrained.

[0049] As described above, the test booth is provided as a structure on one side of the central control building, and a walk-thru method in which a sample is collected while a subject passes through the test booth may be used. In addition, a drive-thru method may be used by allowing the test booth to move and access a subject in a vehicle. This method is presented as a second embodiment of the present invention, and will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. Prior to the description, the same components as those in the first embodiment are indicated by reference numerals.

[0050] A test booth is provided as a separate body from a central control building, and a wrinkled portion 600 capable of performing stretching action is installed between the test booth and the central control building. The wrinkled portion 600 facilitates movement and access of the test booth based on the central control building while performing stretching action. The wrinkled portion 600 provides a connection passage connecting the central control building and the test booth. The configuration of the wrinkled portion 600 is similar to that of a boarding bridge that connects an airport boarding gate and an airplane to provide a passage.

[0051] In addition, as shown in FIG. 10, in the test booth, a driving means 700 for moving the test booth is installed and a height adjusting means 800 for adjusting the height of the test booth is installed. The driving means 700 includes a driving unit including a driving motor and wheels capable of performing a rolling action through the power of the driving unit. In this case, a steering device capable of changing the direction of the wheels may also be configured. The height adjusting means 800 allows the position of the test booth to correspond to the driver's seat position of a vehicle when the drive-thru test method is performed. Since the height of the driver's seat is different for each type of vehicle, the height adjusting means 800 is configured to elevate the test booth.

[0052] The height adjusting means 800 may include a hydraulic cylinder and the like. Any apparatus capable of generating power capable of elevating the test booth may be used as the height adjusting means 800.

[0053] In addition, the test booth may be connected to a mobile trailer and transported to a location where group testing is required. This case is presented as a third embodiment of the present invention and described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 11, an ambulance and a trailer 900 are provided, and the examination window 200 is installed on one side of the trailer 900. A general automobile may be used instead of an ambulance, and the examination window 200 has the same configuration as the examination window 200 described in the first embodiment. In this way, when the test booth is connected to the trailer 900, since the tester may directly visit a subject regardless of distance, a virus test may be performed quickly.

[0055] As described above, the test booth for collecting virus samples having an examination window according to the present invention is configured so that a tester may collect a sample from a subject outside the test booth while handling a sample collection swab tool without wearing rubber gloves while being located inside the test booth. Accordingly, the present invention may provide a comfortable test environment to testers while securing infection safety of testers, and may be applied to various test methods such as walk-thru and drive-thru.

[0056] Hereinafter, specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail. However, these examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope and spirit of the present invention. In addition, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such changes and modifications are also within the scope of the appended claims.

TABLE-US-00001 [Description of Symbols] 100: SPACE PART 110: THROUGH HOLE 200: EXAMINATION WINDOW 200A: SUPPORT PORTION 210: SWAB ENTRY/EXIT HOLES 220: DETACHABLE CAPS 221: OPENING MEANS 221A: INCISION PIECES (INCISION LINE) 230: NON-CONTACT THERMOMETER 231: CONNECTION PORTION 232: SENSOR 233: HANDLE 240: GRIP PORTIONS 300: DETACHABLE MEANS 310: ATTACHMENT/DETACHMENT PROTRUSIONS 320: ATTACHMENT/DETACHMENT HOLES 400: SAMPLE COLLECTION SWAB 410: CUTTING PORTION 420: INTERFERENCE PLATE 430: HANDLE 500: SHIELDING COVER 600: WRINKLED PORTION 700: DRIVING MEANS 800: HEIGHT ADJUSTING MEANS 900: TRAILER