EP4438177A1 - Test arrangement for detecting a substance - Google Patents

Abstract

A test arrangement for detecting a substance is proposed, comprising a plastic sleeve (12), an ampoule (15) which receives a test liquid and which is arranged in the plastic sleeve (12), a container (20) with a mixing chamber (21) for receiving and mixing the test liquid and the substance, and an activation device, the actuation of which breaks open the ampoule (15) so that the test liquid is released into the mixing chamber (21), and a test collection stick (25) for immersion in the mixing chamber (21).

Description

The invention relates to a test arrangement for detecting a substance.

Test arrangements for detecting a substance are known in practice and include, for example, a container in which a test liquid is kept. The arrangement is also equipped with a test swab, such as a cotton swab or the like, by means of which the substance can be obtained from a surface, for example from the mucous membrane of a person or from a laboratory table. The test swab is then dipped into the test liquid in the container and reacted with it. The substance can be detected using a measuring strip or by a color change of the test liquid mixed with the substance. Such a test arrangement can be used to detect certain chemical and/or biological substances or materials.

The invention is based on the object of creating a test arrangement for the detection of a chemical and/or biological substance, which is characterized by a compact structure and which enables a reaction-stable storage of a test liquid.

This object is achieved according to the invention by the test arrangement having the features of claim 1.

According to the invention, a test arrangement for detecting a chemical and/or biological substance is proposed, comprising a plastic sleeve, an ampoule containing a test liquid and arranged in the plastic sleeve, a container with a mixing chamber for receiving and mixing the test liquid and the substance, and an activation device, by the actuation of which a The ampoule is broken open so that the test liquid is released into the mixing chamber, and a test swab is used to extract/collect the substance and immerse it in the mixing chamber.

The test arrangement designed according to the invention enables the stable storage of a test liquid by means of the ampoule arranged in the plastic sleeve, which is made in particular from glass or a reaction-stable, defined breakable plastic. The mixing chamber, which is formed by the container of the test arrangement, is in flow connection with a receiving chamber of the plastic sleeve, in which the ampoule is arranged, which can be broken open by actuating the activation device. Ideally, the test liquid, which is arranged in the ampoule in the delivery state, is handled in a sealed manner from the environment. In the mixing chamber, the test liquid reacts with a substance that is introduced into the mixing chamber by means of the test collection stick. The substance is detected, for example, by a defined color change of the test liquid or by applying the test liquid that has reacted with the substance to a test strip, which experiences a color change when the substance is present.

In principle, the test arrangement according to the invention is suitable for detecting any substances that can react with a test liquid, whereby the test liquid undergoes a color change as a result of the reaction and/or the test liquid containing the substance to be detected can additionally be applied to a test strip, which then undergoes coloration at least in a defined area when the substance to be detected is present.

The container with the mixing chamber is preferably made of plastic or glass.

In a special embodiment of the test arrangement according to the invention, the plastic sleeve and the container are formed from a one-piece component. It is particularly conceivable that the plastic sleeve and the container are arranged next to each other, one behind the other or one below the other.

In a further special embodiment of the test arrangement according to the invention, the container is detachably connected to the plastic sleeve and the mixing chamber of the Container is connected via a transfer opening, which is preferably formed on the plastic sleeve, to a receiving space of the plastic sleeve in which the ampoule is arranged. For example, the plastic sleeve has a base or a partition wall, which in particular can also follow a conical surface or the like and which is provided with at least one transfer opening, which enables the test liquid to flow from the receiving space of the ampoule into the mixing space.

The activation device of the test arrangement according to the invention, by means of which the ampoule can be opened to release the test liquid, can be designed in a variety of ways. For example, the activation device comprises a ramp-like projection which is formed on the inside of the plastic sleeve and which, when the activation device is actuated, interacts with the ampoule in such a way that a tip of the ampoule is broken off.

Furthermore, the activation device can comprise an actuation button which can be pressed into the plastic sleeve and has, for example, on its inner side a particularly flat ramp which also interacts with a tip of the ampoule so that this tip can be broken off to open the ampoule.

It is also conceivable that the activation device comprises defined pressure areas of the plastic sleeve. The pressure areas are in particular elastically deformable, so that a user of the test arrangement can break open the ampoule to release the test liquid by applying manual pressure.

In order to be able to break open the ampoule in a targeted manner, it is preferably designed as a glass or plastic ampoule, which is provided with two breakable, in particular needle-like tips in the broad sense. The tips can be broken off at defined predetermined breaking points from an ampoule body, which is in particular cylindrically shaped.

In order to be able to convey the test liquid as effectively as possible from the receiving space of the ampoule into the mixing space of the container, a special embodiment of the test arrangement according to the invention has a pipetting bellows which is formed on the plastic sleeve.

In order to improve the handling of the test arrangement according to the invention, particularly in the embodiment in which the plastic sleeve and the container are formed from a one-piece component, the container can have a base. In this case, it is advantageous if the mixing chamber is arranged lower than the plastic sleeve or the ampoule arranged in the plastic sleeve. In addition, the container can have an introduction channel through which the substance to be detected can be introduced into the mixing chamber. The introduction channel can be arranged next to the plastic sleeve so that its axis is aligned parallel to the main axis of the plastic sleeve or the ampoule.

In an advantageous embodiment, the container of the test arrangement according to the invention is designed as a tube with one open end and one closed end, i.e. in the manner of a test tube. In this case, the container is preferably made of a transparent plastic or glass material, so that in particular a color change of the test liquid when it reacts with the sample material is visible from the outside.

In order to be able to discharge the test liquid, which has been mixed with the substance in the mixing chamber, from the container for further processing, the container can have a discharge opening and/or a spout in a special embodiment of the test arrangement according to the invention.

The outlet opening is preferably provided with a manual closure by means of which a controlled opening of the outlet opening is possible.

In an embodiment in which the plastic sleeve and the container are arranged axially one behind the other, it is advantageous if the plastic sleeve has an apron that surrounds the container. The apron serves as a holder for the container on the plastic sleeve and also to seal the transition between the plastic sleeve and the container. It is of course also conceivable for the container to have an apron that surrounds the plastic sleeve in a corresponding manner.

In order to define the insertion depth of the container on the apron, the container can have a stop on its circumference which interacts with the apron.

In a further special embodiment of the test arrangement according to the invention, the skirt together with an inner ring wall forms an annular groove into which an edge of the container is inserted. In this case, the container is designed, for example, in the manner of a test tube.

In a particularly compact design of the test arrangement according to the invention, the test collection stick is arranged or attached to the plastic sleeve so that it is immersed in the container. To collect the substance to be detected, the plastic sleeve can be detached from the container together with the test collection stick and, for example, guided over a surface or biological tissue. The test collection stick is then pushed back into the container and the plastic sleeve is connected to the plastic sleeve in a fluid-tight manner. The test arrangement can then be activated by operating the activation device. The test liquid then flows into the mixing chamber in which the test collection stick is also arranged. If the substance to be detected has actually been absorbed by the test collection stick, the test liquid changes color due to the chemical reaction of the substance with the test liquid.

The test collection stick is designed, for example, like a cotton swab or other sample collection stick.

To hold the test stick on the plastic sleeve, the latter can be provided with a ring wall which forms a receptacle for a shaft of the test stick.

The activation device of the test arrangement according to the invention can further comprise an actuation button which can be pressed into the plastic sleeve and has on its inner side a particularly flat ramp which interacts with a tip of the ampoule so that when the activation device or the activation button is actuated, the ramp moves onto the tip and breaks it off.

If the test liquid mixed with the substance is to be discharged from the mixing chamber for the detection of the substance, the container can be attached to a test plate which is provided with a test strip or the like. When the test strip is wetted with the test liquid and the substance to be detected is present, it undergoes a color change at least in some areas.

In a further special embodiment of the test arrangement according to the invention, a valve is provided which controls a liquid flow between the mixing chamber of the container and a test chamber of the test plate, into which the test liquid is fed after mixing with the substance.

The valve is in particular manually operable and preferably has a manually depressible actuation button for this purpose.

In order to enable compact storage of the test arrangement according to the invention, the container can be pivotally attached to the test plate.

In order to enable a comparison between a test liquid containing the substance and a reference liquid, a reservoir containing a reference liquid can be arranged on the test plate. The reference liquid can be released by operating a valve or the like.

Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the invention can be found in the description, the drawing and the patent claims.

Figur 1

eine perspektivische Draufsicht auf eine erste Ausführungsform der Testanordnung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 2

die Einzelteile der Testanordnung nach Figur 1;

Figur 3

eine Seitenansicht der Testanordnung nach Figur 1;

Figur 4

einen Längsschnitt durch die Testanordnung nach Figur 1 entlang der Linie A-A in Figur 3;

Figur 5

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zweiten Ausführungsform der Testanordnung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 6

die Einzelteile der Testanordnung nach Figur 5;

Figur 7

eine Seitenansicht der Testanordnung nach Figur 5;

Figur 8

einen Schnitt durch die Testanordnung nach Figur 5 entlang der Linie A-A in Figur 7;

Figur 9

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer dritten Ausführungsform der Testanordnung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 10

die Einzelteile der Testanordnung nach Figur 9;

Figur 11

einen Längsschnitt durch die Testanordnung nach Figur 9;

Figur 12

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer vierten Ausführungsform der Testanordnung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 13

die Testanordnung nach Figur 12 im Lieferzustand;

Figur 14

eine Seitenansicht der Testanordnung nach Figur 12;

Figur 15

einen Längsschnitt durch die Testanordnung;

Figur 16

die Testanordnung nach den Figuren 12 bis 15 bei einem ersten Anwendungsschritt;

Figur 17

die Testanordnung nach den Figuren 12 bis 15 bei einem zweiten Anwendungsschritt;

Figur 18

die Testanordnung nach den Figuren 12 bis 15 bei einem dritten Anwendungsschritt;

Figur 19

eine fünfte Ausführungsform einer Testanordnung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 20

einen Längsschnitt durch einen Applikator der Testanordnung nach Figur 19;

Figur 21

eine sechste Ausführungsform einer Testanordnung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 22

einen Längsschnitt durch einen Applikator der Testanordnung nach Figur 21;

Figur 23

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer siebten Ausführungsform einer Testanordnung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 24

die Testanordnung nach Figur 23 im zur Benutzung vorbereiteten Zustand;

Figur 25

eine Seitenansicht der Testanordnung nach Figur 23;

Figur 26

einen Schnitt durch die Testanordnung nach Figur 23 entlang der Linie A-A in Figur 25;

Figur 27

eine zweite Seitenansicht der Testanordnung nach Figur 23;

Figur 28

einen Schnitt durch die Testanordnung nach Figur 23 entlang der Linie B-B in Figur 27 bei geöffnetem Auslassventil;

Figur 29

einen Figur 28 entsprechenden Schnitt der Testanordnung nach Figur 23, jedoch bei geschlossenem Auslassventil;

Figur 30

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer achten Ausführungsform einer Testanordnung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 31

die Testanordnung nach Figur 30 im anwendungsbereiten Zustand;

Figur 32

einen Längsschnitt durch die Testanordnung nach Figur 30;

Figur 33

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer neunten Ausführungsform einer Testanordnung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 34

die Testanordnung nach Figur 33 im anwendungsbereiten Zustand;

Figur 35

einen Längsschnitt durch die Testanordnung nach Figur 33;

Figur 36

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zehnten Ausführungsform einer Testanordnung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 37

die Testanordnung nach Figur 37 im anwendungsbereiten Zustand;

Figur 38

einen Längsschnitt durch die Testanordnung nach Figur 36;

Figur 39

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer elften Ausführungsform einer Testanordnung nach der Erfindung;

Figur 40

eine Seitenansicht der Testanordnung nach Figur 39;

Figur 41

einen Schnitt durch die Testanordnung nach den Figuren 39 und 40;

Figur 42

eine perspektivische Ansicht einer zwölften Ausführungsform einer Testanordnung nach der Erfindung; und

Figur 43

einen Längsschnitt durch die Testanordnung nach Figur 42 bei der Benutzung.

Embodiments of a test arrangement according to the invention are shown schematically in simplified form in the drawing and are explained in more detail in the following description. It shows:

Figure 1

a perspective top view of a first embodiment of the test arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 2

the individual parts of the test arrangement Figure 1 ;

Figure 3

a side view of the test arrangement after Figure 1 ;

Figure 4

a longitudinal section through the test arrangement according to Figure 1 along line AA in Figure 3 ;

Figure 5

a perspective view of a second embodiment of the test arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 6

the individual parts of the test arrangement Figure 5 ;

Figure 7

a side view of the test arrangement after Figure 5 ;

Figure 8

a cross-section of the test arrangement Figure 5 along line AA in Figure 7 ;

Figure 9

a perspective view of a third embodiment of the test arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 10

the individual parts of the test arrangement Figure 9 ;

Figure 11

a longitudinal section through the test arrangement according to Figure 9 ;

Figure 12

a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of the test arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 13

the test arrangement according to Figure 12 in the delivery condition;

Figure 14

a side view of the test arrangement after Figure 12 ;

Figure 15

a longitudinal section through the test arrangement;

Figure 16

the test arrangement according to the Figures 12 to 15 in a first application step;

Figure 17

the test arrangement according to the Figures 12 to 15 in a second application step;

Figure 18

the test arrangement according to the Figures 12 to 15 in a third application step;

Figure 19

a fifth embodiment of a test arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 20

a longitudinal section through an applicator of the test arrangement according to Figure 19 ;

Figure 21

a sixth embodiment of a test arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 22

a longitudinal section through an applicator of the test arrangement according to Figure 21 ;

Figure 23

a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a test arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 24

the test arrangement according to Figure 23 in a state prepared for use;

Figure 25

a side view of the test arrangement after Figure 23 ;

Figure 26

a cross-section of the test arrangement Figure 23 along the line AA in Figure 25 ;

Figure 27

a second side view of the test arrangement after Figure 23 ;

Figure 28

a cross-section of the test arrangement Figure 23 along the line BB in Figure 27 with the exhaust valve open;

Figure 29

a Figure 28 corresponding section of the test arrangement according to Figure 23 , but with the exhaust valve closed;

Figure 30

a perspective view of an eighth embodiment of a test arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 31

the test arrangement according to Figure 30 in ready-to-use condition;

Figure 32

a longitudinal section through the test arrangement according to Figure 30 ;

Figure 33

a perspective view of a ninth embodiment of a test arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 34

the test arrangement according to Figure 33 in ready-to-use condition;

Figure 35

a longitudinal section through the test arrangement according to Figure 33 ;

Figure 36

a perspective view of a tenth embodiment of a test arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 37

the test arrangement according to Figure 37 in ready-to-use condition;

Figure 38

a longitudinal section through the test arrangement according to Figure 36 ;

Figure 39

a perspective view of an eleventh embodiment of a test arrangement according to the invention;

Figure 40

a side view of the test arrangement after Figure 39 ;

Figure 41

a cross-section of the test arrangement according to the Figures 39 and 40 ;

Figure 42

a perspective view of a twelfth embodiment of a test arrangement according to the invention; and

Figure 43

a longitudinal section through the test arrangement according to Figure 42 when using it.

In the Figures 1 to 4 a test arrangement 10 for detecting a chemical and/or biological substance or a chemical and/or biological material is shown. The test arrangement 10 comprises a plastic sleeve 12, a glass ampoule 14, which is designed as a so-called bitip ampoule and thus comprises a cylindrical ampoule body 15, which at each of its ends merges into a particularly needle-like tip 16 or 17, which can be broken off at a respective defined predetermined breaking point 18. The ampoule 14 made of glass contains a test liquid and is arranged in a receiving space 19 of the plastic sleeve 12. The plastic sleeve 12 is coupled at the front to a container 20, which is designed in the manner of a transparent test tube made of plastic or glass and delimits a mixing space 21. For coupling with the container 20, the plastic sleeve 12 has a coupling section 22 which is provided with an apron 23 which surrounds the container 20 in its end region bordering the plastic sleeve 12. In addition, the coupling section 22 has an annular wall 24 which, together with the apron 23, delimits an annular groove into which the edge of the container 20 bordering the plastic sleeve 12 is clamped.

The test arrangement 10 further comprises a test or substance collection rod 25, which has a shaft 26 and a receiving area 27. The shaft 26 is received with its end area in a form-fitting manner by a shaft receptacle 28, which is formed on the coupling section 22 of the plastic sleeve 12. In relation to the central axis of the test arrangement, the test collection rod 25 is arranged eccentrically, i.e. offset in the radial direction.

The coupling section 12 also forms a base 29 of the plastic sleeve 12, in which a transfer opening 30 is formed, which leads into a channel 31 running parallel to the shaft 26 of the test collection rod 25, which in turn opens into the mixing chamber 21 of the container 2. A connection is established between the receiving area 19 of the plastic sleeve 12 and the mixing chamber 21 of the container 20 made of plastic or glass via the transfer opening 30 and the channel 31.

Press areas 32 and 33 of the plastic sleeve 12 represent an activation device by means of which the glass ampoule 14 can be opened or whose tips 16 and 17 can be broken off.

When using the test arrangement 10, a surface is covered by means of the test collection rod 25 attached to the plastic sleeve 12, so that material is collected which may contain the substance to be detected. The container 20 is then coupled to the plastic sleeve 12, i.e. at the coupling section 22 in the direction shown in Figure 4 The tips 16, 17 are then broken off from the ampoule 14 by applying manual pressure to the pressure areas 32 and 33 of the plastic sleeve 12, so that a test liquid taken up by the ampoule 14 is released into the receiving space 19. The test liquid can now flow via the transfer opening 30 and the channel 31 into the mixing space 21 of the container 20, so that the receiving area 27 lies in the test liquid. The transfer of the test liquid into the mixing space 21 can be supported by means of a bellows-like end section 34 of the plastic sleeve 12. In the mixing space 21, the test liquid reacts with the material arranged on the receiving area 27. If this contains the substance to be detected, the test liquid undergoes a defined color change. If no color change is carried out, the test is negative, which means that the chemical and/or biological substance in question cannot be detected.

In the Figures 5 to 8 A test arrangement 200 is shown which essentially corresponds to that according to Figure 1 but differs from it in that the plastic sleeve 12 has a shaft receptacle 28 in its coupling section 22 facing the container 20, the axis of which coincides with the main axis of the test arrangement 10, so that the test collection rod 25 with its shaft 26 also lies in the central axis of the test arrangement 200.

Furthermore, the plastic sleeve 12 of the test arrangement 200 comprises a base region 35, into which the tip 16 of the ampoule 15 engages and which is provided with several transfer openings 30, which are distributed along a circular line surrounding the tip 16 and which connect the receiving space 19 of the plastic sleeve 12 with the mixing space 21 of the container 20. In addition, the plastic sleeve 12 has, contrary to the embodiment according to the Figures 1 to 4 no bellows-like end section.

In all other respects, the test arrangement 200 corresponds to that according to the Figures 1 to 4 , which is why reference is made to the relevant description to avoid repetition. The application of test arrangement 200 also corresponds to the application of the test arrangement according to the Figures 1 to 4 .

In the Figures 9 to 11 a test arrangement 300 is shown, which also comprises a plastic sleeve 12 with a coupling section 22, an ampoule 14 made of glass with two breakable tips 16 and 17 and an ampoule body 15 connecting the two tips 16 and 17 to one another, as well as a test tube-like container 20 and a test collection rod 25 with a shaft 26 and a receiving area 27. A coupling section 22 also comprises an apron 23 and an annular wall 24, between which an edge section of the container 20 is clamped. In addition, the container 20 has an annular collar 36, which specifies the insertion depth of the container 20 into the coupling section 22 of the plastic sleeve 12.

The shaft 26 of the test collection stick 25 is inserted into a tube-like shaft receptacle 28, which is also formed on the coupling section 22 of the plastic sleeve 12.

Adjacent to the shaft receptacle 28, an inner wall 37 is formed on the plastic sleeve 12, which follows a conical surface and on which a plurality of window-like transfer openings 30 are formed all around, which establish a connection between a receiving space 19 of the plastic sleeve 12 and a mixing space 21 of the container 20.

The test arrangement 300 is further provided with an activation device 38, which on the one hand comprises an actuation button 39 which is slidably mounted in the plastic sleeve 12 and has a particularly flat ramp 40 on the inside which serves to break off the tip 17 of the ampoule 14. On the other hand, the activation device 38 comprises a ramp 42 formed on a projection 41 which serves to break off the tip 16 of the ampoule 14.

According to the application of the test arrangements according to the Figures 1 to 8 When using the test arrangement 300, the test collection rod 25 attached to the plastic sleeve 12 is first moved with its receiving area 27 over a surface to be examined in order to collect material. The container 20 is then placed in the Figure 11 The test strip 25 is then pulled over the test strip 25 in the manner shown and fixed to the coupling section 22. The activation device 38 is then actuated, i.e. the actuation button 39 is pressed axially into the plastic sleeve 12 so that the tip 16 moves up onto the ramp 42 and is broken off and the ramp 40 moves up onto the tip 17 and breaks it off. This releases the test liquid held in the ampoule 14 so that it can flow from the receiving space 19 via the transfer openings 30 into the mixing space 21 of the container 20. The receiving area 27 of the test collection strip 25 is exposed to the test liquid. The test liquid can react with a material arranged on the receiving area 27. If the substance to be detected is contained, the test liquid undergoes a color change which can be visually detected by the user. Without a color change, the test is negative, which means that the substance in question cannot be detected.

In the Figures 12 to 18 a test arrangement 400 is shown which is also suitable for detecting a chemical and/or biological substance. The test arrangement 400 comprises a housing 42 which has a plastic sleeve 12 with a receiving space 19 for receiving a glass ampoule 14 which comprises an ampoule body 15 and two tips 16 and 17 which can each be broken off from the ampoule body 15 via a defined predetermined breaking point 18.

Furthermore, the housing 42 comprises an insert 43, which represents a container 20 in which a mixing chamber 21 is formed. The insert 43 can be displaced relative to a housing section 44 of the housing 42 forming the plastic sleeve 12. In particular, the insert 43 can be pressed into the housing section 44 in order to activate the test arrangement 400.

To form an activation device, the insert 43 has a ramp 42 which interacts with the tip 16 of the ampoule. The end face of the plastic sleeve 12 facing away from the insert 43, which is formed by the housing section 44, also forms a ramp 40 which interacts with the tip 17 of the ampoule 14. The insert 43, which forms the container 20, is therefore also part of the activation device.

The housing section 44, which receives the ampoule 14 in the receiving space 19, forms a channel 45 parallel to the receiving space 19, via which, on the one hand, a test collection rod 25, on which a receiving area 27 is formed, can be introduced into the mixing space 21 and, on the other hand, a test liquid contained in the mixing space 21 can be applied to a test cassette 46, which is provided with an indicator strip, by means of a dosing cap 46, which can be inserted into a front end of the channel 45.

The test arrangement 400 is used in such a way that a sample is first obtained using the test collection rod 25. The housing 420 is then activated by pressing the insert 43 into the housing section 44. As a result, the tips 15 and 17 of the ampoule 14 are broken off by means of the ramps 40 and 42 and the test liquid held in the ampoule 14 is released into the mixing chamber 21. The test collection rod 25 is introduced into the mixing chamber 21 via the channel 45. Mixing chamber 20 so that the material arranged on the receiving area 27 can react with the test liquid (cf. Figure 16 ). The test collection rod 25 is then removed from the housing 420 so that the dosing cap 46 can be fitted (cf. Figure 17 ) and the test liquid can be applied to the test cassette 47 via the dosing cap 46. If the test strip of the test cassette 47 then changes color at least in some areas, a certain substance has been detected. Without a color change, the substance in question is not detected.

In the Figures 19 and 20 a test arrangement 500 is shown which has a plastic tube 510 which forms a plastic sleeve 12 in which a receiving space 19 for an ampoule 14 of the type described in connection with the prescribed embodiments is formed. In addition, the plastic tube 510 comprises a pipetting section 50 which is provided with a bellows region 51 and a pipetting tip 52.

Separate from the plastic tube 510, the test arrangement 500 comprises a container 20 which is designed in the manner of a small trough and has a mixing chamber 21. In addition, the test arrangement 500 comprises a test collection rod 25 with a receiving area 27.

Furthermore, a test cassette 47 with a test or indicator strip is provided.

The plastic tube 510 comprises defined pressing areas 32 and 33 as an activation device for breaking off the tips 16 and 17 of the ampoule 15, via which a user can break off the tips 16 and 17 to release the test liquid held in the ampoule 14.

When using the test arrangement 500, a surface or tissue is first wiped over using the test collection stick 25 in order to collect a sample or material. The ampoule 14 is then broken open via the pressing areas 32 and 33 so that the test liquid flows into an interior 53 of the pipetting section 50 of the plastic tube 10. The test liquid is then manually Pressing the bellows area 51 over the pipette tip 52 into the mixing chamber 21 of the container 22. The test collection stick 25 is then dipped with its receiving area 27 into the test liquid in the mixing chamber 21. After a defined dwell time, the test collection stick 25 is removed again and the test liquid mixed with the sample is drawn into the pipette section 50 of the plastic tube 510. This can then be added drop by drop to the test cassette 47. If there is then a color change at least in some areas on the test strip of the test cassette, a certain substance contained in the sample has been detected. Without a color change, there is no detection.

In the Figures 21 and 22 A test arrangement 600 is shown which essentially corresponds to that according to the Figures 19 and 20 corresponds, but differs from this only in that it has an actuating button 39 as an activation device on the plastic tube 510, which is provided with a ramp 40 that interacts with the tip 17 of the ampoule 14, wherein the actuating button 39 can be pressed into the receiving area for the ampoule 14, which forms a plastic sleeve 12. In order to break off the tip 16 of the ampoule 14, a further ramp 42 is formed in the receiving space 19 of the plastic sleeve 12, onto which the tip 16 moves when the actuating button 39 is pressed. The tips 16 and 17 are thus broken off from the ampoule body 15 by pressing the actuating button 39 by means of the ramps 40 and 42.

The application and use of the test arrangement 600 corresponds to that of the test arrangement according to the Figures 19 and 20 , which is why, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the relevant description.

In the Figures 23 to 29 a test arrangement 700 is shown, which has a carrier plate designed as a test cassette 47, on which a container 20 is arranged, which encloses a mixing chamber 21. The container 20 has an annular wall 60.

In the assembled state of the test arrangement 700, a plastic sleeve 12 is inserted into the ring wall 60 of the test arrangement 700, which is provided with a coupling section 22 which has a ring wall 61 whose outer diameter corresponds to the inner diameter of the ring wall 60 of the container 20. The plastic sleeve 12 forms a receiving space 19 for an ampoule 14, which also has two tips 16 and 17, which delimit a cylindrical ampoule body 15 at the end.

As an activation device, the test arrangement 700 comprises an actuation button 39 which can be pressed into the receiving space 19 of the plastic sleeve 12 and has a ramp 40 on the inside which interacts with the tip 17 of the ampoule 14. On the side facing away from the actuation button 39, the plastic sleeve 12 has a further ramp 42 in the region of the coupling section 22 which interacts with the other tip 16 of the ampoule 14.

Between the mixing chamber 21 and the test cassette 47 of the test arrangement 700 there is a transfer channel 62 which can be optionally opened or closed by means of a manually operable slide valve 63.

In addition, a container 64 for reference liquid is arranged on the test cassette 47. By applying axial vertical pressure to the container 64, the reference liquid contained therein can be released in the direction of the test strip of the test cassette 47.

When using the test arrangement 700 to detect a chemical and/or biological substance, the plastic sleeve 12 is first removed from the container 20. The user can then introduce his sputum or another sample from above into the mixing chamber 21 of the container 20. The plastic sleeve 12 is then placed back on the container 20. The user then presses the actuation button 39 in an axial direction so that the tips 16 and 17 of the ampoule 14 are broken off and the test liquid contained therein flows downwards into the mixing chamber 21 and mixes with the sputum. After a particularly defined dwell time, the slide valve 63 is actuated so that the fluid flow between the mixing chamber 21 and the test cassette 47 is released and it can be determined by means of the test strip of the test cassette 47 whether a certain substance, for example a virus, is present in the sputum. The detection is carried out by the test strip undergoing a color change. If necessary, the test result can be checked using the reference liquid by pressing the container 64.

In the Figures 30 to 32 a test arrangement 800 is shown which comprises a plastic sleeve 12 with a receiving space for receiving an ampoule 14 and a container 20 in which a mixing space 21 is formed. The container 20 also has a discharge opening 65 which is closed by means of a cap. Alternatively, the discharge opening 65 can also be closed by means of a one-piece molded and twist-off closure. In addition, the test arrangement 800 has a test cassette 47 with test strips. The plastic sleeve 12 has two defined pressing areas 32 and 33. By exerting manual pressure on the pressing areas 32 and 33, tips 16 and 17 of the ampoule 14 can be broken off at defined predetermined breaking points so that a test liquid held in the ampoule is released.

When using the test arrangement 800, the user first removes the plastic sleeve 12 from the container 20 so that he can introduce sputum or another sample into the mixing chamber 21 of the container 20. He then inserts the plastic sleeve 12 back into the container 20 so that an annular wall 61 of the plastic sleeve 12 rests against a corresponding annular wall of the container 20 from the inside. The insertion depth is determined by an annular collar 67 which is formed on the plastic sleeve 12.

The user then presses on the pressing areas 32 and 33, which represent an activation device, so that the tips 16 and 17 of the ampoule 14 are broken off and the test liquid flows from the ampoule 14 into the mixing chamber 21 and mixes there with the sputum. The mixing process can be assisted by shaking the arrangement if necessary. The cap 66 is then removed and the mixture of the test liquid and the sputum is dosed onto the test cassette 47. If a certain substance, for example a virus, is present in the sputum, the test strip of the test cassette 47 undergoes a color change at least in some areas. This makes it possible to detect this substance, i.e. the virus.

In the Figures 33 to 35 A test arrangement 900 is shown, which largely corresponds to that according to the Figures 30 to 32 but differs from it in that it additionally has a test collection stick 25 which has a receiving area 27 and a shaft 26.

In terms of its structure, the test arrangement 900 corresponds to that according to the Figures 30 to 32 .

However, when used, different from the test arrangement according to the Figures 30 and 32 The sample is collected using the test swab 25, for example from the nasal mucosa of a user. The test swab 25 is then placed in the Figure 35 introduced into the container 20 in the manner shown, so that the receiving area 27 of the test collection stick 25 is in the mixing chamber 21. When the ampoule 14 is opened by breaking off the tips 16 and 17, the receiving area 27 of the test collection stick 25 is flushed with the test liquid, so that the sample arranged on the receiving area 27 can react with the test liquid. Then, after removing the cap 66, the test liquid is applied to the test cassette 47, so that a substance contained in the sample can be detected by means of the test strip of the test cassette 47.

In the Figures 36 to 38 A test arrangement 1000 is shown, which essentially corresponds to that according to the Figures 33 to 35 corresponds, but differs from this in that the plastic sleeve 12 has an actuating button 39 with an internal ramp 40 as an activation device, which interacts with a ramp 42 formed in one piece on the inside of the plastic sleeve 12 in such a way that when the actuating button 39 is moved into the plastic sleeve 12, the tip 17 is broken off by means of the ramp 40 and the tip 16 of the ampoule 14 is broken off by means of the ramp 42, so that the test liquid held in the ampoule 14 can flow into the mixing chamber 21 of the container 20, so that the receiving area 27 of the test collection stick 25 is washed by the test liquid.

Otherwise, the structure and application of arrangement 1000 correspond to the structure and application of the test arrangement according to the Figures 33 to 35 , so that in order to avoid repetition, reference is made to the relevant description.

In the Figures 39 to 41 a test arrangement 1100 is shown which has a plastic sleeve 12 which accommodates a receiving space 19 for a glass ampoule 14 of the type mentioned in the examples described above. The plastic sleeve 12 is arranged on a trough-like container 20 with which it is manufactured in one piece. The container 20 has a mixing chamber 21 which is provided with a spout 70 and is open at the top.

On the side facing away from the container 20, the plastic sleeve 12 has an actuating button 39 as an activation device, which is provided on the inside with a ramp 40 which interacts with a tip 17 of the ampoule 14. On the side facing away from the actuating button 39, the plastic sleeve 12 has a ramp 42 which is formed by a base surface.

In addition, the test arrangement 1100 is provided with a test collection stick 25, which also has a receiving area 27.

During use, a sample is taken from a surface or tissue using the test collection stick 25. The actuating button 39 is then pressed downwards so that the tips 16 and 17 of the ampoule 14 break off by means of the ramps 40 and 42 and the test liquid contained in the ampoule 14 flows through a transfer opening 30 from the plastic sleeve 12 into the mixing chamber 21 of the container 20. The test collection stick 25 is then immersed with its receiving area 27 into the test liquid in the mixing chamber 21, if necessary while stirring.

The test liquid can then be dosed via the spout 70 onto a test cassette 47 with test strips, so that the detection of a substance collected using the test collection stick 25 is possible. If the test strip changes color, the substance has been detected. Without a color change, detection cannot be carried out.

In the Figures 42 and 43 a test arrangement 1200 is shown which has a receiving housing 420 with a base 71 which is formed by a conical wall which is formed on a container 20 which forms a mixing chamber 21. A plastic sleeve 12 is formed in one piece on the container 20 and has a receiving chamber 19 for a glass ampoule 14 which is formed in accordance with the glass ampoule of the embodiments described above.

In addition, the test arrangement 1200 has an insert 72 at the top, which is provided on the one hand with an activation device in the form of a ramp 40 and on the other hand with a drain 70. The ramp 40 is formed by an internal, inclined partition wall.

On the side facing away from the insert 72 which can be axially displaced in the plastic sleeve 12, the container 20 has a further ramp 42 through an inclined boundary wall of the mixing chamber 21, which cooperates with the tip 16 of the ampoule 14.

The diameter of the plastic sleeve 12 is selected such that a test collection rod 25 with its receiving area 27 can be introduced past the ampoule into the mixing chamber 21 via the tube-like insert 72, the outer diameter of the ampoule 15 is therefore smaller than the inner diameter of the plastic sleeve 12.

When using the test arrangement 1200, a sample is first obtained using the test collection stick 25. The test collection stick 25 is then introduced into the mixing chamber 21 with its receiving area 27 via the insert 72 and the free space between the ampoule 14 and the peripheral wall of the plastic sleeve 12 in the manner described above. The insert 72 is then pressed into the plastic sleeve 12 so that the tips 16 and 17 of the ampoule 14 are broken off by means of the ramps 40 and 42 and the test liquid held in the ampoule 14 flows into the mixing chamber 21. In particular, after a defined dwell time, the test collection stick 25 can then be removed and the test liquid can be dosed onto a test cassette 47 via the spout 70. If the substance to be detected is present in the sample, the test strip of the test cassette 47 undergoes a color change. Otherwise there will be no color change.

List of reference symbols

10

test setup

12

plastic sleeve

14

glass ampoule

15

ampoule body

16

Great

17

Great

18

predetermined breaking point

19

recording room

20

container

21

mixing room

22

coupling section

23

Apron

24

ring wall

25

test swabs

26

shaft

27

recording area

28

shaft mount

29

Floor

30

transfer opening

31

channel

32

pressure range

33

pressure range

34

final section

35

floor area

36

ring band

37

Wall

38

activation device

39

operating button

40

ramp

41

projection

42

ramp

43

Mission

44

housing section

45

channel

46

dosing cap

47

test cassette

50

pipetting section

51

bellows area

52

pipette tip

60

ring wall

61

ring wall

62

transfer channel

63

slide valve

64

container

65

discharge opening

66

cap/closure

67

ring band

70

spout

71

foot section

72

Mission

200

test order

300

test setup

400

test setup

420

housing

500

test setup

510

plastic tubes

600

test setup

700

test setup

800

test setup

900

test setup

1000

test setup

1100

test setup

1200

test setup

Claims (15)

Test arrangement for detecting a substance, comprising a plastic sleeve (12), an ampoule (15) which receives a test liquid and which is arranged in the plastic sleeve (12), a container (20) with a mixing chamber (21) for receiving and mixing the test liquid and the substance, and an activation device, the actuation of which breaks open the ampoule (15) so that the test liquid is released into the mixing chamber (21), and a test collection stick (25) for immersion in the mixing chamber (21). Test arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the plastic sleeve (12) and the container (20) are formed by a one-piece component. Test arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the container (20) is detachably connected to the plastic sleeve (12) and the mixing chamber (21) of the container (20) is connected via a transfer opening (30), which is preferably formed on the plastic sleeve (12), to a receiving chamber (19) of the plastic sleeve (12), in which the ampoule (15) is arranged. Test arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the plastic sleeve (12) has a ramp-like projection (41) on the inside which, when the activation device is actuated, interacts with the ampoule (15) in such a way that a tip (16, 17) of the same is broken off. Test arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the activation device defines pressure areas (32, 33) of the plastic sleeve (12) . Test arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the plastic sleeve (12) comprises a pipetting bellows or a bellows-like end section (34). Test arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the container (20) has a base. Test arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the container (20) has a discharge opening (65) and/or a spout (70). Test arrangement according to claim 8, characterized in that the discharge opening (65) is provided with a manually releasable closure (66). Test arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the plastic sleeve (12) has an apron (23) which surrounds the container (20). Test arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the container (20) has a stop on its circumference which cooperates with the apron (23). Test arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the test collection rod (25) is attached to the plastic sleeve (12) and dips into the container (20), wherein the test collection rod (25) is preferably inserted into a shaft receptacle (28) of the plastic sleeve (12). Test arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the activation device comprises an actuating button (39) which can be pressed into the plastic sleeve (12) and has on its inner side a particularly flat ramp (40) which cooperates with a tip (17) of the ampoule (15). Test arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the container (20) is attached to a test cassette (47), which is preferably provided with a test strip or the like, wherein preferably a valve (63) is provided which controls a liquid flow between the mixing chamber (21) of the container (20) and a test chamber of the test cassette (47) and which in particular has a manually depressible actuating button. Test arrangement according to claim 14, characterized in that a container (64) with a reference liquid is arranged on the test cassette (47).

Images