GB2452583A - Stool sample collection device - Google Patents

Stool sample collection device Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2452583A
GB2452583A GB0806550A GB0806550A GB2452583A GB 2452583 A GB2452583 A GB 2452583A GB 0806550 A GB0806550 A GB 0806550A GB 0806550 A GB0806550 A GB 0806550A GB 2452583 A GB2452583 A GB 2452583A
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Prior art keywords
stool sample
sample collection
collection device
platform
bowl
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GB0806550A
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GB2452583B (en
GB0806550D0 (en
Inventor
Neil Mcbride Mccance
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ELLEN CLAIRE MCCANCE
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ELLEN CLAIRE MCCANCE
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B10/00—Other methods or instruments for diagnosis, e.g. instruments for taking a cell sample, for biopsy, for vaccination diagnosis; Sex determination; Ovulation-period determination; Throat striking implements
    • A61B10/0038—Devices for taking faeces samples; Faecal examination devices

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention provides a stool sample collection device 1 comprising a platform 2 for supporting a stool sample and four bowl engaging portions 4 arranged around the platform to engage with the inside surface of a toilet bowl, above the water line, and support the platform within a toilet bowl, wherein the four bowl engaging portions 4 are arranged generally in the form of a rectangle having a length of 120 to 250 mm and a width, which is shorter than the length, of 110 to 150 mm, the platform 2 having a first edge 12 extending parallel to the length of the rectangle between two bowl engaging portions, wherein the first edge 12 is configured to leave a gap for the passage of urine between the first edge and a toilet bowl in use.

Description

1 2452583 1 Stool Sample Collection Device
3 Field of the invention
The present invention relates to the field of stool sample collection and more 6 particularly to stool sample collection devices for use in Faecal Occult Blood Tests 7 and other faecal tests.
9 Backciround to the invention II Several medical procedures require analysis of a patient's stool sample. For 12 example, bowel cancer screening programs have recently begun in the UK and an 13 early detection of the disease can be facilitated by stool sample analysis. Stool 14 sample collection kits are sent to screening programme participants. However, many 1 5 kits are not returned for analysis.
17 Such a stool sample must avoid cross-contamination by both toilet water and urine to 18 provide accurate information regarding the health of a patient providing a sample.
19 However, many previously proposed stool sample collection kits are difficult to use and cross-contamination is difficult to avoid. Secondly, many stool sample collection 2 1 kits are compatible with only a limited range of toilets and so many patients will find 22 that such kits do not accurately fit the dimensions of the rim of their toilet bowl. The 23 difficult and distasteful nature of the test has resulted in around half of all stool 24 sample requests being left unanswered in recent pilot bowel cancer screening programs.
2 One stool sample collection device, disclosed in US 5,412,819 (Matusewicz), 3 comprises a flexible material platform which is demountably retained to the rim of a 4 toilet bowl. The platform comprises holes allowing liquids to pass through the device.
The position of the platform, attached to the rim of a toilet bowl, minimizes the 6 possibility of cross-contamination of the stool sample with toilet water; however, 7 cross-contamination with urine is still possible as the urine may be in contact with the 8 stool sample. The device also requires a complicated folding procedure to correctly 9 implement the test which is difficult for many users to perform.
11 A further stool sample collection device, disclosed in us 5,463,782 (Carlson), 12 comprises a flexible material platform, which is attached to the rim of a toilet bowl, but 13 which hangs down from the plane of the rim of the toilet bowl and has a cut-away 14 portion at the front side of the device to allow for the passage of urine whilst minimizing the contact between urine and a collected stool sample. This device, 16 however, remains in close proximity to a user and, as such, a user is likely to feel an 17 increased amount of discomfort due to the distasteful nature of stool sample 18 collection. Secondly, the device also requires a complicated folding procedure to 19 correctly facilitate the test which many users would find difficult.
I
21 A different type of biological sample collection device is disclosed in WO 22 2005/084554A1 (Walmsley) comprising a platform which lies below the rim of a toilet 23 bowl, above the water line, and a receptacle for the collection of urine. The device is 24 attached by an attachment means to the inside surface of a toilet bowl. The risk of cross-contamination with toilet water is reduced. However, the attachment of the 26 device to the receptacle for urine collection means that cross-contamination is a 27 distinct possibility. Secondly, the attachment of the device to the inside surface of the 28 toilet bowl is a distasteful task for a user. Furthermore, there is a risk that the 29 collection platform does not retain a stool sample intended for collection as the platform does not cover certain areas of the inside of a toilet bowl.
32 DE 20 2005 019874 ui (Kramer) discloses a stool sample collection device which is 33 square, meaning that it cannot be tilted, which remains fixed in use and requires a 34 separate disposable cover sheet with a pull-out tab.
36 DE 10 2005 012 207 (Schindler) discloses a stool sample collection device made 37 from rods of baked bread-like material. It is not rigid and requires a multi-stage 1 flushing procedure.
3 Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a stool sample collection device which is easy 4 to use, is hygienic for a user, minimizes the possibility of cross contamination with both toilet water and urine, and is compatible with a range of sizes of toilet bowls.
7 Summary of the invention
9 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a stool sample collection device comprising a platform for supporting a stool sample and four bowl I I engaging portions arranged around the platform to engage with the inside surface of 12 a toilet bowl, above the water line, and support the platform within a toilet bowl, 13 wherein the four bowl engaging portions are arranged generally in the form of a 14 rectangle having a length of 120 to 250 mm and a width, which is shorter than the length, of 110 to 150 mm, the platform having a first edge extending parallel to the 16 length of the rectangle between two bowl engaging portions, wherein the first edge is 17 configured to leave a gap for the passage of urine between the first edge and a toilet 18 bowlin use.
Preferably, the generally rectangular shape defined by the four bowl engaging 21 portions of the stool sample collection device allows such a device to be placed 22 inside toilet bowls of a range of sizes, above the water line, and the generally 23 rectangular dimensions allow for the stool sample collection device to be tilted after 24 use to dispose of faeces supported on a pad of tissue.
26 Preferably, the four bowl engaging portions are arranged generally in the form of a 27 rectangle having a length of 140 to 225 mm and a width, which is shorter than the 28 length, ofilOto 130 mm.
We have found that a device with those dimensions is usable reliably with the vast 3 I majority of toilet bowls, at least in the UK. It is supported stably and can be tilted, 32 after use, to let a pad of toilet paper and faeces slide off.
34 Most preferably, the four bowl engaging portions are arranged generally in the form of a rectangle having a length of 180 mm. Most preferably, the four bowl engaging 36 portions are arranged generally in the form of a rectangle having a width, which is 37 shorter than the length, of 120 mm.
2 Alternatively, the four bowl engaging portions may be arranged generally in the form 3 of a rectangle having a length of 195 mm and a width of 130 mm. In this case, the 4 platform may have a thickness of 6 mm.
(-The stool sample collection device may comprise four bowl engaging portions which 7 are integral to the platform. In this case, each bowl engaging portion may be defined 8 by a convex vertex of a polygon shape defining the platform. Preferably, the polygon 9 shape defining the platform is a simple convex polygon shape, for example the platform may have a simple convex quadrilateral shape such as a rectangle or an 1 I isosceles trapezium.
13 Alternatively, or additionally, the platform may be generally arranged in the form of a 14 cyclic polygon having a circumcircle which touches each vertex of the cyclic polygon, wherein the circumcircle may be defined generally by the circle lying in the plane of 16 the four bowl engaging portions which touches each bowl engaging portion. This 17 facilitates the engagement of the bowl engaging portions with a toilet bowl.
1 8 Preferably, the cyclic polygon which defines the platform is a convex cyclic 19 quadrilateral. In this case, each vertex of the convex cyclic quadrilateral functions as a bowl engaging portion.
22 One or more (preferably all) of the four bowl engaging portions may protrude from the 23 platform. Preferably, one or more of the four bowl engaging portions is joined to the 24 platform at a convex vertex of a simple polygon shape which defines the platform.
26 The stool sample collection device may comprise a platform, the entirety of which is 27 rigid. Preferably, said rigid platform has a thickness of between 1 and 10 mm. Most 28 preferably, said rigid platform has a thickness of between 4 and 6 mm. The thickness 29 of the platform may be 6mm. The rigid platform may comprise one or more hinges to enable the platform to be folded or rolled up.
32 Alternatively, the stool sample collection device may comprise a platform which is 33 flexible, at least in part. The stool sample collection device may alternatively 34 comprise a platform which is resilient. In this case, the platform may comprise a flexible and/or resilient platform portion bounded on at least two sides by a resilient 36 (typically rigid) scaffold member. Preferably, the platform portion is bounded on at 37 least two opposite sides by resilient scaffold members.
2 Typically, the platform portion may be bounded by a resilient scaffold member on at 3 least two opposite sides which are in a direction generally parallel to the length of the 4 rectangle between the four bowl engaging portions. Alternatively, or additionally, the platform portion may be bounded by a resilient scaffold member on at least two 6 opposite sides which are in a direction generally parallel to the width of the rectangle 7 between the four bowl engaging portions. In these cases, the resilient scaffold 8 members may be elongate.
Preferably, each resilient scaffold member defines at least one side of a simple 11 convex polygon shape, the resilient scaffold members together comprising four bowl 12 engaging portions wherein one or more of the four bowl engaging portions may be 13 integral to a resilient scaffold member at a convex vertex of a simple convex polygon 14 shape defined by the resilient scaffold member. Accordingly, the resilient scaffold members together may define the shape of the platform. In one embodiment, 16 opposite sides of the platform portion have elongate scaffold members attached 17 thereto, and the ends of the elongate scaffold members are the bowl engaging 18 portions.
One or more (preferably all) of the four bowl engaging portions may protrude from a 21 resilient scaffold member at a convex vertex of a simple convex polygon shape 22 defined by the resilient scaffold member.
24 The platform portion may be bounded entirely by a resilient scaffold member. In this case, the resilient scaffold member may have a simple convex polygon shape, the 26 resilient scaffold member comprising four bowl engaging portions wherein one or 27 more of the four bowl engaging portions may be integral to the resilient scaffold 28 member at a convex vertex of a polygon shape defined by the resilient scaffold 29 member.
31 Preferably, the resilient scaffold member is defined by a simple convex polygon 32 shape, for example the resilient scaffold member may be in the shape of a simple 33 convex quadrilateral shape such as a rectangle or an isosceles trapezium.
Alternatively, or additionally, the resilient scaffold member may be generally arranged 36 in the form of a cyclic polygon having a circumcircle which touches each vertex of the 37 cyclic polygon, wherein the circumcircle may be defined generally by the circle lying 1 in the plane of the four bowl engaging portions which touches each bowl engaging 2 portion. Preferably, the cyclic polygon which defines the resilient scaffold member is 3 a convex cyclic quadrilateral. In this case, each vertex of the convex cyclic 4 quadrilateral functions as a bowl engaging portion.
6 One or more (preferably all) of the four bowl engaging portions may protrude from the 7 resilient scaffold member. Preferably, one or more of the four bowl engaging portions 8 is joined to the resilient scaffold member at a convex vertex of a simple polygon 9 shape which defines the resilient scaffold member.
11 Preferably, the resilient scaffold members may be arranged to provide a resilient 12 support for the flexible platform portion in a direction parallel to the length of the 13 rectangle between the four bowl engaging portions. In this case, the stool sample 14 collection device may be flexible in the direction parallel to the width of the rectangle between the four bowl engaging portions so that the device may be folded or rolled 16 up.
I 8 Alternatively, the resilient scaffold members may be arranged to provide a resilient 19 support for the flexible platform portion in a direction parallel to the width of the rectangle between the four bowl engaging portions. In this case, the stool sample 21 collection device may be flexible in the direction parallel to the length of the rectangle 22 between the four bowl engaging portions so that the device may be folded or rolled 23 up.
Typically, the platform comprises a second edge extending parallel to the length of 26 the rectangle between two bowl engaging portions, wherein the second edge may be 27 configured to leave a gap between the second edge and a toilet bowl in use. The 28 platform may also comprise a third edge extending parallel to the width of the 29 rectangle between two bowl engaging portions, wherein the third edge may be configured to leave a gap between the third edge and a toilet bowl in use. The 3 I platform may further comprise a fourth edge extending parallel to the width of the 32 rectangle between two bowl engaging portions, wherein the fourth edge may be 33 configured to leave a gap between the fourth edge and a toilet bowl in use.
Alternatively, in embodiments comprising a polygonal platform with more than four 36 edges, the platform may comprise further edges corresponding to the number of 37 edges extending between two adjacent vertices of the polygon, wherein any further I edge may be configured to leave a gap between said further edge and a toilet bowl in 2 use.
4 Preferably, the platform may be tiltable such that when the platform of a stool sample collection device is supporting a collected stool sample, the stool sample collection 6 device may be tilted to allow the collected stool sample to slip between the first edge 7 of the platform and the gap. Alternatively, the stool sample collection device may be 8 tiltable such that when the platform of a stool sample collection device is supporting a 9 collected stool sample, the stool sample collection device may be tilted to allow the collected stool sample to slip between any edge of the platform and a gap formed I I between said edge and the toilet bowl upon tilting taking place.
13 One or more of the edges of the platform may be curved. One or more curved edges 14 may be curved in such a way that the curvature of said edge is concave. One or IS more curved edges may be curved in such a way that the curvature of said edge is 16 convex. One or more of the edges of the platform may be curved in such a way that 17 one or more portions of said edge has concave curvature and one or more portions of 1 8 said edge has convex curvature.
The platform may comprise an aperture therethrough. The stool sample collection 21 device is hangable by said aperture for storage. The aperture may also function as 22 decorative means and/or to allow for a reduction in weight of the stool sample 23 collection device. The platform may comprise a plurality of apertures therethrough, 24 wherein the plurality of apertures may allow for a further reduction in weight of the stool sample collection device. In general, urine preferably does not flow down 26 through the aperture or apertures when the stool sample collection device is in use.
27 Instead, urine flows down through the gap between the first edge of the platform and 28 a toilet bowl in use. However, the number of said apertures may be limited to at most 29 three, at most two, or only one, in order to reduce the number of surfaces where microbes may grow and/or to reduce friction when sliding a pad of toilet paper off the 31 platform.
33 Preferably, the platform is monolithic. Preferably, the platform has a smooth surface 34 for supporting toilet paper, so that the toilet paper can readily slide off when the platform is tilted.
37 The overall shape of the stool sample collection device may be in the style of a fish.
2 According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a toilet bowl 3 containing a stool sample collection device of the first aspect arranged such that the 4 stool sample collection device is located inside the toilet bowl above the water line, four bowl engaging portions are engaged with the bowl and the first edge of the 6 platform is configured to leave a gap for the passage of urine between the first edge 7 and a toilet bowl in use.
9 Preferably, the stool sample collection device is arranged such that the first edge of the platform is configured to face towards the forward portion of the inside surface of 11 a toilet bowl.
13 According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a universal 14 device which forms a horizontal platform inside any toilet bowl, resting above the level of the water, to catch faeces for sampling, whilst allowing urine (which is 16 released at the same time) to pass down into the bowl. The universal device 17 according to the third aspect preferably has dimensions of 195 mm x 130 mm x 6 18 mm. Further optional features correspond to those discussed above in relation to the 19 first two aspects of the invention.
21 According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of 22 collecting a stool sample including the step of inserting a stool sample collection 23 device according to the first aspect (or a universal device according to the third 24 aspect) into the bowl of a toilet above the water line such that the first edge is configured to leave a gap for the passage of urine between the first edge and a toilet 26 bowl in use.
28 According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a stool sample 29 collection kit comprising a stool sample collection device of the first aspect (or a universal device according to the third aspect) and a container for containing a stool 31 sample.
33 Preferably, the stool sample collection kit also comprises an address label for 34 attachment to the container wherein the address label comprises the address to which the stool sample is to be sent.
37 Preferably, the stool sample collection kit comprises an instruction manual which 1 contains instructions relevant to the use of the stool sample collection kit, for example 2 the instruction manual may comprise the method according to the fourth aspect.
4 Preferably, the stool sample collection kit comprises a spatula for use to decant a portion of a collected stool sample from the platform of the stool sample collection 6 device to the container.
8 Preferably, the stool sample collection kit comprises a stool sample collection device 9 according to the first aspect comprising a flexible platform portion surrounded, in part, by a resilient scaffold wherein the flexible platform portion allows the stool sample I I collection device to be rolled or folded up, wherein the stool sample collection device 12 is provided folded up within the kit.
14 Description of the Drawincis
16 An example embodiment of the present invention will now be illustrated with 17 reference to the following Figures in which: 19 Figure 1 is a plan view of a stool sample collection device; 21 Figure 2 is a plan view of a stool sample collection device placed within a toilet bowl; 2') 23 Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a stool sample collection device placed within a 24 toilet bowl; and 26 Figure 4 is a plan view of stool sample collection device comprising a scaffold.
28 Detailed Description of an Example Embodiment
Figure 1 is a plan view of a stool sample collection device 1 according to the present 31 invention. The stool sample collection device comprises a platform 2 for supporting a 32 stool sample, and four bowl engaging portions 4 arranged around the platform. The 33 four bowl engaging portions are arranged in the form of a rectangle having a length 34 dimension 6 of 180 mm, and a width dimension 10 of 120 mm. The platform comprises first and second edges, 12 and 14 respectively, extending parallel to the 36 length of the rectangle between two bowl engaging portions. The platform further 37 comprises third and fourth edges, 16 and 18 respectively, wherein the third and fourth 1 edges extend parallel to the width of the rectangle between two bowl engaging 2 portions. The platform also comprises an aperture 20 and a cut away portion 22 3 located on the third edge intermediate the two bowl engaging portions joined to said 4 edge.
6 Figure 2 is a plan view of a stool sample collection device 1 placed within a toilet bowl 7 50 in use. The four bowl engaging portions 4 engage with the inside surface of the 8 toilet bowl 52. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a stool sample collection device 1 9 placed within a toilet bowl 50. The four bowl engaging portions engage with the inside surface of the toilet bowl 52 and support the platform above the water line 54 11 but below the rim of the toilet bowl 56.
13 The stool sample collection device can be placed with the first edge of the platform 14 facing the forward portion of the inside surface of a toilet bowl in which the stool sample collection device is placed. The first edge is configured to leave a gap 16 between the first edge and said forward facing portion of the inside surface of the 17 toilet bowl. In this embodiment, the third and fourth edges are also configured to 1 8 leave a gap between each of the two side facing portions of the inside surface of a 19 toilet bowl in which the stool sample collection device is placed.
21 A user would typically place a pad of toilet paper on the platform of the stool sample 22 collection device and sit on the toilet seat, as is normal during defecation. During 23 defecation the user deposits a stool sample onto the pad of paper which rests on the 24 platform and the stool sample is supported, by the platform, above the water line of the toilet bowl but below the rim of the toilet bowl.
27 If a user urinated during defecation then the urine would flow through the gap 28 between the first edge and the forward facing portion of the inside surface of the toilet 29 bowl, leaving the collected stool sample uncontaminated by urine. The user would then typically obtain a portion of the supported stool sample which is to be analysed 31 using, for example, a disposable spatula.
33 After the portion of the supported stool sample which is to be analysed is retrieved 34 the user can tilt the stool sample collection device towards the forward facing portion of the inside surface of a toilet bowl in which the stool sample collection device is 36 placed which allows the supported stool sample, together with the pad of toilet paper, 37 to slide downwards towards the water line of the toilet bowl. The user can then flush 1 the toilet as is normal after use.
3 The user can then remove the stool sample collection device from the toilet bowl and 4 clean the device which can then be stored or hung by the aperture for future use.
6 The stool sample collection device is made from a rigid material such as a rigid 7 plastics material or a rigid wood, such as Medium-Density Fibreboard (MDF).
9 The dimensions of the rectangle between the four bowl engaging portions have been chosen to allow the stool sample collection device to be inserted into a range of toilet 11 bowl sizes whilst always remaining above the water line but below the rim of a toilet 12 bowl in use. As such, there is a standard size for the stool sample collection device 13 which will minimize production costs and will also increase the simplicity of use as a 14 user will not need to choose the relevant size of stool sample collection device for their size of toilet bowl. Stool sample test kits can be sent out to many people with 16 the standard size of stool sample collection device.
18 The stool sample collection device could be of any suitable shape, as long as the four 19 bowl engaging portions are arranged generally in the form of a rectangle having a length of 120 to 250mm and a width, which is shorter than the length, of 110 to 150 21 mm and that the stool sample collection device has a first edge which is configured to 22 leave a gap for the passage of urine between the first edge and a toilet bowl in use.
23 For example, the stool sample collection device could be a generally rectangular 24 shape. Equally, the stool sample collection device could be a generally hexagonal shape.
27 The stool sample collection device can be easily inserted into a toilet bowl and it does 28 not require any preparation, such as intricate folding, unlike many existing stool 29 sample collection devices. As the stool sample collection device is so easy to use it should facilitate a better return rate of stool samples for screening programs involving 3 1 a stool sample analysis.
33 The stool sample collection device reduces the risk of cross-contamination of a 34 collected stool sample with both toilet water and urine, for both male and female users, which is necessary for accurate analysis of a collected stool sample.
37 The stool sample collection device sits below the rim of a toilet in use, unlike many I existing examples of stool sample collection devices. The presence of the device is 2 not obvious to a user who is seated on the toilet seat, allowing a user to feel reduced 3 levels of distastefulness regarding stool sample collection.
The stool sample collection device minimizes human contact with both the stool 6 sample collection device and a collected stool sample; there is little risk of a user 7 coming into unwanted contact with both the stool sample collection device and a 8 collected stool sample as the device lies well below the rim of a toilet seat in use.
1 0 As the stool sample collection device can be tilted to allow a collected stool sample to 11 slip between the first edge and the gap, the stool sample collection device can be 12 removed and cleaned for reuse as necessary.
14 Furthermore, as the stool sample collection device is made from a rigid material, such as a plastics material, the stool sample collection device can be shaped into a novelty 16 shape, such as a novelty fish, to help detract from the distasteful nature of collecting 1 7 a stool sample for analysis.
19 In a second example, shown in Figure 4, the stool sample collection device 30 comprises a flexible platform portion 32 which is surrounded on the first and second 21 edges, 34 and 36 respectively, by elongate rigid scaffold members 38. The stool 22 sample collection devices further comprises four bowl engaging portions 40 arranged 23 around the platform. The four bowl engaging portions are arranged in the form of a 24 rectangle having a length dimension 42 of 180 mm, and a width dimension 44 of 120 mm. The stool sample collection device also comprises a plurality of apertures 46 26 located on the flexible platform portion.
28 In this example, the rigid scaffold members are arranged to provide support to the 29 flexible platform portion in a direction parallel to the length of the rectangle between the four bowl engaging portions. The flexible platform portion has a degree of 31 resilience which allows the platform to support a stool sample but also allows for the 32 flexible platform portion to be folded or rolled up when not in use. As the stool 33 sample collection device comprises a flexible platform portion, the stool sample 34 collection device can be folded or rolled up in a direction parallel to the width of the rectangle between the four bowl engaging portions when not in use, or when it is 36 posted to users in the form of a kit.
1 Furthermore, the platform comprises a plurality of apertures which are arranged in 2 theformofa grid.
4 In a third ex ample, the platform is made from colourful, 6mm thick, anti-bacterial polyethylene board, or another material such as wood, and has four points of contact 6 at the periphery generally in the form of a rectangle having a length of 195 mm and a 7 widthofl3Omm.
9 Further modifications can be made within the scope of the invention herein disclosed.

Claims (1)

  1. Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows 1 Claims 3 1. A stool sample collection device comprising a platform for supporting a stool 4 sample and four bowl engaging portions arranged around the platform to engage with the inside surface of a toilet bowl, above the water line, and 6 support the platform within a toilet bowl, wherein the four bowl engaging 7 portions are arranged generally in the form of a rectangle having a length of 8 120 to 250mm and a width, which is shorter than the length, of 110 to 150mm, 9 the platform having a first edge extending parallel to the length of the rectangle between two bowl engaging portions, wherein the first edge is 11 configured to leave a gap for the passage of urine between the first edge and 12 a toilet bowl in use.
    14 2. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 1, wherein the four bowl engaging portions are arranged generally in the form of a rectangle having a 16 length of 140 to 225 mm and a width, which is shorter than the length, of 110 17 tol30mm.
    19 3. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the four bowl engaging portions are arranged generally in the form of a rectangle 21 having a length of 180 mm and a width of 120 mm.
    23 4. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 24 wherein the four bowl engaging portions are defined by a convex vertex of a polygon shape defining the platform.
    27 5. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 28 wherein the polygon shape defining the platform is a simple convex polygon 29 shape.
    31 6. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 32 wherein at least one bowl engaging portion protrudes from the platform.
    34 7. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, wherein the platform is rigid.
    1 8. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 2 wherein the platform has a thickness between 1 and 10 mm.
    4 9. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, wherein the platform comprises a flexible platform portion.
    7 10. A stool sample collection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, 8 wherein the platform comprises a resilient platform portion.
    11. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein 11 the platform portion is bounded by resilient scaffold members on at least two 12 opposIte sides.
    14 12. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the platform portion is bounded by resilient scaffold members on at least two 16 sides which are in a direction generally parallel to the length of the rectangle 17 between the four bowl engaging portions.
    19 13. A stool sample collection device according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the platform portion is bounded by resilient scaffold members on at 21 least two sides which are in a direction generally parallel to the width of the 22 rectangle between the four bowl engaging portions.
    24 14. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the platform portion is bounded entirely by a resilient scaffold member.
    27 15. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 14, wherein the resilient 28 scaffold member comprises four bowl engaging portions wherein one or more 29 of the four bowl engaging portions are integral to the resilient scaffold member at a convex vertex of the shape defining the resilient scaffold member.
    32 16. A stool sample collection devices according to any one of Claims 9 to 15, 33 wherein at least one bowl engaging portion protrudes from a resilient scaffold 34 member.
    1 17. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 2 wherein the stool sample collection device can be tilted to allow a collected 3 stool sample to slip between the first edge of the platform and the gap.
    18. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 6 wherein the stool sample collection device can be tilted to allow a collected 7 stool sample to slip between any edge and a gap between said edge and a 8 toilet bowl upon tilting taking place.
    19. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 11 wherein the platform comprises an aperture.
    13 20. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 21, wherein the platform 14 comprises a plurality of apertures.
    16 21. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 00 17 wherein at least one of the edges of the platform are curved. °18
    0") 19 22. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim which 0 20 is generally in the shape of a fish.
    " 22 23. A toilet bowl containing a stool sample collection device according to any one 23 of Claims I to 24, wherein the stool sample collection device is located inside 24 the toilet bowl above the water line, four bowl engaging portions are engaged with the bowl and the first edge of the platform is configured to leave a gap for 26 the passage of urine between the first edge and a toilet bowl in use.
    28 24. A universal device which forms a horizontal platform inside any toilet bowl, 29 resting above the level of the water, to catch faeces for sampling, whilst allowing urine to pass down into the bowl.
    32 25. A method of collecting a stool sample including the step of inserting a stool 33 sample collection device according to any one of Claims I to 24 into a bowl of 34 a toilet, above the water line, such that the first edge is configured to leave a gap for the passage of urine between the first edge and a toilet bowl in use.
    1 26. A stool sample collection kit comprising a stool sample collection device 2 according to any one of Claims 1 to 24 and a container for containing a stool 3 sample.
    27. A stool sample collection kit according to Claim 28, wherein the kit comprises 6 an address label for attachment to the container wherein the address label 7 comprises the address to which the stool sample should be sent.
    9 28. A stool sample collection kit according to any one of Claims 28 and 29, wherein the kit comprises an instruction manual which contains instructions 11 relevant to the use of the stool sample collection kit.
    13 29. A stool sample collection kit according to any one of Claims 28 to 30, wherein 14 the kit comprises a spatula.
    16 30. A stool sample collection kit according to any one of Claims 28 to 31, wherein CO 17 the kit comprises a stool sample collection device comprising a flexible 0 18 platform portion surrounded, in part, by a rigid scaffold wherein the flexible 0) 19 platform portion allows the stool sample collection device to be rolled or 0 20 folded up.
    I Claims 3 1. A stool sample collection device comprising a platform for supporting a stool 4 sample and four bowl engaging portions arranged around the platform to engage with the inside surface of a toilet bowl, above the water line, and 6 support the platform within a toilet bowl, wherein the four bowl engaging 7 portions are arranged generally in the form of a rectangle having a length of 8 120 to 250mm and a width, which is shorter than the length, of 110 to 150mm, 9 the platform having a first edge extending parallel to the length of the rectangle between two bowl engaging portions, wherein the first edge is II configured to leave a gap for the passage of urine between the first edge and 12 a toilet bowl in use.
    14 2. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 1, wherein the four bowl IS engaging portions are arranged generally in the form of a rectangle having a 16 length of 140 to 225 mm and a width, which is shorter than the length, of 110 17 tol30mm.
    19 3. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the four bowl engaging portions are arranged generally in the form of a rectangle 21 having a length of 180mm and a width of 120 mm.
    23 4. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 24 wherein the four bowl engaging portions are defined by a convex vertex of a polygon shape defining the platform.
    27 5. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 28 wherein the polygon shape defining the platform is a simple convex polygon 29 shape.
    31 6. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 32 wherein at least one bowl engaging portion protrudes from the platform.
    34 7. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, wherein the platform is rigid.
    1 8. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 2 wherein the platform has a thickness between 1 and 10 mm.
    4 9. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, wherein the platform comprises a flexible platform portion.
    7 10. A stool sample collection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, 8 wherein the platform comprises a resilient platform portion.
    11. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein 11 the platform portion is bounded by resilient scaffold members on at least two 12 opposite sides.
    14 12. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein IS the platform portion is bounded by resilient scaffold members on at least two 16 sides which are in a direction generally parallel to the length of the rectangle 17 between the four bowl engaging portions.
    19 13. A stool sample collection device according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, wherein the platform portion is bounded by resilient scaffold members on at 21 least two sides which are in a direction generally parallel to the width of the 22 rectangle between the four bowl engaging portions.
    24 14. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the platform portion is bounded entirely by a resilient scaffold member.
    27 15. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 14, wherein the resilient 28 scaffold member comprises four bowl engaging portions wherein one or more 29 of the four bowl engaging portions are integral to the resilient scaffold member at a convex vertex of the shape defining the resilient scaffold member.
    32 16. A stool sample collection devices according to any one of Claims 9 to 15, 33 wherein at least one bowl engaging portion protrudes from a resilient scaffold 34 member.
    1 19. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 2 wherein the stool sample collection device can be tilted to allow a collected 3 stool sample to slip between the first edge of the platform and the gap.
    20. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 6 wherein the stool sample collection device can be tilted to allow a collected 7 stool sample to slip between any edge and a gap between said edge and a 8 toilet bowl upon tilting taking place.
    21. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 11 wherein the platform comprises an aperture.
    13 22. A stool sample collection device according to Claim 21, wherein the platform 14 comprises a plurality of apertures.
    16 23. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim, 17 wherein at least one of the edges of the platform are curved.
    19 24. A stool sample collection device according to any one preceding Claim which is generally in the shape of a fish.
    22 25 A toilet bowl containing a stool sample collection device according to any one 23 of Claims 1 to 24, wherein the stool sample collection device is located inside 24 the toilet bowl above the water line, four bowl engaging portions are engaged with the bowl and the first edge of the platform is configured to leave a gap for 26 the passage of urine between the first edge and a toilet bowl in use.
    28 26. A universal device which forms a horizontal platform inside any toilet bowl, 29 resting above the level of the water, to catch faeces for sampling, whilst allowing urine to pass down into the bowl 3' 32 27. A method of collecting a stool sample including the step of inserting a stool 33 sample collection device according to any one of Claims 1 to 24 into a bowl of 34 a toilet, above the water line, such that the first edge is configured to leave a gap for the passage of urine between the first edge and a toilet bowl in use.
    1 28. A stool sample collection kit comprising a stool sample collection device 2 according to any one of Claims 1 to 24 and a container for containing a stool 3 sample.
    29. A stool sample collection kit according to Claim 28, wherein the kit comprises 6 an address label for attachment to the container wherein the address label 7 comprises the address to which the stool sample should be sent.
    9 30. A stool sample collection kit according to any one of Claims 28 and 29, wherein the kit comprises an instruction manual which contains instructions 11 relevant to the use of the stool sample collection kit.
    13 31. A stool sample collection kit according to any one of Claims 28 to 30, wherein 14 the kit comprises a spatula.
    16 32. A stool sample collection kit according to any one of Claims 28 to 31, wherein 17 the kit comprises a stool sample collection device comprising a flexible 18 platlorm portion surrounded, in part, by a rigid scaffold wherein the flexible 19 platform portion allows the stool sample collection device to be rolled or folded up.
GB0806550A 2007-09-07 2008-04-11 Stool sample collection device Expired - Fee Related GB2452583B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0717426A GB0717426D0 (en) 2007-09-07 2007-09-07 Stool sample collection device

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GB0806550D0 GB0806550D0 (en) 2008-05-14
GB2452583A true GB2452583A (en) 2009-03-11
GB2452583B GB2452583B (en) 2010-05-05

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GB0717426A Ceased GB0717426D0 (en) 2007-09-07 2007-09-07 Stool sample collection device
GB0806550A Expired - Fee Related GB2452583B (en) 2007-09-07 2008-04-11 Stool sample collection device

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB0717426A Ceased GB0717426D0 (en) 2007-09-07 2007-09-07 Stool sample collection device

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GB (2) GB0717426D0 (en)

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6640355B1 (en) * 2002-09-06 2003-11-04 James A. Samide In-bowl stool sample collection device
DE202005019874U1 (en) * 2005-12-20 2006-03-02 Kramer, Peter Cover for inserting into deep flushing toilets has cover with cover sheet and is provided with extraction device and is characterized by inserting direction of cover
DE102005012207A1 (en) * 2005-03-15 2006-09-28 Schindler, Heinz, Dipl.-Ing. Device for removing stool samples from a flush down type toilet comprises rods placed together with the center bridging the inner chamber of the toilet horizontally and at right angles to the longitudinal axis above the water level

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6640355B1 (en) * 2002-09-06 2003-11-04 James A. Samide In-bowl stool sample collection device
DE102005012207A1 (en) * 2005-03-15 2006-09-28 Schindler, Heinz, Dipl.-Ing. Device for removing stool samples from a flush down type toilet comprises rods placed together with the center bridging the inner chamber of the toilet horizontally and at right angles to the longitudinal axis above the water level
DE202005019874U1 (en) * 2005-12-20 2006-03-02 Kramer, Peter Cover for inserting into deep flushing toilets has cover with cover sheet and is provided with extraction device and is characterized by inserting direction of cover

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GB2452583B (en) 2010-05-05
GB0717426D0 (en) 2007-10-17
GB0806550D0 (en) 2008-05-14

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Effective date: 20130411