Abstract A cervical scraper unit is provided and particularly for utilization by the female herself for collecting a cytological sample, including endocervical and exocervical cells as well as exudate, from the vagina or cervix, which unit is arranged to protect the sample as it is withdrawn from the vagina, thus avoiding unnecessary exposure of the sample to contaminants. An improved method of making Pap smear slides is also disclosed herein. The unit comprises an insertion tube containing an elongated sample handle holding a generally conically shaped, rounded apex collector portion made of a soft, resilient, fluidresistant, porous material, such as polyurethane foam, and having a plurality of flexible petal-like appendages which serve to protect the collector portion prior to and after the sample is obtained.
In a cervical scraper adapted for the self-imposed obtaining of a full representation of cells from a cervix and for safely transferring the cells to a microscopic slide; and having an elongated substantially rigid supporting rod with a substantially conical scraper head of flexible, soft, absorbent resilient material disposed on one end thereof; the combinatiOn which comprises a covering of a plurality of flexible petal-like appendages fixed at one of their ends and attached on said scraper adjacent the junction between said supporting rod and said scraper head; said appendages being disposed in an overlapping configuration around said scraper head for flexing from a closed position covering said head to an open position exposing said head to a cervix for obtaining a sample thereof and hollow insertion means enclosing said head and appendages for introduction of the scraper into the vaginal canal.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
142 words
In a cervical scraper adapted for the self-imposed obtaining of a full representation of cells from a cervix and for safely transferring the cells to a microscopic slide; and having an elongated substantially rigid supporting rod with a substantially conical scraper head of flexible, soft, absorbent resilient material disposed on one end thereof; the combinatiOn which comprises a covering of a plurality of flexible petal-like appendages fixed at one of their ends and attached on said scraper adjacent the junction between said supporting rod and said scraper head; said appendages being disposed in an overlapping configuration around said scraper head for flexing from a closed position covering said head to an open position exposing said head to a cervix for obtaining a sample thereof and hollow insertion means enclosing said head and appendages for introduction of the scraper into the vaginal canal.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The scraper as recited in claim 1, in which said scraper head is comprised of polyurethane foam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The scraper as recited in claim 1, in which said plurality of appendages are comprised of a member selected from the group consisting of natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, latex impregnated paper, polyvinyl chloride, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
The scraper as recited in claim 1, in which said insertion means comprises a hollow insertion cylinder, the internal cross section of said cylinder being large enough to accommodate the movement of said scraper head therethrough while said plurality of appendages are in their closed overlapping position covering said head.