An HPV collection kit generally consists of sampling devices and preservation solution, etc. The following are the principles of its main components:

Sampling Devices

• Sampling Brush: It is usually made of materials such as nylon or polyester fiber, and has soft and elastic bristles. The principle is that the special structure and material of the bristles enable them to gently adsorb and collect cells when in contact with parts such as the cervix. When the sampling brush rotates or wipes at the cervical os or the vaginal wall and other parts, the bristles can penetrate into the cell gaps, and adhere the exfoliated cells to the bristles, thus completing the collection of cell samples.
• Sampling Swab: It generally consists of a swab head and a swab stick. The swab head is mostly made of flocking material, which has a large surface area and good adsorption performance. During sampling, the swab head makes full contact with the sampling site, and through friction and adsorption, the cell or secretion samples are adsorbed on the swab head. The swab stick plays a role in supporting and operating, making it convenient for the sampler to hold and control the sampling process.

Preservation Solution

• Cell Protection Components: The preservation solution usually contains protein substances such as bovine serum albumin, as well as some nutrients such as sugars and amino acids. The principle is that these substances can form a protective film around the cells, maintain the osmotic pressure balance of the cells, provide necessary nutrients, and prevent the cells from rupturing or dying due to environmental changes, thus maintaining the integrity and activity of the cells.
• Nucleic Acid Protection Components: Metal ion chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and some antioxidants are added to the preservation solution. Substances like EDTA can chelate metal ions in the solution to prevent metal ions from catalyzing the degradation reaction of nucleic acids. Antioxidants can scavenge harmful substances such as free radicals in the solution to avoid oxidative damage to nucleic acids caused by free radicals, thereby protecting the nucleic acids in the sample, especially the nucleic acids of the HPV virus from degradation, so as to facilitate subsequent detection.
• Antiseptic and Antibacterial Components: Preservatives and antibacterial agents such as sodium azide are often contained in the preservation solution. The principle is that these substances can inhibit the growth and reproduction of bacteria, fungi and other microorganisms, prevent microorganisms from decomposing the cells or viruses in the sample during the preservation process, avoid sample contamination, and ensure the quality of the sample and the accuracy of the detection results.