The sample collection kit is a comprehensive set of tools for collecting various types of biological samples. Here is its specific introduction:

Components

• Swab: It is a tool for obtaining samples by directly contacting the collection site. Common ones include nasopharyngeal swabs, oropharyngeal swabs, anal swabs, etc. Its material is usually polyester, nylon and other fibers. The head is designed with different shapes and villus densities to meet the sampling needs of different parts. For example, the head of a nasopharyngeal swab is relatively slender and soft, which is convenient for deep nasal cavity sampling and reduces damage to the nasal mucosa.
• Transport medium: Generally, it is a liquid or gel-like substance used in conjunction with swabs. Its main components include basic buffer, protein protectant, antibacterial and antifungal agents, and cell nutrient components. It is used to protect and preserve the collected samples, maintain the stability and activity of biological molecules in the samples, and prevent the samples from being contaminated or degraded during transportation and storage.
• Sampling tube: Usually made of plastic, it has good sealing and corrosion resistance. The capacity of the sampling tube is generally between 1ml and 15ml. Its design is convenient for accommodating swabs and transport media to ensure that the sample will not leak during transportation. Some sampling tubes also have special marks or graduations for easy identification and quantification of samples.
• Other accessories: May also include auxiliary tools such as disposable gloves, masks, tongue depressors, and sampling brushes to meet the special needs of different types of sample collection. For example, when collecting oral samples, a tongue depressor can be used to assist in opening the mouth to facilitate swab sampling; disposable gloves and masks are used to protect collectors and those being collected and prevent cross-infection.

Classification

• Classified by sample type
  • Virus detection collection kit: Mainly used for collecting virus samples such as COVID-19 virus and influenza virus. Usually contains swabs suitable for collecting respiratory, oral or anal parts, and a transport medium specially used for virus preservation to ensure the activity and nucleic acid integrity of the virus during transportation and detection.
  • Bacterial culture collection kit: Used for collecting bacterial samples for culture and identification, such as collecting wound secretions, sputum, feces and other samples. The composition of its transport medium may be more focused on inhibiting the growth of miscellaneous bacteria and providing certain nutritional support for target bacteria to improve the positive rate of bacterial culture.
  • Genetic detection collection kit: Suitable for collecting samples for genetic detection, such as oral mucosal cells, blood, etc. The transport medium will focus on protecting the integrity of nucleic acids to ensure the accuracy of subsequent gene extraction and analysis.
• Classified by application scenarios
  • Clinical diagnosis collection kit: Mainly used for disease diagnosis in medical institutions such as hospitals and clinics. According to different diseases and detection items, select the corresponding collection kit to collect patient samples and provide accurate diagnostic basis for doctors.
  • Field rapid detection collection kit: Commonly used in on-site rapid detection scenarios such as epidemic prevention and control, food safety detection, and environmental monitoring. This kind of collection kit usually has the characteristics of simple operation and quick results, which is convenient for obtaining samples on site and conducting preliminary detection in time.
  • Scientific research experiment collection kit: In scientific research laboratories, it is used to collect various biological samples for basic research or experimental research. Its design and quality requirements are higher to meet the strict requirements of scientific research experiments on sample quality and accuracy.

Usage method

• Preparation before sample collection: The collector needs to wear protective supplies such as disposable gloves and masks, check whether the sampling tube is intact, and whether the transport medium is sufficient and free from deterioration. At the same time, explain the collection process to the person being collected and obtain his cooperation.
• Sample collection: According to different collection sites, use corresponding swabs for collection. For example, when collecting nasopharyngeal swab samples, gently insert the swab into the nasal cavity, slowly penetrate backward along the bottom of the inferior nasal meatus, and after reaching the posterior wall of the nasopharynx, rotate the swab several times to collect mucosal cells; for collecting oropharyngeal swabs, wipe the swab on both tonsils and the posterior pharyngeal wall several times. After the collection is completed, immediately put the swab into the sampling tube containing the transport medium.
• Sample transportation and storage: Seal the sampling tube and mark the sample information, such as collection time, collection site, name of the person being collected, etc. According to the characteristics of the sample and detection requirements, select the appropriate transportation method and storage conditions. Generally speaking, virus samples need to be transported and stored at low temperatures, such as 2-8°C or below -20°C, to ensure the activity and nucleic acid stability of the virus.

Quality control and precautions

• Quality control: Manufacturers need to strictly follow the quality management specifications for medical device production to ensure that all components of the collection kit are of qualified quality and stable performance. Before leaving the factory, strict quality inspection of the collection kit is required, including inspection of the material safety of swabs, the accuracy and sterility of the components of the transport medium, and the sealing of sampling tubes to ensure that the product meets relevant standards and requirements.
• Precautions: During use, collectors should collect samples strictly in accordance with operating procedures to avoid sample quality degradation or contamination caused by improper operation. At the same time, pay attention to biosafety protection during the collection process to prevent cross-infection. For different types of collection kits, they should be used and processed correctly according to their instructions and requirements, such as controlling transportation and storage conditions and paying attention to expiration dates.