Abstract A device for taking a cell smear comprised of an applicator and a swab located on the end portion of the applicator, the swab is used to collect the cellular material when the cell smear is taken. The swab consisting of a material which is soluble in a solvent that has no detrimental effect on, or is innocuous to, the collected cellular material. A method of taking cell smears for diagnostic examination which comprises collecting a specimen of or from the skin, mucous membrane or other body area or surface to be examined by means of a swab, which is described above. The swab is dissolved in a solvent that has no detrimental effect on, or is innocuous to, the collected cellular material in the specimen. A solution is formed containing the cellular material. The cellular material is then diagnostically examined.
A method of taking cell smears for diagnostic examination comprising the steps of: a. collecting a cellular specimen of or from the skin, mucous membrane or other body area or surface to be examined by means of a swab located on applicator; b. dissolving said swab in a solvent that has no detrimental effect on the collected cellular material in the speimen whereby a solution is formed containing said cellular material; and c. diagnostically examining said cellular material.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
78 words
A method of taking cell smears for diagnostic examination comprising the steps of: a. collecting a cellular specimen of or from the skin, mucous membrane or other body area or surface to be examined by means of a swab located on applicator; b. dissolving said swab in a solvent that has no detrimental effect on the collected cellular material in the speimen whereby a solution is formed containing said cellular material; and c. diagnostically examining said cellular material.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as described in claim 1 wherein said cellular material is removed from said solution prior to said diagnostic examination of said cellular material.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as described in claim 2 wherein said cellular material is separated from said solution by centrifugal force.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as described in claim 1 wherein said cellular material contained in and on said swab is prefixed before said swab is dissolved in said solvent.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method as described in claim 4 wherein said prefixing is achieved by treating said swab with ethanol.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as described in claim 1 wherein said swab consists of fibrous cellulos-2 1/2-acetate and wherein said solvent is acetone.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method as described in claim 1 comprising the further step of placing said cellular material on a glass slide before said cellular material is diagnostically examined.