Abstract: A resealable blister-type package, and method for using the same for storing and transporting a sample collecting device that is used to gather a biological sample, are disclosed. The package includes a tray-like enclosure having two cavities therein, and a resealable cover that covers the openings to the cavities. A sample collecting device, such as a swab, is stored in one of the cavities. The resealable cover is opened to remove the swab to collect the sample, and the used swab is reinserted into the other cavity of the package. The cover is then reattached over the openings of the cavities to reseal the cavities so that the package is ready for storage and transport. The package can alternatively include only one cavity that is used to store the swab in its unused and used condition. A medium can be disposed in the cavity in which the used swab is stored, or in a separate cavity that is in communication with the used swab storage cavity by a breakable seal.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for collecting vaginal fluid and exfoliated vaginal cells for medical diagnostic purposes. An absorbent media is placed interlabially or intravaginally. Fluid is collected within the absorbent media. The absorbent media is removed, and the fluid is extracted therefrom. For intravaginal collection, the absorbent media may be placed in a housing having fluid receiving apertures therein. Medical diagnostic testing is performed on the extracted fluid.

Abstract: In the method for detecting pH of vaginal or urethral moisture, the steps that include providing an elongated first carrier; providing a pH detector on the carrier at an end portion thereof; manipulating the carrier to effect exposure of the detector to vaginal or urethral moisture, thereby to cause the detector to exhibit a color change; and providing a pH correlating color comparison measurement means, in sufficiently close association with the carrier and with the detector to allow visual comparison of the changed color exhibited by the detector with a pH correlated color provided by the measurement means.

Abstract: There is provided a medical swab comprising a thin stick comprising a drawn plastic stick and a sphere-like fiber lump formed on at least one end of the stick; the fiber lump has a fiber winding portion which is formed by winding a part of the fibers around the stick and then is fixed to the stick either by using an adhesive, or by tightening the fiber lump containing a fibrillating cellulose without using an adhesive.

Abstract: Treating a patient by collecting a bodily sample from deep within the body of a patient and collecting the sample outside the body to facilitate treatment of the patient. A sampling probe is provided in the form of an elongate catheter having a proximal portion that remains outside the body and a distal portion that can be located within the body. The distal portion includes a polymer on its outer surface capable of receiving a substantial amount of bodily sample. The catheter is positioned within the body and the sample is taken by exposing the polymer by placing it in proximity within a desired location so that the bodily sample is received by the polymer. The catheter is removed from the patient and the sample is collected outside the body.

Abstract: In the method of determining need for human estrogen replacement therapy or estrogen or estradiol dose change, the steps include determining local acidity proximate a moist wall surface of the vagina, or urethra, as differing from desired threshold level (pH 4.5), and administering sufficient estrogen or estradiol to result in change in acidity toward such level.

Abstract: A syringe, preferably an injector syringe, comprises a cylindrical receiver (1') and inside its plunger device (2') comprising a plunger (3') and a rod (4'). In order for the syringe to simplify taking and handling microbiological sweep samples, the syringe is characterized in that the surface facing away from the plunger (3') rod (4') comprises an adhering substrate (6') for microbes. The adhering substrate (6') is preferably arranged to a member (7'), detachably attachable to the plunger (3').

Abstract: A device 10 detects the presence of occult blood in feces by employing a sheet 12 of brittle material in which are formed a plurality of chambers 18 holding a liquid reagent solution juxtaposed to an absorbant material 14 impregnated with a guaiac material. The individual chambers 18 provide individual liquid tight enclosures that have thin walls that rupture to release the reagent solution when the device 10 is used to wipe feces from the rectum. The reagent solution reacts with the guaiac material to produce a blue color in the presence of occult blood in the feces.

Abstract: A device for collecting substances for testing comprises a vial having a first, generally open end, engageable by a removable closure member, and a second, generally closed end. A removable closure member is provided having first and second ends. The first and second ends of the closure member are engageable with the first end of the vial. An absorbent member is preferably attached to the removable closure member and is receivable in the vial whereby the absorbent member is located outside of the vial prior to use, with the first end of the vial being secured to the second end of the closure member to provide a handle, and after use, the second end of the closure member is removed from the first end of the vial, the closure member is inverted, the absorbent member is inserted into the vial and the first end of the closure member is removably engaged to the first end of the vial.

Abstract: In the method of detecting pathogenic bacteria in the vagina, the steps that include providing an elongated assembly including an elongated carrier and a flexible outer container supported on the carrier; providing a vaginal moisture absorbing or porous material swab at one end of the assembly to communicate with the interior of the outer container; providing a frangible inner container protectively located within the outer container, and providing a flowable aqueous alkaline fluid reactant within the inner container, bending or exerting pressure on the outer container sufficient to rupture the inner container; thereby releasing reactant into the interior of the outer container to enable reactant fluid flow to the swab or porous material, for reaction with bacteria containing vaginal moisture absorbed into the swab or porous material, whereby a gaseous product of the reaction may be detected, by characteristic odor.

Abstract: In the method of determining need for human estrogen or estradiol level change, the steps include determining local acidity proximate a moist wall surface of the vagina, as differing from desired threshold level, and administering sufficient estrogen or estradiol to result in change in acidity toward such level.

Abstract: Making a measurement device that measures the water content and oil content of the skin into a portable size such that a female beautician can put it in a bag and easily carry it.

Abstract: In the method for detecting pH of vaginal moisture, the steps that include providing an elongated first carrier; providing a pH detector on the carrier at an end portion thereof; manipulating the carrier to effect exposure of the detector to vaginal moisture, thereby to cause the detector to exhibit a color change; and providing a pH correlating color comparison measurement means, in sufficiently close association with the carrier and with the detector to allow visual comparison of the changed color exhibited by the detector with a pH correlated color provided by the measurement means.

Abstract: In the method of determining need for human estrogen replacement therapy or estrogen or estradiol dose change, the steps include determining local acidity proximate a moist wall surface of the vagina, as differing from desired threshold level (pH 4.5), and administering sufficient estrogen or estradiol to result in change in acidity toward such level.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus for collecting vaginal fluid and exfoliated vaginal cells for medical diagnostic purposes. An absorbent media is placed interlabially or intravaginally. Fluid is collected within the absorbent media. The absorbent media is removed, and the fluid is extracted therefrom. For intravaginal collection, the absorbent media may be placed in a housing having fluid receiving apertures therein. Medical diagnostic testing is performed on the extracted fluid.