Self-sampling brush and method for use

Abstract

A device is provided for self-sampling a body cavity, in particular the cervix, and a method is provided to use the device to obtain samples from the cervix for testing for the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA. The device includes elongated flexible bristles attached to a handle to form a mop-like sampling member. The sampling member is rotated to mop the cervix and obtain a sample of cervical cells on the elongated bristles. The sampling device is then withdrawn from the vaginal cavity and the sample is sent for analysis.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A device for obtaining a sample from a body cavity, comprising: 
 (a) a plurality of elongated flexible bristles of approximately uniform length connected to a handle to form a mop-like sample collecting member, said bristles being disposed in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the handle.