Retrieval of biological materials from the human uterus, ovary and cervix by suction

摘要

The invention provides devices and methods for self-administered noninvasive retrieval of biological materials of the uterus and/or cervix and preimplantation stage embryos. The cervical device comprises a receptacle with a variable volume receptacle cavity, a controller configured to change the volume of the receptacle cavity, a surface for collection of biological materials, and a flexible pouch for generation of suction to facilitate efficient retrieval of biological materials. The biological materials retrieved include various biomarkers of diseases and disorders of reproduction, are directly isolated from a site of pathology, and are not metabolized or diluted. Information generated by analyzing these biological materials permits early diagnosis and prognosis assessments of disease and disorders of the female reproductive organs, irregularities of pregnancy, anomalies of the fetus in utero, and microbial infections.