Container for storing and examining placentas

Details Container for storing and examining placentas Container for storing and examining placentas

1999-02-26

2001-05-29

Beisner, William H. (Department: 1744)

Chemistry: molecular biology and microbiology

Apparatus

Differentiated tissue perfusion or preservation apparatus

C435S288300, C435S305100, C435S305400, C033S0010BB, C033S522000, C206S459500, C604S318000, C604S404000, C073S426000, C073S427000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06238907

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of medical science and the sub-field of obstetrics. More particularly, this invention relates to a container for storing and examining a placenta following the delivery of a baby. The invention provides a gross placenta examination kit (GPEK) and a method for using the same for non-surgical evaluation of the placenta.
In general, sterile specimen containers for body tissue and the like are well known. One such container is disclosed by Muheim in U.S. Pat. No. 3,575,225. A pliable or flexible plastic bag attaches to a rigid spatula-like frame with a lid pivotally mounted thereon and has a top opening for insertion of a placenta, other medical items, and even food. A 2000 cc transparent or translucent bag is recommended for collection and disposal of a placenta. The bag has a single set of markings calibrated for measuring the fluid volume of the placenta in a constrained state within the flexible bag. The markings are disposed only on one side wall of the bag. No suggestion is made that the marks should protrude from the surface of the bag.
There is a need for a container for examining and storing the placenta in essentially a free state, wherein the placenta is supported on its maternal surface and is in an open, easily visible and accessible condition conducive to examination. There is also a need for a container which can measure free state length, width, and height or thickness of a placenta, as well as the diameter and length of the umbilical cord if present.
Therefore, a primary objective of the present invention is the provision of an improved container for gross examination and storage of a placenta.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of a method of examining a placenta on a gross basis for various characteristics or abnormalities.
Another objective of this invention is the provision of a container which is economical to produce and yet easy, accurate and reliable in use.
These and other objectives will become apparent from the drawings, as well as the description and claims which follow.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a method and container for examining and storing placentas. The plastic container has a bottom with one or more upright side walls joined thereto. The bottom receives and supports a placenta which can have a length of umbilical cord attached. The side walls include a multitude of visually discernible marks thereon arranged along at least three different orthogonal axes. The marks are preferably formed as ridges or protrusions on the inside of the respective side walls, although other forms of marking will suffice.
A first set of marks includes marks spaced horizontally at known intervals along one of the bottom wall or the side walls so as to measure the length of the placenta, a second set of marks includes marks spaced horizontally along the bottom or one of the other side walls perpendicular to the first set of marks so as to measure the width of the placenta. A third set of marks includes marks spaced apart and extending upwardly at known intervals along one of the side walls so as to measure the height or thickness of the placenta from the bottom wall. The third set of marks extends perpendicular to the first and second set of marks.
A fourth set of marks spaced apart at known intervals can also be provided on the bottom wall or one of the side walls so as to measure the diameter of the umbilical cord.
The container is constructed so as to be stackable. A lid can be sealingly mounted to the top of the side walls in order to cover the container. The placenta specimen can be placed in the container, then sealed and stacked on a refrigerator shelf for storage. When the desired retention period expires, the placenta specimen can be discarded as biohazard waste, preferably in the same container.


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