Detection body storage

Abstract

The detection body storage (1) of the present application has: a medium storage portion (12) that stores a medium (2) that holds a detection body; a liquid decomposition inhibitor (3) that inhibits decomposition of a test sample contained in the detection body; an agent holder (4) that can impregnate the decomposition inhibitor; and a desiccant storage portion (6) that, by disposing the medium (2) in the medium storage portion (12) in a state in which the agent holder (4) is impregnated with the decomposition inhibitor (3), the decomposition inhibitor (3) is transferred to the medium (2), and in a state in which the medium (2) is stored in the medium storage portion (12), the desiccant (61) can absorb moisture released from the decomposition inhibitor (3) without directly contacting the agent holder (4).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a storage container for testing materials. Background Technology

[0002] The analysis of nucleic acids contained in test samples taken from organisms for various diagnostic purposes is ongoing. For example, methods for collecting nucleic acid-containing test samples from organisms include collecting cells from the mucous membranes of the mouth, collecting blood by inserting an injection needle, and collecting cells from internal tissues. However, less invasive methods include using saliva, hair, etc.

[0003] In addition, the applicant discovered that RNA from the individual is present in the lipids on the skin surface, and based on this discovery, reported a method for preparing nucleic acids derived from the skin cells of the tested individual, including the isolation of nucleic acids from the lipids on the skin surface of the tested individual (Patent Document 1).

[0004] Furthermore, when time is required between the collection and analysis of the sample, the collected sample needs to be preserved in a state that inhibits nucleic acid degradation. Methods for preserving the sample include, for example, preservation at low temperatures such as -80°C and the use of preservation solutions. However, cryopreservation methods require expensive equipment to maintain the low temperature, and furthermore, when transporting the sample from the collection site to the analysis site, a device is needed to maintain the low temperature during transport.

[0005] Methods for using preservation solutions include placing the medium holding the sample directly into a container holding the preservation solution, and adding the preservation solution dropwise directly to the medium holding the sample. Compared to cryopreservation methods, using preservation solutions simplifies equipment and apparatus; however, there is a concern about the preservation solution overflowing and spreading. Furthermore, when using a solution that ideally avoids contact with the body as a preservation solution, it is even more important to find ways to collect the sample without the preservation solution coming into contact with the body.

[0006] As a technology for collecting test subjects without the preservation solution coming into contact with the body, and as a technology for using saliva as a test subject, a proposed container system is provided in which, after collecting saliva into a funnel-shaped collection part, the cap is closed so that a through-hole component provided in the cap passes through the separator membrane between the collection part and the preservation solution, thereby mixing the saliva and the preservation solution (Patent Document 2).

[0007] Existing technical documents

[0008] Patent documents

[0009] Patent Document 1: US2018371524A1

[0010] Patent Document 2: US2009216213A1 Summary of the Invention

[0011] This invention relates to a sample storage device comprising: a medium receiving portion for receiving a medium holding a sample; a liquid decomposition inhibitor capable of inhibiting the decomposition of the test sample contained in the sample; a reagent retainer capable of impregnating the decomposition inhibitor; and a desiccant receiving portion. By placing the medium in the medium receiving portion while the reagent retainer is impregnated with the decomposition inhibitor, the decomposition inhibitor is transferred to the medium, and while the medium is received in the medium receiving portion, the desiccant can absorb moisture released from the decomposition inhibitor without direct contact with the reagent retainer. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Figure 1 This is a perspective view showing the detection body storage component according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the detection body storage component according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 (a) is Figure 1 The diagram shows the IIA-IIA cross-sectional view of the first container. Figure 2 (b) is Figure 1 The diagram shows the IIB-IIB cross-section of the second container.

[0014] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the cap composite removed from the first container.

[0015] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the lid of the first container in the first embodiment is assembled to the container body of the second container, corresponding to... Figure 2 The diagram of (a).

[0016] Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5 (c) is a diagram showing the cap complex removed from the first container. Figure 5 (a) is a 3D diagram. Figure 5 (b) is a cross-sectional view along the second direction Y. Figure 5 (c) is a cross-sectional view along the first direction X.

[0017] Figure 6 This is a perspective view schematically showing the state in which a liquid decomposition inhibitor is transferred from the agent holder to the medium holding the detector using the cap composite of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 7This is a cross-sectional view showing the detection body storage component according to the second embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to... Figure 2 The diagram of (a).

[0019] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional view showing the detection body storage component according to the third embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to... Figure 2 The diagram of (a).

[0020] Figure 9 This is a cross-sectional view showing the detection body storage component according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to... Figure 2 The diagram of (a).

[0021] Figure 10 (a)~ Figure 10 (c) is a diagram schematically illustrating the state in which liquid decomposition inhibitor is transferred from the agent holder to the medium holding the detector using the detector holder of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 (a) is a 3D diagram. Figure 10 (b) and Figure 10 (c) is a cross-sectional view.

[0022] Figure 11 This is a perspective view showing the detector storage component according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, corresponding to... Figure 1 The image.

[0023] Figure 12 (a) and Figure 12 (b) is a schematic representation Figure 11 The diagram of the first container shown, Figure 12 (a) is Figure 11 The XIIa-XIIa cross-sectional view of the first container shown is shown. Figure 12 (b) is viewed from the rear side. Figure 11 The plan view of the lid of the first container shown.

[0024] Figure 13 It is Figure 11 The side view shown is a partial truncated representation of the second container.

[0025] Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 (b) is a diagram schematically illustrating the state in which liquid decomposition inhibitor is transferred from the agent holder to the medium holding the detector using the detector holder of the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 (a) is a decomposed stereograph. Figure 14 (b) is a cross-sectional view.

[0026] Figure 15 (a) and Figure 15(b) is a diagram showing the detector storage component according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 (a) is a decomposition diagram. Figure 15 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the storage state of the detection body.

[0027] Figure 16 (a) and Figure 16 (b) is a diagram showing the detector storage component according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 16 (a) is a diagram showing the container body and lid separated. Figure 16 (b) is a cross-sectional view showing the storage state of the detection body. Detailed Implementation

[0028] In the container system of Patent Document 2, the preservation solution is also used directly in liquid form.

[0029] When the medium containing the sample is kept in a storage solution, there are situations where the storage environment for the sample is not optimal. For example, when the storage solution is an aqueous solution, the sample or the component being tested in the sample may detach from the medium, or the sample may be easily decomposed due to hydrolysis caused by the type of component being tested or the moisture content of the storage solution.

[0030] The present invention provides a detection body storage device that can solve the problems of the prior art.

[0031] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings and based on preferred embodiments thereof.

[0032] Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a diagram showing the detector storage component 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, the test sample storage component 1 of the first embodiment includes a first container 1A and a second container 1B. The first container 1A has: a medium insertion portion 12 serving as a medium storage portion for storing the medium 2 containing the test sample; a liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 for inhibiting the decomposition of the test sample contained in the medium; and an agent storage portion 4 capable of impregnating the decomposition inhibitor 3. The second container 1B has a desiccant storage portion 6.

[0034] Figure 2The diagram shows the state before the medium 2 containing the detector is received in the media insertion section 12. The detector storage unit 1 is preferably provided to users or circulated in a group consisting of a first container 1A and a second container 1B, and more preferably in a group that includes a medium 2A capable of holding the detector, in addition to the group consisting of the first container 1A and the second container 1B. The user of the detector storage unit is anyone who performs the task of storing the medium 2 containing the detector in the media storage section of the detector storage unit 1, thus maintaining it in the state of the detector storage unit 1. This user is not limited to medical professionals such as doctors and nurses, but can also be researchers, general consumers, etc. The detector storage unit of the present invention offers the convenience of being operated with peace of mind even by general consumers. The first container 1A and the second container 1B preferably have an identification display 9 that allows easy differentiation between the two. The identification display 9 can be provided by any method such as affixing a label or printing.

[0035] The medium 2, which holds the detector, is stored in the medium insertion section (medium storage section) 12. The medium 2 holding the detector is used to hold the detector in a medium 2A capable of holding the detector by any method. The detector used to hold the detector in the medium 2A is preferably a detector from an animal, and preferably a detector containing nucleic acids, proteins, metabolites, etc., is used as the test sample. The animals referred to here include mammals, including humans and non-human mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, etc.

[0036] As a test subject derived from an animal, examples include skin surface lipids, saliva, blood, and bodily fluids. The test subject can be a living animal, a dead animal, or any non-living object with a test subject attached to it, but from the viewpoint of diagnosing and predicting the health status of various organisms, a living animal is preferred.

[0037] Skin surface lipids refer to the lipid-soluble components present in the surface layer of the skin, also known as sebum. Hereinafter, skin surface lipids will also be referred to as "sebum." Generally speaking, sebum mainly consists of secretions from exocrine glands such as sebaceous glands located in the skin surface, existing as a thin layer covering the skin surface. Unless otherwise specified, skin is a general term encompassing the epidermis, dermis, hair follicles, and other glandular tissues on the body surface.

[0038] The applicant has reported that sebum contains nucleic acids, particularly RNA, from the cells of the test subject from which the sebum was collected (see Patent Document 1). Therefore, nucleic acids are a representative example of the test sample when the test subject is sebum. Using sebum as the test subject and preserving it in a manner that prevents the decomposition of nucleic acids using the test subject preservation device of the present invention allows for the simple and low-invasive collection of nucleic acid-containing test subjects from viable test subjects. Furthermore, even if the amount of nucleic acid contained in the sebum is relatively small, its decomposition can be inhibited, allowing for efficient various analyses or interpretations. From these aspects, it is preferred.

[0039] There are no particular restrictions on the methods for analyzing or deciphering nucleic acids in the preserved test samples; various well-known methods can be used. Furthermore, the appropriate method can be chosen based on the purpose of the analysis or deciphering. Various well-known methods can also be used to isolate nucleic acids from the test samples preserved in the test sample preserver.

[0040] The sebum taken from the subject contains nucleic acids expressed in the skin cells of the subject, preferably nucleic acids expressed in any one of the epidermis, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, sweat glands, and dermis of the subject, and more preferably nucleic acids expressed in any one of the epidermis, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and sweat glands of the subject. The nucleic acids from the skin cells of the subject prepared from the test sample preserved in the test sample preservation medium are preferably nucleic acids selected from at least one site of the epidermis, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, sweat glands, and dermis of the subject, and more preferably nucleic acids selected from at least one site of the epidermis, sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and sweat glands.

[0041] Nucleic acids derived from sebum of a subject are useful as samples for purposes such as: analysis of skin-related gene expression and other genetic information of the subject for collecting sebum epidermal lipids; analysis of skin-related functions and skin conditions of the subject (e.g., diagnosis of dermatitis); and analysis of conditions of sites other than the skin or the whole body of the subject (e.g., diagnosis of various diseases). The analysis or resolution methods for nucleic acids obtained from sebum can employ various methods, such as those described in Patent Document 1.

[0042] In this invention, the nucleic acid used as the component to be tested can be either DNA or RNA, but RNA is preferred. Examples of RNA include mRNA, tRNA, rRNA, small RNA (e.g., microRNA, miRNA, small interfering RNA, siRNA, Piwi-interacting RNA, piRNA), and long intergenic non-coding (linc) RNA. mRNA is protein-coding RNA, and most have a length of 1000 nt or more. miRNA, siRNA, piRNA, and lincRNA are non-coding (nc) RNAs that do not encode proteins. miRNA is a small ncRNA with a length of approximately 19-30 nt. lincRNA, like mRNA, is a long non-coding RNA with a poly-A structure and a length of 200 nt or more. When the test substance is sebum, the nucleic acid used as the component to be tested in the test substance is preferably RNA with a length of 200 nt or more, and more preferably at least one of mRNA and lincRNA.

[0043] The detection body storage component 1 of the first embodiment will be further described.

[0044] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in (a), the first container 1A has a lid 11A and a container body 5A on which the lid 11A is mounted. The lid 11A is detachably mounted to an opening at one end of the bottomed cylindrical container body 5A.

[0045] The first container 1A has a medium insertion part 12, a liquid decomposition inhibitor 3, and an agent holder 4. The agent holder 4 is held in place at the cover 11A of the first container 1A, and can remain in place even when the cover 11A is removed from the container body 5A (see reference). Figure 3 The liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 is housed in a decomposition inhibitor storage section 31 located within the container body 5A.

[0046] The agent retainer 4 is capable of impregnating the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 and maintaining the impregnation state. From the viewpoint of good retention of the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 and good transferability of the liquid to the medium, the forming material of the agent retainer 4 is preferably a material that retains the liquid between fibers (or within pores), but the raw material (fiber) itself does not absorb the liquid (moisture). Examples of preferred forming materials for the agent retainer 4 include porous and soft materials, such as felt, sponge, nonwoven fabric, or one or more layers thereof.

[0047] Besides synthetic resins, the raw materials for forming the agent retainer 4 can also be wool, wood pulp, etc., but considering the absence of nucleic acids and drug resistance, materials with synthetic resins as the main component are preferred. Preferably, the mass proportion of synthetic resin as the main component is 50% or more of the total mass, more preferably 90% or more, and more preferably 100%.

[0048] like Figures 2-4 As shown, in the first embodiment, the first container 1A in the reagent holder 4 has a medium insertion portion 12 for inserting and holding the medium 2, serving as a medium holding portion for housing and holding the medium 2 of the detector. The medium insertion portion 12 preferably allows the medium 2 to be held simply by inserting it. The medium insertion portion 12 in this embodiment will be described in more detail as follows... Figure 2 As shown in (a), the agent holder 4 includes a pair of agent holders 4s, 4s sandwiching the medium insertion portion 12 opposite to each other. When the medium 2 is inserted into the medium insertion portion 12, the medium 2 is subjected to pressure from the pair of agent holders 4s, 4s, thereby stably holding the medium 2 within the medium insertion portion 12. The pair of agent holders 4s, 4s can be formed by configuring two independent agent holders in such a way that the medium insertion portion 12 is formed between them so that they are close to or in contact. However, in this embodiment, as... Figure 2 As shown in (a), the component is provided with a slit-shaped cut in an agent holder 4. The agent holder 4 has a non-divided portion 4r on the top surface 11a side of the cover portion 11A that connects the agent holder portions 4s, 4s to each other.

[0049] The opposing surfaces 4a of the pair of agent holding portions 4s, 4s can be in contact with each other or not in contact before the medium 2 is inserted into the medium insertion portion 12. The distance between the pair of opposing surfaces 4a can be appropriately determined based on considerations of the thickness of the medium 2 when it is inserted into the medium insertion portion 12 and the transferability of the dispersion inhibitor from the agent holding body 4 to the medium 2.

[0050] The shape of the medium 2A holding the detector can be set to any shape, such as sheet, block, or spherical with a handle, but if Figure 1 As shown, it is preferably in sheet form. The sheet-like medium 2A is preferably flexible and, more preferably, foldable.

[0051] The sheet-like medium 2A is preferred from the perspectives of collection efficiency and workability when collecting samples from animal skin, and from the perspective of reducing the area of ​​the sample during storage to that of the sample by folding it after collection. Furthermore, when collecting samples from the skin of humans or non-human animals, using the sheet-like medium 2A has the advantage of reducing skin irritation by deforming the sheet during collection. A porous sheet can be used as the sheet-like medium 2A. When using a porous sheet, the sample is adsorbed into the micropores of the sheet, allowing the sample to be held more firmly on the sheet, which is therefore preferred.

[0052] The sheet-like medium 2, after being held in place by the detection body, is folded multiple times and stored in the medium insertion part 12. This allows for the miniaturization of the detection body storage component 1, which is preferable from the viewpoint of improving transportability and operability. The distance between the inner surfaces 4a of the opposing agent holding parts 4s, 4s, across the medium insertion part 12 can be appropriately set from the viewpoint of ease of insertion of the medium 2A and stable retention of the medium 2 within the medium insertion part 12 even when a finger or instrument that touched the medium 2A is removed. For example, it is 0 mm or more and 10 mm or less, preferably 0 mm or more and 7 mm or less. The distance between the inner surfaces 4a of the pair of agent holding parts 4s, 4s is measured in the natural state before insertion of the medium 2.

[0053] As a method for holding the detector in medium 2A, any method capable of holding the detector can be used without particular limitation, depending on the type of detector. For example, as a method for collecting sebum as a detector, methods include directly contacting the medium 2A with the skin for collection, or using a scraper, scraper, or other tool to scrape the collected detector onto medium 2A to transfer it. The medium 2A for holding the detector is preferably a material with high adsorption capacity for the detector, and more preferably a sheet-like detector absorbent. As a sheet-like detector absorbent when the detector is sebum, sheet-like raw materials with sebum adsorption properties, such as blotting paper or blotting film, can be used. Furthermore, to improve sebum adsorption, a structure in which a highly lipid-soluble solvent is pre-contained in the sheet-like raw material can be used. On the other hand, when the sheet-like medium 2A contains a highly water-soluble solvent or water, sebum adsorption is suppressed; therefore, the sheet-like medium 2A is preferably used in a dry state.

[0054] like Figure 5 As shown in (b), the first container 1A of this embodiment has a pair of outer support portions 14 on the outer surface 4b side of the covering agent holder 4 on both sides of the medium insertion portion 12.

[0055] More specifically, the first container 1A includes a support forming member 15 that engages with the cap 11A. The support forming member 15 is a member that supports the agent holder 4 in a state held in the cap 11A, and a portion thereof forms a pair of outer support portions 14. When the cap 11A is removed from the container body 5A, the cap 11A, the agent holder 4, and the support forming member 15 form a cap composite 10 that can operate integrally with the cap 11A.

[0056] The support forming member 15 includes: a base 16 located on the connection side with the cover 11A; and a pair of outer support portions 14, 14 extending in two branches towards the front end side protruding from the cover 11A. The base 16 of the support forming member 15 is fixed to the cover 11A. Specifically, it is fixed to the cover 11A by engaging a cylindrical connecting portion 16a formed at the lower part of the base 16 with a cylindrical connecting portion 11b formed on the inner surface side of the top part 11a of the cover 11A.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, the first container 1A of this embodiment can increase or decrease the pressure applied to the medium 2 inserted into the medium insertion part 12 by increasing or decreasing the pressure applied between the fingers and the pair of outer support parts 14. Specifically, the pressure can be adjusted by making the support part forming part 15 as a whole or the outer support parts 14 from a soft synthetic resin selected from polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polyamide synthetic resin, elastomer, rubber, or a composite of two or more of these materials. When the pressure applied by the fingers to the pair of outer support parts 14 is increased, the distance between the pair of outer support parts 14 is reduced, and the pressure on the medium retention part 4s pressed against the medium 2 increases. On the other hand, when the pressure applied by the fingers to the pair of outer support parts 14 is decreased, the distance between the pair of outer support parts 14 is increased, and the pressure on the medium retention part 4s pressed against the medium 2 decreases.

[0058] From the viewpoint that the pair of outer support portions 14, 14 and the retaining portion 4s held by them can move due to the pressing pressure generated by a finger, the pair of outer support portions 14, 14 preferably have a flexible portion 19 at their base ends. The flexible portion 19 is the part that serves as the base point for bending or flexing of the outer support portion 14, and preferably can be elastically deformed. The flexible portion 19 can be formed by making the support portion forming member 15 locally thinner, etc. In addition, the flexible portion 19 can also be formed by providing a hinge structure in a part of the support portion forming member 15. The flexible portion 19 can be elastically deformed by arranging a rubber-like elastic member, spring, leaf spring, etc., on the flexible portion 19. Figure 6 The image shows the state in which a pair of outer support portions 14, 14 are clamped between the thumb and index finger.

[0059] The outer support portion 14 in this embodiment will be described in more detail. The pair of outer support portions 14, 14 each have: an inner surface 14a that is the surface on the side of the medium insertion portion 12; an outer surface 14b located on the opposite side of the medium insertion portion 12; and a front end surface 14c located on the opposite side of the cover portion 11A in the height direction Z of the cover portion composite 10.

[0060] like Figure 5 As shown in (c), a retaining recess 14d for the agent retaining portion 4s is formed on the inner surface 14a side of each of the pair of outer support portions 14, 14. The agent retaining portion 4s is stably held in a predetermined position on the outer support portion 14 by being housed within the retaining recess 14d. The agent retaining portion 4s housed within the retaining recess 14d can be fixed in the retaining recess 14d by any means such as bonding with an adhesive, heat welding, fitting, or engaging with a locking protrusion. The cross-sectional shape of the retaining recess 14d and the agent retaining portion 4s, orthogonal to the height direction Z of the cover composite 10, can be any shape such as semi-circular, rectangular, or triangular. Figure 5 The cross-sectional shape of the agent holding parts 4s and 4s shown in (b) is rectangular, and the inner surfaces 4a opposite each other are generally flat surfaces that are parallel to each other, but not limited to this. For example, the inner surfaces 4a opposite each other of the agent holding parts 4s and 4s may also be curved along one or both of the height direction Z or the first direction X of the cover composite 10.

[0061] With a portion of the outer surface of the agent holding part 4s housed within the holding recess 14d, the opposite side of the side of each agent holding part 4s housed within the holding recess 14d protrudes from the holding recess 14d. That is, the surface opposite to the side of the agent holding part 4s housed within the holding recess 14d is not flush with (not a plane) the inner surface 14a of the outer support portion 14 supporting the agent holding part 4s. Compared to the inner surface 14a, the surface opposite to the side of the agent holding part 4s housed within the holding recess 14d is located closer to the medium insertion portion 12.

[0062] like Figure 5 (a)~ Figure 5As shown in (c), with the support forming member 15 protruding from the cover portion 11A on the upper side in the vertical direction and the top surface 11a side of the cover portion 11A on the lower side in the vertical direction, the height direction Z of the cover composite 10 is along this vertical direction. In this embodiment, it is approximately parallel to the direction in which the medium 2 is moved when the medium insertion portion 12 receives the medium 2. The second direction Y of the cover composite 10 is a direction orthogonal to the height direction Z of the cover composite 10, and is the direction in which a pair of outer support portions 14, 14 face each other or the inner surfaces 4a of the retaining portions 4s, 4s face each other when the cover composite 10 is viewed from the side of the height direction Z. The first direction X of the cover composite 10 is a direction orthogonal to the height direction Z of the cover composite 10, and is the direction orthogonal to the second direction Y when the cover composite 10 is viewed from the side of the height direction Z.

[0063] like Figure 5 As shown in (c), the support forming member 15 in this embodiment has a leak-proof groove 17 on the inner surface 14a side of each of the pair of outer support portions 14, 14. The leak-proof groove 17 is formed on both sides of the retaining recess 14d in each of the outer support portions 14. The inner surface 14a of the outer support portion 14 becomes a flat surface on both sides of the retaining recess 14d, and the leak-proof groove 17 is formed on this flat surface. Furthermore, the leak-proof groove 17 extends along the height direction Z of the cover composite 10. In addition, the leak-proof groove 17 terminates at a position where it does not reach the upper end of the opposing inner surfaces of the pair of outer support portions 14, 14.

[0064] In this embodiment, the support forming member 15 has a liquid resupply passage at its base end in the height direction Z of the cover composite 10, for resupplying liquid from the leak-proof tank 17 to the agent holding part 4s. Specifically, the lower end of the leak-proof tank 17 communicates with the liquid resupply space 18 formed inside the cylindrical connecting part 11b via a through hole 17a formed in the base 16 of the support forming member 15. The non-divided portions 4r of the pair of agent holding parts 4s, 4s are located within the liquid resupply space 18. During the operation of transferring the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 from the agent holding body 4 to the medium 2, the liquid that enters the leak-proof tank 17 without residue remains in the state where the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 discharged from the agent holding part 4s adheres to the medium 2. Figure 5 As shown by arrow a in (c), the liquid flow is made through the leak-proof tank 17, the through hole 17a and the non-segmented part 4r as a liquid resupply passage, and is resupplyed to the agent holder 4.

[0065] In this embodiment, the cover composite 10 has an inclined guide surface 141 near the upper end of each of the pair of outer support portions 14, 14, guiding the medium 2 inserted into the medium insertion portion 12 toward the insertion port 12a of the medium insertion portion 12. The support portion forming member 15 has a pair of inclined guide surfaces 141 on each side of its central portion sandwiching the first direction X. Each pair of inclined guide surfaces 141 has an inverted conical shape, with the spacing between them decreasing as the position of the support portion forming member 15 decreases in the height direction. The central portion of each of the pair of outer support portions 14, 14, in the first direction X, has a concave curved surface 142 that follows the shape of the convex curved surface of the middle plug 54 described later. The inclined guide surface 141 is preferably located on the upper end side of the support portion forming member 15, closer to the insertion port 12a.

[0066] The detector storage unit 1 of this embodiment has a storage section 31 for liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 inside the container body 5A of the first container 1A. Furthermore, it includes a partition 50 that divides the internal space of the first container 1A into the storage section 31 for liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 and a receiving section 53 for the agent holder 4 and the outer support section 14. A through hole 54d is formed in this partition 50. Through a predetermined operation performed by the user of the detector storage unit 1, this through hole 54d functions as an agent supply hole for supplying the decomposition inhibitor 3 to the agent holder 4 within the storage section 31. The predetermined operations in this embodiment can be exemplified by: placing the container in an inverted position (with the cap 11A positioned on the upper side in the vertical direction and the bottom of the container body 5A positioned on the lower side in the vertical direction) for a predetermined time, or shaking the first container 1A up and down in the inverted position.

[0067] In this way, the first container 1A has a state in which the storage part 31 of the decomposition inhibitor 3 and the agent holder 4 are separated inside. The storage part 31 can maintain the state of separation of the decomposition inhibitor 3 and the agent holder 4 before the specified operation is performed. This is preferred from the perspective of being able to preserve the decomposition inhibitor 3 in a more stable state, for example, by reducing the risk of volatilization and precipitation of the components of the decomposition inhibitor 3.

[0068] As a structure that can keep the decomposition inhibitor 3 and the agent holder 4 in a separated state, it is preferable to provide a separation portion 50 between the decomposition inhibitor 3 and the agent holder 4, as in this embodiment. However, it is also possible to simply provide the agent holder 4 on the lid 11A of the self-standing container and provide a storage portion of the liquid decomposition inhibitor at a distance from the agent holder 4 in the vertical direction.

[0069] In this embodiment, the partition 50 is formed by distributing a center bolt 54 within the container body 5A. The center bolt 54 has: a cylindrical portion 54a having an outer peripheral surface shape that matches the inner peripheral surface shape of the container body 5A; an annular protrusion 54b that abuts against a stepped portion 55 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 5A to restrict the installation position of the center bolt 54; and a front end tapering shape 54c, which is dome-shaped with its inner and outer diameters gradually decreasing towards one end opening of the container body 5A, and the through hole 54d is formed at the top of the front end tapering shape 54c.

[0070] From the viewpoint that the decomposition inhibitor 3 is transferred from the storage section 31 to the agent holding section 4s, the dividing section 50 preferably has its front end tapered shape 54c oriented towards the agent holding body 4 in a shape along a pair of inclined guide surfaces 141 in the aforementioned outer support section 14. Furthermore, from the same viewpoint, the dividing section 50 and the plug 54 preferably have the through hole 54d positioned opposite the media insertion section 12 in the agent holding body 4. Furthermore, from the viewpoint that the decomposition inhibitor 3 in the storage section 31 should not be transferred to the agent holding body 4 before the user intentionally performs a prescribed operation, the through hole 54d, which is the agent supply hole formed in the plug 54, preferably has an opening area smaller than the opening area on the storage section 31 side of the plug 54. Preferably, the opening area of ​​the through hole 54d (agent supply hole) of the plug 54 is 10% or less of the opening area on the storage section 31 side, more preferably 5% or less.

[0071] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown in (b), the second container 1B of the first embodiment has a lid 11B and a container body 5B on which the lid 11B can be fitted.

[0072] like Figure 4 As shown, the container body 5B of the second container 1B can be fitted with a lid 11A that can be removed from the container body 5A of the first container 1A. Preferably, as with the second container 1B of this embodiment, before fitting the lid 11A of the first container 1A, the container body 5B of the second container 1B is fitted with a lid 11B other than the lid 11A of the first container 1A to close the opening of the container body 5B. The lid 11B of the second container 1B of this embodiment is fitted in a manner that allows it to be removed or detached from the opening at one end of the container body 5B.

[0073] The container body 5B of the second container 1B has an internal desiccant storage section 6 and a contact inhibition member 7, but does not have the desiccant holder 4, support member 15, plug 54, and decomposition inhibitor storage section 31 found in the first container 1A. Furthermore, except for a different identification display 9, it has the same dimensions and structure as the container body 5A of the first container 1A. Figure 3As shown, after removing the cover 11A from the container body 5A of the first container 1A and inserting the medium 2 holding the detection body into the medium insertion part 12 attached to the cover 11A, the storage container 1C, which is composed of the cover 11A of the first container 1A and the container body 5B of the second container 1B, can be formed by assembling the cover 11A to one end opening of the container body 5B of the second container 1B.

[0074] In the first container 1A, threads 21 and 58 are provided on the inner circumferential surface of the cover 11A and the outer circumferential surface of the opening at one end of the container body 5A, so that the cover 11A is screwed onto the container body 5A. Furthermore, sealing components such as gaskets (not shown) are provided at the mating portions of the cover 11A and the container body 5A, and at the mating portions of the cover 11B and the container body 5B, so that the interiors of the first container 1A, the second container 1B, and the storage container 1C can be airtightly sealed by assembling the cover 11A. The method of installing the cover 11A and 11B onto the container body 5A or the container body 5B is not limited to screwing; any structure such as snap-fit ​​or fitting can also be used.

[0075] The desiccant receiving section 6 in the second container 1B is formed near the bottom of the container body 5B, such as... Figure 4 As shown, when the cover 11A of the first container 1A, which includes the medium 2 holding the detector and the agent holder 4, is assembled onto the container body 5B, the contact inhibition member 7 is located between the agent holder 4 and the desiccant storage portion 6, so that the desiccant 61 in the storage portion 6 does not come into direct contact with the agent holder 4.

[0076] The contact-inhibiting component 7 can isolate the desiccant 61 and the desiccant holder 4 in a manner that prevents direct contact. On the other hand, it can absorb moisture released from the desiccant holder 4 or from the decomposition inhibitor transferred from the desiccant holder 4 to the medium 2. As long as this purpose can be achieved, any component of any shape made of any raw material can be used. The contact-inhibiting component 7 is made of a material that does not obstruct the airflow between the desiccant in the desiccant storage section 6 and the desiccant holder 4. Examples of contact-inhibiting components 7 include porous components fixed at a predetermined height position in the internal space of the container body 5B, plugs, cotton-like bodies made of synthetic resin, and sheet-like components with airflow.

[0077] As the desiccant 61, any material capable of absorbing moisture released from the decomposition inhibitor can be used without particular restriction. Examples of desiccants 61 include physical desiccants such as silica gel, alumina, molecular sieves, and zeolite, and chemical desiccants such as quicklime and calcium chloride. Desiccant 61 can be used alone or in combination with two or more other materials. While chemical desiccants undergo a change in substance during drying, physical desiccants do not change substance but adsorb water molecules onto the porous surface. Therefore, from the viewpoint of more reliably suppressing the influence on the detection object or medium, physical desiccants such as molecular sieves are preferred as desiccant 61.

[0078] By using desiccant 61, the decomposition of the tested component caused by hydrolysis promoted by the reaction in the presence of moisture can be more effectively suppressed.

[0079] As the decomposition inhibitor 3, solutions of the decomposition inhibitor 3 that have the function of inhibiting the decomposition of the test component that may be contained in the medium can be used without particular limitation. For example, when the test sample contains an enzyme that decomposes the test component, various liquids that can inhibit or inactivate the activity of the enzyme can be used. When the test sample is sebum and the test component contained in the test sample is nucleic acid, there may be cases where the sebum contains a nucleic acid decomposing enzyme originating from the test sample or other bacteria. The decomposition of nucleic acid contained in the test sample can be inhibited by inactivating the nucleic acid decomposing enzyme. As the decomposition inhibitor 3 when the test component is nucleic acid, aqueous solutions containing guanidine hydrochloride, guanidine thiocyanate, urea, thiourea, etc., as liquid modifiers can be used. It is preferable that the aqueous solution containing guanidine hydrochloride, etc., does not come into contact with the body, so from the viewpoint that adhesion to the body can be inhibited when using such a decomposition inhibitor, the test sample holder 1 of the present invention is more useful. The amount of decomposition inhibitor 3 contained in the first container 1A can be appropriately determined according to the size of the medium 2, etc. For example, Figure 2 (a) shows the state of containing approximately 1 to 2 mL of liquid decomposition inhibitor 3.

[0080] A preferred example of how to use the detector storage component 1 of the first embodiment will be described.

[0081] First, using a medium 2A capable of holding the sample, the sample, such as sebum, is held in the medium 2A by wiping the surface of the sample using appropriate methods. When using a sheet-like medium 2A, it is folded multiple times to achieve a compact shape.

[0082] By performing prescribed operations such as inverting the first container 1A and shaking it up and down multiple times, the decomposition inhibitor 3 stored in the storage section 31 inside the first container 1A is impregnated in the agent holder 4. Then, the cover 11A is removed from the container body 5A of the first container 1A, and the medium 2 holding the detector is inserted into the medium insertion section 12 provided in the agent holder 4 attached to the cover 11A.

[0083] The agent holder 4 contains a liquid decomposition inhibitor 3, so by inserting the medium 2 into the medium insertion portion 12 formed in the agent holder 4, the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 is efficiently transferred to the medium 2.

[0084] With the medium 2 inserted into the medium insertion part 12, by clamping the outer support parts 14, 14 between the fingers and applying pressure to the outer support parts 14, 14, the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 impregnated in the agent holder 4 can be more effectively transferred to the medium 2 and the detector held in the medium 2. Furthermore, by clamping the outer support parts 14, 14 between the fingers and repeatedly increasing and decreasing the pressure, the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 impregnated in the agent holder 4 can be transferred to the medium 2 more reliably and efficiently.

[0085] Next, the lid 11A of the first container 1A, which holds the desiccant in contact with the agent holder 4, is attached to the container body 5B of the second container 1B, which has its lid 11B removed and contains the desiccant. By attaching the lid 11A of the first container 1A to one end opening of the container body 5B of the second container 1B, the lid 11A of the first container 1A and the container body 5B of the second container 1B are combined to form a storage container 1C that is internally airtight.

[0086] According to the detector holder 1 of the first embodiment, by inserting the medium 2 holding the detector into the medium insertion part 12 through the operation described above, the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 can be transferred from the agent holder 4 to the medium 2, thereby suppressing the decomposition of the tested component contained in the detector in the medium 2. Furthermore, the use of the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 is preferred from the perspective that it can be efficiently impregnated in the agent holder 4 and that the impregnated decomposition inhibitor 3 can be efficiently transferred to the medium 2.

[0087] Furthermore, the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 does not come into direct contact with the medium 2 or the detection body. Instead, the medium 2 comes into contact with the agent holder 4 containing the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3, thereby transferring the decomposition inhibitor 3 to the medium 2. Therefore, during the operation of bringing the decomposition inhibitor 3 into contact with the medium 2, it is possible to prevent the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 from spilling or spreading to the surroundings.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the detection body storage component 1 of the first embodiment, the medium 2 can be stored in an airtight state in the storage container 1C created by assembling the cover 11A after inserting the medium 2 into the medium insertion part 12 into the container body 5B of the second container 1B. With the medium 2 stored in the medium insertion part 12, the desiccant 61 can absorb moisture released from the decomposition inhibitor 3 without direct contact between the desiccant 61 and the agent holder 4. Thus, the moisture content in the liquid decomposition inhibitor remaining in the agent holder 4 can be reduced without direct contact between the desiccant 61 and the liquid decomposition inhibitor remaining in the agent holder 4. For example, hydrolysis of the tested component due to enzymes or natural occurrence can be suppressed, and the decomposition of the tested component can be suppressed more reliably. Furthermore, even if the tested component is not decomposed due to hydrolysis, the possibility of leakage of the decomposition inhibitor 3 during storage and transportation can be further reduced by lowering the moisture content in the liquid decomposition inhibitor remaining in the agent holder 4.

[0089] Thus, according to the first embodiment of the test sample holder 1, by allowing the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 to come into contact with the medium 2 through the agent holder 4, contact between the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 and the body can be prevented. Furthermore, by reducing the moisture content in the liquid decomposition inhibitor after the medium is contained, leakage of the liquid decomposition inhibitor and decomposition of the tested component in the test sample can be more effectively suppressed. In addition, the test sample holder 1 according to the first embodiment does not require a cooling device, and the workability of storing and transporting the test sample is excellent.

[0090] Furthermore, the second container 1B has a contact suppression component 7 disposed between the desiccant storage section 6 and the desiccant holder 4, which prevents the desiccant 61 from contacting the desiccant holder 4. This prevents the desiccant 61 from directly contacting the desiccant holder 4 and has the advantages of suppressing the heat generated by direct contact between the guanidine hydrochloride aqueous solution and the molecular sieve, as well as various adverse situations that may occur due to the combination of the liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 and the desiccant 61.

[0091] Next, the detection body storage components according to embodiments 2 to 7 of the present invention will be described. Regarding embodiments 2 to 5, the differences from those in embodiment 1 will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the same points and descriptions will be omitted.

[0092] The detection body storage component in the second embodiment replaces... Figure 2 The first container 1A shown in (a) has Figure 7 The first container 1A' shown differs from the first embodiment in this respect.

[0093] Figure 7The first container 1A' shown has no plug inside, and the liquid decomposition inhibitor is held in a state of being impregnated in the agent holder 4. In the detector holder of the second embodiment, it is also possible to remove the cover 11A from the container body 5A' of the first container 1A', insert the medium 2 holding the detector into the medium insertion part 12 attached to the cover 11A, and then assemble the cover 11A to one end opening of the container body 5B of the second container 1B, which is the same as in the first embodiment, to form a storage container composed of the cover 11A of the first container 1A' and the container body 5B of the second container 1B.

[0094] According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effect of keeping the decomposition inhibitor and agent separate before use, it can achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0095] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the first container 1A' and the second container 1B have different heights, making them easier to identify and more reliably preventing confusion. Alternatively, the first container 1A' and the second container 1B can also have the same height.

[0096] like Figure 8 As shown, the test sample holder 1' of the third embodiment has the following in a single container 1D: a medium insertion portion 12 serving as a medium storage portion; a liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 that inhibits the decomposition of the test sample contained in the medium; a reagent holder 4 capable of impregnating the decomposition inhibitor 3; and a desiccant storage portion 6. The container 1D has a cover portion 11A for the reagent holder 4 and a container body 5D on which the cover portion 11A is detachably mounted. The medium insertion portion 12 is provided in the reagent holder 4 held in the cover portion 11A. In the test sample holder 1', an appropriate amount of decomposition inhibitor 3 is pre-impregnated in the reagent holder 4 before the test sample holder is used. Furthermore, a separating member 8 is disposed inside the container body 5D to prevent contact between the desiccant 61 in the storage portion 6 and the reagent holder 4. The separating member 8 airtightly separates the reagent holder 4 from the desiccant storage portion 6, so that the moisture in the decomposition inhibitor impregnated in the reagent holder 4 is not absorbed by the desiccant 61 before use. Thus, the liquid state of the decomposition inhibitor is maintained, and the transfer of the decomposition inhibitor from the agent holder 4 to the medium 2 is efficient. The separating member 8 is, for example, an annular member comprising a thin film made of synthetic resin in the central portion.

[0097] When using the test sample holder 1' according to the third embodiment, the cap 11A is removed from the container body 5D. The medium 2, which holds the test sample in a sheet-like form 2A', is folded to a suitable size and inserted into the medium insertion part 12 of the agent holder 4, which is pre-impregnated with a liquid decomposition inhibitor 3. As needed, pressure is applied to the outer support parts 14, 14 with fingers to facilitate the transfer of the decomposition inhibitor 3 from the agent holder 4 to the medium 2. Furthermore, using a suitable piercing tool such as a toothpick, or a dedicated piercing tool supplied as part of the test sample holder 1', a through hole is formed in the partition member 8 within the container body 5D after the cap 11A is removed. The partition member 8 with the through hole functions as a contact inhibition member.

[0098] The container body 5D is assembled to hold the medium 2 in the cover 11A of the medium insertion part 12.

[0099] In this way, in the detector storage member 1' of the third embodiment, the medium 2 can be placed in the medium insertion part (medium storage part) 12 while the agent holder 4 is impregnated with liquid decomposition inhibitor 3, thereby transferring the decomposition inhibitor 3 to the medium 2. Furthermore, with the medium 2 stored in the medium insertion part (medium storage part) 12, the desiccant 61 can absorb moisture released from the decomposition inhibitor 3 without direct contact with the agent holder 4. Therefore, the detector storage member 1' of the third embodiment can achieve the same effect as the detector storage member of the first or second embodiment. Moreover, since the first and second containers are not required, it is advantageous from the perspectives of transportation, storage, and operation.

[0100] like Figure 9 As shown, the detection body storage component 1 of the fourth embodiment includes a container 1E having a cover 11E and a container body 5E to which the cover is fitted. The cover 11E is detachably fitted to one end opening of the bottom cylindrical container body 5E.

[0101] A bottomed cylindrical desiccant reservoir 60 is attached to the cover portion 11E, containing a desiccant reservoir 6 inside. The desiccant reservoir 60 functions as a contact-suppressing component to prevent direct contact between the desiccant retainer 4, which contains a liquid decomposition inhibitor, and the desiccant 61. The desiccant retainer 4, which contains a liquid decomposition inhibitor, is disposed within the container body 5E. The desiccant retainer 4 has portions disposed along the upper bottom surface and the inner circumferential surface near the bottom of the container body 5E. Figure 9 As shown, the desiccant storage body 60, with the container body 5E assembled on the cover 11E, and the agent holder 4 form a medium storage section 12E for storing and holding the medium 2 containing the detector.

[0102] The desiccant housing 60 is made of an impermeable material that prevents the decomposition inhibitor from passing through, and has vent holes 63 formed in the part that does not come into contact with the medium 2 to connect the inside and outside of the desiccant housing 6.

[0103] The vent 63 is sealed by a seal (not shown) before the medium is placed in. After the cover 11E is removed, the seal is removed before the medium 2 is placed in, allowing ventilation. The vent 63 is formed on the cover 11E side of the desiccant container 60. Multiple vents 63 may be formed circumferentially around the desiccant container 60. Alternatively, there may be only one vent 63.

[0104] When using the detection body storage component 1 of the fourth embodiment, such as Figure 10 As shown in (a), the cap 11E is removed from the container body 5E, and the medium 2, which holds the sheet-like medium 2 behind the detector, is folded to a suitable size so that it is located below the bottom 62 of the desiccant reservoir 60 attached to the cap 11E, as shown. Figure 10 As shown in (b), the medium 2 is pressed into the container body 5E using the desiccant housing 60, as follows. Figure 10 As shown in (c), the medium 2 is pressed into the desiccant holder 4 by the desiccant holder 60 so that they are in close contact, and the cover 11E is assembled into the container body 5E to seal the space inside the container 1E.

[0105] According to the detection body storage component 1 of the fourth embodiment, the medium 2 can be placed in the medium receiving section 12E while the agent holding body 4 is impregnated with liquid decomposition inhibitor 3, thereby transferring the decomposition inhibitor 3 to the medium 2. Furthermore, as... Figure 10 As shown in (c), within the internally sealed container 1E, the desiccant 61 absorbs moisture released from the decomposition inhibitor 3 through the vent 63 without direct contact with the desiccant holder 4. In this manner, the detector holder 1” according to the fourth embodiment can achieve the same effect as the detector holders of the first to third embodiments.

[0106] Alternatively, instead of placing the sheet-like medium 2 holding the detector below the bottom 62 of the desiccant container 60, the sheet-like medium 2 can be wound around the lower part of the desiccant container 60 and pressed into the space within the container body 5E surrounded by the desiccant holder 4, so that it is in close contact with the desiccant holder 4.

[0107] Figure 11This is a diagram illustrating the detector storage component 1K according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The detector storage component 1K of the fifth embodiment includes a first container 1M having a cover 11M and a container body 5M capable of assembling the cover 11M, and an inner container 5N housed within the first container 1M. The inner container 5N and the cover 11N are combined to form a second container 1N.

[0108] In the fifth embodiment, the detection body storage component 1K preferably provides the user with a first container 1M and a second container 1N as a set.

[0109] The detection body storage component 1K of the fifth embodiment has a reagent holder 4 capable of impregnating a liquid decomposition inhibitor in the first container 1M, and a part of the inner container 5N becomes a desiccant storage body 60 with a desiccant storage section 6.

[0110] like Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 As shown in (b), the detector storage component 1K of the fifth embodiment can be obtained by removing the cover 11M from the container body 5M of the first container 1M, placing the medium 2 holding the detector on the agent holder 4 housed in the holder housing 51 of the container body 5M, placing the inner container 5N containing the desiccant 61 in the container housing 52 of the container body 5M, and then assembling the cover 11M of the first container 1M to one end opening of the container body 5M, thereby becoming a storage container 1G that houses the inner container 5N in the first container 1M.

[0111] like Figure 11 and Figure 12 As shown in (a), the first container 1M has a lid 11M and a container body 5M for assembling the lid 11M. The lid 11M is detachably assembled to an opening at one end of the bottomed cylindrical container body 5M.

[0112] like Figure 12 (a) and Figure 12 As shown in (b), the cover portion 11M has a sealing member 41 on the back side 31b of the top surface portion 31m. The sealing member 41 has a top view shape that follows the periphery of the opening of the inner container 5N, and has a generally circular annular shape. The sealing member 41 is disposed on the periphery of the top surface portion 31m of the cover portion 11M. As the sealing member 41, gaskets made of materials such as rubber, silicone, elastic materials, polyethylene, foamed polyethylene, polypropylene, and foamed polypropylene can be cited as examples.

[0113] In addition, such as Figure 12 (a) and Figure 12As shown in (b), the cover portion 11M has a raised rib portion 33 protruding from the back surface 31b of the top portion 31m. The raised rib portion 33 extends in one direction. In the fifth embodiment, the raised rib portion 33 is disposed in the area surrounded by the sealing member 41. Furthermore, the longitudinal end 33a of the raised rib portion 33 does not reach the sealing member 41. In other words, a gap is formed between the longitudinal end 33a of the raised rib portion 33 and the sealing member 41.

[0114] The cover portion 11M may have only one protruding rib 33 or multiple protruding ribs 33. When the cover portion 11M has multiple protruding ribs 33, the directions in which the multiple protruding ribs 33 extend may intersect each other or be as follows: Figure 12 As shown in (b), they are roughly parallel to each other.

[0115] like Figure 12 As shown in (a), the container body 5M has a retainer storage portion 51 capable of storing the agent holder 4, and a container storage portion 52 capable of storing the inner container 5N. The container storage portion 52 is located closer to the opening of the container body 5M than the retainer storage portion 51. In the fifth embodiment, the retainer storage portion 51 is a space surrounded by the bottom 51a of the container body 5M and a first peripheral wall portion 51b erected from the periphery of the bottom 51a. The container storage portion 52 is a space surrounded by a second peripheral wall portion 52b located closer to the opening of the container body 5M than the first peripheral wall portion 51b. The diameter of the second peripheral wall portion 52b is larger than that of the first peripheral wall portion 51b. The lower end of the second peripheral wall portion 52b and the upper end of the first peripheral wall portion 51b are connected by a connecting portion 56.

[0116] like Figure 13 As shown, the second container 1N has a lid 11N and an inner container 5N on which the lid 11N is fitted. The lid 11N is detachably fitted to the opening of the bottomed cylindrical inner container 5N.

[0117] The inner container 5N is formed to be housed within the container housing section 52 of the container body 5M of the first container 1M (see reference). Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 (b)

[0118] In addition, such as Figure 13 As shown, the inner container 5N has a desiccant storage body 60 with a storage portion 6 for desiccant 61 inside. When disposed within the container body 5M of the first container 1M, the desiccant storage body 60 functions as a contact suppression member to prevent direct contact between the desiccant holder 4, which contains a liquid decomposition inhibitor, and the desiccant 61.

[0119] In addition to the desiccant reservoir 60, the inner container 5N also has a container peripheral wall portion 71. The container peripheral wall portion 71 is located radially outward of the inner container 5N compared to the desiccant reservoir 60.

[0120] The cover portion 11N has a top portion 31n and a peripheral wall portion 32n extending from the periphery of the top portion 31n. The peripheral wall portion 32n extends from the periphery of the top portion 31n to both sides in the height direction H of the cover portion 11N. In other words, the peripheral wall portion 32n includes an upper peripheral wall portion 32u located above the top portion 31n in the height direction H, and a lower peripheral wall portion 32d located below the top portion 31n in the height direction H. The advantage of the peripheral wall portion 32n of the cover portion 11N having an upper peripheral wall portion 32u is as follows: Even if the length of the lower peripheral wall portion 32d in the height direction H is too short for the user to hold, the length of the peripheral wall portion 32n in the height direction H can be increased to a degree that allows the user to hold the peripheral wall portion 32n. When the user can hold the peripheral wall portion 32n, the cover portion 11N can be rotated relative to the inner container 5N, thus making it easier to install and remove the cover portion 11N relative to the inner container 5N. From the viewpoint of making it easier for the user to hold the peripheral wall portion 32n, the peripheral wall portion 32 is preferably as follows: Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, it has ribs 31r on its outer surface.

[0121] like Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 As shown in (b), in the fifth embodiment, with the inner container 5N housed within the container body 5M and the cover 11M fitted to the container body 5M, a media storage portion 12 is formed between the desiccant storage body 60 and the agent holder 4. The media storage portion of the detector storage component of the present invention is not limited to being initially formed as in the media insertion portion 12 of the first embodiment, but also includes being formed by combining multiple components constituting the detector storage component 1K, for example, by combining the first container 1M and the inner container 5N of this embodiment.

[0122] like Figure 14 (a) and Figure 14 As shown in (b), in the fifth embodiment, the detection body storage component 1K is assembled by removing the cover 11M from the container body 5M of the first container 1M, placing the medium 2 between the desiccant storage body 60 and the agent holding body 4, and then attaching the cover 11M to the container body 5M, so that the medium 2 and the agent holding body 4 are in close contact.

[0123] Regarding the method of using the detection body storage component 1K of the fifth embodiment, a preferred example will be described.

[0124] First, using a medium 2A capable of holding the sample, the sample, such as sebum, is held in the medium 2A by wiping the surface of the sample using appropriate methods. When performing operations such as wiping the surface of the sample using the medium 2A, it is preferable to use an auxiliary device 25 that can hold the medium 2A in a detachable manner.

[0125] By using the auxiliary device 25, the user can perform operations such as wiping the surface of the test subject without directly holding the medium 2A, thus preventing substances other than the test subject from adhering to the medium 2A.

[0126] The auxiliary device 25 preferably has cushioning properties. Furthermore, the auxiliary device 25 is preferably able to adhere to the medium 2A without the use of adhesives. As the auxiliary device 25, various synthetic resin foams with cushioning properties can be used. Preferably, a device formed by bonding a raw material having a suction cup structure, etc., with multiple recesses on the surface that are compressed to a depressurized state internally, can be used. Examples of cushioning raw materials include foams made of elastic resins; specifically, foams containing ethylene-propylene-diene copolymer (EPDM), NBR, PE, PP, PET, SBR, elastomers, silicone rubber, etc., can be included. Furthermore, the cushioning raw material is preferably selected from materials such as synthetic resins with elastic recovery to compression, sponges made of natural raw materials, non-woven fabrics, woven fabrics, or composites of two or more of these. Examples of raw materials with suction cup structures include acrylic resins.

[0127] The shape of the auxiliary device 25 capable of holding the medium 2A is not particularly limited; for example, cuboids, prisms, hemispheres, etc., can be included. Figure 11 The shape is flat as shown. There are no particular restrictions on the cross-sectional shape of cuboids and prisms; they can also be circular (see reference). Figure 11 ( ), oval, rectangular, rhomboid, etc.

[0128] Remove the cap 11M from the container body 5M of the first container 1M, and place the medium 2 holding the detector on the agent holder 4 impregnated with the decomposition inhibitor 3 (refer to...). Figure 14 (a) and (b)). While the medium 2 is held in the auxiliary device 25, the medium 2 is removed from the auxiliary device 25 and placed on the agent holder 4.

[0129] Next, the inner container 5N of the second container 1N, which contains desiccant 61 and has had its lid 11N removed, is placed inside the container housing 52 of the container body 5M of the first container 1M (see reference). Figure 14(a) and (b)). By placing the inner container 5N inside the container housing 52, the medium 2 is disposed between the desiccant 61 housing 6 and the desiccant holder 4.

[0130] Then, by assembling the lid 11M of the first container 1M onto the container body 5M, the medium 2 comes into close contact with the desiccant holder 4. More specifically, when the lid 11M is assembled onto the container body 5M, the top surface 31m of the lid 11M abuts against the upper end 60a of the desiccant collection 60 of the inner container 5N, and the inner container 5N is pressed down. When the inner container 5N is pressed down, the medium 2 is pressed against the desiccant holder 4 by the bottom of the desiccant collection 60, and the medium 2 comes into close contact with the desiccant holder 4. In the fifth embodiment, from the viewpoint that the medium 2 reliably comes into close contact with the desiccant holder 4 when the lid 11M of the first container 1M is assembled onto the container body 5M, the distance L1 from the back side of the top surface 31m to the upper surface of the bottom of the container body 5M when the lid 11M is assembled onto the container body 5M (refer to...) Figure 12 (a) is greater than the height L2 of the inner container 5N (refer to) Figure 13 The thickness L3 of the agent holding body 4 in a state without external force applied (refer to) Figure 12 The total value of (a) is small.

[0131] Furthermore, when the lid 11M of the first container 1M is assembled into the container body 5M, the sealing member 41 of the lid 11M abuts against the upper end of the container body 5M, and the space inside the container body 5M is sealed.

[0132] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the container is configured such that, with the inner container 5N housed within the container body 5M and the cover 11M fitted to the container body 5M, a communication path is formed connecting the storage portion 6 of the desiccant 61 and the storage portion 51 of the desiccant holder 4. This point will be explained in detail below.

[0133] In the internally sealed storage container 1G, a gap is formed between the upper end 60a of the desiccant reservoir 60 and the top surface 31m of the lid 11M. More specifically, in the storage container 1G, as... Figure 14 As shown in (b), the protruding part 33 of the top surface 31m of the cover 11M abuts against the upper end 60a of the desiccant container 60, and a gap is formed between the portion of the top surface 31m other than the protruding part 33 and the upper end 60a of the desiccant container 60. This gap constitutes part of the communication path between the desiccant 61 storage portion 6 and the desiccant holder 4 storage portion 51.

[0134] In addition, in the 1G storage container, such as Figure 14As shown in (b), a gap is formed between the lower end 71b of the container peripheral wall 71 of the inner container 5N and the connecting portion 56 of the container body 5M. This gap also forms part of the communication path connecting the storage portion 6 of the desiccant 61 and the storage portion of the desiccant holder 4.

[0135] In this way, within the internally sealed storage container 1G, the desiccant 61 storage portion 6 and the desiccant holder 4 storage portion 51 are connected via the gap between the upper end portion 60a of the desiccant holder 60 and the top surface portion 31m of the cover portion 11M, and the gap between the lower end portion 71b of the container peripheral wall portion 71 of the inner container 5N and the connecting portion 56 of the container body 5M. Thus, within the internally sealed storage container 1G, the desiccant 61 absorbs moisture released from the decomposition inhibitor 3 without direct contact with the desiccant holder 4 through these gaps. In this manner, the detector storage member 1K according to the fifth embodiment can achieve the same effect as the detector storage members of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0136] A preferred example of the method for providing the detection body storage copy 1K of the fifth embodiment to users will be described.

[0137] First, on the provider side that provides the test sample storage container 1K to users, the first container 1M and the second container 1N respectively house the agent holder 4 and the desiccant 61. Specifically, after the agent holder 4, which contains a liquid decomposition inhibitor, is housed in the holder housing 51 of the container body 5M, the cap 11M is fitted to one end opening of the container body 5M to form the first container 1M housing the agent holder 4. Furthermore, after the desiccant 61 is housed in the inner container 5N, the cap 11N is fitted to the opening of the inner container 5N to form the second container 1N housing the desiccant 61.

[0138] Next, the test body storage component 1K is provided to the user by packaging the first container 1M and the second container 1N formed therefrom together with the medium 2A capable of holding the test body into a packaging container.

[0139] The detector storage unit 1K in the fifth embodiment may not have a lid 11N of the second container 1N, but it preferably includes a pre-use sealing member that closes the opening of the desiccant 61 storage portion 6 of the inner container 5N. In the fifth embodiment, the pre-use sealing member is the lid 11N of the second container 1N. When the detector storage unit 1K has a pre-use sealing member, the inner container 5N is preferably provided to the user with the lid 11N attached to the inner container 5N, in other words, with the opening of the desiccant 61 storage portion 6 closed by the pre-use sealing member. By providing the inner container 5N with the opening of the desiccant 61 storage portion 6 closed by the pre-use sealing member, it is possible to prevent foreign matter other than the desiccant 61 from mixing into the desiccant 61 storage portion 6, or to prevent the desiccant 61 from leaking out of the desiccant 61 storage portion 6. As the pre-use sealing member, a sealing film such as a parafilm (trademark) can be used.

[0140] Figure 15 (a) and Figure 15 Figure (b) shows the detector storage member 1P according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. The detector storage member 1P of the sixth embodiment includes a container 1F having a cover 11F and a container body 5F to which the cover 11F is detachably mounted. When the detector storage member is provided to the user, the container 1F contains only a reagent holder 4 impregnated with a liquid decomposition inhibitor 3.

[0141] Furthermore, the detector storage component 1P of the sixth embodiment includes a sheet-shaped medium 2, a disc-shaped contact inhibition component 7, and a desiccant 61, which are provided in a bag or other container other than the container 1F. The contact inhibition component 7, like that in the first embodiment, can isolate the desiccant 61 and the detector holder 4 in a manner that prevents direct contact. On the other hand, it allows moisture released from the detector holder 4 or from the decomposition inhibitor transferred from the detector holder 4 to the medium 2 to pass through, and the desiccant 61 absorbs this moisture.

[0142] When using the detector holder 1P according to the sixth embodiment, the cover 11F is removed from the container body 5F, exposing the disc-shaped agent holder 4, which is pre-impregnated with a liquid decomposition inhibitor and has a predetermined thickness, disposed on the container body 5F. The agent holder 4 is constructed of a sponge or similar component that has elastic recovery force against compression. The medium 2, which holds the detector in a sheet-like form, is placed on the agent holder 4. The medium 2 can be placed on the agent holder 4 in an unfolded sheet state, or it can be folded once or multiple times to form a compact state and placed on the agent holder 4. Next, the contact inhibition component 7 and the desiccant 61 are sequentially placed on the medium 2, and then the cover 11F is assembled onto the container body 5F.

[0143] According to the detection body storage member 1P of the sixth embodiment, when the agent holder 4 is impregnated with liquid decomposition inhibitor 3, the medium 2 can be disposed in the medium receiving portion 12F located on the agent holder 4, thereby transferring the decomposition inhibitor 3 to the medium 2. The medium 2 disposed in the medium receiving portion 12F is preferably in close contact with the agent holder 4 using a contact inhibition member 7 or other member, and more preferably pressed against the agent holder 4. To ensure close contact with or press against the agent holder 4, any method can be used, such as having a thicker total thickness of the components disposed therebetween than the thickness between the container body 5F and the cap 11F. Furthermore, as... Figure 15 As shown in (b), within the internally sealed container 1F, the desiccant 61 absorbs the moisture released from the decomposition inhibitor 3 without direct contact with the agent holder 4, separated by the contact inhibition member 7. In this way, the detector holder 1P according to the sixth embodiment can achieve the same effect as the detector holders of the first to fifth embodiments.

[0144] The detector storage component 1P' of the seventh embodiment is shown. Figure 16 (a) and Figure 16 (b). In the detector preservation component 1P of the sixth embodiment, a reagent holder 4 impregnated with liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 is disposed on the container body 5F side of the container 1F before use and the container body 5F, but in the detector preservation component 1P' of the seventh embodiment, as... Figure 16 (a) and Figure 16 As shown in (b), the container 1F before use has a retainer 4 containing a liquid decomposition inhibitor 3 fixed to the lid 11F side, which is different.

[0145] In the detector storage component 1P' of the seventh embodiment, a contact inhibition member 7 is fitted and fixed to the opening of the container body 5F in the container 1F before use, and a desiccant storage portion 6 is formed between the container body 5F and the contact inhibition member 7. In the seventh embodiment, a medium storage portion 12F is formed between the contact inhibition member 7 and the agent holder 4. When the medium 2 is placed between the agent holder 4, which contains liquid decomposition inhibitor 3, and the contact inhibition member 7, and the cover portion 11F is closed, the agent holder 4 and the medium 2 are in close contact, preferably in a pressed state, and the decomposition inhibitor 3 in the agent holder 4 is well transferred to the medium 2.

[0146] When the desiccant 61 is pre-stored in the desiccant storage section 6 formed within the container body 5F of the container 1F, it has the advantage of preventing the desiccant 61 from flying out when the cover 11F is removed during use. The contact suppression component 7 is made of, for example, synthetic resin and has multiple vent holes. As the contact suppression component 7, cotton-like, sheet-like, or plate-like components can be used. The vent holes of the contact suppression component 7 are preferably sealed with a sealing material or the like before the medium 2 is disposed.

[0147] The detector storage component 1P' according to the seventh embodiment can achieve the same effect as the detector storage components of the first to fifth or sixth embodiments.

[0148] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be appropriately modified. Furthermore, the structures of the above embodiments can be appropriately combined.

[0149] For example, in the "Detection Entity Storage 1" of the fourth embodiment, a single container 1E includes a desiccant housing 60 and an agent holder 4 containing a liquid decomposition inhibitor. However, instead of this structure, a first container may be provided with a cover on which the desiccant housing 60 is provided, and a second container may be provided with an agent holder 4 containing a liquid decomposition inhibitor disposed inside the container body. When the cover removed from the container body of the first container is assembled to the container body of the second container, the desiccant housing on the cover of the first container may press the medium 2 containing the detection entity into the container body of the second container.

[0150] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, the detector storage component 1K can provide the first container 1M and the second container 1N separately from the medium 2A capable of holding the detector, or it can provide the first container 1M, the second container 1N, and the medium 2A separately.

[0151] Alternatively, the test sample holder 1K can be provided to users without separately storing the reagent holder 4 and the desiccant 61 in the first container 1M and the second container 1N, respectively. More specifically, the first container 1M and the second container 1N, which are empty inside, the reagent holder 4, the desiccant 61, and the medium 2A can be packaged together in a bundle and handed over to users.

[0152] Furthermore, in embodiments 2 to 7, the method of pre-containing the decomposition inhibitor in the agent holder has been described. However, in these methods, it is also possible to pre-contain the liquid decomposition inhibitor in other containers such as bags or tubes other than the container containing the agent holder, and then attach the agent holder before use.

[0153] Alternatively, in the first or second embodiment, a cover portion that can be pre-formed on the outer side of the bottom of the container bodies 5A and 5A' of the first containers 1A and 1A' can be installed on the container body 5B of the second container 1B by integral molding or the like, and this cover portion can be used as a cover portion 11B to close the opening of the second container 1B before use. Alternatively, a sealing film such as parafilm (trademark) can be used to close the opening of the container body of the second container 1B.

[0154] Industrial availability

[0155] According to the present invention, by impregnating the liquid decomposition inhibitor in the reagent holder and bringing it into contact with the test body, it is possible to make the liquid decomposition inhibitor come into efficient contact with the test body while preventing the liquid decomposition inhibitor from coming into contact with the body. Furthermore, by reducing the moisture content in the liquid decomposition inhibitor after the test body is stored, it is possible to more effectively suppress the leakage of the liquid decomposition inhibitor and the decomposition of the tested component in the test body.

Claims

1. A detection body preservation device, characterized in that: It includes: a media receiving section for receiving and holding the media containing the detection medium; a liquid decomposition inhibitor for inhibiting the decomposition of the test sample contained in the detection medium; a reagent holder for impregnating the decomposition inhibitor; and a desiccant receiving section. By placing the medium in the medium receiving portion while the agent holder is impregnated with the decomposition inhibitor, the decomposition inhibitor is transferred to the medium, and while the medium is received in the medium receiving portion, the desiccant can absorb moisture released from the decomposition inhibitor without direct contact with the agent holder. The detection body storage component includes: a container having a lid and a container body capable of assembling the lid; and an inner container housed within the container. The desiccant holder is disposed within the container body, and the inner container has a desiccant receiving body, which has a desiccant receiving portion. With the inner container housed within the container body and the lid fitted to the container body, a media receiving portion is formed between the desiccant receiver and the desiccant holder. After removing the cap from the container body and placing the medium between the desiccant storage portion and the agent holder, the medium is brought into close contact with the agent holder by assembling the cap back onto the container body.

2. The detection body preservation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: With the inner container housed within the container body and the lid assembled to the container body, a gap is formed between the upper end of the desiccant storage body and the top surface of the lid. This gap constitutes part of a communication path connecting the storage portion of the desiccant and the storage portion of the desiccant holder.

3. The detection body preservation device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The cover has a raised ridge protruding from the back of the top surface of the cover. With the inner container housed within the container body and the lid assembled to the container body, the raised portion abuts against the upper end of the desiccant reservoir, forming the gap between the upper end of the desiccant reservoir and the portion of the top surface of the lid other than the raised portion.

4. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The cover has a sealing component on the back side of its top surface. With the lid assembled to the container body, the sealing component abuts against the upper end of the container body, and the space inside the container body is sealed.

5. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It also includes a front sealing component that closes the opening of the desiccant receiving portion of the inner container. The inner container is provided to the user with the opening closed by a pre-use sealing component. With the pre-use sealing component removed, the inner container is housed within the container body and the lid is fitted onto the container body.

6. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The detector is a biological detector derived from an animal, and the sample being tested is a nucleic acid.

7. The detection body preservation device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The sample being tested was RNA.

8. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The medium is in sheet form.

9. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: It also contains a medium that can hold the sample.

10. A sample storage device, characterized in that: It includes: a media receiving section for receiving and holding the media containing the detection medium; a liquid decomposition inhibitor for inhibiting the decomposition of the test sample contained in the detection medium; a reagent holder for impregnating the decomposition inhibitor; and a desiccant receiving section. By placing the medium in the medium receiving portion while the agent holder is impregnated with the decomposition inhibitor, the decomposition inhibitor is transferred to the medium, and while the medium is received in the medium receiving portion, the desiccant can absorb moisture released from the decomposition inhibitor without direct contact with the agent holder. The reagent holder includes: a first container having a cap for holding the reagent holder and a container body for assembling the cap, the reagent holder having the medium receiving portion; and The second container has a container body capable of assembling the lid, and an interior portion for storing the desiccant. After the medium receiving portion of the cover removed from the container body of the first container holds the medium containing the detector, the cover can be assembled to the container body of the second container.

11. The detection body preservation device as described in claim 10, characterized in that: The first container has a storage section for the decomposition inhibitor and a retainer for the agent, the storage section being able to maintain the decomposition inhibitor and the retainer in a separate state before performing a prescribed operation.

12. The detection body preservation device as described in claim 11, characterized in that: The first container has a stopper with a supply hole for supplying the decomposition inhibitor to the agent holder, the opening area of ​​the supply hole being smaller than the opening area of ​​the storage section side.

13. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The second container includes a contact inhibition component disposed between the desiccant receiving portion and the desiccant holder to prevent contact between the desiccant and the desiccant holder.

14. The detection body preservation device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: As the medium receiving part, the agent holder includes a medium insertion part for inserting and holding the medium.

15. The detection body preservation device as described in claim 14, characterized in that: A pair of outer support portions covering the outer surface of the agent holder are respectively provided on both sides of the medium insertion portion. By clamping the pair of outer support portions between the fingers and increasing or decreasing the pressing pressure, the pressure of pressing the agent holder against the medium inserted into the medium insertion portion can be increased or decreased.

16. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The detector is a biological detector derived from an animal, and the sample being tested is a nucleic acid.

17. The detection body preservation device as described in claim 16, characterized in that: The sample being tested was RNA.

18. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: The medium is in sheet form.

19. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that: It also contains a medium that can hold the sample.

20. A sample storage device, characterized in that: It includes: a media receiving section for receiving and holding the media containing the detection medium; a liquid decomposition inhibitor for inhibiting the decomposition of the test sample contained in the detection medium; a reagent holder for impregnating the decomposition inhibitor; and a desiccant receiving section. By placing the medium in the medium receiving portion while the agent holder is impregnated with the decomposition inhibitor, the decomposition inhibitor is transferred to the medium, and while the medium is received in the medium receiving portion, the desiccant can absorb moisture released from the decomposition inhibitor without direct contact with the agent holder. The detector holder includes a container having a cap for holding the agent holder and a container body for detachably assembling the cap. The agent holder held by the cap is provided with a medium receiving portion, and the container body is provided with a desiccant receiving portion and a contact inhibition member for preventing the desiccant in the receiving portion from contacting the agent holder.

21. The detection body preservation device as described in claim 20, characterized in that: As the medium receiving part, the agent holder includes a medium insertion part for inserting and holding the medium.

22. The detection body preservation device as described in claim 21, characterized in that: A pair of outer support portions covering the outer surface of the agent holder are respectively provided on both sides of the medium insertion portion. By clamping the pair of outer support portions between the fingers and increasing or decreasing the pressing pressure, the pressure of pressing the agent holder against the medium inserted into the medium insertion portion can be increased or decreased.

23. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that: The detector is a biological detector derived from an animal, and the sample being tested is a nucleic acid.

24. The detection body preservation device as described in claim 23, characterized in that: The sample being tested was RNA.

25. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that: The medium is in sheet form.

26. The detection body preservation device as described in any one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that: It also contains a medium that can hold the sample.

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