In vitro diagnostic strip

Abstract

An in vitro diagnostic strip according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a strip main body to which a specimen is introduced; a main deployment channel formed in the strip main body, for spreading the specimen introduced to the strip main body; and a plurality of sub-deployment channels branching and extending from one side of the main deployment channel, for spreading the specimen, wherein the sub-deployment channels may include a variable flow channel part, at least a portion of the flow cross-sectional area of which is tapered.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an in vitro diagnostic strip, and more particularly, to an in vitro diagnostic strip having a channel structure capable of collecting a specimen for in vitro diagnosis and enabling smooth flow of the specimen.[Background Art]

[0002] Recently, various simple test reagents or diagnostic reagents and diagnostic devices have been developed to diagnose the presence or absence of pathogen infection caused by viruses or bacteria, the presence or absence of pregnancy, the occurrence of cancer diseases, and the presence or absence of harmful substances such as residual pesticides in specific raw materials such as food.

[0003] In particular, the in vitro diagnostic technology is a technology for rapidly diagnosing diseases outside a body using materials derived from a human body such as blood, feces, body fluids, and saliva, plays an important role in clinical decision-making, and becomes an essential and specialized element in patient treatment.

[0004] An in vitro diagnostic device using the in vitro diagnostic technology refers to a medical device including reagents used in tests and using specimens such as tissues, blood, and urine collected from the human body for purposes such as disease diagnosis and prognosis determination, assessment of health status, determination of treatment efficacy for diseases, and prevention, and diagnosis is performed outside the human body, and thus physical burden, which is less than those of medical devices that require insertion into the human body, is imposed.

[0005] In this case, there is a need to develop an in vitro diagnostic strip having a structure that allows a plurality of test results to be obtained from a single specimen and enables smooth flow of the specimen for diagnosis using the specimen.[Detailed Description of Invention][Technical Problem]

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides an in vitro diagnostic strip in which a variable flow path part having a reduced flow cross-sectional area is formed in a sub flow channel, thereby preventing a specimen input into the sub flow channel from being slowed down and allowing the specimen to smoothly flow by capillary action.

[0007] Further, an embodiment of the present invention provides an in vitro diagnostic strip in which a flow path blocking part may be formed in a sub flow channel, and thus a specimen may be blocked from flowing back to the sub flow channel due to a large amount of the specimen or an excessively fast flow speed.

[0008] The aspects of the present invention are not limited to the aspects described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other aspects not described herein from the following description.[Technical Solution]

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an in vitro diagnostic strip includes a strip body into which a specimen is input, a main flow channel which is formed on the strip body and in which the specimen input into the strip body flows, and a plurality of sub flow channels which branch off and extend from one side of the main flow channel and in which the specimen flows, wherein the sub flow channels include a variable flow path part in which at least a portion of a flow cross-sectional area is reduced.

[0010] In the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area may be reduced from an upstream side to a downstream side.

[0011] In the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area may be formed to be constant from an upstream side to a downstream side.

[0012] The variable flow path part may be disposed at a downstream end in the sub flow channel.

[0013] A test hole, through which light is transmitted, may be formed at a downstream end of the sub flow channel.

[0014] The variable flow path part may be disposed at a position adjacent to the test hole.

[0015] The plurality of sub flow channels may extend vertically from both sides of the main flow channel.

[0016] The plurality of sub flow channels may extend from both sides of the main flow channel, and the sub flow channels arranged on one side of the main flow channel and the sub flow channels arranged on the other side thereof may be disposed so as not to be aligned A first vent hole communicating with external space may be formed at an end of the main flow channel.

[0017] A width of the main flow channel may be greater than a width of the sub flow channel.

[0018] A vent channel may be formed between an end of the main flow channel and the first vent hole, and the vent channel may be formed to have a width smaller than that of the sub flow channel.

[0019] A second vent hole communicating with external space may be formed at an end of the sub flow channel.

[0020] The strip body may include a grip part in which a specimen input hole into which the specimen is input is formed and a film-shaped channel part which is coupled to one side of the grip part and in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed.

[0021] The channel part may include a channel film in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed and a first cover film and a second cover film attached to an upper surface and a lower surface of the channel film, respectively.

[0022] The channel part may include a channel film in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed, a first cove film which is attached to an upper surface of the channel film and in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed, and a second cover film attached to a lower surface of the channel film.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an in vitro diagnostic strip includes a strip body into which a specimen is input, a main flow channel which is formed on the strip body and in which the specimen input into the strip body flows, a plurality of sub flow channels which branch off and extend from one side of the main flow channel and in which the specimen flows, and a test hole which is disposed at a downstream end of the sub flow channel and through which light is transmitted, wherein a flow path blocking part for changing a flow direction of the specimen is formed in the sub flow channel to block the specimen from flowing in an opposite direction at the test hole.

[0024] The flow path blocking part may be disposed at the downstream end of the sub flow channel.

[0025] The flow path blocking part may be disposed to be perpendicular to the flow direction in the sub flow channel.

[0026] Connection flow path parts may be formed at an upstream end and a downstream end of the flow path blocking part.

[0027] The connection flow path part may have a width smaller than a width of the sub flow channel.

[0028] Points of the connection flow path part, which are connected to the flow path blocking part, may be differently positioned in a width direction.

[0029] A variable flow path part in which at least a portion of a flow cross-sectional area is reduced may be formed in the sub flow channel.

[0030] In the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area may be reduced from an upstream side to a downstream side.

[0031] In the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area may be formed to be constant from an upstream side to a downstream side.

[0032] The flow path blocking part may be disposed at a downstream end of the sub flow channel, and the variable flow path part may be disposed upstream of the flow path blocking part.[Advantageous Effects]

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a variable flow path part having a reduced flow cross-sectional area may be formed in a sub flow channel, thereby preventing a specimen input into the sub flow channel from being slowed down and allowing the specimen to smoothly flow by capillary action.

[0034] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a flow path blocking part may be formed in a sub flow channel, and thus a specimen can be blocked from flowing back to the sub flow channel due to a large amount of the specimen or an excessively fast flow speed.[Description of Drawings]

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an in vitro diagnostic strip according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5. [Modes of the Invention]

[0036] The present invention may be modified in various changes and may have various embodiments, and thus specific embodiments will be illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments and includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In description of the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of widely known related technologies may make the subject matter of the present invention unclear, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0037] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

[0038] Terms used in the present application are used only to describe the specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless clearly otherwise indicated in the context. It should be understood in the present application that terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to indicate that features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification are present and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Further, throughout the specification, the term "connect" may mean that two or more components are directly connected and as well as that two or more components are indirectly connected through another component, are physically connected, and electrically connected or that two components are integrated although the two components are referred to as different names according to locations or functions.

[0040] Further, when it is described that a first component is formed or disposed "above (on)" or "below (under)" a second component, the terms "above" and "below" include that one or more third components may be formed or arranged between the first and second components as well as the first and second components may be in direct contact with each other. Further, when the "above or below" is expressed, the "above or below" may include the meanings of a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one component.

[0041] Hereinafter, an in vitro diagnostic strip according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and when the description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components, and duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an in vitro diagnostic strip according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] As illustrated, the in vitro diagnostic strip according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a strip body 10, main flow channels 212 and 232 which are formed on the strip body 10 and through which a specimen input into the strip body 10 flows, and a plurality of sub flow channels 216 and 235 which branch off and extend from one sides of the main flow channels 212 and 232 and through which the specimen flows, and a variable flow path part 300 in which at least a portion of a flow cross-sectional area is reduced may be formed in the sub flow channels 216 and 235.

[0044] The strip body 10 may form an overall appearance of the in vitro diagnostic strip and may be formed in a flat plate shape. The strip body 10 may include a grip part 100 in which a specimen input hole 110 into which the specimen is input is formed, and a film-shaped channel part 200 which is coupled to one side of the grip part 100 and in which the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 are formed.

[0045] That is, the strip body 10 includes the grip part 100 gripped by an operator for insertion into the in vitro diagnostic device and the channel part 200 coupled to one end of the grip part 100. The grip part 100 may be made of a plastic material, and the channel part 200 may be made in the form of a film.

[0046] The specimen input hole 110 is formed in the grip part 100, and the specimen input hole 110 communicates with a channel input hole 214, a first input hole 234, and a second input hole 244 formed in the channel part 200. The specimen input into the specimen input hole 110 may flow along the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 formed in the channel part 200.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, the channel part 200 may include a channel film 210 in which the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 are formed and cover films 230 and 240 respectively attached to an upper surface and a lower surface of the channel film 210. The cover films 230 and 240 may include the first cover film 230 attached to the upper surface of the channel film 210 and the second cover film 240 attached to the lower surface of the channel film 210. The first cover film 230 and the second cover film 240 may be attached to the upper surface and the lower surface of the channel film 210 through double-sided tapes. In this way, when the channel part 200 is formed by attaching the cover films 230 and 240 to the channel film 210, the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 may be easily formed, and a constant contact angle therebetween may be maintained.

[0048] Here, the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 may be substantially formed to be vertically opened on the channel film 210 constituting the channel part 200. Further, the cover films 230 and 240 are respectively attached to the upper surface and the lower surface of the channel film 210 to form the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216. Further, the main flow channel 232 and the sub flow channel 235 corresponding to the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 may be formed in the first cover film 230. The main flow channel 232 may be a portion in which the specimen input into the strip body 10 initially flows and may be formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the channel part 200. Further, the plurality of sub flow channels 235 may extend from to both sides of the main flow channel 232 in a vertical direction, and the specimen may flow therethrough.

[0049] Meanwhile, the drawing illustrates that the main flow channel 232 and the sub flow channels 235 are formed in the first cover film 230, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channels 216 may be formed only in the channel part 200 and the first cover film 230 may cover the same.

[0050] The main flow channel 212 may be a portion in which the specimen input into the strip body 10 initially flows and may be formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the channel part 200. Further, the plurality of sub flow channels 216 may extend from both sides of the main flow channel 212 in a vertical direction, and the specimen may flow therethrough. Of course, the sub flow channel 216 should not extend from both sides of the main flow channel 212 in a vertical direction and may also extend in an inclined direction.

[0051] The plurality of sub flow channels 216 may be formed along both sides of the main flow channel 212 at regular intervals, and the sub flow channels 216 arranged on one side and the other side may be disposed so as not to be aligned. That is, the sub flow channels 216 arranged on the other side may be disposed so as not to be aligned between the sub flow channels 216 arranged on the one side. In this way, when the sub flow channels 216 are disposed so as not to be aligned on both sides, the specimen may smoothly flow into the sub flow channels 216.

[0052] A test hole 218 to which light from the in vitro diagnostic device is radiated may be formed in the sub flow channel 216. The test hole 218 is a portion through which light from an optical module mounted in the in vitro diagnostic device is transmitted, and diagnosis may be made by determining a state of the specimen through the transmitted light. The test hole 218 may be formed in the sub flow channel 216, and thus the operator may perform various types of diagnoses based on the specimen detected through the test hole 218. That is, in the present embodiment, since the plurality of test holes 218 are formed, various targets corresponding to the number of test holes 218 may be detected using a single in vitro diagnostic device, and each of the test holes 218 may be used to detect the same target or different targets.

[0053] A first cover test hole 236 and a second cover test hole 246 may be formed in the first cover film 230 and the second cover film 240 to have openings to correspond to the plurality of test holes 218, so that light may be transmitted therethrough. The operator may easily identify whether a reagent flows in the entire channel part 200 through a process of identifying the test hole 218 formed closest to a first vent hole 220.

[0054] Meanwhile, the first vent hole 220 communicating with external space is formed at an end of the main flow channel 212. The first vent hole 220 may be formed at the end of the main flow channel 212 to allow the specimen to smoothly flow on the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channels 216 by capillary action. Further, a second vent hole 222 communicating with external space is formed at an end of the sub flow channel 216. Like the first vent hole 220, the second vent hole 222 may also allow the specimen to smoothly flow by the capillary action.

[0055] The first vent hole 220 and the second vent hole 222 may be formed to communicate with a first cover vent hole 237 and a second cover vent hole 238 formed in the first cover film 230. In the present embodiment, a first cover vent hole 237 and a second cover vent hole 238 may be formed only in the first cover film 230, and the first cover vent hole 237 and the second cover vent hole 238 may be formed to extend in a slit shape and thus may communicate with the first vent hole 220 and the second vent hole 222 arranged therein.

[0056] A vent channel 224 having a narrow flow path may be formed between an end of the main flow channel 212 and the first vent hole 220. In the present embodiment, the vent channel 224 is formed to have a width smaller than that of the main flow channel 212 so that the capillary action may easily occur.

[0057] In more detail, in the present embodiment, the main flow channel 212 is formed to have a width greater than those of the sub flow channel 216 and the vent channel 224, and the sub flow channel 216 is formed to have a width greater than that of the vent channel 224. That is, the widths of the channels may be formed to be increased in the order of the main flow channel 212, the sub flow channel 216, and the vent channel 224. In this way, when the widths of the channels are formed differently, the specimen is suctioned by the capillary action from a channel having a relatively smaller width, so that the specimen input into the main flow channel 212 may more smoothly flow to the sub flow channel 216 and the vent channel 224.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, 16 sub flow channels 216 are formed in the main flow channel 212, and, accordingly, 16 test holes 218 may also be formed. According to the embodiment of the present invention, eight test holes 218 and the sub flow channel 216 connecting the test holes 218 and the main flow channel 212 may be provided on one side of the main flow channel 212. Further, eight test holes 218 and the sub flow channel 216 may be provided on the other side of the main flow channel 212. However, this is merely an embodiment of the present invention, and different numbers of sub flow channels 216 and test holes 218 may be provided.

[0059] According to the embodiment of the present invention, enzymes for performing a test may be accommodated in or applied to the first cover test hole 236 and the second cover test hole 246. As an example of the enzyme, bilirubin oxidase may be accommodated or applied, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A test may be performed as the input specimen reacts with the enzyme.

[0060] Meanwhile, a hydrophilic coating layer may be formed in portions of the cover films 230 and 240 in which the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 are formed, thereby implementing a capillary function. Here, it is not necessary to form the hydrophilic coating layer on the cover films 230 and 240, and the cover films 230 and 240 may be made of a hydrophilic material or the corresponding portions may be subjected to hydrophilic treatment (e.g., chemical reagent application). In this way, when the cover films 230 and 240 are not subjected to the hydrophilic treatment, capillary action functionality is reduced, a specimen input speed is reduced, and thus normal specimen development and measurement is impossible.

[0061] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, the variable flow path part 300 in which at least a portion of a flow cross-sectional area is reduced may be formed in the sub flow channel 235. The present drawing illustrates that the variable flow path part 300 is formed in the sub flow channel 235 formed in the first cover film 230, but the variable flow path part 300 may also be formed in the sub flow channel 216 of the channel part 200 in a corresponding manner.

[0063] The variable flow path part 300 is a part formed to prevent the specimen moving from the main flow channel 232 into the sub flow channel 235 from being slowed down and to effectively suction the specimen to the first cover test hole 236 through the capillary action. That is, since a flow direction of the sub flow channel 235 branching off from the main flow channel 232 is changed to a perpendicular direction in the main flow channel 232, flow of the specimen may be slowed. Thus, the specimen may stagnate in the sub flow channel 235, and when the variable flow path part 300 is formed, the flow of the specimen may be smoothly achieved by the capillary action.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 3, as a portion of the sub flow channel 235, which is formed in a straight line, has a narrow width, a flow cross-sectional area of the variable flow path part 300 is reduced. In the embodiment, the variable flow path part 300 may be formed to have an overall reduced width as a gap between both sides of the sub flow channel 235 is narrowed.

[0065] In the embodiment, the variable flow path part 300 may have a constant flow cross-sectional area from an upstream side to a downstream side as illustrated in the drawing. Here, the upstream side refers to a point at which the main flow channel 232 and the sub flow channel 235 branch off from each other, and the downstream side refers to a portion adjacent to the first cover test hole 236.

[0066] As the embodiment, the variable flow path part 300 may be disposed at a downstream end of the sub flow channel 235. That is, the variable flow path part 300 may be disposed at the downstream end of the sub flow channel 235 to maximize the capillary action and may effectively suction the specimen. The downstream end of the sub flow channel 235 may be disposed right in front of the first cover test hole 236.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, the variable flow path part 300 may be formed such that a flow cross-sectional area is reduced along the sub flow channel 235 from the upstream side to the downstream side. That is, the variable flow path part 300 may be formed to be tapered such that a width thereof is reduced from the upstream side to the downstream side. Here, the variable flow path part 300 may be formed such that the widths on both sides thereof are reduced at the same ratio from the upstream side to the downstream side or may be formed such that the width on only one side thereof is reduced.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5, the variable flow path part 300 may be formed such that a flow cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the sub flow channel 235 is reduced. The variable flow path part 300 may have the same flow cross-sectional area from the upstream side to the downstream side. The variable flow path part 300 presented in the present embodiment may have a narrower and longer width than that of the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0069] Meanwhile, it is illustrated that the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 is equally formed in the entire sub flow channel 235 in the embodiment. However, the variable flow path part 300 should not have the same shape and may be differently applied for each sub flow channel 235 depending on characteristics of the specimen. For example, the variable flow path part 300 disposed on the upstream side of the main flow channel 232 may apply the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIG. 3, and the variable flow path part 300 disposed on the downstream side of the main flow channel 232 may apply the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0070] FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As illustrated, the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the strip body 10, the main flow channels 212 and 232 which are formed on the strip body 10 and through which the specimen input into the strip body 10 flows, and the plurality of sub flow channels 216 and 235 which branch off and extend from one sides of the main flow channels 212 and 232 and through which the specimen flows, and, in the sub flow channels 216 and 235, a flow path blocking part 400 for changing a flow direction of the specimen may be formed to block the specimen from flowing in an opposite direction at the test holes 218 and 236.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the flow path blocking part 400 for changing the flow direction of the specimen may be formed in the sub flow channel 235. The present drawing illustrates that the flow path blocking part 400 is formed in the sub flow channel 235 formed in the first cover film 230, but the flow path blocking part 400 may also be formed in the sub flow channel 216 of the channel part 200 in a corresponding manner. Here, the test holes 218 and 236 may include the test hole 218 formed in the channel part 200 and the first cover test hole 236 formed in the first cover film 230.

[0073] The specimen input into the first cover test hole 236 through the sub flow channel 235 may flow backward from the first cover test hole 236 and re-enter the sub flow channel 235 when an amount of the specimen is large or a flow speed thereof is excessively high. Thus, in the present embodiment, to prevent this, the flow path blocking part 400 is formed in the sub flow channel 235. The flow path blocking part 400 may be formed to basically change the flow direction of the specimen so as to block the specimen flowing backward.

[0074] The flow path blocking part 400 may be formed to change at least a portion of the flow direction (linear direction) of the sub flow channel 235. As the embodiment, the flow path blocking part 400 may be disposed to be perpendicular to the flow direction of the sub flow channel 235 at 90 degrees. In this way, when the flow path blocking part 400 is formed to change the flow direction of the specimen, it is possible to restrict the specimen from flowing backward toward the sub flow channel 235 during backflow.

[0075] Meanwhile, connection flow path parts 410 may be formed at an upstream end and a downstream end of the flow path blocking part 400. The connection flow path part 410 is a part formed to connect the flow path blocking part 400 onto the sub flow channel 235. The connection flow path parts 410 may be arranged at a front end and a rear end of the flow path blocking part 400.

[0076] Further, unlike the flow path blocking part 400, the connection flow path part 410 may be formed to have the same flow direction as the flow direction of the sub flow channel 235. The specimen input through the sub flow channel 235 may pass through the connection flow path part 410, the flow path blocking part 400, and the connection flow path part 410 in this order, and even when the specimen flows backward, flow from the connection flow path part 410 to the flow path blocking part 400 may be restricted.

[0077] As the embodiment, the flow path blocking part 400 may be disposed at the downstream end of the sub flow channel 235. That is, the flow path blocking part 400 may be disposed adjacent to the first cover test hole 236 disposed at the downstream end of the sub flow channel 235, thereby effectively blocking the flow of the specimen flowing backward from the first cover test hole 236.

[0078] As the embodiment, the connection flow path part 410 may be formed to have a width smaller than that of the sub flow channel 235. In the embodiment, points of the connection flow path part 410, which are connected to the flow path blocking part 400, may be differently positioned in a width direction. Referring to FIG. 6, the connection flow path part 410 disposed on a left side is disposed at a center in the width direction, and the connection flow path part 410 disposed on a right side is disposed at a lower side in the width direction. Referring to FIG. 7, the connection flow path part 410 disposed on the left side is disposed at an upper side in the width direction, and the connection flow path part 410 disposed on the right side is disposed at the lower side in the width direction. Further, referring to FIG. 8, the connection flow path part 410 disposed on the left side is disposed at the lower side in the width direction, and the connection flow path part 410 disposed on a right side is disposed at the upper side in the width direction.

[0079] FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, these embodiments are a combination of the configuration of the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the configuration of the flow path blocking part 400 illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0081] The variable flow path part 300 may be disposed in the sub flow channel 235, and the flow path blocking part 400 may be disposed on a downstream side of the variable flow path part 300. The flow path blocking part 400 may be disposed at the downstream end of the sub flow channel 235. The variable flow path part 300 may be disposed directly at the front end of the flow path blocking part 400 or may be disposed at a spaced upstream point. In this way, when the variable flow path part 300 and the flow path blocking part 400 are arranged together, it is possible to maximize the capillary action by the variable flow path part 300 while blocking the specimen from flowing backward.

[0082] FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate only an embodiment in which the configuration of the flow path blocking part 400 illustrated in FIG. 6 and the configuration of the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 are combined with the sub flow channel 235, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and an embodiment in which the configuration of the flow path blocking part 400 illustrated in FIG. 7 or 8 is combined with the configuration of the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 is also possible.

[0083] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art may understand that the present invention may be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the appended claims. [Description of Reference Numerals]10:Strip body100:Grip part110:Specimen input hole200:Channel part210:Channel film212:Main flow channel214:Channel input hole216:Sub flow channel218:Test hole220:First vent hole222:Second vent hole224:Vent channel230:First cover film232:Main flow channel234:First input hole235:Sub flow channel236:First cover test hole237:First cover vent hole238:Second cover vent hole240:Second cover film244:Second input hole246:Second cover test hole300:Variable flow path part400:Flow path blocking part410:Connection flow path part

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0036]The present invention may be modified in various changes and may have various embodiments, and thus specific embodiments will be illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments and includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In description of the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of widely known related technologies may make the subject matter of the present invention unclear, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0037]Although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

[0038]Terms used in the present application are used only to describe the specific embodiments and are not intended to limi...

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an in vitro diagnostic strip, and more particularly, to an in vitro diagnostic strip having a channel structure capable of collecting a specimen for in vitro diagnosis and enabling smooth flow of the specimen.[Background Art]

[0002] Recently, various simple test reagents or diagnostic reagents and diagnostic devices have been developed to diagnose the presence or absence of pathogen infection caused by viruses or bacteria, the presence or absence of pregnancy, the occurrence of cancer diseases, and the presence or absence of harmful substances such as residual pesticides in specific raw materials such as food.

[0003] In particular, the in vitro diagnostic technology is a technology for rapidly diagnosing diseases outside a body using materials derived from a human body such as blood, feces, body fluids, and saliva, plays an important role in clinical decision-making, and becomes an essential and specialized element in patient treatment.

[0004] An in vitro diagnostic device using the in vitro diagnostic technology refers to a medical device including reagents used in tests and using specimens such as tissues, blood, and urine collected from the human body for purposes such as disease diagnosis and prognosis determination, assessment of health status, determination of treatment efficacy for diseases, and prevention, and diagnosis is performed outside the human body, and thus physical burden, which is less than those of medical devices that require insertion into the human body, is imposed.

[0005] In this case, there is a need to develop an in vitro diagnostic strip having a structure that allows a plurality of test results to be obtained from a single specimen and enables smooth flow of the specimen for diagnosis using the specimen.[Detailed Description of Invention][Technical Problem]

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides an in vitro diagnostic strip in which a variable flow path part having a reduced flow cross-sectional area is formed in a sub flow channel, thereby preventing a specimen input into the sub flow channel from being slowed down and allowing the specimen to smoothly flow by capillary action.

[0007] Further, an embodiment of the present invention provides an in vitro diagnostic strip in which a flow path blocking part may be formed in a sub flow channel, and thus a specimen may be blocked from flowing back to the sub flow channel due to a large amount of the specimen or an excessively fast flow speed.

[0008] The aspects of the present invention are not limited to the aspects described above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other aspects not described herein from the following description.[Technical Solution]

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an in vitro diagnostic strip includes a strip body into which a specimen is input, a main flow channel which is formed on the strip body and in which the specimen input into the strip body flows, and a plurality of sub flow channels which branch off and extend from one side of the main flow channel and in which the specimen flows, wherein the sub flow channels include a variable flow path part in which at least a portion of a flow cross-sectional area is reduced.

[0010] In the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area may be reduced from an upstream side to a downstream side.

[0011] In the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area may be formed to be constant from an upstream side to a downstream side.

[0012] The variable flow path part may be disposed at a downstream end in the sub flow channel.

[0013] A test hole, through which light is transmitted, may be formed at a downstream end of the sub flow channel.

[0014] The variable flow path part may be disposed at a position adjacent to the test hole.

[0015] The plurality of sub flow channels may extend vertically from both sides of the main flow channel.

[0016] The plurality of sub flow channels may extend from both sides of the main flow channel, and the sub flow channels arranged on one side of the main flow channel and the sub flow channels arranged on the other side thereof may be disposed so as not to be aligned A first vent hole communicating with external space may be formed at an end of the main flow channel.

[0017] A width of the main flow channel may be greater than a width of the sub flow channel.

[0018] A vent channel may be formed between an end of the main flow channel and the first vent hole, and the vent channel may be formed to have a width smaller than that of the sub flow channel.

[0019] A second vent hole communicating with external space may be formed at an end of the sub flow channel.

[0020] The strip body may include a grip part in which a specimen input hole into which the specimen is input is formed and a film-shaped channel part which is coupled to one side of the grip part and in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed.

[0021] The channel part may include a channel film in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed and a first cover film and a second cover film attached to an upper surface and a lower surface of the channel film, respectively.

[0022] The channel part may include a channel film in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed, a first cove film which is attached to an upper surface of the channel film and in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed, and a second cover film attached to a lower surface of the channel film.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the present invention, an in vitro diagnostic strip includes a strip body into which a specimen is input, a main flow channel which is formed on the strip body and in which the specimen input into the strip body flows, a plurality of sub flow channels which branch off and extend from one side of the main flow channel and in which the specimen flows, and a test hole which is disposed at a downstream end of the sub flow channel and through which light is transmitted, wherein a flow path blocking part for changing a flow direction of the specimen is formed in the sub flow channel to block the specimen from flowing in an opposite direction at the test hole.

[0024] The flow path blocking part may be disposed at the downstream end of the sub flow channel.

[0025] The flow path blocking part may be disposed to be perpendicular to the flow direction in the sub flow channel.

[0026] Connection flow path parts may be formed at an upstream end and a downstream end of the flow path blocking part.

[0027] The connection flow path part may have a width smaller than a width of the sub flow channel.

[0028] Points of the connection flow path part, which are connected to the flow path blocking part, may be differently positioned in a width direction.

[0029] A variable flow path part in which at least a portion of a flow cross-sectional area is reduced may be formed in the sub flow channel.

[0030] In the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area may be reduced from an upstream side to a downstream side.

[0031] In the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area may be formed to be constant from an upstream side to a downstream side.

[0032] The flow path blocking part may be disposed at a downstream end of the sub flow channel, and the variable flow path part may be disposed upstream of the flow path blocking part.[Advantageous Effects]

[0033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a variable flow path part having a reduced flow cross-sectional area may be formed in a sub flow channel, thereby preventing a specimen input into the sub flow channel from being slowed down and allowing the specimen to smoothly flow by capillary action.

[0034] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a flow path blocking part may be formed in a sub flow channel, and thus a specimen can be blocked from flowing back to the sub flow channel due to a large amount of the specimen or an excessively fast flow speed.[Description of Drawings]

[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an in vitro diagnostic strip according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4. FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5. [Modes of the Invention]

[0036] The present invention may be modified in various changes and may have various embodiments, and thus specific embodiments will be illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments and includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In description of the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of widely known related technologies may make the subject matter of the present invention unclear, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0037] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

[0038] Terms used in the present application are used only to describe the specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless clearly otherwise indicated in the context. It should be understood in the present application that terms such as "include" or "have" are intended to indicate that features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification are present and do not exclude in advance the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0039] Further, throughout the specification, the term "connect" may mean that two or more components are directly connected and as well as that two or more components are indirectly connected through another component, are physically connected, and electrically connected or that two components are integrated although the two components are referred to as different names according to locations or functions.

[0040] Further, when it is described that a first component is formed or disposed "above (on)" or "below (under)" a second component, the terms "above" and "below" include that one or more third components may be formed or arranged between the first and second components as well as the first and second components may be in direct contact with each other. Further, when the "above or below" is expressed, the "above or below" may include the meanings of a downward direction as well as an upward direction based on one component.

[0041] Hereinafter, an in vitro diagnostic strip according to embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, and when the description is made with reference to the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals are used for the same or corresponding components, and duplicated descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an in vitro diagnostic strip according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] As illustrated, the in vitro diagnostic strip according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a strip body 10, main flow channels 212 and 232 which are formed on the strip body 10 and through which a specimen input into the strip body 10 flows, and a plurality of sub flow channels 216 and 235 which branch off and extend from one sides of the main flow channels 212 and 232 and through which the specimen flows, and a variable flow path part 300 in which at least a portion of a flow cross-sectional area is reduced may be formed in the sub flow channels 216 and 235.

[0044] The strip body 10 may form an overall appearance of the in vitro diagnostic strip and may be formed in a flat plate shape. The strip body 10 may include a grip part 100 in which a specimen input hole 110 into which the specimen is input is formed, and a film-shaped channel part 200 which is coupled to one side of the grip part 100 and in which the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 are formed.

[0045] That is, the strip body 10 includes the grip part 100 gripped by an operator for insertion into the in vitro diagnostic device and the channel part 200 coupled to one end of the grip part 100. The grip part 100 may be made of a plastic material, and the channel part 200 may be made in the form of a film.

[0046] The specimen input hole 110 is formed in the grip part 100, and the specimen input hole 110 communicates with a channel input hole 214, a first input hole 234, and a second input hole 244 formed in the channel part 200. The specimen input into the specimen input hole 110 may flow along the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 formed in the channel part 200.

[0047] Referring to FIG. 2, the channel part 200 may include a channel film 210 in which the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 are formed and cover films 230 and 240 respectively attached to an upper surface and a lower surface of the channel film 210. The cover films 230 and 240 may include the first cover film 230 attached to the upper surface of the channel film 210 and the second cover film 240 attached to the lower surface of the channel film 210. The first cover film 230 and the second cover film 240 may be attached to the upper surface and the lower surface of the channel film 210 through double-sided tapes. In this way, when the channel part 200 is formed by attaching the cover films 230 and 240 to the channel film 210, the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 may be easily formed, and a constant contact angle therebetween may be maintained.

[0048] Here, the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 may be substantially formed to be vertically opened on the channel film 210 constituting the channel part 200. Further, the cover films 230 and 240 are respectively attached to the upper surface and the lower surface of the channel film 210 to form the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216. Further, the main flow channel 232 and the sub flow channel 235 corresponding to the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 may be formed in the first cover film 230. The main flow channel 232 may be a portion in which the specimen input into the strip body 10 initially flows and may be formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the channel part 200. Further, the plurality of sub flow channels 235 may extend from to both sides of the main flow channel 232 in a vertical direction, and the specimen may flow therethrough.

[0049] Meanwhile, the drawing illustrates that the main flow channel 232 and the sub flow channels 235 are formed in the first cover film 230, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channels 216 may be formed only in the channel part 200 and the first cover film 230 may cover the same.

[0050] The main flow channel 212 may be a portion in which the specimen input into the strip body 10 initially flows and may be formed to extend in a longitudinal direction of the channel part 200. Further, the plurality of sub flow channels 216 may extend from both sides of the main flow channel 212 in a vertical direction, and the specimen may flow therethrough. Of course, the sub flow channel 216 should not extend from both sides of the main flow channel 212 in a vertical direction and may also extend in an inclined direction.

[0051] The plurality of sub flow channels 216 may be formed along both sides of the main flow channel 212 at regular intervals, and the sub flow channels 216 arranged on one side and the other side may be disposed so as not to be aligned. That is, the sub flow channels 216 arranged on the other side may be disposed so as not to be aligned between the sub flow channels 216 arranged on the one side. In this way, when the sub flow channels 216 are disposed so as not to be aligned on both sides, the specimen may smoothly flow into the sub flow channels 216.

[0052] A test hole 218 to which light from the in vitro diagnostic device is radiated may be formed in the sub flow channel 216. The test hole 218 is a portion through which light from an optical module mounted in the in vitro diagnostic device is transmitted, and diagnosis may be made by determining a state of the specimen through the transmitted light. The test hole 218 may be formed in the sub flow channel 216, and thus the operator may perform various types of diagnoses based on the specimen detected through the test hole 218. That is, in the present embodiment, since the plurality of test holes 218 are formed, various targets corresponding to the number of test holes 218 may be detected using a single in vitro diagnostic device, and each of the test holes 218 may be used to detect the same target or different targets.

[0053] A first cover test hole 236 and a second cover test hole 246 may be formed in the first cover film 230 and the second cover film 240 to have openings to correspond to the plurality of test holes 218, so that light may be transmitted therethrough. The operator may easily identify whether a reagent flows in the entire channel part 200 through a process of identifying the test hole 218 formed closest to a first vent hole 220.

[0054] Meanwhile, the first vent hole 220 communicating with external space is formed at an end of the main flow channel 212. The first vent hole 220 may be formed at the end of the main flow channel 212 to allow the specimen to smoothly flow on the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channels 216 by capillary action. Further, a second vent hole 222 communicating with external space is formed at an end of the sub flow channel 216. Like the first vent hole 220, the second vent hole 222 may also allow the specimen to smoothly flow by the capillary action.

[0055] The first vent hole 220 and the second vent hole 222 may be formed to communicate with a first cover vent hole 237 and a second cover vent hole 238 formed in the first cover film 230. In the present embodiment, a first cover vent hole 237 and a second cover vent hole 238 may be formed only in the first cover film 230, and the first cover vent hole 237 and the second cover vent hole 238 may be formed to extend in a slit shape and thus may communicate with the first vent hole 220 and the second vent hole 222 arranged therein.

[0056] A vent channel 224 having a narrow flow path may be formed between an end of the main flow channel 212 and the first vent hole 220. In the present embodiment, the vent channel 224 is formed to have a width smaller than that of the main flow channel 212 so that the capillary action may easily occur.

[0057] In more detail, in the present embodiment, the main flow channel 212 is formed to have a width greater than those of the sub flow channel 216 and the vent channel 224, and the sub flow channel 216 is formed to have a width greater than that of the vent channel 224. That is, the widths of the channels may be formed to be increased in the order of the main flow channel 212, the sub flow channel 216, and the vent channel 224. In this way, when the widths of the channels are formed differently, the specimen is suctioned by the capillary action from a channel having a relatively smaller width, so that the specimen input into the main flow channel 212 may more smoothly flow to the sub flow channel 216 and the vent channel 224.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the present invention, 16 sub flow channels 216 are formed in the main flow channel 212, and, accordingly, 16 test holes 218 may also be formed. According to the embodiment of the present invention, eight test holes 218 and the sub flow channel 216 connecting the test holes 218 and the main flow channel 212 may be provided on one side of the main flow channel 212. Further, eight test holes 218 and the sub flow channel 216 may be provided on the other side of the main flow channel 212. However, this is merely an embodiment of the present invention, and different numbers of sub flow channels 216 and test holes 218 may be provided.

[0059] According to the embodiment of the present invention, enzymes for performing a test may be accommodated in or applied to the first cover test hole 236 and the second cover test hole 246. As an example of the enzyme, bilirubin oxidase may be accommodated or applied, but the present invention is not limited thereto. A test may be performed as the input specimen reacts with the enzyme.

[0060] Meanwhile, a hydrophilic coating layer may be formed in portions of the cover films 230 and 240 in which the main flow channel 212 and the sub flow channel 216 are formed, thereby implementing a capillary function. Here, it is not necessary to form the hydrophilic coating layer on the cover films 230 and 240, and the cover films 230 and 240 may be made of a hydrophilic material or the corresponding portions may be subjected to hydrophilic treatment (e.g., chemical reagent application). In this way, when the cover films 230 and 240 are not subjected to the hydrophilic treatment, capillary action functionality is reduced, a specimen input speed is reduced, and thus normal specimen development and measurement is impossible.

[0061] FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a variable flow path part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 3, the variable flow path part 300 in which at least a portion of a flow cross-sectional area is reduced may be formed in the sub flow channel 235. The present drawing illustrates that the variable flow path part 300 is formed in the sub flow channel 235 formed in the first cover film 230, but the variable flow path part 300 may also be formed in the sub flow channel 216 of the channel part 200 in a corresponding manner.

[0063] The variable flow path part 300 is a part formed to prevent the specimen moving from the main flow channel 232 into the sub flow channel 235 from being slowed down and to effectively suction the specimen to the first cover test hole 236 through the capillary action. That is, since a flow direction of the sub flow channel 235 branching off from the main flow channel 232 is changed to a perpendicular direction in the main flow channel 232, flow of the specimen may be slowed. Thus, the specimen may stagnate in the sub flow channel 235, and when the variable flow path part 300 is formed, the flow of the specimen may be smoothly achieved by the capillary action.

[0064] As illustrated in FIG. 3, as a portion of the sub flow channel 235, which is formed in a straight line, has a narrow width, a flow cross-sectional area of the variable flow path part 300 is reduced. In the embodiment, the variable flow path part 300 may be formed to have an overall reduced width as a gap between both sides of the sub flow channel 235 is narrowed.

[0065] In the embodiment, the variable flow path part 300 may have a constant flow cross-sectional area from an upstream side to a downstream side as illustrated in the drawing. Here, the upstream side refers to a point at which the main flow channel 232 and the sub flow channel 235 branch off from each other, and the downstream side refers to a portion adjacent to the first cover test hole 236.

[0066] As the embodiment, the variable flow path part 300 may be disposed at a downstream end of the sub flow channel 235. That is, the variable flow path part 300 may be disposed at the downstream end of the sub flow channel 235 to maximize the capillary action and may effectively suction the specimen. The downstream end of the sub flow channel 235 may be disposed right in front of the first cover test hole 236.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, the variable flow path part 300 may be formed such that a flow cross-sectional area is reduced along the sub flow channel 235 from the upstream side to the downstream side. That is, the variable flow path part 300 may be formed to be tapered such that a width thereof is reduced from the upstream side to the downstream side. Here, the variable flow path part 300 may be formed such that the widths on both sides thereof are reduced at the same ratio from the upstream side to the downstream side or may be formed such that the width on only one side thereof is reduced.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 5, the variable flow path part 300 may be formed such that a flow cross-sectional area of at least a portion of the sub flow channel 235 is reduced. The variable flow path part 300 may have the same flow cross-sectional area from the upstream side to the downstream side. The variable flow path part 300 presented in the present embodiment may have a narrower and longer width than that of the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0069] Meanwhile, it is illustrated that the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 is equally formed in the entire sub flow channel 235 in the embodiment. However, the variable flow path part 300 should not have the same shape and may be differently applied for each sub flow channel 235 depending on characteristics of the specimen. For example, the variable flow path part 300 disposed on the upstream side of the main flow channel 232 may apply the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIG. 3, and the variable flow path part 300 disposed on the downstream side of the main flow channel 232 may apply the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0070] FIG. 6 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a flow path blocking part formed in the channel part of the in vitro diagnostic strip according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

[0071] As illustrated, the in vitro diagnostic strip according to the embodiment of the present invention includes the strip body 10, the main flow channels 212 and 232 which are formed on the strip body 10 and through which the specimen input into the strip body 10 flows, and the plurality of sub flow channels 216 and 235 which branch off and extend from one sides of the main flow channels 212 and 232 and through which the specimen flows, and, in the sub flow channels 216 and 235, a flow path blocking part 400 for changing a flow direction of the specimen may be formed to block the specimen from flowing in an opposite direction at the test holes 218 and 236.

[0072] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 8, the flow path blocking part 400 for changing the flow direction of the specimen may be formed in the sub flow channel 235. The present drawing illustrates that the flow path blocking part 400 is formed in the sub flow channel 235 formed in the first cover film 230, but the flow path blocking part 400 may also be formed in the sub flow channel 216 of the channel part 200 in a corresponding manner. Here, the test holes 218 and 236 may include the test hole 218 formed in the channel part 200 and the first cover test hole 236 formed in the first cover film 230.

[0073] The specimen input into the first cover test hole 236 through the sub flow channel 235 may flow backward from the first cover test hole 236 and re-enter the sub flow channel 235 when an amount of the specimen is large or a flow speed thereof is excessively high. Thus, in the present embodiment, to prevent this, the flow path blocking part 400 is formed in the sub flow channel 235. The flow path blocking part 400 may be formed to basically change the flow direction of the specimen so as to block the specimen flowing backward.

[0074] The flow path blocking part 400 may be formed to change at least a portion of the flow direction (linear direction) of the sub flow channel 235. As the embodiment, the flow path blocking part 400 may be disposed to be perpendicular to the flow direction of the sub flow channel 235 at 90 degrees. In this way, when the flow path blocking part 400 is formed to change the flow direction of the specimen, it is possible to restrict the specimen from flowing backward toward the sub flow channel 235 during backflow.

[0075] Meanwhile, connection flow path parts 410 may be formed at an upstream end and a downstream end of the flow path blocking part 400. The connection flow path part 410 is a part formed to connect the flow path blocking part 400 onto the sub flow channel 235. The connection flow path parts 410 may be arranged at a front end and a rear end of the flow path blocking part 400.

[0076] Further, unlike the flow path blocking part 400, the connection flow path part 410 may be formed to have the same flow direction as the flow direction of the sub flow channel 235. The specimen input through the sub flow channel 235 may pass through the connection flow path part 410, the flow path blocking part 400, and the connection flow path part 410 in this order, and even when the specimen flows backward, flow from the connection flow path part 410 to the flow path blocking part 400 may be restricted.

[0077] As the embodiment, the flow path blocking part 400 may be disposed at the downstream end of the sub flow channel 235. That is, the flow path blocking part 400 may be disposed adjacent to the first cover test hole 236 disposed at the downstream end of the sub flow channel 235, thereby effectively blocking the flow of the specimen flowing backward from the first cover test hole 236.

[0078] As the embodiment, the connection flow path part 410 may be formed to have a width smaller than that of the sub flow channel 235. In the embodiment, points of the connection flow path part 410, which are connected to the flow path blocking part 400, may be differently positioned in a width direction. Referring to FIG. 6, the connection flow path part 410 disposed on a left side is disposed at a center in the width direction, and the connection flow path part 410 disposed on a right side is disposed at a lower side in the width direction. Referring to FIG. 7, the connection flow path part 410 disposed on the left side is disposed at an upper side in the width direction, and the connection flow path part 410 disposed on the right side is disposed at the lower side in the width direction. Further, referring to FIG. 8, the connection flow path part 410 disposed on the left side is disposed at the lower side in the width direction, and the connection flow path part 410 disposed on a right side is disposed at the upper side in the width direction.

[0079] FIG. 9 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, and FIG. 11 is an enlarged plan view illustrating a combination of the flow path blocking part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 and the variable flow path part according to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0080] Referring to FIGS. 9 to 11, these embodiments are a combination of the configuration of the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 and the configuration of the flow path blocking part 400 illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 8.

[0081] The variable flow path part 300 may be disposed in the sub flow channel 235, and the flow path blocking part 400 may be disposed on a downstream side of the variable flow path part 300. The flow path blocking part 400 may be disposed at the downstream end of the sub flow channel 235. The variable flow path part 300 may be disposed directly at the front end of the flow path blocking part 400 or may be disposed at a spaced upstream point. In this way, when the variable flow path part 300 and the flow path blocking part 400 are arranged together, it is possible to maximize the capillary action by the variable flow path part 300 while blocking the specimen from flowing backward.

[0082] FIGS. 9 to 11 illustrate only an embodiment in which the configuration of the flow path blocking part 400 illustrated in FIG. 6 and the configuration of the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 are combined with the sub flow channel 235, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and an embodiment in which the configuration of the flow path blocking part 400 illustrated in FIG. 7 or 8 is combined with the configuration of the variable flow path part 300 illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5 is also possible.

[0083] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art may understand that the present invention may be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention described in the appended claims. [Description of Reference Numerals]10:Strip body100:Grip part110:Specimen input hole200:Channel part210:Channel film212:Main flow channel214:Channel input hole216:Sub flow channel218:Test hole220:First vent hole222:Second vent hole224:Vent channel230:First cover film232:Main flow channel234:First input hole235:Sub flow channel236:First cover test hole237:First cover vent hole238:Second cover vent hole240:Second cover film244:Second input hole246:Second cover test hole300:Variable flow path part400:Flow path blocking part410:Connection flow path part

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0036]The present invention may be modified in various changes and may have various embodiments, and thus specific embodiments will be illustrated and described in detail in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to specific embodiments and includes all modifications, equivalents, and substitutes included in the spirit and scope of the present invention. In description of the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of widely known related technologies may make the subject matter of the present invention unclear, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0037]Although the terms "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, the components should not be limited by the terms. The terms are only used to distinguish one component from another component.

[0038]Terms used in the present application are used only to describe the specific embodiments and are not intended to limi...

Claims

1. An in vitro diagnostic strip comprising: a strip body into which a specimen is input; a main flow channel which is formed on the strip body and in which the specimen input into the strip body flows; and a plurality of sub flow channels which branch off and extend from one side of the main flow channel and in which the specimen flows, wherein the sub flow channels include a variable flow path part in which at least a portion of a flow cross-sectional area is reduced.

2. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 1, wherein, in the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area is reduced from an upstream side to a downstream side.

3. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 1, wherein, in the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area which is formed to be constant from an upstream side to a downstream side.

4. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 1, wherein the variable flow path part is disposed at a downstream end in the sub flow channel.

5. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 1, wherein a test hole, through which light is transmitted, is formed at a downstream end of the sub flow channel.

6. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 5, wherein the variable flow path part is disposed at a position adjacent to the test hole.

7. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sub flow channels extend vertically from both sides of the main flow channel.

8. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 7, wherein the plurality of sub flow channels extend from both sides of the main flow channel, and the sub flow channels arranged on one side of the main flow channel and the sub flow channels arranged on the other side thereof are disposed so as not to be aligned9. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 1, wherein a first vent hole communicating with external space is formed at an end of the main flow channel.

10. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 1, wherein a width of the main flow channel is greater than a width of the sub flow channel.

11. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 9, wherein a vent channel is formed between the end of the main flow channel and the first vent hole, and the vent channel is formed to have a width smaller than that of the sub flow channel.

12. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 1, wherein a second vent hole communicating with external space is formed at an end of the sub flow channel.

13. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 1, wherein the strip body includes: a grip part in which a specimen input hole into which the specimen is input is formed; and a film-shaped channel part which is coupled to one side of the grip part and in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed.

14. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 13, wherein the channel part includes: a channel film in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed; and a first cover film and a second cover film attached to an upper surface and a lower surface of the channel film, respectively.

15. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 13, wherein the channel part includes: a channel film in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed; a first cove film which is attached to an upper surface of the channel film and in which the main flow channel and the sub flow channel are formed; and a second cover film attached to a lower surface of the channel film.

16. An in vitro diagnostic strip comprising: a strip body into which a specimen is input; a main flow channel which is formed on the strip body and in which the specimen input into the strip body flows; a plurality of sub flow channels which branch off and extend from one side of the main flow channel and in which the specimen flows; and a test hole which is disposed at a downstream end of the sub flow channel and through which light is transmitted, wherein a flow path blocking part for changing a flow direction of the specimen is formed in the sub flow channel to block the specimen from flowing in an opposite direction at the test hole.

17. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 16, wherein the flow path blocking part is disposed at the downstream end of the sub flow channel.

18. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 16, wherein the flow path blocking part is disposed to be perpendicular to the flow direction in the sub flow channel.

19. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 16, wherein connection flow path parts are formed at an upstream end and a downstream end of the flow path blocking part.

20. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 19, wherein the connection flow path part has a width smaller than a width of the sub flow channel.

21. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 19, wherein points of the connection flow path part, which are connected to the flow path blocking part, are differently positioned in a width direction.

22. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 16, wherein a variable flow path part in which at least a portion of a flow cross-sectional area is reduced is formed in the sub flow channel.

23. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 22, wherein, in the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area is reduced from an upstream side to a downstream side.

24. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 22, wherein, in the variable flow path part, the flow cross-sectional area is formed to be constant from an upstream side to a downstream side.

25. The in vitro diagnostic strip of claim 22, wherein the flow path blocking part is disposed at a downstream end of the sub flow channel, and the variable flow path part is disposed upstream of the flow path blocking part.

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