Sample collection tool and sample treating tool

Abstract

To easily collect a fixed amount of sample from an analyte.SOLUTION: A sample collection tool includes a sample collection part. The sample collection part has a contact face, a holding space, and an external surface. The contact face can contact a surface of an analyte having a sample outflow hole. The holding space opens to the contact face. The sample collection tool holds a predetermined amount of a sample among the sample flowed out of the sample outflow hole by pressing the contact face toward the surface surrounding the sample outflow hole, in the holding space by the surface tension of the sample.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings relate to a sample collection instrument and a sample processing instrument.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, it has been widely practiced to puncture the skin of a subject such as a patient to collect a small amount of a sample, analyze this sample with a diagnostic device or the like, and monitor the biological information of the subject from the obtained information. Further, the information obtained from the sample can also be used for the diagnosis of various diseases. As such a sample, for example, a fluid sample such as blood or pus can be used. Conventionally, when performing such an examination, a disposable simple needle called a lancet is used to pierce the skin to squeeze out the sample, and a method of collecting a fixed amount of the sample with an elongated tube made of glass or plastic called a capillary or a micropipette has been used.

[0003] In sample testing in point-of-care testing (POCT), it is required to collect a fixed amount of a test sample for use in the test. Since a generally used pipetteman requires specialized techniques, the presence of a specialized technician is essential for the test. Further, due to the components and viscosity of the sample, there are problems such as large variations in the suction amount and the discharge amount, and lack of quantitative accuracy.

[0004] On the other hand, a capillary may be used. Sample collection using a capillary has the advantage that no special technique is required and anyone can easily collect it. On the other hand, a glass capillary is easily broken and is dangerous to use in a medical field. Further, since it is difficult to control the collection amount of a capillary as compared with a pipetteman, the quantitative accuracy is low. In sample collection in POCT that requires higher accuracy in the future, the use of a capillary is insufficient.

[0005] In order to collect a certain amount of sample, it is conceivable to perform weight measurement using an analytical balance. However, since an analytical balance is susceptible to environmental factors (such as vibration, temperature, and humidity), it is not suitable for use in POCT.

[0006] Also, in sample testing in POCT, it is assumed that a small amount of sample obtained by piercing a fingertip or the like with a puncture instrument such as a lancet or a blood collection needle is used. However, in order to ensure a sufficient sample volume, it is necessary to squeeze the sample by pressing around the puncture site. Therefore, when using a normal collection tool, three steps including pressing around the puncture site, collecting the sample, and treating the sample such as dilution are required, which takes time. In addition, when it takes time to collect and process the sample, there are drawbacks such as a decrease in quantitative accuracy due to partial coagulation of the sample (for example, blood) during the operation. Therefore, in POCT where rapid testing is required, shortening the time until sample treatment is required.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0007]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0008] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to easily collect a certain amount of sample from a subject. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problems. The problems corresponding to the respective effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described later can also be positioned as other problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] The sample collection instrument according to the embodiment includes a sample collection unit. The sample collection unit has a contact surface, a holding space, and an outer surface. The contact surface can contact the surface of the subject having a sample outflow hole. The holding space opens to the contact surface. The sample collection instrument holds a predetermined amount of the sample flowing out from the sample outflow hole in the holding space by the surface tension of the sample by pressing the contact surface toward the surface around the sample outflow hole.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings attached to this specification, for the convenience of illustration and easier understanding, the scale, the aspect ratio of the vertical and horizontal dimensions, etc. are appropriately changed and exaggerated from those of the actual object.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of the sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sample collection instrument 10.

[0013] The sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment includes a sample collection unit 20 and a gripping unit 40. The sample collection unit 20 has a function of collecting and holding the sample 90 flowing out from the subject 70. The sample collection unit 20 includes a contact surface 21, an outer surface 24, and a holding space 30. In the present embodiment, the sample collection unit 20 has a substantially cylindrical shape. In the present embodiment, the direction in which the central axis of the sample collection unit 20 having a substantially cylindrical shape extends (for example, the vertical direction in FIG. 2) is also referred to as the axial direction.

[0014] The contact surface 21 is configured to be able to contact the surface 72 of the subject 70. When collecting the sample 90 from the subject 70, the contact surface 21 contacts the surface 72 of the subject 70 as shown in FIGS. 4 to 6. More specifically, when collecting the sample 90 from the subject 70, the contact surface 21 is pressed against the surface 72 of the subject 70. In the present embodiment, the contact surface 21 is configured as a flat surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the contact surface 21 may be configured as a curved surface, for example. Further, the contact surface 21 may be configured by a combination of a plurality of flat surfaces, a combination of a flat surface and a curved surface, or the like. As will be described later, in the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the holding space 30 opens to the contact surface 21. In the present embodiment, the contact surface 21 has an annular shape surrounding the opening of the holding space 30. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the contact surface 21 may have other shapes such as an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape according to the shape of the opening of the holding space 30.

[0015] The outer surface 24 includes a side surface 25 and an opposing surface 26. The opposing surface 26 is a surface located on the side opposite to the contact surface 21 in the sample collection unit 20. At least a part of the opposing surface 26 faces the contact surface 21 along the axial direction of the sample collection unit 20. In the present embodiment, the opposing surface 26 is configured as a flat surface. However, it is not limited to this, and the opposing surface 26 may be configured as a curved surface, for example. Further, the opposing surface 26 may be configured by a combination of a plurality of flat surfaces, a combination of a flat surface and a curved surface, or the like. As will be described later, in the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the holding space 30 opens to the opposing surface 26. In the present embodiment, the opposing surface 26 has an annular shape surrounding the opening of the holding space 30. However, it is not limited to this, and the opposing surface 26 may have other shapes such as an elliptical shape or a polygonal shape according to the shape of the opening of the holding space 30. Note that, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the holding space 30 may not open to the opposing surface 26.

[0016] The side surface 25 connects the contact surface 21 and the opposing surface 26 and faces the outside of the sample collection unit 20. In the present embodiment, the side surface 25 has a cylindrical shape.

[0017] At least a part of the outer surface 24 may have hydrophobicity. In this specification, "having hydrophobicity" means that the contact angle with water on the surface is 90 degrees or more. For example, the contact surface 21 may have hydrophobicity. Preferably, the entire outer surface 24 may have hydrophobicity. By the outer surface 24 having hydrophobicity, it is possible to suppress the sample 90 being carried while adhering to the outer surface 24. Thereby, when the sample 90 collected by the sample collection instrument 10 is processed in subsequent steps, it is possible to suppress the sample 90 adhering to the outer surface 24 from being mixed in and causing a carry-over error of the sample 90. Such an outer surface 24 may be configured by a member having hydrophobicity or a member having a surface subjected to a hydrophobization treatment. The hydrophobization treatment may be performed, for example, by a silane coupling treatment, a fluorine plasma treatment, an application treatment of a hydrophobic agent, or the like.

[0018] The holding space 30 is a space for holding the sample 90. That is, the holding space 30 is configured to be able to hold the sample 90 inside. The holding space 30 opens to the contact surface 21. In the example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the holding space 30 also opens to the opposing surface 26. Therefore, the holding space 30 is formed to penetrate the sample collection unit 20 in the axial direction. The holding space 30 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The opening of the holding space 30 on the contact surface 21 has a circular shape. The opening of the holding space 30 on the opposing surface 26 also has a circular shape. The holding space 30 has a wall surface 32. The holding space 30 is a space surrounded by the wall surface 32, the opening of the holding space 30 on the contact surface 21, and the opening of the holding space 30 on the opposing surface 26. Note that, as will be described later with reference to FIGS. 11 and 12, the holding space 30 may not open to the opposing surface 26.

[0019] The holding space 30 holds a predetermined amount of the sample 90 inside the holding space 30 by the surface tension of the sample 90. The sample 90 may be, for example, a body fluid of a human or an animal. The body fluid may be, for example, blood or pus. When the sample 90 is human blood, the diameter D of the holding space 30 30 may be, for example, 0.1 mm or more and 100 mm or less. The diameter D 30 being 0.1 mm or more and 100 mm or less allows the blood to be appropriately held inside the holding space 30 by the surface tension of the blood. Preferably, the diameter D 30 may be 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less.

[0020] The length L of the holding space 30 30 can be appropriately set according to the amount of the sample 90 to be held in the holding space 30. The length L 30 may be, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 100 mm or less.

[0021] The volume (capacity) of the holding space 30 can be appropriately set according to the amount of the sample 90 to be held in the holding space 30. The volume of the holding space 30 may be, for example, 0.05 μL or more and 10 mL or less.

[0022] The wall surface 32 may have hydrophilicity. In this specification, "having hydrophilicity" means that the contact angle with water on the surface is less than 90 degrees. When the wall surface 32 has hydrophilicity, it becomes easier to draw the sample 90 into the holding space 30 due to the surface tension of the sample 90. Such a wall surface 32 may be composed of a hydrophilic member or a member having a hydrophilized surface. The hydrophilization treatment may be performed, for example, by plasma irradiation, wet treatment using an acid or alkali solution, dry treatment using UV (ultraviolet rays) or ozone, coating treatment with a hydrophilic agent, or attachment of a hydrophilic film or the like.

[0023] The gripping portion 40 is a portion intended to be gripped by the user. The user can grip the gripping portion 40 and press the sample collection portion 20 against the surface 72 of the subject 70. The gripping portion 40 is connected to the outer surface 24 of the sample collection portion 20. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gripping portion 40 is connected to the opposing surface 26. The gripping portion 40 has legs 44. The legs 44 are portions that connect the main body portion of the gripping portion 40 and the sample collection portion 20. The main body portion of the gripping portion 40 extends parallel to the central axis of the sample collection portion 20. In particular, the main body portion of the gripping portion 40 extends linearly along the central axis of the sample collection portion 20. One end of the leg 44 is connected to the main body portion of the gripping portion 40, and the other end is connected to the sample collection portion 20. The gripping portion 40 may have a plurality of legs 44. In the examples shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the gripping portion 40 has four legs 44. The plurality of legs 44 may be arranged around the central axis of the sample collection portion 20 with an equal angular pitch with respect to the sample collection portion 20. When the gripping portion 40 has four legs 44, the four legs 44 may be arranged around the central axis of the sample collection portion 20 with an angular pitch of 90 degrees with respect to the sample collection portion 20. Note that the main body portion of the gripping portion 40 does not necessarily have to extend parallel to the central axis of the sample collection portion 20 (see FIG. 23). Also, the main body portion of the gripping portion 40 does not necessarily have to extend linearly. For example, the main body portion of the gripping portion 40 may extend in a curved shape, a polygonal line shape, or the like (see FIGS. 20 and 21).

[0024] The holding part 40 has a surface 42. At least a part of the surface 42 may be hydrophobic. Preferably, the entire surface 42 may be hydrophobic. By having the surface 42 be hydrophobic, it is possible to suppress the sample 90 from being carried while adhering to the surface 42. Thereby, when the sample 90 collected by the sample collection instrument 10 is processed in subsequent steps, it is possible to suppress the sample 90 adhering to the surface 42 from mixing in and causing carry-over error of the sample 90. Such a surface 42 may be composed of a hydrophobic member or may be composed of a member having a hydrophobized surface. The hydrophobization treatment is performed, for example, by silane coupling treatment, fluorine plasma treatment, application treatment of a hydrophobic agent, etc.

[0025] The sample collection instrument 10 may be formed of a rigid member. The rigid member may be a member made of a material having high rigidity. The rigid member may be, for example, at least one of ceramics, metal, glass, and resin. The sample collection part 20 and the holding part 40 may be formed of the same material as each other or may be formed of different materials from each other. By configuring the holding part 40 with a rigid member, when the user holds the holding part 40 and presses the sample collection part 20 against the surface 72 of the subject 70, deformation of the holding part 40 is suppressed, and the sample collection part 20 can be appropriately pressed against the surface 72 of the subject 70.

[0026] Next, with reference to FIGS. 3 to 7, an example of a method for collecting the sample 90 using the sample collection instrument 10 will be described. Here, an example where the sample 90 is blood will be described.

[0027] First, the surface 72 of the finger or the like of the subject 70 is punctured using a lancet (puncture needle) or the like. As shown in FIG. 3, a sample outflow hole 74 is formed at the punctured location on the surface 72. Blood (sample 90) flows out from this sample outflow hole 74.

[0028] The user holds the gripping part 40 and brings the contact surface 21 of the sample collection part 20 into contact with the surface 72 around the sample outflow hole 74 as shown in FIG. 4. At this time, the holding space 30 of the sample collection part 20 is positioned above the sample outflow hole 74. In FIGS. 4 to 7, the illustration of the gripping part 40 is omitted.

[0029] Next, the user presses the contact surface 21 of the sample collection part 20 toward the surface 72 of the subject 70 around the sample outflow hole 74. As a result, the portion around the sample outflow hole 74 is pushed in by the contact surface 21. Along with this, as shown in FIG. 5, more blood flows out from the sample outflow hole 74 into the holding space 30. At this time, it is preferable that the wall surface 32 of the holding space 30 has hydrophilicity, because the holding force of the liquid surface is improved by the surface tension of the blood.

[0030] Furthermore, when blood flows out from the sample outflow hole 74 into the holding space 30, as shown in FIG. 6, the blood fills the entire holding space 30. When the contact surface 21 of the sample collection part 20 is separated from the surface 72 of the subject 70 in this state, as shown in FIG. 7, a predetermined amount of blood is held in the holding space 30. When a predetermined amount of the sample 90 is held in the holding space 30, it is not necessary for the sample 90 to fill the entire holding space 30. For example, when a part of the wall surface 32 of the holding space 30 has hydrophilicity or a part of the wall surface 32 has hydrophobicity, the amount of the sample 90 held in the holding space 30 may be made a predetermined amount when the sample 90 fills a part of the holding space 30.

[0031] Thereafter, the sample 90 held in the holding space 30 may be stirred into the processing liquid 62 held in the sample processing container 60 described later (see FIG. 14).

[0032] The sample collection device 10 of this embodiment includes a sample collection unit 20 having a contact surface 21 that can contact the surface 72 of the subject 70 having a sample outflow hole 74, a holding space 30 that opens to the contact surface 21, and an outer surface 24. By pressing the contact surface 21 toward the surface 72 around the sample outflow hole 74, a predetermined amount of the sample 90 flowing out from the sample outflow hole 74 is held in the holding space 30 by the surface tension of the sample 90.

[0033] According to such a sample collection device 10, by pressing the contact surface 21 of the sample collection unit 20 toward the surface 72 around the sample outflow hole 74, the sample 90 can be made to flow out from the sample outflow hole 74, and a predetermined amount of the sample 90 flowing out from the sample outflow hole 74 can be held in the holding space 30 by the surface tension of the sample 90. Thereby, a fixed amount of the sample 90 can be easily collected from the subject 70. Therefore, in POCT, the sample 90 can be quantitatively collected simply and inexpensively. Also, special knowledge and techniques are not required to quantitatively collect the sample 90, and squeezing out the sample 90 from the sample outflow hole 74 and quantitatively collecting the sample 90 can be performed simultaneously.

[0034] In the sample collection device 10 of this embodiment, the predetermined amount is defined by at least one of the volume of the holding space 30, the shape of the holding space 30, the material of the sample collection unit 20, and the chemical properties of the wall surface 32 constituting the holding space 30.

[0035] The chemical properties of the wall surface 32 constituting the holding space 30 refer to, for example, chemical properties such as hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity on the wall surface 32. According to such a sample collection device 10, a predetermined amount of the sample 90 can be measured with a simple configuration.

[0036] The sample collection device 10 of this embodiment has a grip portion 40 connected to the outer surface 24.

[0037] According to such a sample collection instrument 10, the user can hold the holding part 40 and press the contact surface 21 of the sample collection part 20 against the surface 72 of the subject 70. Therefore, the pressing of the contact surface 21 against the surface 72 of the subject 70 can be easily performed.

[0038] In the sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment, the holding part 40 is made of a hard member.

[0039] According to such a sample collection instrument 10, since the holding part 40 is made of a hard member, when the user holds the holding part 40 and presses the sample collection part 20 against the surface 72 of the subject 70, the deformation of the holding part 40 is suppressed, and the sample collection part 20 can be appropriately pressed against the surface 72 of the subject 70.

[0040] In the sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment, the wall surface 32 constituting the holding space 30 has hydrophilicity.

[0041] According to such a sample collection instrument 10, due to the surface tension of the sample 90, it becomes easier to draw the sample 90 into the holding space 30.

[0042] In the sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment, at least a part of the contact surface 21 and / or at least a part of the outer surface 24 has hydrophobicity.

[0043] In the sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment, at least a part of the surface 42 of the holding part 40 has hydrophobicity.

[0044] When at least a part of the contact surface 21 has hydrophobicity, the sample 90 can be held only in a part of the holding space 30 that does not have hydrophobicity. Thereby, regardless of the volume of the holding space 30, a predetermined amount of the sample 90 can be held in the holding space 30.

[0045] When at least a part of the outer surface 24 and / or at least a part of the surface 42 of the gripping portion 40 has hydrophobicity, it is possible to suppress the sample 90 from being carried while adhering to the outer surface 24 and / or the surface 42. Thereby, when the sample 90 collected by the sample collection instrument 10 is processed in a subsequent step, it is possible to suppress the sample 90 adhering to the outer surface 24 and / or the surface 42 from being mixed in and causing a carry-over error of the sample 90.

[0046] It should be noted that various changes can be made to the above-described embodiments. Hereinafter, with appropriate reference to the drawings, modification examples will be described. In the following description and the drawings used in the following description, for parts that can be configured in the same manner as the above-described embodiments, the same reference numerals as those used for the corresponding parts in the above-described embodiments will be used, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted.

[0047] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a modification example of the sample collection instrument 10. FIG. 9 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sample collection instrument 10 of FIG. 8.

[0048] In the example shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the gripping portion 40 is connected to the side surface 25 of the outer surface 24. Further, the gripping portion 40 extends in a direction intersecting the central axis of the sample collection portion 20. In the illustrated example, the gripping portion 40 does not have the leg portion 44, but is not limited thereto, and the gripping portion 40 may have one or more leg portions 44.

[0049] Also with the sample collection instrument 10 having such a gripping portion 40, by pressing the contact surface 21 of the sample collection portion 20 toward the surface 72 around the sample outflow hole 74, the sample 90 can be caused to flow out from the sample outflow hole 74, and a predetermined amount of the sample 90 among the sample 90 flowing out from the sample outflow hole 74 can be held in the holding space 30 by the surface tension of the sample 90.

[0050] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing another modification of the sample collection instrument 10. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the sample collection unit 20 has a plurality of holding spaces 30. In particular, the sample collection unit 20 has a plurality of holding spaces 30 arranged around the central axis of the sample collection unit 20. The plurality of holding spaces 30 may be arranged with an equal angular pitch around the central axis of the sample collection unit 20. When the sample collection unit 20 has four holding spaces 30 as shown in FIG. 10, the four holding spaces 30 may be arranged with an angular pitch of 90 degrees around the central axis of the sample collection unit 20. Two adjacent holding spaces 30 are partitioned by a partition wall 28.

[0051] According to the sample collection instrument 10 having such a holding space 30, since the cross-sectional area of one holding space 30 is small, it becomes easier to draw the sample 90 into each holding space 30 due to so-called capillary action. Note that a gripping portion 40 described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and / or a gripping portion 40 described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 may be connected to the sample collection unit 20 shown in FIG. 10.

[0052] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing still another modification of the sample collection instrument 10. FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of the sample collection instrument 10 of FIG. 11. FIG. 13 is a view of the sample collection instrument 10 of FIG. 11 as seen from the contact surface side.

[0053] In the sample collection instrument 10 of this modification, the holding space 30 does not open to the opposing surface 26. That is, in this modification, the holding space 30 opens only to the contact surface 21. Also by the sample collection instrument 10 having such a holding space 30, by pressing the contact surface 21 of the sample collection unit 20 toward the surface 72 around the sample outflow hole 74, the sample 90 can be made to flow out from the sample outflow hole 74, and a predetermined amount of the sample 90 among the sample 90 flowing out from the sample outflow hole 74 can be held in the holding space 30 by the surface tension of the sample 90.

[0054] In this modified example, one or more grooves 22 are provided in the contact surface 21. The groove 22 extends so as to connect the holding space 30 and the side surface 25. The groove 22 serves as a passage for air in the holding space 30 when the sample 90 flows into the holding space 30. Therefore, when the sample 90 flows into the holding space 30, it is possible to prevent the opening of the holding space 30 from being blocked by the surface 72 of the specimen 70 and the air in the holding space 30 from flowing out to the outside. As a result, the sample 90 can be smoothly introduced into the holding space 30.

[0055] A plurality of grooves 22 may be formed in the contact surface 21. The plurality of grooves 22 may be arranged with an equal angular pitch around the central axis of the sample collection unit 20. When six grooves 22 are formed in the contact surface 21 as shown in FIG. 13, the six grooves 22 may be arranged with an angular pitch of 60 degrees around the central axis of the sample collection unit 20. The width W of the groove 22 22 may be, for example, several μm to several cm.

[0056] Figures 14 to 23 show still other modified examples of the sample collection instrument 10. As shown in FIG. 14, the gripping portion 40 may be arranged so as to be displaced from the central axis of the sample collection portion 20 and extend parallel to the central axis of the sample collection portion 20. As shown in FIG. 15, the gripping portion 40 may be arranged so as to extend parallel to the central axis of the sample collection portion 20 from the opposing surface 26. As shown in FIG. 16, the gripping portion 40 may be attached to the side surface 25, and the main body portion of the gripping portion 40 may extend parallel to the central axis of the sample collection portion 20. As shown in FIG. 17, the gripping portion 40 may be attached to two opposing locations on the side surface 25, and the main body portion of the gripping portion 40 may extend along the central axis of the sample collection portion 20. As shown in FIG. 18, the gripping portion 40 may be attached to the opposing surface 26 and extend in a direction intersecting the central axis of the sample collection portion 20, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the central axis. As shown in FIG. 19, the gripping portion 40 may include a leg portion 44 attached to the opposing surface 26 and a main body portion extending in a direction intersecting the central axis of the sample collection portion 20, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the central axis. As shown in FIG. 20, the gripping portion 40 may extend curvilinearly from the opposing surface 26. As shown in FIG. 21, the gripping portion 40 may extend curvilinearly from the side surface 25. As shown in FIG. 22, the gripping portion 40 may include a plurality of leg portions 44 attached to the opposing surface 26 and a main body portion extending in a direction intersecting the central axis of the sample collection portion 20, particularly in a direction perpendicular to the central axis. As shown in FIG. 23, the gripping portion 40 may include a plurality of leg portions 44 attached to the opposing surface 26 and a main body portion extending in a direction intersecting the central axis of the sample collection portion 20, particularly in a direction inclined with respect to the central axis.

[0057] In the examples shown in FIGS. 1, 11, and 14 to 17, since the main body portion of the gripping portion 40 extends parallel to the central axis of the sample collection portion 20, when pressing the sample collection portion 20 against the surface 72 of the subject 70, there is an advantage that the force from the user is easily transmitted to the sample collection portion 20. Further, in the examples shown in FIGS. 15, 16, 18 to 21, since the gripping portion 40 is not located above the holding space 30, there is an advantage that the surface 72 of the subject 70 can be easily visually recognized through the holding space 30. Note that also in the examples shown in FIGS. 14 to 23, like the examples shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the holding space 30 does not have to open to the opposing surface 26.

[0058] FIG. 24 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an example of the sample processing instrument 50.

[0059] In the example shown in FIG. 24, the sample processing instrument 50 includes a sample collection instrument 10 and a sample processing container 60. The sample processing container 60 is a container used for processing the sample 90. A predetermined amount of processing liquid 62 is accommodated in the sample processing container 60. The processing liquid 62 is, for example, a diluent. By diluting a predetermined amount of the sample 90 held by the sample collection instrument 10 with the processing liquid 62 accommodated in the sample processing container 60, a sample having a predetermined concentration can be produced.

[0060] In the example shown in FIG. 24, the sample collection portion 20 has a size that can be accommodated in the sample processing container 60. Thereby, the sample collection portion 20 can be immersed in the processing liquid 62 accommodated in the sample processing container 60. Therefore, the sample 90 held by the sample collection instrument 10 can be easily stirred in the processing liquid 62 accommodated in the sample processing container 60.

[0061] Also, in the example shown in FIG. 24, the length L of the sample collection instrument 10 10 is larger than the length L of the sample processing container 60 60 Thereby, the user can insert the sample collection portion 20 into the sample processing container 60 while holding the gripping portion 40. Therefore, the sample 90 held by the sample collection instrument 10 can be more easily stirred in the processing liquid 62 accommodated in the sample processing container 60.

[0062] Next, with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26, the experiments conducted by the inventors of the present invention will be described. FIG. 25 is a photograph of the sample collection instrument 10 used in the experiment. FIG. 26 shows the sample collection instrument 10. The inner diameter of the sample collection portion 20 of the sample collection instrument 10 used in the experiment was about 0.3 cm, and the thickness was about 0.05 cm. Bovine serum was used as the sample 90.

[0063] First, the sample collection portion 20 was immersed in a 1.5 mL tube containing the sample 90 to hold the sample 90 in the holding space 30. Then, the sample collection portion 20 was immersed in another 1.5 mL tube (sample treatment container 60) containing the dilution solvent (treatment liquid 62), and the sample 90 was stirred and diluted in the dilution solvent to prepare a sample. Using this sample, the absorbance value at 280 nm was measured. From the calibration curve of the absorbance value at 280 nm and the dilution ratio obtained in advance, the dilution ratio and the collection amount were calculated. This was repeated 6 times, and for 6 samples, the absorbance value was measured and the dilution ratio and the collection amount were calculated. The results are summarized in FIG. 26. In FIG. 26, the variation in the collection amount calculated for 6 samples is shown by a box-and-whisker plot.

[0064] The calculated collection amount of the sample 90 was such that the average collection amount in 6 executions was 1.7 μL and the SD value (standard deviation) was 0.112. From this result, it can be said that the collection amount of the sample 90 is constant and no carry-over occurs, and the quantification accuracy is quite high. Also, since all the sample 90 collected during dilution can be stirred in the dilution solvent, the risk of carry-over of the sample 90 is low. Further, this is considered to lead not only to an improvement in quantification accuracy but also to a reduction in the risk of biohazard and contamination.

[0065] Preferred embodiments in the present embodiment are shown below.

[0066] The sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment [1] A sample collection unit 20 having a contact surface 21 that can contact the surface 72 of the specimen 70 having a sample outflow hole 74, a holding space 30 that opens to the contact surface 21, and an outer surface 24. A sample collection instrument 10 that holds a predetermined amount of the sample 90 flowing out from the sample outflow hole 74 into the holding space 30 by the surface tension of the sample 90 by pressing the contact surface 21 toward the surface 72 around the sample outflow hole 74.

[0067] The sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment [2] The predetermined amount is defined by at least one of the volume of the holding space 30, the shape of the holding space 30, the material of the sample collection unit 20, and the chemical properties of the wall surface 32 constituting the holding space 30. The sample collection instrument 10 according to [1].

[0068] The sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment [3] The sample collection instrument 10 according to [1] or [2], having a gripping portion 40 connected to the outer surface 24.

[0069] The sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment [4] The gripping portion 40 is made of a hard member. The sample collection instrument 10 according to [3].

[0070] The sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment [5] The wall surface 32 constituting the holding space 30 has hydrophilicity. The sample collection instrument 10 according to any one of [1] to [4].

[0071] The sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment [6] At least a part of the contact surface 21 and / or at least a part of the outer surface 24 has hydrophobicity. The sample collection instrument 10 according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0072] The sample collection instrument 10 of the present embodiment [7] At least a part of the surface 42 of the holding part 40 has hydrophobicity, and the sample collection instrument 10 according to any one of [1] to [6].

[0073] The sample processing instrument 50 of the present embodiment is [8] The sample collection instrument 10 according to any one of [1] to [7], and a sample processing container 60 used for processing the sample 90, and is provided with The sample collection part 20 has a size to be accommodated in the sample processing container 60, and is the sample processing instrument 50.

[0074] The sample processing instrument 50 of the present embodiment is [9] The sample collection instrument 10 according to any one of [1] to [7], and a sample processing container 60 used for processing the sample 90, and is provided with The length L of the sample collection instrument 10 10 is larger than the length L of the sample processing container 60, and is the sample processing instrument 50. 60

[0075] Although several embodiments and modifications have been described, these embodiments and modifications are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations of the embodiments and modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and its equivalent scope.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0076] 10 Sample collection instrument 20 Sample collection part 21 Contact surface 22 Groove 24 Outer surface 25 Side surface 26 Opposite surface ​​30 Holding space 32 Wall surface 40 Holding part 42 Surface 44 Leg part 50 Specimen processing instrument 60 Specimen processing container 62 Processing liquid 70 Subject 72 Surface 74 Specimen outflow hole 90 Specimen

Claims

1. A sampling device comprising a contact surface capable of contacting the surface of a subject having a sample outflow hole, a holding space opening in the contact surface, and an outer surface, wherein a predetermined amount of the sample flowing out from the sample outflow hole is held in the holding space by the surface tension of the sample by pressing the contact surface against the surface around the sample outflow hole.

2. The sampling device according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined amount is defined by at least one of the volume of the holding space, the shape of the holding space, the material of the sampling part, and the chemical properties of the wall surface constituting the holding space.

3. The sampling device according to claim 1, having a gripping part connected to the outer surface.

4. The sampling device according to claim 3, wherein the gripping part is made of a hard member.

5. The sampling device according to claim 1, wherein the wall surface constituting the holding space has hydrophilicity.

6. The sampling device according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the contact surface and / or at least a part of the outer surface has hydrophobicity.

7. The sampling device according to claim 3, wherein at least a part of the surface of the gripping part has hydrophobicity.

8. A sample processing device comprising the sampling device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a sample processing container used for processing the sample, wherein the sampling part has a size to be accommodated in the sample processing container.

9. A sample processing device comprising the sampling device according to any one of claims 3, 4, and 7, and a sample processing container used for processing the sample, wherein the length of the sampling device is larger than the length of the sample processing container.

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