Inspection device

Abstract

To assist an operation dropping a liquid within an introduction hole which is provided in an inspection device.SOLUTION: An inspection device according to an embodiment comprises: a reaction area that shows reaction depending on a substance to be inspected; an introduction hole that introduces a liquid including the substance to be inspected dropped inside, into the reaction area; and an adhesive label that clearly specifies a position of the introduction hole.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The embodiments disclosed in this specification and in the drawings relate to an inspection device. [Background technology]

[0002] Various tests are known that are performed on liquids containing test substances. For example, a test for the presence or absence of disease or the state of a disease in a test subject can be performed by collecting a specimen (sample) containing the test substance from a subject, mixing the specimen with a detection reagent, or introducing the liquid into a test device, or by introducing the liquid sample itself into a test device.

[0003] When introducing a liquid containing a test substance into a test device, the liquid is dripped into an introduction hole provided in the test device. However, this operation is not always performed accurately, and there are cases where the liquid spills around the introduction hole. If the liquid spills around the introduction hole, appropriate test results cannot be obtained, or the amount of liquid may be insufficient and the test cannot be performed. Therefore, it is preferable to drip the liquid into the introduction hole with high accuracy. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2014-529083 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] One of the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings is to support the operation of dripping a liquid into an introduction hole provided in a testing device. However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments disclosed in this specification and the drawings are not limited to the above problem. Problems corresponding to the effects of each configuration shown in the embodiments described below can also be positioned as other problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The testing device according to the embodiment comprises a reaction area that exhibits a reaction according to the test substance, an introduction hole through which a liquid containing the test substance that has been dropped inside the reaction area is introduced, and an adhesive label that indicates the position of the introduction hole. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an inspection procedure according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the inspection device according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, embodiments of the inspection device will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts with the same reference numerals perform similar operations, and redundant explanations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0009] (First embodiment) In the first embodiment, as an example of a test performed on a liquid containing a test substance, an immunological test is described, which is performed by introducing a liquid in which a sample containing the test substance is mixed with a detection reagent into a test device.

[0010] First, a user such as a doctor collects a specimen (sample) containing a test substance from a subject. For example, the user collects a sample from the subject by contacting a swab with the subject's nasal cavity, pharynx, etc., or by aspirating nasal secretions using a catheter or by drawing blood using a syringe, and then mixes the collected sample with a detection reagent. For example, if the sample is collected using a swab, the sample adhering to the swab can be mixed with the detection reagent by immersing the swab in the detection reagent. Furthermore, if a liquid sample such as nasal secretions or blood is collected, the sample can be mixed with the detection reagent by dripping a predetermined amount of the sample onto the detection reagent.

[0011] In the following description, a liquid obtained by mixing a sample and a detection reagent will be referred to as a mixture or simply as a liquid. The mixture may be a solution in which the analyte contained in the sample is dissolved in the detection reagent, or a suspension in which the analyte is dispersed in the detection reagent.

[0012] For example, in the case of an antigen test, the test substance is an antigen. For example, when performing an antigen test for a specific viral disease, a sample is collected from a site on the subject where the antigen would be present if the subject were infected with the viral disease. In this case, the detection reagent is, for example, a liquid containing microparticles (beads) to which antibodies that specifically bind to the antigen are immobilized. When such a detection reagent is mixed with a sample containing the antigen, the microparticles, antibodies, and antigens are present in a bound state in the mixed liquid.

[0013] A mixture of a sample and a detection reagent is dropped into an introduction hole provided in the test device by a nozzle shown in Fig. 1. The nozzle shown in Fig. 1 is, for example, the tip of a dropper or syringe operated by a user such as a doctor. That is, a test substance such as an antigen is dropped into the introduction hole in the form of a mixture by a user operation. The test device is then fixed to the main body apparatus, and a test is performed on the test substance in the test device.

[0014] An example of the configuration of the test device will now be described with reference to FIG. 2. FIG. 2 illustrates a test device 10 including an introduction hole 11, a reaction area 12, and an adhesive label 13. As described above, the introduction hole 11 is a hole into which a mixed liquid of a sample and a detection reagent is dripped. The adhesive label 13 is a label that displays information about the test. Examples of the information about the test include a specimen ID number, test items, specimen information, and product name. The specimen information is information that indicates the specimen from which the sample was collected, such as a patient ID or name. The product name is a model number or manufacturer name that indicates the test device 10.

[0015] The reaction area 12 is an area configured to exhibit a reaction corresponding to the test substance. Although the reaction area 12 is shown by a dashed line in Fig. 2, the reaction area 12 may be an internal area of ​​the test device 10 that is not visible from the outside. The introduction hole 11 and the reaction area 12 are connected, and the introduction hole 11 introduces a liquid dropped inside into the reaction area 12.

[0016] For example, in the case of an antigen test, an antibody that specifically binds to the antigen is immobilized in the reaction area 12. For example, if a test subject is infected with a viral disease that is the subject of the test, the antigen collected as the test substance will bind to the antibody and microparticles contained in the detection reagent, and further bind to the antibody immobilized in the reaction area 12.

[0017] Here, for example, the main apparatus shown in FIG. 1 irradiates light into the reaction area 12 of the test device 10. As described above, if the test subject is infected with the viral disease being tested for, the microparticles contained in the detection reagent bind to the reaction area 12 via the antigen. The presence or absence of the antigen can be determined by detecting the effect of the microparticles on the light irradiated from the main apparatus. For example, if the test subject is not infected with a viral disease, the microparticles do not bind to the reaction area 12 via the antigen, and the light incident on the reaction area 12 exits the reaction area 12 without being attenuated by the microparticles, resulting in the detection of high-intensity emitted light. On the other hand, if the test subject is infected with a viral disease, the light incident on the reaction area 12 is attenuated by the microparticles bound to the reaction area 12, resulting in the detection of low-intensity emitted light.

[0018] As described above, the test device 10 shown in FIG. 2 can be used to perform a test on a liquid containing a test substance, and determine, for example, whether or not a subject is infected with the viral disease being tested.

[0019] However, the operation of dripping liquid into the introduction hole 11 is performed manually by the user, and there are cases where the liquid spills around the introduction hole 11. If the liquid spills around the introduction hole and the user does not notice the spill, the test will be performed on an insufficient amount of sample, which may result in an inappropriate test result. Furthermore, if the user notices that the liquid has spilled, appropriate test results may be obtained by performing an operation to make up for the spilled amount. However, since the amount of sample collected from the user is limited, if a large amount has spilled, it may not be possible to make up for the lack of liquid, and the user may have to start collecting the sample again. In any case, it is preferable that the liquid be dripped into the introduction hole with high precision.

[0020] Therefore, the testing device of the embodiment is equipped with a reaction area that exhibits a reaction according to the test substance, an introduction hole that introduces liquid dripped inside into the reaction area, and an adhesive label that indicates the position of the introduction hole, thereby assisting the operation of dripping liquid inside the introduction hole.

[0021] For example, as shown in Fig. 3, the test device 10 includes an adhesive label 14 that indicates the position of the introduction hole 11 instead of the adhesive label 13. Although not shown in Fig. 3 and subsequent drawings, the test device 10 includes a reaction area 12, similar to the case of Fig. 2.

[0022] The adhesive label 14 has an appearance different from that of the introduction hole 11, and is arranged so as to cover a position surrounding the introduction hole 11. For example, the adhesive label 14 has a different color than the inner wall of the introduction hole 11. Also, for example, the adhesive label 14 has a different pattern than the inner wall of the introduction hole 11. Also, for example, the adhesive label 14 has a different material or texture than the inner wall of the introduction hole 11.

[0023] Generally, the introduction hole 11 is a recessed hole provided in the test device 10, and there is no difference in material, etc., between the inner wall of the introduction hole 11 and its surroundings. In other words, there is no difference in appearance between the introduction hole 11 and its surroundings, and when dripping liquid into the introduction hole 11, although it is possible to identify the introduction hole 11 based on its shape, it may be difficult to visually recognize the introduction hole 11. In contrast, in the test device 10 shown in Figure 3, the introduction hole 11 is made more visible by covering the position surrounding the introduction hole 11 with an adhesive label 14 that has a different appearance from the introduction hole 11, thereby making it easier to visually recognize the introduction hole 11 and facilitating the operation of dripping liquid into the introduction hole 11.

[0024] The adhesive label 14 may have a display area for displaying information about the test using the test substance. That is, the adhesive label 14 may display information such as the specimen ID number, test items, specimen information, and product name, similar to the adhesive label 13 shown in FIG.

[0025] 3 illustrates an example in which a single adhesive label 14 covers the area surrounding the introduction hole 11. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. 4, the area surrounding the introduction hole 11 may be covered by a combination of adhesive labels 15a and 15b. Because complex shapes can be easily realized by combining multiple labels, it is possible to, for example, provide a display area for displaying information about the test while covering the area surrounding the introduction hole 11 with a label of a small area.

[0026] 3 and 4 show an example in which one or more adhesive labels cover the entire area surrounding the introduction hole 11. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and for example, as shown in FIG. 5, the testing device 10 may be provided with an adhesive label 16 that covers part of the area surrounding the introduction hole 11.

[0027] 6, the inspection device 10 may also include an adhesive label 17 whose appearance changes when liquid is attached. The adhesive label 17 is made of a material whose appearance changes when liquid is attached, or is given a surface treatment that changes its appearance when liquid is attached. When liquid is spilled, the appearance of the adhesive label 17 changes, making it easier for the user to recognize that liquid has spilled, and enabling appropriate action such as replenishing the spilled amount.

[0028] For example, the adhesive label 17 has an irreversible water immersion detection function. As one example, the adhesive label 17 is coated with water-coloring ink and changes color to a predetermined color when any liquid, including water, adheres to it. As another example, the adhesive label 17 changes color to a predetermined color in response to the hydrogen ion concentration (pH) of a liquid containing a test substance. Note that while FIG. 6 illustrates an example in which the adhesive label 17 covers a portion of the position surrounding the introduction hole 11, the adhesive label 17 may also cover the entire position surrounding the introduction hole 11.

[0029] The function of changing the appearance when a liquid is attached may be provided to the entire adhesive label 17, or only a part of the adhesive label 17. For example, if the adhesive label 17 has a display area for displaying information about an examination, the adhesive label 17 may be configured so that its appearance changes only when a liquid is attached to a position on the adhesive label 17 other than the display area.

[0030] The testing device 10 may further include a groove 18 shown in FIG. 7. The groove 18 is a surface treatment provided around the introduction hole 11. For example, the groove 18 is provided in a position surrounding the introduction hole 11 that is not covered by the adhesive label 16. In this case, the adhesive label 16 shown in FIG. 7 is attached to the position of the testing device 10 where the groove 18 is not provided. In another example, the groove 18 is provided over the entire position surrounding the introduction hole 11. In this case, the adhesive label 16 shown in FIG. 7 is attached over the groove 18.

[0031] For example, groove 18 is formed to have a depth sufficient to contain spilled liquid within the groove 18 if the liquid spills around introduction hole 11. In other words, it is undesirable for the liquid containing the test substance to scatter, which is particularly noticeable when testing for viral diseases. By providing groove 18 with a sufficient depth, even if the liquid spills around introduction hole 11, the spilled liquid is contained within groove 18 and is prevented from scattering onto the testing work table, floor, etc.

[0032] To give another example, the grooves 18 are formed so that if liquid spills around the introduction hole 11, the spilled liquid will spread along the grooves 18. Here, as in the case shown in FIG. 6 , if the inspection device 10 is equipped with an adhesive label 17 whose appearance changes when liquid adheres to it, and if liquid spills in a position not covered by the adhesive label 17, the spilled liquid will spread along the grooves 18 and reach the adhesive label 17. In other words, even if the adhesive label 17 is arranged to cover only a portion of the position surrounding the introduction hole 11 and liquid spills in a position not covered by the adhesive label 17, by forming the grooves 18 so that the spilled liquid will spread along the grooves 18, the appearance of the adhesive label 17 can be changed, making it easier for the user to recognize that liquid has spilled.

[0033] As described above, the reaction area according to the first embodiment exhibits a reaction corresponding to the test substance. Furthermore, the introduction hole introduces a liquid containing the test substance, which is dropped into the introduction hole, into the reaction area. Furthermore, the adhesive label clearly indicates the position of the introduction hole. With this configuration, the testing device 10 according to the first embodiment can assist in the operation of dropping the liquid into the introduction hole. Consequently, the operation of dropping the liquid into the introduction hole can be performed efficiently, thereby improving testing efficiency. Furthermore, the accuracy of the operation of dropping the liquid into the introduction hole can be improved, reducing the number of cases where retesting or sample recollection is required.

[0034] Instead of attaching an adhesive label indicating the position of the introduction hole, it is possible to color the area around the introduction hole 11 in a different color. However, a method such as printing directly on the test device 10 is costly. Furthermore, when the surface of the test device 10 has an uneven surface, such as the groove 18 shown in Figure 7, there is a limit to how much stable printing can be done in a narrow space, and there is also a risk that the smeared chemical solution will dry out and concentrate and stick to the recessed areas.

[0035] In contrast, adhesive labels are flat and can easily be colored or patterned by printing or other methods, which is advantageous in terms of cost. Furthermore, even if the surface of the test device 10 is textured, there is no particular problem in attaching an adhesive label. That is, in the test device 10 according to the first embodiment, the adhesive label indicating the position of the introduction hole 11 can stably and inexpensively assist the operation of dripping liquid into the introduction hole 11.

[0036] As described above, the adhesive label according to the embodiment may change its appearance when liquid is attached. With this configuration, even if liquid spills around the introduction hole, the user can easily recognize that the liquid has spilled. Once the user recognizes that the liquid has spilled, the user can perform an operation to replenish the spilled amount, thereby obtaining appropriate test results.

[0037] As described above, the adhesive label according to the embodiment may have a display area for displaying information about the test using the test substance. That is, a label is generally provided on the test device 10 for the purpose of displaying information about the test, such as the adhesive label 13 in FIG. 2. In the test device 10 according to the first embodiment, the adhesive label that displays information about the test can further be given a function for indicating the position of the introduction hole 11. Note that the adhesive label that indicates the position of the introduction hole 11 may be realized as a label separate from the adhesive label that displays information about the test.

[0038] (Second embodiment) In addition to the first embodiment described above, various modifications may be made.

[0039] For example, in the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which a test is performed by introducing a liquid mixture in which a sample containing a test substance is mixed with a detection reagent into the test device 10. However, the embodiment is not limited to this. For example, when the sample containing the test substance is liquid, the present invention can be similarly applied to a test in which the sample itself is introduced into the test device 10 without being mixed with a detection reagent.

[0040] Furthermore, in the above-described first embodiment, an immunological test such as an antigen test has been described as an example, but the embodiment is not limited to this. That is, the present invention can be similarly applied to any test other than an immunological test, including the operation of dropping a liquid into the introduction hole 11.

[0041] In the first embodiment described above, the test device 10 is shown as a cartridge-shaped device, and an example has been described in which the test is performed after the test device 10 is fixed to the main body apparatus. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the test device 10 may be configured integrally with the main body apparatus. In this case, the operation of fixing the test device 10 to the main body apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is omitted.

[0042] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, it is possible to assist the operation of dropping a liquid into the introduction hole provided in the testing device.

[0043] Although several embodiments have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of embodiments can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention and its equivalents as defined in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0044] 10: Inspection device 11: Introduction hole 12: Reaction area 13: Adhesive labels 14: Adhesive labels 15a: Adhesive labels 15b: Adhesive labels 16: Adhesive labels 17: Adhesive labels 18: Groove

Claims

1. a reaction area that reacts according to the test substance; an introduction hole for introducing a liquid containing the test substance dropped inside the introduction hole into the reaction area; an adhesive label indicating the position of the introduction hole; An inspection device comprising:

2. The testing device of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive label has a different appearance than the introduction hole.

3. The assay device according to claim 1 , wherein the introduction hole introduces a mixture of a sample containing the test substance and a detection reagent as the liquid into the reaction area.

4. The reaction area has a first substance immobilized thereon that specifically binds to the test substance, The testing device according to claim 3 , wherein the detection reagent includes microparticles onto which a second substance that specifically binds to the test substance is immobilized.

5. The testing device according to claim 1 , wherein the adhesive label is arranged to cover the entire area surrounding the introduction hole.

6. The testing device of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive label is positioned to cover a portion of a location surrounding the introduction hole.

7. The testing device of claim 1 , wherein the adhesive label changes appearance when a liquid is attached to the adhesive label.

8. The testing device according to claim 1 , wherein the adhesive label comprises a display area for displaying information relating to a test using the test substance.

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