Cap for biological sample storage tube and biological sample storage container including the same

Abstract

To provide a cap for a biological sample storage tube capable of surely and easily storing a biological sample in the tube, and a biological sample storage container including the same.SOLUTION: The biological sample storage container 10 includes a biological sample storage tube 6 and a biological sample storage tube cap 1. The cap 1 for the tube is attached to the tube 6 having a lower closing part 66 and an upper opening 63 to close the upper opening 63. The cap 1 for the tube is equipped with a main body part 3 entering the upper opening part 63 of the biological sample housing tube 6 to close the upper opening part 63, a slender biological sample attaching part 2 extending downward from the undersurface of the main body part 3 and a flange 5 protruding to the outside in a side surface direction from the main body part 3. The biological sample adhesion part 2 can be cut and falls into the biological sample storage tube 6 after cutting.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cap for a biological sample storage tube and a biological sample storage container equipped with the same. [Background technology]

[0002] In biomedicine and molecular cell biology, biological sample analysis, for example, is used to detect and analyze the chromosomal status of embryos using blastocyst culture medium. In in vitro artificial insemination (IVI), eggs are collected from the mother's womb, then fertilized in vitro with the father's sperm. The fertilized eggs are then grown in an in vitro culture medium until they become blastocysts, which are then transferred to the mother's uterus. However, for various reasons, a fetus may not be born after the blastocyst is transferred to the uterus.

[0003] The chromosomes of a fertilized egg come from the egg from the mother and the sperm from the father, and chromosomal abnormalities in either one will lead to chromosomal abnormalities in the fertilized egg. In a normal person, each fertilized egg and germ cell contains 44 chromosomes: 22 pairs of autosomes and two sex chromosomes (XY in men and XX in women). In the case of abnormalities, any chromosome may be more or less than diploid in whole or in part.

[0004] In recent years, preimplantation genetic screening (PGS) has been used to detect the chromosomal status of in vitro cultured embryos. In PGS, cells from the in vitro cultured embryos or related biological samples are collected and used for chromosomal analysis.

[0005] Chromosome testing uses the FISH (Fluorescence in situ hybridization) method and the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method, but recently PCR has become the mainstream method. Many analyses, including genome analyses, are carried out in biomedical and molecular cell biology biological sample analysis.

[0006] For biological sample analysis in biomedicine and molecular cell biology as described above, it is necessary to collect the biological sample to be analyzed and store it securely in a biological sample storage container.

[0007] An example of a biological sample storage container is disclosed in Patent Document 1 (JP 2009-226245 A). In the container (PCR microtube) in Patent Document 1, a reagent is placed in the tube, and a sample containing DNA to be amplified is attached to the tube's lid or wall. Next, the reagent and sample are mixed or stirred in the lidded tube, and then a specific DNA (DNA fragment) is amplified by repeating a predetermined temperature cycle. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-226245 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] In the tube of Patent Document 1 mentioned above, there is a risk that the biological sample will not be properly stored in the tube (the sample will not adhere to the lid or the wall of the tube, or the adhered sample will fall off when the lid is attached), in which case appropriate analysis or testing results will not be obtained. The present invention provides a cap for a biological sample storage tube, which allows a biological sample to be stored in a tube reliably and easily, and a biological sample storage container equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The above objectives are achieved by the following: A cap for a biological sample storage tube that is attached to a hollow biological sample storage tube having a lower closing portion and an upper opening and is used to close the upper opening, wherein the cap for a biological sample storage tube comprises a main body portion that enters the upper opening of the biological sample storage tube and closes the upper opening, a long and thin biological sample attachment portion that extends downward from the underside of the main body portion, and a flange that protrudes outward laterally from the main body portion, and the biological sample attachment portion is cuttable and falls into the biological sample storage tube after being cut.

[0011] The above objectives are also achieved by the following: A biological sample storage container comprising a hollow biological sample storage tube having a lower closing portion and an upper opening, and a biological sample storage tube cap for closing the upper opening, wherein the biological sample storage tube cap is the biological sample storage tube cap described above. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view of a biological sample storage container equipped with a cap for a biological sample storage tube of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a right side view of the cap for a biological sample storage tube shown in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the cap for the biological sample storage tube shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the cap for a biological sample storage tube shown in FIG. 1, viewed from below. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the biological sample storage tube shown in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a front view of a cap for a biological sample storage tube according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the cap for the biological sample storage tube shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a front view of a cap for a biological sample storage tube according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of a cap for a biological sample storage tube according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a front view of a cap for a biological sample storage tube according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front view of a cap for a biological sample storage tube according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken along line DD in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the biological sample storage tube cap shown in FIG. 1 attached to the biological sample storage tube. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of a biological sample storage container provided with a cap for a biological sample storage tube of the present invention. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a front view of a biological sample storage container equipped with a cap for a biological sample storage tube according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a plan view of the biological sample storage container shown in FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the biological sample storage container shown in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The cap for a biological sample storage tube and a biological sample storage container equipped with the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to the embodiments shown in the drawings. The biological sample storage tube cap 1 of the present invention is a cap that is attached to a hollow biological sample storage tube 6 having a lower closing portion 66 and an upper opening 63, and is used to close the upper opening 63. The biological sample storage tube cap 1 comprises a main body portion 3 that enters the upper opening 63 of the biological sample storage tube 6 and closes the upper opening 63, an elongated biological sample attachment portion 2 that extends downward from the underside of the main body portion 3, and a flange 5 that protrudes outward in the lateral direction from the main body portion 3. The biological sample attachment portion 2 is cuttable and falls into the biological sample storage tube 6 after cutting.

[0014] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the biological sample storage container 10 of the present invention comprises a hollow biological sample storage tube 6 having a lower closing portion 66 and an upper opening 63, and a biological sample storage tube cap 1 for closing the upper opening 63, and the biological sample storage tube cap 1 is as described above. The biological sample storage container 10 of the present invention is particularly effective when the biological sample storage tube 6 is a sample storage tube 6 for chromosomal testing of in vitro fertilized eggs and the biological sample attachment portion 2 is an attachment portion for cells derived from the in vitro fertilized eggs. Furthermore, the biological sample storage container 10 of the present invention is particularly effective when the biological sample storage tube 6 is a biological sample storage tube 6 for PCR method and the biological sample attachment portion 2 is a biological sample attachment portion 2 for PCR method.

[0015] As shown in Figs. 1 and 6, commercially available microtubes and PCR tubes can be used as the biological sample storage tube 6 used in the biological sample storage container 10 of the present invention. As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the biological sample storage tube 6 is a cylindrical body with an open upper end, a lower closed portion 66, and an upper opening 63, and has a storage space 62 inside. The tube 6 has a cylindrical portion 61 extending downward from the upper opening 63, a tapered portion 65 extending from the cylindrical portion 61 to the lower closed portion 66, and an annular rib 64 formed on the side of the upper opening 63. The bottom surface of the lower closed portion 66 is a hemispherical closed portion. The upper end side of the tube 6 is also provided with an annular rib 64 that protrudes outward. Therefore, the tube 6 is thickest at the upper opening 63, where the annular rib 64 is located.

[0016] A volume of 0.1 to 2 ml is preferably used as the biological sample storage tube 6. So-called PCR tubes generally have a volume of 0.1 ml to 0.6 ml, and so-called microtubes generally have a volume of 0.5 ml to 2 ml.

[0017] Hard or semi-hard resins are suitable as the material for the biological sample storage tube 6, and it is particularly desirable that the material has transparency that allows the interior to be seen. Specifically, the material for the biological sample storage tube 6 is preferably polyolefin such as polypropylene or polyethylene, styrene-based resin such as polystyrene or SBS, polyester resin such as polyethylene terephthalate or polybutylene terephthalate, acrylonitrile-based resin, polyvinyl chloride, PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), or the like.

[0018] The biological sample storage tube cap 1 of the present invention is a cap that is attached to a hollow biological sample storage tube 6 having a lower closing portion 66 and an upper opening 63, and is used to close the upper opening 63. The biological sample storage tube cap 1 comprises a main body portion 3 that enters the upper opening 63 of the biological sample storage tube 6 and closes the upper opening 63, an elongated biological sample attachment portion 2 that extends downward from the underside of the main body portion 3, and a flange 5 that protrudes outward in the lateral direction from the main body portion 3. The biological sample attachment portion 2 is cuttable and falls into the biological sample storage tube 6 after cutting.

[0019] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the cap 1 for a biological sample storage tube comprises a main body 3 that enters the upper opening 63 of the biological sample storage tube 6 and closes the upper opening 63, a long and thin biological sample attachment portion 2 that extends downward from the underside 31 of the main body 3 and can be stored within the tube 6, a flange 5 that protrudes outward in the lateral direction from the main body 3, and a plate-like portion 4 for displaying biological sample-related information that extends a predetermined length above the top surface of the main body 3.

[0020] 1 to 5, the main body 3 has a short columnar or cylindrical shape and can enter the interior of the tube 6 through the upper opening 63. In this embodiment, the lower end of the main body 3 has an outer diameter that is approximately the same as or slightly larger than the inner diameter of the upper opening 63 and the cylindrical portion 61 of the tube 6. Therefore, when the main body 3 enters the tube 6, it closes the opening of the tube 6 in a liquid-tight and airtight state.

[0021] 1 and 4, the cap 1 of this embodiment has a short columnar or cylindrical body 3 that expands in diameter toward the tip. Specifically, the lower end of the body 3 has the largest outer diameter, and the annular side portion 32 decreases in diameter upward (toward the flange 5). Therefore, when the cap 1 is attached to the tube 6, the entire body 3 does not come into strong contact with the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 61 of the tube 6, making the attachment operation easy. When the cap 1 is removed, the upper portion of the body 3 does not come into strong contact with the inner surface of the upper opening 63 of the tube 6, making the removal operation easy.

[0022] The length of the main body 3 extending downward is preferably about 1 to 5 mm, and particularly preferably 1.2 to 4 mm. The difference in outer diameter between the maximum outer diameter part of the main body 3 and the minimum outer diameter part (boundary with the flange) is preferably 0.1 to 0.3 mm. The main body 3 is provided with a flange 5 at its upper end that protrudes outward in the lateral direction. In this embodiment, the flange 5 is an annular protrusion. Furthermore, in the cap 1 of this embodiment, the flange 5 is provided with an extension 51 that further extends outward in the lateral direction. The extension 51 is used as a holding portion when removing the cap 1 from the tube 6. In the cap 1 of this embodiment, the extension 51 is approximately triangular in shape, with a rounded tip that becomes smaller toward the tip, as shown in FIG. 3 .

[0023] The biological sample attachment section 2 extends downward from the lower surface of the main body section 3 and is elongated so that it can be stored inside the tube 6. When the cap 1 is attached to the tube 6, the most distal end 23 of the biological sample attachment section 2 does not come into contact with the inner bottom surface of the tube 6. When the cap 1 is attached to the tube 6, the distance between the lower end (tip) 23 of the biological sample attachment section 2 and the inner bottom surface of the tube 6 is preferably 1 mm or more, and particularly preferably 3 mm or more.

[0024] In the cap 1 of this embodiment, the biological sample attachment portion 2 has a flat tip surface 22a that extends a predetermined length. The provision of the flat tip surface 22a makes it easy to attach a biological sample. In addition, in the cap 1 of this embodiment, the biological sample attachment portion 2 is in the shape of a thin plate, and has flat tip surfaces 22a, 22b on both sides of the tip, allowing the biological sample to be attached to both sides. The biological sample attachment portion 2 may also be in the shape of a thin prism.

[0025] Furthermore, the biological sample attachment part 2 is preferably optically transparent, and is particularly preferably provided with a transparent tip. This may allow the attached biological sample to be confirmed. Furthermore, the biological sample attachment part 2 is preferably flexible and has a certain degree of hardness. This facilitates the operation of attaching the biological sample. In this embodiment, the biological sample attachment part 2 of the cap 1 has a tip 23 whose outer shape becomes smaller toward the tip, making it easy to insert the tip of the biological sample attachment part 2 into the tube 6.

[0026] The biological sample attachment portion 2 can be cut with a cutting tool such as scissors, and the pieces formed by cutting fall into the biological sample storage tube 6. The biological sample attachment portion 2 is preferably thin so that it can be cut with a cutting tool such as scissors. Specifically, the thickness of the biological sample attachment portion 2 is preferably 0.05 to 0.5 mm, and more preferably 0.06 to 0.3 mm. Furthermore, the width of the biological sample attachment portion 2 is preferably 0.3 to 2 mm, and more preferably 0.4 to 1.5 mm. The biological sample attachment portion 2 may have the above thickness and width at the tip end, and may be thicker and wider at the rear end than the tip end. Alternatively, the thickness or width may increase toward the rear end.

[0027] Semi-hard or soft resins are suitable as the material for the biological sample storage tube cap 1. Specifically, polyolefins or polyolefin elastomers such as polypropylene and polyethylene, styrene resins such as polystyrene and SBS, polyester resins or polyester elastomers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, etc. can be used.

[0028] 4, in this embodiment, the biological sample attachment portion 2 is made of a synthetic resin material different from that of the other portion (main body portion 3) of the cap 1, and the base end portion 21 of the biological sample attachment portion 2 is inserted into and fixed in the main body portion 3. Note that the entire cap 1 may be made of the same material and formed as a single unit.

[0029] When the biological sample attachment portion 2 is formed from a synthetic resin material different from that of the other portions of the cap 1 (main body portion 3), a material that is more flexible than the material of the other portions can be used as the material for forming the biological sample attachment portion 2. When the biological sample attachment portion 2 is formed from a synthetic resin material different from that of the other portions of the cap 1 (main body portion 3), it is preferable to use an insert molding method in which the biological sample attachment portion is molded first and then inserted into a mold to form the other portions, or a two-color molding method in which the resin for forming the biological sample attachment portion is injected first and then the resin for forming the other portions is injected.

[0030] It is also preferable that the tip of the biological sample attachment part 2 is provided with a marking for identifying the position of the tip of the biological sample attachment part 2. The marking may be, for example, a color (e.g., black, blue, green, etc.) on the front, back, or side of the most distal end part 23.

[0031] The cap 1 for a biological sample storage tube of this embodiment also includes a plate-like portion 4 for displaying biological sample-related information, which extends a predetermined length above the top surface of the main body portion 3. The biological sample-related information display board 4 is a board-shaped portion of a predetermined width that stands almost vertically from the upper surface of the main body 3. The biological sample-related information display board 4 is capable of displaying biological sample-related information on both sides. However, it may also be possible to display biological sample-related information on only one side. The upper end of the biological sample-related information display board 4 is rounded and has no corners.

[0032] The flat surfaces 41a and 41b of the plate-shaped portion 4 allow characters and the like to be written on the surface with a writing implement, making it possible to post biological sample-related information. Examples of biological sample-related information include the subject's name and collection date. The flat surfaces 41a and 41b of the plate-shaped portion 4 may also be roughened, specifically, matte-finished. This makes it easier to write with a writing implement and makes the written characters and the like easier to see. The plate-shaped portion 4 may also be capable of affixing a sheet on which biological sample-related information is printed. This allows biological sample-related information to be posted.

[0033] Furthermore, it is preferable that the display flat surfaces 41a, 41b of the biological sample-related information display plate 4 face in the same direction as the flat surfaces 22a, 22b at the tip of the biological sample attachment section 2. This makes it easier to check the biological sample-related information during the attachment process when the biological sample-related information display process is first performed on the plate 4 and then the biological sample is attached to the biological sample attachment section 2. The extension 51 extends in the same direction as the flat surfaces 41a, 41b of the biological sample-related information display plate 4.

[0034] The cap for a biological sample storage tube of the present invention may be as shown in Figures 7 and 8. The cap for a biological sample storage tube 1a of this embodiment has two extensions 51a, 51b facing the flange 5. This makes it easy to remove the cap 1a attached to the tube 6. The extensions 51a, 51b extend in the same direction as the planar direction of the flat surfaces 41a, 41b of the biological sample-related information display plate 4. The cap for a biological sample storage tube 1a of this embodiment is the same as the cap for a biological sample storage tube 1 of this embodiment described above, except that it has the extension 51b.

[0035] The cap for a biological sample storage tube of the present invention may be as shown in Figure 9. The cap for a biological sample storage tube 1b of this embodiment is provided with a colored marker 24 at the tip of the biological sample attachment portion 2a, and is provided a predetermined length proximal to the tip. This makes it easy to identify the tip where the biological sample is to be attached. The colored marker can also be used as an indicator during cutting.

[0036] The colored marker may be a line-shaped one as shown in FIG. 9, or may be a circular mark or a polygonal (e.g., triangular) mark. Also, for example, black, blue, green, etc., can be used as the colored marker. The position of the colored marker 24 is preferably 3 to 10 mm, and more preferably 4 to 8 mm, from the tip of the biological sample attachment portion 2a. The cap 1b for a biological sample storage tube of this embodiment is the same as the cap 1 for a biological sample storage tube of this embodiment described above, except that it is provided with the colored marker 24.

[0037] The cap for a biological sample storage tube of the present invention may be as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The cap for a biological sample storage tube 1c of this embodiment includes an easily cleavable portion 25 at the distal end of the biological sample attachment portion 2b, located a predetermined distance proximal to the distal end. This allows for easy identification of the distal end to which the biological sample is attached. The easily cleavable portion 25 also functions as an indicator for cutting. In this embodiment, the easily cleavable portion 25 is formed by a side cut in the biological sample attachment portion 2b. Specifically, the easily cleavable portion 25 is formed by two cuts formed facing each other on the sides of the biological sample attachment portion 2b. Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the biological sample attachment portion 2b has a narrow width at the portion where the easily cleavable portion 25 is formed, making it easy to cut. The shape of the cutout portion forming the easily cleavable portion 25 may be semicircular, triangular, or other shapes in addition to the rectangular shape shown in the drawings.

[0038] Furthermore, a colored marker may be further provided on the easily cuttable portion 25. Examples of colored markers that can be used include black, blue, and green. The position of the easily cuttable portion 25 is preferably 3 to 10 mm, and particularly preferably 4 to 8 mm, from the tip of the biological sample attachment portion 2b. The cap 1c for a biological sample storage tube of this embodiment is the same as the cap 1 for a biological sample storage tube of this embodiment described above, except that it is provided with the easily cuttable portion 25.

[0039] Furthermore, the form of the easily cuttable portion 25 is not limited to the above, and may be, for example, as shown in Figures 12 and 13. In the cap 1d for a biological sample storage tube of this embodiment, the easily cuttable portion 25a is formed by a linear thin-walled portion of the biological sample attachment portion 2c. Specifically, the easily cuttable portion 25a is formed by linear recesses formed on both sides of the biological sample attachment portion 2c. Therefore, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the biological sample attachment portion 2c is thin-walled at the portion where the easily cuttable portion 25a is formed, making it easy to cut.

[0040] Furthermore, a colored marker may be further provided on the easily cleavable portion 25a. Examples of colored markers that can be used include black, blue, and green. The position of the easily cleavable portion 25a is preferably 3 to 10 mm, and particularly preferably 4 to 8 mm, from the tip of the biological sample attachment portion 2c.

[0041] The easily cuttable portion 25 may also have the form shown in Figures 14 and 15. In the cap 1e for a biological sample storage tube of this embodiment, the easily cuttable portion 25b is formed by a notch and a linear thin portion formed in the biological sample attachment portion 2d. Specifically, the easily cuttable portion 25b is formed by two notches formed facing each other on the sides of the biological sample attachment portion 2d and linear recesses formed on both sides of the biological sample attachment portion 2d. Therefore, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the biological sample attachment portion 2d is thin and narrow at the portion where the easily cuttable portion 25b is formed, making it easy to cut.

[0042] Furthermore, a colored marker may be further provided on the easily cleavable portion 25b. Examples of colored markers that can be used include black, blue, and green. The position of the easily cleavable portion 25b is preferably 3 to 10 mm, and particularly preferably 4 to 8 mm, from the tip of the biological sample attachment portion 2d.

[0043] Next, the functions of the cap for a biological sample storage tube and the biological sample storage container equipped with the same according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, a biological sample (e.g., artificially fertilized egg cells) is collected using a sample collection tool (e.g., a micropipette) and attached to the flat surface 22a at the tip of the biological sample attachment part 2 of the biological sample storage tube cap 1. The biological sample attachment part 2 with the biological sample attached is inserted into the biological sample storage tube 6, the main body 3 is attached to the opening of the tube 6, and the tube 6 is closed, thereby storing the biological sample and forming a sealed biological sample storage container. Then, if necessary, biological sample-related information (e.g., subject's name, collection date, etc.) is directly written on the biological sample-related information display board 4, or a sheet displaying the biological sample-related information (e.g., subject's name, collection date, etc.) is attached, and the biological sample is transported to the testing unit.

[0044] In the testing section, the sealed biological sample storage container is opened by pushing up the extension 51 of the flange 5 of the cap 1 from below, and the cap 1 is separated from the tube 6. Then, if necessary, the biological sample attachment section 2 is cut with a cutting tool while the flat tip surface 22a of the biological sample attachment section 2, to which the biological sample is attached, is positioned near the upper opening 63 of the tube 6. The cut piece 26 formed by the cutting falls into and is stored in the tube 6, as shown in Figure 17. Then, if necessary, a test liquid 68 is injected into the tube 6, and the cap 1 is then attached to the tube 6 again to close the tube 6. The cut piece 26 to which the biological sample is attached is positioned in the test liquid 68.

[0045] Next, a biological sample storage container 10a according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described, as shown in Figures 18 to 20. In the biological sample storage container 10a of this embodiment, the biological sample storage tube 6 and the biological sample storage tube cap 1 are connected by a connecting part 7.

[0046] The biological sample storage container 10a of this embodiment has a connecting part 7 that connects the upper part of the biological sample storage tube 6 to the upper part of the main body part 3 of the biological sample storage tube cap 1. The tube 6 can be any of those described above. Furthermore, although the biological sample storage tube cap 1 described above is used as the biological sample storage tube cap, the biological sample storage tube caps of all the above-described embodiments can also be used.

[0047] In the biological sample storage container 10a of this embodiment, one end of the connecting part 7 is fixed to the side surface of the annular rib 64 of the tube 6, and the other end is fixed to the side surface of the flange 5 of the cap 1. The part of the connecting part 7 that is fixed to the cap 1 is located opposite the extension part 51 of the flange 5. This prevents interference with work using the extension part 51. For this reason, in the biological sample storage container 10a of this embodiment, the extension part 51 of the flange 5 faces away from the tube 6.

[0048] Furthermore, the connecting part 7 in this embodiment is flexible and has at least one bent or curved part, making it stretchable. In the biological sample storage container 10a of this embodiment, the connecting part 7 prevents the tube 6 and the cap 1 from separating, and the connecting part 7 does not hinder the attachment of the cap 1 to the tube 6. The connecting part 7 may be cut by a cutting tool.

[0049] As shown in Figure 19, the connecting portion 7 in this embodiment is wavy and has multiple curved portions. The distance between one end and the other end of the connecting portion 7 (in other words, the distance between the tube 6 and the cap 1) is preferably 5 to 20 mm, and more preferably 7 to 15 mm. The connecting portion 7 is formed by a linear body having a rectangular or circular cross section. The width or diameter of the linear body of the connecting portion 7 is preferably about 0.3 to 2 mm.

[0050] The connecting part 7 is preferably formed integrally with the main body 3 having at least the flange 5 of the cap for a biological sample storage tube and the tube 6. In this case, materials that can be used to form the main body 3 having at least the flange 5 of the cap for a biological sample storage tube, the tube 6, and the connecting part 7 include polyolefins or polyolefin elastomers such as polypropylene and polyethylene, styrene resins such as polystyrene and SBS, polyester resins or polyester elastomers such as polyethylene terephthalate and polybutylene terephthalate, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0051] The cap for a biological sample storage tube of the present invention is as follows. (1) A cap for a biological sample storage tube that is attached to a hollow biological sample storage tube having a lower closing portion and an upper opening and that closes the upper opening, the cap for a biological sample storage tube comprising: a main body portion that enters the upper opening of the biological sample storage tube and closes the upper opening; an elongated biological sample attachment portion that extends downward from the underside of the main body portion; and a flange that protrudes outward in the lateral direction from the main body portion, the biological sample attachment portion being cuttable and dropping into the biological sample storage tube after cutting.

[0052] This cap for a biological sample storage tube allows the biological sample to be reliably stored in the tube by attaching the biological sample to the biological sample attachment portion of the cap and then attaching the cap to the tube. Furthermore, since the tube is sealed when the cap is attached to the tube, the occurrence of contamination can be suppressed.

[0053] The above embodiment may also be as follows. (2) The cap for a biological sample storage tube described in (1) above is provided with a plate-shaped portion for displaying biological sample-related information that extends a predetermined length upward from the top surface of the main body portion. (3) A cap for a biological sample storage tube according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the biological sample storage tube is a sample storage tube for chromosomal testing of an in vitro fertilized egg, and the biological sample attachment portion is an attachment portion for cells derived from the in vitro fertilized egg. (4) A cap for a biological sample storage tube according to (1) or (2) above, wherein the biological sample storage tube is a biological sample storage tube for PCR, and the biological sample attachment portion is a biological sample attachment portion for PCR. (5) A cap for a biological sample storage tube according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the biological sample attachment portion has a flat tip surface extending a predetermined length. (6) A cap for a biological sample storage tube according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the main body is short and cylindrical, and the diameter of the main body increases toward the tip. (7) A cap for a tube for storing biological samples, as described in any one of (1) to (6) above, in which the main body and the biological sample attachment portion are formed from different synthetic resin materials, and the base end of the biological sample attachment portion is inserted into and fixed within the main body.

[0054] The biological sample storage container of the present invention is as follows. (8) A biological sample storage container comprising a hollow biological sample storage tube having a lower closing portion and an upper opening, and a biological sample storage tube cap for closing the upper opening, wherein the biological sample storage tube cap is a biological sample storage tube cap described in any one of (1) to (7) above.

[0055] The above embodiment may also be as follows. (9) The biological sample storage container according to (8) above, wherein the biological sample storage container is provided with a connecting portion that connects the upper portion of the biological sample storage tube to the upper portion of the main body portion of the biological sample storage tube cap.

Claims

1. A cap for a biological sample storage tube that is attached to a hollow biological sample storage tube having a lower closing portion and an upper opening and is used to close the upper opening, wherein the cap for a biological sample storage tube comprises a main body portion that enters the upper opening of the biological sample storage tube and closes the upper opening, a long and thin biological sample attachment portion that extends downward from the underside of the main body portion, and a flange that protrudes outward laterally from the main body portion, and wherein the biological sample attachment portion is cuttable and falls into the biological sample storage tube after being cut.

2. 2. The cap for a biological sample storage tube according to claim 1, further comprising a plate-shaped portion for displaying biological sample-related information, the plate-shaped portion extending a predetermined length above the upper surface of the main body.

3. A cap for a biological sample storage tube as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the biological sample storage tube is a sample storage tube for chromosomal testing of in vitro fertilized eggs, and the biological sample attachment portion is an attachment portion for cells derived from the in vitro fertilized eggs.

4. 3. A cap for a biological sample storage tube according to claim 1, wherein the biological sample storage tube is a biological sample storage tube for PCR, and the biological sample attachment portion is a biological sample attachment portion for PCR.

5. 5. A cap for a biological sample storage tube according to claim 1, wherein said biological sample attachment portion has a flat tip surface extending a predetermined length.

6. 6. A cap for a biological sample storage tube according to claim 1, wherein said main body is short and cylindrical, and the diameter of said main body increases toward the tip.

7. A cap for a biological sample storage tube as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main body portion and the biological sample attachment portion are formed from different synthetic resin materials, and the base end of the biological sample attachment portion extends into the main body portion and is fixed.

8. A biological sample storage container comprising a hollow biological sample storage tube having a lower closing portion and an upper opening, and a biological sample storage tube cap for closing the upper opening, wherein the biological sample storage tube cap is a biological sample storage tube cap described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. 9. The biological sample storage container according to claim 8, further comprising a connecting portion that connects an upper portion of the biological sample storage tube with an upper portion of the main body portion of the biological sample storage tube cap.

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