Specimen collection device

Abstract

To provide a specimen collection device that can suppress contamination of the external environment by the specimen solution. [Solution] A sample collection device for collecting a sample liquid comprises a collection rod 21 having a tube 11 having an internal space 14 continuous with an insertion port 13, a shaft body having a telescopic structure formed by a plurality of shaft portions 22-24, and an absorbent body 25 supported by the shaft body for absorbing and holding the sample liquid, and a cap 18 having a nozzle portion 18b that can close the insertion port 13 and allows the sample liquid to be dripped, wherein the shaft body can be retracted to a length that allows the insertion port 13 to be closed by the cap 18.

Description

Technical Field

[0005]

[0001] The present invention relates to a specimen collector for holding and collecting a test fluid in an absorber.

Background Art

[0002] There is a kit for collecting a test fluid such as urine from a living body used over the counter (OTC), such as that of Patent Document 1. The specimen collection kit of Patent Document 1 includes a container having an opening at one end and a cap detachably attached to the opening. The cap has a through hole connected to the inside of the container in a state of closing the opening. A collector for collecting a specimen is inserted through the through hole. The collector includes a stick and a specimen absorber provided on the stick. The collector is inserted through the through hole with the stick. Then, the cap with the collector attached is attached to the container so that the specimen absorber is positioned inside the container.

[0003] In such a specimen collection kit, at the time of specimen collection, first, the cap is removed from the container, and the specimen absorber absorbs the specimen. Then, the specimen absorber is put into the container and the opening is closed with the cap. After that, the stick is moved in a direction to pull it out of the cap. As a result, the specimen absorber is compressed on the inner surface of the cap, and the test fluid is stored in the container. After that, the stick is broken. <​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] The sample collection kits described above require the cap to be replaced with a dropper cap. The cap removed from the container also contains the sample absorbent, which has absorbed the sample. Therefore, there is a risk that the external environment may be contaminated by the cap removed from the container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A sample collection device for solving the above problems is a sample collection device for collecting a sample liquid, comprising a collection rod having a tube having an internal space continuous with an insertion port, a shaft having an expandable structure, an absorbent supported by the shaft for absorbing and holding the sample liquid, and a cap capable of closing the insertion port, wherein the shaft can be retracted to a length that allows the cap to close the insertion port.

[0008] With the above configuration, the sample liquid can be absorbed and held in the absorbent material of the collection stick. After the sample liquid has been absorbed into the absorbent material, the collection stick is inserted into the internal space of the tube, the shaft is retracted to fit inside the tube, and then the insertion opening is sealed with a cap. Since the collection stick is housed in the tube and sealed with a cap, the surrounding environment of the collection device is less likely to be contaminated by the sample liquid.

[0009] In the above-described sample collection device, the cap may be configured to include a nozzle portion that allows the sample liquid to be dispensed. With this configuration, by pointing the nozzle portion downwards and pressing and deforming the tube containing the collection rod, the absorbent material can be squeezed and the sample liquid can be dispensed from the nozzle portion. With such a sample collection device, the collection rod is not removed from the tube between the time the sample liquid is absorbed and held by the absorbent material and the time the sample liquid is dispensed from the nozzle portion. Therefore, the surrounding environment of the sample collection device is less likely to be contaminated by the sample liquid.

[0010] In the above-described sample collection device, the shaft comprises at least a tip shaft portion which is the insertion end into the insertion port, and a middle shaft portion located next to the tip shaft portion and supporting the absorbent, wherein the middle shaft portion may be configured to fit into the tip shaft portion. With this configuration, the shaft can be shortened to a length that allows the insertion port to be closed with a cap by having the middle shaft portion fit into the tip shaft portion.

[0011] In the above-described sample collection device, the tip shaft portion may have a larger outer diameter than the middle shaft portion, and the absorbent may be configured to be supported at the end face of the tip shaft portion. With this configuration, when the absorbent is retracted, the position of the absorbent within the collection rod can be determined by the support of the end face of the tip shaft portion. For example, it is possible to suppress the absorbent from shifting in the direction of the tip shaft portion.

[0012] In the specimen collection device described above, the tube may be configured to form the insertion port and include a mounting portion on which the cap can be attached, the region below the mounting portion being more easily deformed by pressure than the mounting portion, and the upper end of the absorbent being positioned below the mounting portion when the collection rod is inserted into the internal space.

[0013] With the above configuration, the cap can be securely attached to the attachment part, and the absorbent material can be handled by pressing and deforming the tube at the lower part of the attachment part. By fitting the cap onto the attachment part, which has relatively high strength, it is possible to prevent the tube from deforming when the cap is attached, which could lead to the cap falling off or poor dripping.

[0014] In the above-described sample collection device, the collection rod may further include an operating shaft that fits into the middle shaft, and the operating shaft may be configured to fit into the middle shaft. With this configuration, the operating shaft can be positioned away from the position where the user holds the device. This makes it less likely for the sample liquid to come into contact with the user's hand. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, contamination of the external environment by the sample solution can be suppressed. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view showing the configuration of the specimen collection device in this embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sampling rod in this embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the state in which the sample fluid is collected using the collection rod in this embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the sampling rod in this embodiment inserted into the tube. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the sampling rod in this embodiment housed inside the container. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the tube inlet in this embodiment with the cap closed. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the sample solution being dropped into the test kit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] The specimen collection device to which the present invention is applied will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Overall structure] As shown in Figure 1, the sample collection device 10 comprises a tube 11, a cap 18, and a collection rod 21. The tube 11 is a container with an elongated, bottomed cylindrical shape. The tube 11 is resistant to solvents such as buffer solutions, stabilizers, and test solvents. The tube 11 is a resin molded product made of synthetic resin such as polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, ABS, or acrylic resin, and has enough flexibility to be deformed by pinching and pressing it with the user's fingers. The tube 11 has a bottom 12 at one end and an insertion port 13 at the other end. Inside the tube 11, there is an internal space 14 that is continuous with the insertion port 13. The tube 11 has a mounting portion 15 and a flange 16 at the position of the insertion port 13.

[0018] The bottom 12 has an abutting portion 17 at the deepest part of the internal space 14. The abutting portion 17 is a protrusion protruding from the deepest part of the internal space 14 in the direction of the insertion port 13. The insertion end of the sampling rod 21 inserted from the insertion port 13 is abutted against the abutting portion 17.

[0019] The flange 16 protrudes circumferentially outward from the outer peripheral surface at the position of the insertion port 13. The mounting portion 15 has a certain width from the insertion port 13. The mounting portion 15 is a portion where the cap 18 is inserted and fitted from the insertion port 13. For this reason, the mounting portion 15 is thicker than the portion below the mounting portion 15, and is a region that is difficult to be pressed and deformed. As an example, the portion of the mounting portion 15 has a constant thickness. The lower side of the mounting portion 15 is a pressed portion 19 for the user to pinch the tube 11 with a finger and press it radially. The pressed portion 19 is a region between the mounting portion 15 and the bottom 12.

[0020] Note that the insertion port 13 may be configured to be closed by a seal in an unused state. Thereby, the internal space 14 can be kept clean until it is used. As an example, the seal can be composed of a peel film.

[0021] Here, the cap 18 includes a cap portion 18a that can be fitted to the mounting portion 15, and a nozzle portion 18b provided on the cap portion 18a. The cap 18 is composed of a cylindrical portion. The cap portion 18a is inserted from the insertion port 13 and fitted to the mounting portion 15. For example, the cap portion 18a is press-fitted into the mounting portion 15 from the insertion port 13. That is, the mounting portion 15 can be fitted with the cap portion 18a. As an example, the inner diameter D1 of the portion of the mounting portion 15 is the same as the outer diameter of the cap portion 18a. The nozzle portion 18b is a protruding portion protruding upward from the cap portion 18a, and includes a nozzle hole 18c penetrating vertically. By tilting the tube 11 so that the nozzle portion 18b faces downward, the test liquid stored in the internal space 14 can be dropped from the nozzle hole 18c.

[0022] The tube 11 has a shape in which the inner diameter D1 and outer diameter D2 gradually decrease from below the mounting portion 15 towards the lower end. This makes the tube 11 easy to lean against a stand or the like.

[0023] [Collection stick] As shown in Figure 2, the sampling rod 21 comprises a shaft body composed of multiple shaft portions 22, 23, and 24, and an absorber 25 supported by the shaft body. The shaft body is a linear member. Specifically, the multiple shaft portions 22 to 24 include a tip shaft portion 22 as the first shaft portion, a middle shaft portion 23 as the second shaft portion, and an operating shaft portion 24 as the third shaft portion, and are equipped with a telescopic or similar extension structure.

[0024] The tip shaft portion 22 is a cylindrical member whose inner and outer diameters are the largest among the three shaft portions 22-24. The tip shaft portion 22 is provided with a first insertion portion 22a. The upper end of the tip shaft portion 22 is provided with a first retaining piece 22b that protrudes toward the center on the inner circumferential surface constituting the first insertion portion 22a.

[0025] The middle shaft portion 23 is a cylindrical member that is thinner than the tip shaft portion 22 and thicker than the operating shaft portion 24. The middle shaft portion 23 is provided with a second insertion portion 23a. The middle shaft portion 23 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the tip shaft portion 22 and is thick enough to fit within the first insertion portion 22a of the tip shaft portion 22. The lower end of the middle shaft portion 23 has a second projection 23b that protrudes outward on its outer circumferential surface. The second projection 23b engages with the first retaining piece 22b when extended relative to the tip shaft portion 22. The upper end of the middle shaft portion 23 is provided with a second retaining piece 23c that protrudes towards the center on the inner circumferential surface that constitutes the second insertion portion 23a. The absorber 25 is supported on the middle shaft portion 23.

[0026] The operating shaft portion 24 is smaller than the middle shaft portion 23 and is the thinnest solid member. The operating shaft portion 24 may also be a cylindrical member. The operating shaft portion 24 has an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the middle shaft portion 23 and is thin enough to fit within the second insertion portion 23a of the middle shaft portion 23. The lower end of the operating shaft portion 24 has a third projection 24b that protrudes outward on its outer circumferential surface. The third projection 24b engages with the second retaining piece 23c when extended relative to the middle shaft portion 23.

[0027] Regarding the lengths of the shafts 22 to 24, the tip shaft 22 is the shortest. The tip shaft 22 has a length that allows the absorber 25 to be positioned on the pressed portion 19 when its tip abuts against the abutment portion 17. The middle shaft 23 is more than twice as long as the tip shaft 22, for example, it is long enough to reach from the upper side of the bottom 12 of the tube 11 to the middle of the mounting portion 15. The operating shaft 24 is the longest member, slightly longer than the middle shaft 23. For example, the operating shaft 24 is long enough to reach from the bottom 12 of the tube 11 to the upper end of the mounting portion 15 (the position of the flange portion 16). The diameter of the operating shaft 24 is, for example, large enough to pass through the nozzle hole 18c. The outer diameters of the tip shaft 22 and the middle shaft 23 are large enough to prevent them from passing through the nozzle hole 18c.

[0028] The middle shaft portion 23 extends relative to the tip shaft portion 22 until the second projection 23b engages with the first retaining piece 22b. The operating shaft portion 24 extends relative to the middle shaft portion 23 until the third projection 24b engages with the second retaining piece 23c.

[0029] The absorbent body 25 is a porous elastic material, such as a melamine sponge. The absorbent body 25 has a cylindrical shape. The absorbent body 25 is supported by a middle shaft portion 23 that passes through it. The absorbent body 25 has absorption characteristics such as volume and absorption rate that can absorb and hold at least the minimum amount of sample liquid required for the test. The amount absorbed by the absorbent body 25 is an appropriate amount of liquid relative to the capacity of the tube 11 so that it does not overflow or spill during the process of storing the sample liquid in the tube 11.

[0030] At the insertion port 13, the inner diameter D1 is larger than the outer diameter of the lower end of the absorber 25. This makes it easier for the absorber 25 to be inserted into the internal space 14 from the insertion port 13 (see Figure 1). The inner diameter D1 in the middle of the internal space 14 may be smaller than the outer diameter of the absorber 25. In this case, the absorber 25 will be housed in the internal space 14 in a slightly contracted state.

[0031] The absorber 25 is provided with an insertion portion 25a. The middle shaft portion 23 is inserted through the insertion portion 25a. Here, the outer diameter of the tip shaft portion 22 is larger than the outer diameter of the middle shaft portion 23. The outer diameter of the tip shaft portion 22 is larger than the diameter of the insertion portion 25a. Therefore, the upper surface (end face) of the tip shaft portion 22 becomes a support surface 25b on the outside of the middle shaft portion 23. The lower end of the absorber 25 is supported by the support surface 25b and is configured not to fall from the middle shaft portion 23 into the tip shaft portion 22. Since the absorber 25 is supported by the support surface 25b, it is not fixed and is movable in the axial direction.

[0032] [How to use] As shown in Figure 3, the absorbent body 25 of the collection stick 21 absorbs and holds the sample fluid 31, such as urine. Here, the method for absorbing and holding the sample fluid 31 in the absorbent body 25 is to pour the sample fluid 31 directly onto the absorbent body 25, or to immerse the absorbent body 25 in the sample fluid stored in a container such as a cup. Here, the absorbent body 25 absorbs and holds at least the specified amount of sample fluid, which is the amount of sample fluid required for the test, or an amount greater than the specified amount of sample fluid.

[0033] The collection rod 21 is used with the middle section 23 extending relative to the tip section 22, and the middle section 23 extending relative to the operating section 24. Specifically, the first retaining piece 22b of the tip section 22 engages with the second projection 23b of the middle section 23, preventing the middle section 23 from coming off the tip section 22. Also, the second retaining piece 23c of the middle section 23 engages with the third projection 24b of the operating section 24, preventing the operating section 24 from coming off the middle section 23. In this way, the collection rod 21, in its longest state, absorbs and holds the sample liquid 31 in the absorbent body 25. The position of the absorbent body 25 is away from the operating section 24 that the user grasps, making it less likely for the sample liquid to come into contact with fingers, etc.

[0034] Next, as shown in Figure 4, the sampling rod 21 is inserted into the internal space 14 of the tube 11 from the insertion opening 13, with the operating shaft portion 24 as the insertion end, until the tip of the operating shaft portion 24 abuts against the abutment portion 17. As a result, the absorbent body 25 is positioned at the pressed portion 19 of the tube 11. That is, the upper end of the absorbent body 25 is positioned at the pressed portion 19, which is below the mounting portion 15.

[0035] As shown in Figure 5, when the operating shaft portion 24 is pushed into the tube 11, the middle shaft portion 23 retracts into the tip shaft portion 22, and its lower end approaches the abutment portion 17. Furthermore, the operating shaft portion 24 retracts into the middle shaft portion 23, and its lower end approaches the abutment portion 17. In this way, even when the sampling rod 21 retracts inside the tube 11, the lower end of the absorbent body 25 is supported by the support surface 25b of the tip shaft portion 22, so it does not drop down to the position of the tip shaft portion 22.

[0036] When the sampling rod 21 is retracted to its shortest length, the uppermost point is the upper end portion 24c of the operating shaft portion 24. The upper end portion is flush with the insertion port 13 of the tube 11, or in other words, at the same height as the flange 16.

[0037] Next, as shown in Figure 6, the insertion opening 13 is closed by the cap 18. Specifically, the cap portion 18a is inserted through the insertion opening 13 and fitted into the mounting portion 15. The upper end portion 24c of the operating shaft portion 24 is located, for example, inside the cylindrical portion that constitutes the cap portion 18a. Also, the upper end portion 24c is spaced apart from the lower end of the nozzle hole 18c and does not block the nozzle hole 18c.

[0038] Next, as shown in Figure 7, the tube 11 with the cap 18 attached is inverted by a medical technologist or the like so that the nozzle portion 18b faces downward. Then, the pressure-sensitive portion 19 below the attachment portion 15 of the tube 11 is pinched and pressed with fingers or the like to deform it. As a result, the absorbent 25 is handled through the tube 11. The tube 11 may be pressed and deformed once or multiple times. As a result, the sample liquid 31 absorbed and held by the absorbent 25 is discharged from the nozzle hole 18c into the test kit.

[0039] The test kit is, for example, an immunochromatography kit. By tilting the tube 11 so that the nozzle portion 18b faces downwards and deforming the tube 11 by pressing it, the sample solution 31 can be dropped onto the sample pad of the test kit.

[0040] [Effects of the Embodiment] The sample collection device 10 described above can obtain the following effects: (1) The sample liquid 31 can be absorbed and held in the absorbent body 25 of the collection rod 21. After the sample liquid 31 is absorbed into the absorbent body 25, the collection rod 21 is inserted into the internal space 14 of the tube 11, and the multiple shaft portions 22-24 are contracted to fit inside the tube 11, and then the insertion opening 13 is sealed with the cap 18. Next, the nozzle portion 18b is pointed downwards, and the pressure-sensitive portion 19 of the tube 11 is pressed and deformed, thereby dislodging the absorbent body 25 and allowing the sample liquid 31 to be dripped from the nozzle portion. With this type of sample collection device 10, the collection rod 21 is not removed from the tube 11 between the time the sample liquid 31 is absorbed and held in the absorbent body 25 and the time the sample liquid 31 is dripped from the nozzle portion 18b. Therefore, the surrounding environment of the sample collection device 10 is less likely to be contaminated by the sample liquid 31.

[0041] (2) The position of the absorbent 25 within the sampling rod 21 can be determined by the support surface 25b of the tip shaft portion 22 that supports the absorbent 25. For example, it is possible to prevent the absorbent 25 from shifting in the direction of the tip shaft portion 22. In the tube 11, the mounting portion 15 and the bottom portion 12 are not easily bent. The absorbent 25 is supported by the support surface 25b of the tip shaft portion 22, so it does not shift in the direction of the bottom portion 12, and as a result it is positioned in the pressed portion 19. As a result the absorbent 25 can be easily handled through the tube 11.

[0042] (3) The cap 18 can be securely attached to the attachment part 15, and the absorbent body 25 is located in the lower part of the attachment part 15, allowing the tube 11 to be pressed and deformed to handle the absorbent body 25. The tube 11 is designed so that the cap 18 fits onto the attachment part 15, which has relatively high strength, so that the tube 11 does not deform when the cap 18 is attached, preventing the cap 18 from falling off or causing dripping problems.

[0043] (4) By providing the operating shaft portion 24, the position where the user grasps the device and the position of the absorbent 25 can be separated. This makes it less likely for the sample liquid 31 to come into contact with the user's hand. [Variation] Furthermore, the sample collection device 10 can be modified as appropriate as follows. In addition to the embodiments described above, the sample collection device 10 may also be in the following modified forms, or a combination of at least two non-inconsistent modified forms.

[0044] In the sampling rod 21, the shaft body only needs to include at least a tip shaft portion 22 and a middle shaft portion 23. In this case as well, even when the middle shaft portion 23 is retracted relative to the tip shaft portion 22, it is sufficient that the upper end of the middle shaft portion 23 fits into the internal space 14 and that the insertion opening 13 can be closed with the cap 18. Furthermore, the shaft body may consist of a total of four or more shaft portions, and these shaft portions may have an extendable structure.

[0045] The tube 11 does not necessarily have to have the mounting portion 15 composed of a region with relatively higher strength than other areas. For example, the mounting portion 15 may have the same strength as the other parts. In tube 11, the inner diameter D1 may be constant from the upper end to the lower end of tube 11. Similarly, the outer diameter D2 may be constant from the upper end to the lower end of tube 11.

[0046] The lower end of the absorbent body 25 may be fixed to the support surface 25b of the tip shaft portion 22 by adhesive. Alternatively, the absorbent body 25 may be fixed with adhesive or the like in a position that does not hinder the expansion and contraction of the middle shaft portion 23 relative to the tip shaft portion 22.

[0047] The operating shaft portion 24 may be inserted through the nozzle hole 18c in the state before use. In this case, as shown in Figure 3, when the sample liquid 31 is absorbed into the absorbent body 25, the sample liquid 31 is absorbed and held in the absorbent body 25 with the capped collection rod 21 in which the operating shaft portion 24 is inserted through the nozzle hole 18c.

[0048] The pressed portion 19 below the mounting portion 15 may be made of a different material than the mounting portion 15 in order to make it more easily deformed by pressure. For example, the mounting portion 15 and the region below the mounting portion 15 can be constructed by two-color molding.

[0049] The mounting portion 15 and the region below the mounting portion 15 may both have similar flexibility to accommodate the absorbent 25. For example, the circumferential wall of the tube 11 may have the same thickness throughout.

[0050] The abutment portion 17 may be omitted from the bottom 12 of the tube 11. In this case, the insertion end of the tip shaft portion 22 abuts against the deepest part of the internal space 14. The shaft's telescopic structure may be such that the tip shaft portion 22 is housed within the middle shaft portion 23. Alternatively, the middle shaft portion 23 may be housed within the operating shaft portion 24.

[0051] The absorbent body 25 may be fixed in position by means of an adhesive or by a projection formed on the outer surface of the middle shaft portion 23 engaging with it. The position of the absorbent 25 may be such that the entire body fits within the position of the pressed portion 19, or it may be positioned so as to straddle the mounting portion 15 and the pressed portion 19.

[0052] The cap 18 may be attached to the tube 11 by screw action. For example, the tube 11 has a cylindrical portion forming an insertion opening 13 on the upper side of the flange 16, and a helical screw groove is provided on the outer circumference of the cylindrical portion. The cap 18 has a recess in the cap portion 18a into which the cylindrical portion fits, and a helical screw projection that engages with the screw groove is provided on the inner circumference of the recess. In this way, the cap 18 can seal the insertion opening 13 to prevent leakage of the sample fluid.

[0053] The cap 18 may be configured without the nozzle portion 18b. Even with this configuration, after the sample solution 31 is absorbed by the absorbent 25, the collection rod 21 is inserted into the internal space 14 of the tube 11, the shaft is retracted and placed inside the tube 11, and then the insertion opening 13 is sealed with the cap 18. In this way, the sample collection device 10 is designed so that the collection rod 21 is housed in the tube 11 and sealed with the cap 18, making it less likely for the sample solution 31 to leak and contaminate the surrounding environment of the sample collection device 10. When dropping the sample solution 31 into the test kit, the cap can be replaced with a cap 18 equipped with the nozzle portion 18b, and the sample solution 31 can be dropped into the test kit from the nozzle portion 18b.

[0054] The nozzle portion 18b may be located on the central axis extending vertically along the tube 11, or it may be positioned off-center in any direction from the central axis. The sample fluid may be urine, sweat, saliva, blood, etc. It may also be urine, sweat, saliva, blood, etc. from livestock such as cattle and pigs, or from animals other than livestock. Furthermore, the sample fluid may be sludge settled on the bottom of rivers, lakes, or the seabed, or excrement settled at the bottom of fish farming pens or tanks. Furthermore, the sample fluid may be liquids such as river water or seawater. Furthermore, the sample fluid may be drinking water such as mineral water or juice, or liquid cleaning agents used for shampoo, clothes, bathtubs, kitchens, etc. In other words, the sample fluid is not particularly limited as long as it is a liquid to be tested. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0055] 10…Specimen collection device 11... Tube 12...Bottom 13…Insertion opening 14…Interior space 15... Mounting part 18…Cap 18a...Cap part 18b... Nozzle part 18c... Nozzle hole 19... Pressed part 21...Gathering stick 22...Tip shaft 22a...First insertion section 22b...First retaining piece 23…Middle shaft part 23a...Second insertion section 23b…Second protrusion 23c...Second retaining piece 24...Operation shaft section 24b...Third protrusion 24c…Top end 25… Absorbent 25a... Insertion part 25b…support surface 31…Sample fluid

Claims

1. A specimen collection device for collecting specimen fluid, A tube having an insertion port and a continuous internal space, A sampling rod comprising a shaft having an extendable structure, and an absorbent body supported by the shaft for absorbing and retaining the sample liquid, The system includes a cap that can close the aforementioned insertion opening, The shaft body retracts to a length that allows the cap to close the insertion opening. Specimen collection device.

2. The cap is equipped with a nozzle portion that allows the sample solution to be dispensed drop by drop. The specimen collection device according to claim 1.

3. The shaft body comprises at least a tip shaft portion which is the insertion end into the insertion opening, and a middle shaft portion located next to the tip shaft portion which supports the absorber, The aforementioned middle shaft portion fits into the aforementioned tip shaft portion. A specimen collection device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The tip shaft portion has a larger outer diameter than the middle shaft portion. The absorbent is supported at the end face of the tip shaft portion. The specimen collection device according to claim 3.

5. The tube comprises an insertion opening and a mounting portion that allows the cap to be attached to the insertion opening. The area below the mounting portion is more susceptible to deformation by pressure than the mounting portion. When the sampling rod is inserted into the internal space, the upper end of the absorbent is located below the mounting portion. A specimen collection device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The sampling rod further comprises an operating shaft portion that fits into the middle shaft portion, The aforementioned operating shaft portion fits into the aforementioned middle shaft portion. The specimen collection device according to claim 3.

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