Liquid sample inspection tool

Abstract

To provide a liquid sample inspection tool capable of developing a liquid sample in a uniform manner over the whole test strip, improving efficiency of an immune response, and improving color development of a color indicating an inspection result.SOLUTION: A liquid sample inspection tool comprises: an upper case 10 in which a drop hole 13 for a liquid sample and a determination window 14 for an inspection result are juxtaposed; a lower case 40 assembled to the upper case 10; and a test strip 30 stored between the upper case 10 and the lower case 40. The upper case 10 comprises: a first protrusion part 11 protruding toward the lower case 40; and a second protrusion part 12 protruding toward the lower case 40. Shapes of the first and second protrusion parts 11, 12 are designed so that capillary force generated between the second protrusion part 12 and the liquid sample becomes greater than capillary force generated between the first protrusion part 11 and the liquid sample.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a liquid sample inspection tool.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, liquid sample inspection tools using the immunochromatography method have been frequently used for the inspection of infectious diseases that require particularly rapid diagnosis. This type of liquid sample inspection tool consists of a test strip, an upper case for housing these, and a lower case. By adding a liquid sample to the test strip through a dropping hole provided in the upper case, the color indicating the test result can be visually recognized from a determination window provided side by side with respect to this dropping hole.

[0003] In order to enable the rapid visual recognition of the test result, it is necessary to rapidly develop the liquid sample added from the dropping hole to the determination window. Therefore, a liquid sample inspection tool has been considered in which a ridge is provided on the determination window side of the dropping hole of the upper case, and the liquid sample is developed along the ridge toward the determination window side (Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, the above-described conventional liquid sample inspection tool rapidly develops the liquid sample toward the determination window side by the ridge. For this reason, there has been a problem that the liquid sample flows into the determination window side all at once. That is, there has been a problem that the liquid sample cannot be uniformly developed over the entire test strip. Further, if the liquid sample cannot be uniformly developed, the dry agent held on the test strip cannot be sufficiently dissolved, so that the reaction efficiency of the immune reaction deteriorates and the color development of the color indicating the test result is poor.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above-described circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a liquid sample inspection tool capable of uniformly developing a liquid sample over the entire test strip, improving the efficiency of the immune reaction, and improving the color development of the color indicating the test result.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] In order to achieve the above-described object, the liquid sample inspection tool according to the present invention is characterized by the following [1] to [9].

[0008] [1] An upper case in which a dropping hole for a liquid sample and a determination window for a test result are provided side by side, A lower case assembled to the upper case, In a liquid sample inspection tool including a test strip accommodated between the upper case and the lower case, The upper case, A first protrusion protruding from an edge portion on the determination window side of the dropping hole toward the lower case, A second protrusion protruding from an edge portion on the side opposite to the determination window of the dropping hole with respect to the first protrusion toward the lower case, and A capillary force generated between the second protrusion and the liquid sample and pulling the liquid sample by the second protrusion is generated between the first protrusion and the liquid sample and is larger than the capillary force pulling the liquid sample by the first protrusion such that at least a part of the liquid sample dropped into the dropping hole is spread to the second protrusion side by the second protrusion, and then heads toward the first protrusion side The shapes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion are provided and the second protrusion is provided in a pillar shape a second protrusion row is provided in which a plurality of the second protrusions are arranged at intervals along the arrangement direction of the determination window and the dropping hole from the edge of the dropping hole toward the side opposite to the determination window the second protrusion row is arranged in a direction other than the arrangement direction the first protrusion extends along the arrangement direction from the edge of the dropping hole toward the determination window side a plurality of the first protrusions are arranged side by side in a direction other than the arrangement direction the interval between the plurality of second protrusions is narrower than the interval between the plurality of first protrusions It is a liquid sample inspection tool. [2] an upper case in which a dropping hole for a liquid sample and a determination window for inspection results are arranged side by side a lower case assembled to the upper case In a liquid sample inspection tool including a test strip housed between the upper case and the lower case, the upper case has a first protrusion protruding from the edge of the dropping hole on the determination window side toward the lower case and a second protrusion protruding from the edge of the dropping hole on the side opposite to the determination window rather than the first protrusion toward the lower case The capillary force generated between the second protrusion and the liquid sample, by which the second protrusion pulls the liquid sample, is greater than the capillary force generated between the first protrusion and the liquid sample, by which the first protrusion pulls the liquid sample. The shapes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion are provided such that at least a part of the liquid sample dropped into the dropping hole is spread to the second protrusion side by the second protrusion and then heads toward the first protrusion side The first protrusion extends along the arrangement direction of the dropping hole and the determination window from the edge of the dropping hole toward the determination window side. The second protrusion extends along the arrangement direction from the edge of the dropping hole toward the side opposite to the determination window. and the length of the second protrusion in the arrangement direction is longer than the length of the first protrusion in the arrangement direction It is a liquid sample inspection tool. [3] 2 In the liquid sample inspection tool according to [], The number of the second protrusions is larger than the number of the first protrusions. It is a liquid sample inspection tool. [4] 2 or 3 In the liquid sample inspection tool according to [], The first protrusion and the second protrusion are each provided with a plurality arranged in a direction other than the arrangement direction. The interval between the plurality of second protrusions is narrower than the interval between the plurality of first protrusions. It is a liquid sample inspection tool. [5] [1] to 4 In the liquid sample inspection tool according to any one of [], The test strip has a sample pad exposed from the dropping hole, an adjusting pad arranged with a gap provided on the determination window side of the sample pad, a conjugate pad arranged continuously on the determination window side of the adjusting pad, and a membrane arranged continuously on the determination window side of the conjugate pad and visible from the determination window. The end portion of the first protrusion on the dropping hole side in the arrangement direction is located on the sample pad, and the end portion of the first protrusion on the determination window side in the arrangement direction is located on the adjusting pad. ​​​​It is a liquid sample inspection tool. [6] [1] to 5 In the liquid sample inspection tool according to any one of the above items, The test strip has a sample pad exposed from the dropping hole, an adjusting pad disposed with a gap provided on the determination window side of the sample pad, a conjugate pad disposed continuously on the determination window side of the adjusting pad, and a conjugate pad disposed continuously on the determination window side of the conjugate pad, and a membrane visible from the determination window. The first protrusion is provided to face the gap and is not inserted into the gap. It is a liquid sample inspection tool.

[0009] According to the liquid sample inspection tool having the configuration of [1] above, the shapes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion are provided such that the capillary force generated between the second protrusion and the liquid sample is greater than the capillary force generated between the first protrusion and the liquid sample. Thereby, the force with which the second protrusion pulls the liquid sample dropped on the test strip to the side opposite to the determination window can be made stronger than the force with which the first protrusion pulls the liquid sample dropped on the test strip to the determination window side. For this reason, the flow of the liquid sample in the test strip can be controlled so that the liquid sample dropped into the dropping hole is first advanced to the side opposite to the determination window and then developed to the determination window side, and the liquid sample can be uniformly developed over the entire test strip. Further, by uniformly developing the liquid sample, the dry agent held on the test strip can be sufficiently dissolved to improve the efficiency of the immune reaction and improve the color development indicating the test result.

[0010] According to the liquid sample inspection tool having the configuration of [2] above, the first protrusion and the second protrusion can be easily provided.

[0011] According to the liquid sample inspection tool configured as described in [3] above, the length of the second protrusions in the arrangement direction is longer than the length of the first protrusions in the arrangement direction. As a result, it is easy to make the force with which the second protrusions pull the liquid sample dropped on the test strip to the side opposite to the determination window stronger than the force with which the first protrusions pull the liquid sample dropped on the test strip to the determination window side.

[0012] According to the liquid sample inspection tool configured as described in [4] above, the number of the second protrusions is larger than the number of the first protrusions. As a result, it is easy to make the force with which the second protrusions pull the liquid sample dropped on the test strip to the side opposite to the determination window stronger than the force with which the first protrusions pull the liquid sample dropped on the test strip to the determination window side.

[0013] According to the liquid sample inspection tool configured as described in [5] above, the interval in the direction other than the arrangement direction of the plurality of second protrusions is narrower than the interval of the plurality of first protrusions. That is, the capillary path formed between the second protrusions becomes narrower than the capillary path formed between the first protrusions. As a result, it is easy to make the capillary force generated between the second protrusions and the liquid sample larger than the capillary force generated between the first protrusions and the liquid sample.

[0014] According to the liquid sample inspection tool configured as described in [6] above, a second protrusion row in which a plurality of second protrusions are arranged in the arrangement direction is provided with a plurality of rows arranged in a direction other than the arrangement direction. As a result, the second protrusions can be provided in a pillar shape.

[0015] According to the liquid sample inspection tool configured as described in [7] above, the interval of the plurality of second protrusions is narrower than the interval of the plurality of first protrusions. That is, the capillary path formed between the second protrusions becomes narrower than the capillary path formed between the first protrusions. As a result, it is easy to make the capillary force generated between the second protrusions and the liquid sample larger than the capillary force generated between the first protrusions and the liquid sample.

[0016] According to the liquid sample inspection tool having the configuration of [8] above, the end portion on the dropping hole side in the arrangement direction of the first protrusions is located on the sample pad, and the end portion on the determination window side in the arrangement direction of the first protrusions is located on the adjusting pad. Thereby, the liquid sample developed to the end portion on the determination window side through the first protrusions can be absorbed into the adjusting pad.

[0017] According to the liquid sample inspection tool having the configuration of [9] above, the first protrusions are provided so as to face the gap between the sample pad and the adjusting pad. Thereby, the liquid sample can flow through the first protrusions, cross the gap, and develop to the adjusting pad.

Advantages of the Invention

[0018] As described above, according to the liquid sample inspection tool of the present invention, the liquid sample can be uniformly developed over the entire test strip. Further, by uniformly developing the liquid sample, the dry agent held on the test strip can be sufficiently dissolved to improve the efficiency of the immune reaction, and the color development indicating the test result can be improved.

[0019] The present invention has been briefly described above. Furthermore, the details of the present invention will be further clarified by reading through the mode for carrying out the invention described below (hereinafter referred to as "embodiment") with reference to the attached drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Specific embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the respective figures.

[0022] <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the upper case 10 of the liquid sample inspection tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the lower case 40 of the liquid sample inspection tool according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the liquid sample inspection tool according to the first embodiment, particularly a cross-sectional view of the upper case 10, the lower case 40, and the test strip 30. The liquid sample inspection tool according to the first embodiment includes an upper case 10 provided with a dropping hole 13 for a liquid sample and a determination window 14 for inspection results arranged side by side, a lower case 40 assembled to the upper case 10, and a test strip 30 accommodated between the upper case 10 and the lower case 40. The liquid sample inspection tool is an instrument that uses an immunochromatographic method for the inspection of various infectious diseases, and is configured such that the color indicating the inspection result can be visually recognized from the determination window 14 provided side by side with respect to the dropping hole 13 by adding a liquid sample to the test strip 30 from the dropping hole 13 provided in the upper case 10.

[0023] The upper case 10 is provided with a first protrusion 11, a second protrusion 12, a dropping hole 13, a determination window 14, and a pressing pin 15. FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the back side of the upper case 10, that is, a perspective view of the upper case 10 as seen from the lower side of FIG. 3. The first protrusion 11, the second protrusion 12, and the pressing pin 15 protrude toward the test strip 30 mounted on the lower case 40. On the other hand, the dropping hole 13 and the determination window 14 are provided so as to penetrate the upper case 10, and the test strip 30 inside the liquid sample inspection tool can be visually observed. In the present embodiment, the dropping hole 13 has a circular shape, and the determination window 14 has a rectangular shape, but their respective shapes, positions, etc. are not particularly limited.

[0024] The first protrusion 11 protrudes toward the lower case 40 and is provided so as to extend along the arrangement direction X of the dropping hole 13 and the determination window 14 from the edge portion on the determination window 14 side of the dropping hole 13. The tip of the first protrusion 11 faces the test strip 30 in the thickness direction Z. On the other hand, the second protrusion 12 protrudes toward the lower case 40 and is provided so as to extend along the arrangement direction X from the edge portion on the side opposite to the determination window 14 of the dropping hole 13. The tip of the second protrusion 12 faces the test strip 30 in the thickness direction Z. In FIG. 3, the first protrusion 11 and the second protrusion 12 are positioned at a predetermined interval with respect to the test strip 30, but the first protrusion 11 and the second protrusion 12 may contact the test strip 30. Details of the first protrusion 11 and the second protrusion 12 will be described later.

[0025] There are two pressing pins 15 arranged along the alignment direction X and two pressing pins 15 arranged along the orthogonal direction Y orthogonal to the alignment direction X, that is, a total of four pressing pins 15, which are members for preventing the test strip 30 from rising. In FIG. 3, the pressing pins 15 are positioned at a predetermined interval with respect to the test strip 30, but the pressing pins 15 may contact the test strip 30. However, the pressing pins 15 are not essential members, and the number, position, shape, etc. of the pressing pins 15 are not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the upper case 10 is provided with the pressing pins 15, but the pressing pins 15 are not an essential configuration and may be omitted. Also, in this embodiment, the pressing pins 15 are provided in a pin shape, but it is not limited to this. A pressing member 151 as shown in FIG. 7 may be provided. The pressing member 151 may be configured to make the superposition of the pads 22, 32, 33 and the membrane 34 more stable along the cross-sectional shape of the test strip 30.

[0026] The test strip 30 is a long member placed on the lower case 40. As shown in FIG. 3, it has a sample pad 31, an adjusting pad 32, a conjugate pad 33, a membrane 34, and an absorption pad 22 provided in order along the alignment direction X. Note that FIG. 3 schematically depicts the test strip 30, and the thicknesses of the adjusting pad 32, the conjugate pad 33, and the absorption pad 22 are not drawn as constant. However, in reality, the sample pad 31, the adjusting pad 32, the conjugate pad 33, the membrane 34, and the absorption pad 22 are each formed in a sheet shape with a uniform thickness.

[0027] The sample pad 31 is exposed from the dropping hole 13 and has the property of absorbing the liquid sample added from the dropping hole 13 and moving the liquid sample. In this embodiment, a second protrusion 12 is provided adjacent to the dropping hole 13. Most of the liquid sample added from the dropping hole 13 is pulled by the second protrusion 12 by capillary action and then diffuses into the sample pad 31. Of course, there is also a liquid sample added from the dropping hole 13 that does not go toward the second protrusion 12 but toward the first protrusion 11 side (details will be described later).

[0028] The adjusting pad 32 is arranged with a gap G provided on the side of the determination window 14 of the sample pad 31. The adjusting pad 32 is a member arranged for the purpose of imparting a specific function to promote the capture reaction of the antigen contained in the liquid sample. As an example thereof, there is extraction of the antigen contained in the liquid sample. By providing the gap G between the sample pad 31 and the adjusting pad 32, deterioration of the agent impregnated in the adjusting pad 32 can be suppressed. Similar to the second protrusion 12, since the first protrusion 11 is provided on this gap G adjacent to the dropping hole 13, the liquid sample can travel from the sample pad 31 along the first protrusion 11, cross the gap G, and move to the side of the adjusting pad 32.

[0029] The conjugate pad 33 is arranged continuously on the side of the determination window 14 of the adjusting pad 32. The conjugate pad 33 is partially laminated with the adjusting pad 32. The conjugate pad 33 carries a specific antibody (an antibody labeled with a substance such as gold colloid or color latex; a colored label). The liquid sample that has reached the conjugate pad 33 penetrates into the membrane 34 while dissolving the specific antibody. At this time, the antigen contained in the liquid sample binds to the specific antibody.

[0030] The membrane 34 is arranged continuously on the side of the determination window 14 of the conjugate pad 33 and is visible from the determination window 14 of the upper case 10 existing above. The capture antibody is applied and fixed in a line shape along the orthogonal direction Y on the membrane 34. When there is an antigen (the analyte) bound to the specific antibody in the liquid sample, this antigen and the capture antibody fixed to the membrane 34 cause an antigen-antibody reaction, and a colored label appears as a signal on the membrane 34. Further, the membrane 34 is connected to the absorption pad 22 placed at the end of the backing sheet 20, and the liquid sample is finally absorbed by the absorption pad 22.

[0031] FIG. 4 shows an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the upper case 10 shown in FIG. 1. The first protrusion 11 protrudes from the side of the determination window 14 of the dropping hole 13 toward the lower case 40, that is, along the thickness direction Z, and is provided along the arrangement direction X of the dropping hole 13 and the determination window 14. In the present embodiment, the first protrusion 11 has a strip shape extending linearly along the arrangement direction X, and three are arranged along the orthogonal direction Y.

[0032] On the other hand, the second protrusion 12 protrudes from the side opposite to the determination window 14 of the dropping hole 13 toward the lower case 40, that is, along the thickness direction Z, and is provided along the arrangement direction X. In the present embodiment, the first protrusion 11 has a strip shape extending linearly along the arrangement direction X, and three are arranged along the orthogonal direction Y.

[0033] And in the present embodiment, the length of the second protrusion 12 in the arrangement direction X is longer than the length of the first protrusion 11 in the arrangement direction X. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the relationship between the length L1 of the first protrusion 11 in the arrangement direction X and the length L2 of the second protrusion 12 in the arrangement direction X is L1 < L2.

[0034] According to such a configuration, the capillary force generated between the second protrusion 12 and the liquid sample becomes greater than the capillary force generated between the first protrusion 11 and the liquid sample. As a result, the force with which the second protrusion 12 pulls the liquid sample dropped on the test strip 30 to the side opposite to the determination window 14 can be made stronger than the force with which the first protrusion 11 pulls the liquid sample dropped on the test strip 30 to the side of the determination window 14. That is, most of the liquid sample spreads toward the second protrusion 12 side by the second protrusion 12 as shown by the arrow A in FIG. 3. The liquid sample that has spread to the second protrusion 12 side then moves toward the absorption pad 22 side due to the absorption force of the absorption pad 22. The liquid sample that has moved toward the absorption pad 22 side climbs over the gap G through the first protrusion 11 and spreads (penetrates, flows) to the absorption pad 22 through the conjugate pad 33 and the membrane 34. Note that the shape, structure, etc. of the test strip 30 are not particularly limited, and for example, the adjusting pad 32 can be omitted. Also, the adjusting pad 32 may be disposed between the conjugate pad 33 and the membrane 34.

[0035] In this way, the liquid sample inspection tool according to the present embodiment can control the flow of the liquid sample in the test strip 30 so that the liquid sample dropped into the dropping hole 13 is first advanced to the side opposite to the determination window 14 and then spread to the side of the determination window 14, and the liquid sample can be uniformly spread over the entire test strip 30. Further, by uniformly spreading the liquid sample, the dry agent held on the test strip 30 can be sufficiently dissolved to improve the efficiency of the immune reaction and the development of the color indicating the test result.

[0036] Also, in the present embodiment, a plurality (three in the present embodiment) of the first protrusions 11 and the second protrusions 12 are provided in the orthogonal direction Y orthogonal to the alignment direction X, respectively. And the interval W2 in the orthogonal direction Y of the plurality of second protrusions 12 is narrower than the interval W1 in the orthogonal direction Y of the plurality of first protrusions 11. That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the relationship between the interval W1 in the orthogonal direction Y of the first protrusion 11 and the interval W2 in the orthogonal direction Y of the second protrusion 12 is W1 > W2.

[0037] According to such a configuration, the capillary path formed between the second protrusions 12 is narrower than the capillary path formed between the first protrusions 11. As a result, the force with which the second protrusions 12 pull the liquid sample dropped on the test strip 30 to the side opposite to the determination window 14 can be made stronger than the force with which the first protrusions 11 pull the liquid sample dropped on the test strip 30 to the side of the determination window 14. Therefore, similar to the above, the liquid sample can be uniformly developed, and pH adjusters, aggregation inhibitors, salts, etc. (dry agents) held on the test strip 30 can be sufficiently dissolved to improve the efficiency of the immune reaction and the color development indicating the test result. In the present embodiment, pH adjusters, aggregation inhibitors, salts, etc. are exemplified as an example of the dry agent, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and any agent held on the test strip 30 may be used as the dry agent.

[0038] By satisfying at least any one of the above-described relationships of L1 < L2 and W1 > W2, an improvement in the color development indicating the test result is expected.

[0039] Also, the end portion 11b (see FIG. 3) on the side of the dropping hole 13 in the arrangement direction X of the first protrusions 11 is located on the sample pad 31, and the end portion 11a (see FIG. 3) on the side of the determination window 14 in the arrangement direction X of the first protrusions 11 is located on the adjusting pad 32. According to such a configuration, the liquid sample developed to the end portion 11a on the side of the determination window 14 through the first protrusions 11 can be absorbed into the adjusting pad 32. Further, if the end portion 11a of the first protrusions 11 is extended to the conjugate pad 33, the liquid sample may flow between the first protrusions 11 and the test strip 30 and flow toward the membrane 34 side, resulting in a shallower absorption into the adjusting pad 32. However, in the present embodiment, as described above, since the end portion 11a of the first protrusions 11 is located on the adjusting pad 32, the liquid sample is more likely to be absorbed into the adjusting pad 32.

[0040] Further, the first protrusion 11 is provided to face the gap G, is not inserted into the gap G, and covers the gap G. According to such a configuration, the liquid sample can flow along the first protrusion 11, cross the gap G, and expand up to the adjusting pad 32.

[0041] <Second Embodiment> FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the upper case 10 of the liquid sample inspection tool according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 shows an enlarged perspective view of the main part of the upper case 10 shown in FIG. 5. In the present embodiment, only one first protrusion 11 is provided, and three second protrusions 12 are provided as in the first embodiment. That is, the number of the second protrusions 12 is larger than that of the first protrusion 11. The number of the first protrusions 11 and the number of the second protrusions 12 are not particularly limited, but in the present embodiment, the relationship (the number of the first protrusions 11 < the number of the second protrusions 12) holds.

[0042] According to such a configuration, the force by which the second protrusion 12 pulls the liquid sample dropped on the test strip 30 to the side opposite to the determination window 14 can be made stronger than the force by which the first protrusion 11 pulls the liquid sample dropped on the test strip 30 to the side of the determination window 14. Therefore, as in the first embodiment, the liquid sample can be uniformly developed, the dry agent held on the test strip 30 can be sufficiently dissolved to improve the efficiency of the immune reaction, and the color development indicating the test result can be improved.

[0043] <Third Embodiment> FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the upper case of the liquid sample inspection tool according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows an enlarged top view of the main part of the upper case shown in FIG. 7. In the present embodiment, the second protrusion 12 is provided in a columnar (pillar-like) shape. A plurality of second protrusions 12 are provided at intervals along the arrangement direction X from the edge of the dropping hole 13 toward the side opposite to the determination window 14. The plurality of second protrusions 12 arranged along the arrangement direction X constitute the second protrusion row 16. A plurality of the second protrusion rows 16 are arranged side by side in the orthogonal direction Y. In the present embodiment, 11 second protrusion rows 16 are arranged side by side.

[0044] Of the adjacent second protrusion rows 16, one second protrusion 12 and the other second protrusion are not arranged side by side in the orthogonal direction Y, but are arranged in a direction forming an angle θ of about 45° to 75° with respect to the arrangement direction X. That is, between one second protrusion 12 and the second protrusion 12 of the adjacent second protrusion rows 16, the other second protrusion 12 is located. Thereby, the interval W22 between the second protrusions 12 constituting the adjacent second protrusion rows 16 can be narrowed. The interval W21 between the second protrusions 12 in the same second protrusion row 16 is the same as or narrower than the interval W22. The intervals W21 and W22 of these second protrusions 12 are provided narrower than the interval W1 of the first protrusions 11.

[0045] Also, in the present embodiment, from the edge on the side away from the determination window 14 of the dropping hole 13, a second protrusion row 16 composed of six second protrusions 12 and a second protrusion row 16 composed of five second protrusions 12 are alternately arranged in a total of five rows. Further, from the edges on both sides in the orthogonal direction Y of the dropping hole 13, three second protrusion rows 16 composed of seven second protrusions 12 are arranged. Of course, the arrangement position and number of the pillar-shaped second protrusions 12 of the present invention are not limited to the examples shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

[0046] According to the above-described configuration, as in the first embodiment, the intervals W21 and W22 of the plurality of second protrusions 12 are narrower than the interval W1 in the orthogonal direction Y of the plurality of first protrusions 11. That is, the capillary path formed between the second protrusions 12 is narrower than the capillary path formed between the first protrusions 11. Thereby, it is possible to easily make the capillary force generated between the second protrusion 12 and the liquid sample larger than the capillary force generated between the first protrusion 11 and the liquid sample.

[0047] As described above, the second protrusion 12 may have a shape extending in the arrangement direction X as in the first embodiment or may be pillar-shaped. The intervals W2, W21, and W22 can generate a stronger capillary force as they are narrower. However, if the intervals W2, W21, and W22 are made too narrow, there is a risk that the amount of liquid sample held between the second protrusions 12 will be insufficient. For this reason, the intervals W2, W21, and W22 are preferably 0.2 mm to 1.0 mm, more preferably 0.3 to 0.7 mm.

[0048] Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be appropriately modified, improved, etc. In addition, the material, shape, dimensions, numerical values, form, number, arrangement position, etc. of each component in the above-described embodiments are arbitrary as long as the present invention can be achieved, and are not limited.

[0049] For example, in the second embodiment, the second protrusion 12 was provided in a columnar shape, but the present invention is not limited to this. The second protrusion 12 may have a brush shape or be porous.

[0050] Also, in the second embodiment, the second protrusion 12 was also provided at the edge portions on both sides in the orthogonal direction Y of the dropping hole 13, but the present invention is not limited to this. The second protrusion 12 may not be provided at the edge portions on both sides in the orthogonal direction Y of the dropping hole 13.

[0051] Also, regarding the first protrusion 11 and the second protrusion 12, in order to more effectively adjust the capillary force generated between them and the liquid sample, the surface state of each of the first protrusion 11 and the second protrusion 12 may be adjusted. Specifically, methods include forming the first protrusion 11 and the second protrusion 12 with a material having an appropriate surface energy or modifying the surface (such as coating), and using a fine structure such as unevenness on the surfaces of the first protrusion 11 and the second protrusion 12 by blasting treatment, etc., but the present invention is not limited to this as long as the capillary force can be adjusted. In addition, the adjustment of the above surface state is not limited to the surfaces of the first protrusion 11 and the second protrusion 12. It may also be performed on parts other than the first protrusion 11 and the second protrusion 12 in the upper case 10 (for example, the entire surface of the upper case 10 or the periphery of the bases of the first protrusion 11 and the second protrusion 12 in the upper case 10).

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0052] 10 Upper case 11 First protrusion 12 Second protrusion 13 Dropping hole 14 Judgment window 15 Pressing pin 20 Backing sheet 22 Absorbent pad 30 Test strip 31 Sample pad 32 Adjusting pad 33 Conjugate pad 34 Membrane 40 Lower case

Claims

1. An upper case in which a dropping hole for a liquid sample and a determination window for inspection results are provided side by side, A lower case assembled to the upper case, In a liquid sample inspection tool including a test strip housed between the upper case and the lower case, The upper case, A first protrusion protruding from the edge of the dropping hole on the determination window side toward the lower case, A second protrusion protruding from the edge of the dropping hole on the side opposite to the determination window with respect to the first protrusion toward the lower case, and having, The capillary force generated between the second protrusion and the liquid sample and pulling the liquid sample by the second protrusion is generated between the first protrusion and the liquid sample, and the first protrusion pulls the liquid sample. The shape of the first protrusion and the second protrusion is provided so that at least a part of the liquid sample dropped into the dropping hole spreads to the second protrusion side by the second protrusion and then toward the first protrusion side. , The second protrusion is provided in a pillar shape, A second protrusion row in which a plurality of the second protrusions are arranged at intervals along the arrangement direction of the determination window and the dropping hole from the edge of the dropping hole toward the side opposite to the determination window, The second protrusion row is arranged side by side in a direction other than the arrangement direction, The first protrusion extends along the arrangement direction from the edge of the dropping hole toward the determination window side, The first protrusions are provided side by side in a plurality in a direction other than the arrangement direction, The interval between the plurality of second protrusions is narrower than the interval between the plurality of first protrusions, Liquid sample inspection tool.

2. In a liquid sample inspection tool including an upper case in which a dropping hole for a liquid sample and a determination window for inspection results are provided side by side, A lower case assembled to the upper case, A test strip housed between the upper case and the lower case, The upper case, A first protrusion protruding from the edge of the dropping hole on the determination window side toward the lower case, A second protrusion protruding from the edge of the dropping hole on the side opposite to the determination window with respect to the first protrusion toward the lower case, and having, A capillary force is generated between the second protrusion and the liquid sample, and the second protrusion pulls the liquid sample, which is greater than the capillary force generated between the first protrusion and the liquid sample, and the first protrusion pulls the liquid sample. At least a part of the liquid sample dropped into the dropping hole is developed toward the second protrusion side by the second protrusion, and then the shapes of the first protrusion and the second protrusion are provided so as to face the first protrusion side. The first protrusion extends along the arrangement direction of the dropping hole and the determination window from the edge of the dropping hole toward the determination window side. The second protrusion extends along the arrangement direction from the edge of the dropping hole toward the side opposite to the determination window. The length of the second protrusion in the arrangement direction is longer than the length of the first protrusion in the arrangement direction. Liquid sample inspection tool.

3. In the liquid sample inspection tool according to claim 2, The number of the second protrusions is larger than the number of the first protrusions. Liquid sample inspection tool.

4. In the liquid sample inspection tool according to claim 2 or 3, The first protrusion and the second protrusion are each provided with a plurality arranged in a direction other than the arrangement direction. The interval between the plurality of second protrusions is narrower than the interval between the plurality of first protrusions. Liquid sample inspection tool.

5. In the liquid sample inspection tool according to any one of claims 1 to 4, The test strip has a sample pad exposed from the dropping hole, an adjusting pad disposed with a gap provided on the determination window side of the sample pad, a conjugate pad disposed continuously on the determination window side of the adjusting pad, and a membrane disposed continuously on the determination window side of the conjugate pad and visible from the determination window. The end portion of the first protrusion on the dropping hole side in the arrangement direction is located on the sample pad, and the end portion of the first protrusion on the determination window side in the arrangement direction is located on the adjusting pad. Liquid sample inspection tool.

6. In the liquid sample inspection tool according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The test strip has a sample pad exposed from the dropping hole, an adjusting pad disposed with a gap provided on the determination window side of the sample pad, a conjugate pad disposed continuously on the determination window side of the adjusting pad, and a membrane disposed continuously on the determination window side of the conjugate pad and visible from the determination window. The first protrusion is provided to face the gap and is not inserted into the gap. Liquid sample inspection tool.

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