Collection kit

Abstract

To provide a collection kit that allows even a less experienced operator to collect a precise amount of a liquid sample into a culture bottle.SOLUTION: A collection kit 10 comprises: a tube for connection 12 that is connectable with a platelet bag storing a liquid sample; a syringe 14 that stores a predetermined amount of the liquid sample; and a holder for sampling 16. The syringe has a barrel body 22, a gasket 24 that slides inside the barrel body 22, and a plunger 26 that is attached to the gasket 24. The barrel body 22 has a capacity that allows storage of the liquid sample in an amount collected in two culture bottles 92, 94. The syringe 14 has a stopper structure that inhibits a movement of the gasket 24 against a negative pressure of the culture bottles.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a collection kit for collecting blood products for testing. [Background technology]

[0002] To ensure the safety of blood products, a small amount of liquid sample is taken and cultured before shipping. For culture testing, a specified amount of liquid sample (blood product) is taken in a culture bottle, which is then stored for a specified period at a temperature of 30-40°C, which is suitable for bacterial growth, and the growth of bacteria in the culture bottle is then confirmed.

[0003] A dedicated collection kit is used to collect a liquid sample into a culture bottle. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a collection kit for collecting a liquid sample from a blood bag. This collection kit collects a predetermined amount of liquid sample in a sample collection tube. Next, the liquid sample is transferred to the culture bottle while checking the transferred amount using the markings on the sample collection tube. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 8,777,921 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] With conventional collection kits, the liquid level in the collection bottle changes rapidly due to suction caused by the negative pressure of the culture bottle. This makes it difficult for inexperienced operators to measure and collect a consistent amount of liquid sample into the culture bottle, which can result in over or under-volume collection of the liquid sample. Furthermore, with conventional collection kits, there is a risk that users may accidentally mix air into the liquid sample when transferring it to the anaerobic culture bottle.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the following disclosure is a collection kit comprising: a connection tube to which a medical bag containing a liquid sample can be connected; a syringe connected to the connection tube and containing a predetermined amount of the liquid sample; and a sampling holder connected to the syringe and to which a culture bottle can be connected, wherein the syringe has a barrel body, a gasket that slides inside the barrel body, and a plunger attached to the gasket, the barrel body has a volume capable of containing the amount of liquid sample to be collected in two of the culture bottles, and the syringe has a stopper structure that abuts against the gasket and prevents the gasket from moving axially against the negative pressure of the culture bottle. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The collection kit of the above aspect allows the transfer of a liquid sample to a culture bottle to be controlled by operating a syringe. Therefore, the collection kit allows even inexperienced operators to collect an accurate amount of liquid sample into a culture bottle. Furthermore, a gasket separates the liquid sample from the air inside the barrel body, preventing air from entering the culture bottle used for anaerobic culture. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a collection kit according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the collection kit of FIG. [Figure 3] 3A is a perspective view of a plunger assembly of the syringe of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3B is a perspective cross-sectional view of a barrel body of the syringe of FIG. [Figure 4] 4A is a plan view showing a step of connecting a platelet bag to the collection kit of FIG. 1, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a step of collecting a liquid sample (platelet preparation) in the syringe of FIG. 4A. [Figure 5]Figure 5A is an explanatory diagram showing the process of connecting the first culture bottle to the collection kit of Figure 4B, and Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the syringe when transferring a liquid sample to the first culture bottle. [Figure 6] Figure 6A is an explanatory diagram showing the process of removing the first culture bottle from the collection kit of Figure 5A and connecting the second culture bottle, and Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the syringe when transferring a liquid sample to the second culture bottle. [Figure 7] FIG. 7A is a perspective view of a gasket and a plunger of a syringe according to a second embodiment, and FIG. 7B is a perspective cross-sectional view of a barrel body of the syringe according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a gasket and a plunger of a syringe according to a third embodiment, and FIG. 8B is a perspective cross-sectional view of a barrel body of the syringe according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a gasket and a plunger of a syringe according to a fourth embodiment, and FIG. 9B is a perspective cross-sectional view of a barrel body of the syringe according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the syringe of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] (First embodiment) The collection kit 10 according to this embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is used, for example, in culture tests to confirm the safety of blood products at a business facility such as a blood center that produces blood products. The culture tests involve culturing anaerobic bacteria and aerobic bacteria. Therefore, two culture bottles 90 (see FIG. 5A), one for aerobic culture and one for anaerobic culture, are used in the culture tests. The collection kit 10 is used to collect a liquid sample, such as a platelet product, and to collect predetermined amounts (e.g., 8 ml or 10 ml) of the liquid sample into an aerobic culture bottle 92 and an anaerobic culture bottle 94 (see FIG. 6A).

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the collection kit 10 includes a connecting tube 12, a syringe 14, a sampling holder 16, a three-way stopcock 18, and a second tube 20. The connecting tube 12 and the second tube 20 are translucent medical tubes made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyvinyl chloride resin. By using a sterile joining device, the connecting tube 12 can be connected to other medical tubes without exposing the interior to the outside air. Furthermore, by using a tube sealer, the connecting tube 12 can be separated from other medical tubes and the ends sealed without exposing the interior to the outside air.

[0012] The connecting tube 12 has a first end 12a on the upstream side and a second end 12b on the downstream side. The first end 12a is welded and sealed in the initial state (the state when the product is first provided). The second end 12b is connected to a first port 18a of a three-way stopcock 18.

[0013] The three-way stopcock 18 connects the connecting tube 12, the syringe 14, and the sampling holder 16. The three-way stopcock 18 has a first port 18a, a second port 18b, a third port 18c, and a flow path switching cock 18d. The connecting tube 12 is connected to the first port 18a. The sampling holder 16 is connected to the second port 18b. The syringe 14 is connected to the third port 18c via a second tube 20.

[0014] The flow path switching cock 18d has a T-shaped flow path 18e shown in Fig. 2. In a first position, which is an initial state, the flow path switching cock 18d fluidly connects the connecting tube 12 and the second tube 20 (and the syringe 14) as shown in the figure. In the first position, the flow path switching cock 18d blocks fluid communication between the sampling holder 16 and the connecting tube 12 and the syringe 14.

[0015] The flow path switching cock 18d fluidly connects the sampling holder 16, the connection tube 12, and the syringe 14 at a second position rotated 180 degrees from the first position.

[0016] The second tube 20 connects the three-way stopcock 18 and the syringe 14. One end of the second tube 20 is connected to the third port 18c of the three-way stopcock 18, and the other end is connected to the nozzle 34 of the syringe 14. The second tube 20 is a medical tube having the same flexibility as the connecting tube 12. The second tube 20 serves both as a path for introducing the liquid sample from the platelet bag 100 (see FIG. 4 ) into the syringe 14 and as a path for transferring the liquid sample from the syringe 14 to the culture bottle 90.

[0017] The syringe 14 includes a barrel body 22, a gasket 24, and a plunger 26. The barrel body 22 includes a cylindrical main body portion 30, and the gasket 24 and the plunger 26 are housed in a housing space 36 of the main body portion 30.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 3A, the gasket 24 and the plunger 26 are assembled together to form a plunger assembly 27. As shown in Fig. 2, the base end of the plunger 26 protrudes toward the base end of the barrel body 22. The plunger 26 is displaced integrally with the gasket 24. The plunger 26 transmits the operating force of the user to the gasket 24.

[0019] The gasket 24 has an outer diameter that allows it to be inserted into the housing space 36 of the barrel body 22. The gasket 24 has a pair of protrusions 24a that protrude radially outward from an outer peripheral surface 24b. One protrusion 24a and the other protrusion 24a are spaced 180° apart in the circumferential direction. The protrusions 24a are received in guide grooves 42, which will be described later, to restrict displacement of the gasket 24.

[0020] The barrel body 22 has a cylindrical body portion 30, a neck portion 32 formed at the tip of the body portion 30, and a nozzle 34 protruding from the tip of the neck portion 32 toward the tip. As shown in FIG. 2 , the body portion 30 has a cylindrical storage space 36 inside. The storage space 36 opens at the base end. A gasket 24 is stored in the storage space 36. The gasket 24 is inserted through the opening at the base end of the storage space 36. The tip side of the storage space 36 is covered by the neck portion 32. The storage space 36 between the gasket 24 and the neck portion 32 forms a storage section 38 that is liquid-tightly sealed by the gasket 24. The storage section 38 stores a liquid sample. In the initial state, the gasket 24 abuts against the neck portion 32, and the volume of the storage section 38 is zero.

[0021] The inner circumferential surface 40 of the main body 30 surrounds the storage space 36. The inner circumferential surface 40 has a smooth cylindrical surface. The inner circumferential surface 40 allows the gasket 24 to slide smoothly while maintaining liquid-tight and airtightness. The barrel body 22 has a guide groove 42 formed on the inner circumferential surface 40. The guide groove 42 is a concave groove recessed into the inner circumferential surface 40 to accommodate the protrusion 24a of the gasket 24, which will be described later. The guide groove 42 constitutes a part of the stopper structure 28. The guide groove 42 releasably prevents the gasket 24 from moving in the axial direction at a predetermined position.

[0022] The guide groove 42 has a crank shape and includes a first axial groove 44, a circumferential groove 46, and a second axial groove 48. The first axial groove 44 is the groove located closest to the base end of the guide groove 42. The circumferential width of the first axial groove 44 is the same as the circumferential width of the protrusion 24a of the gasket 24, and the depth (radial dimension) is the same as the radial protrusion height of the protrusion 24a. Therefore, the protrusion 24a is accommodated in the first axial groove 44 without creating a gap. The first axial groove 44 allows the gasket 24 to move in the axial direction by passing the protrusion 24a through it.

[0023] The base end of the first axial groove 44 is located at the first stop position of the gasket 24. When the syringe 14 contains the liquid sample for two culture bottles 90, the gasket 24 stops at the first stop position. The volume of the storage section 38 when the gasket 24 stops at the first stop position is, for example, 16 ml or 20 ml. The tip of the first axial groove 44 is located at the second stop position. The second stop position is the position where the gasket 24 stops after collecting the liquid sample in the first culture bottle 90. The volume of the storage section 38 when the gasket 24 stops at the second stop position is, for example, 8 ml or 10 ml.

[0024] The circumferential groove 46 is a groove that extends in the circumferential direction of the barrel body 22. One circumferential end of the circumferential groove 46 is connected to the tip of the first axial groove 44. The width (axial dimension) of the circumferential groove 46 is the same as the axial dimension of the protrusion 24a, and the depth is the same as the radial protrusion depth of the protrusion 24a. Therefore, the circumferential groove 46 accommodates the protrusion 24a without any gap. The circumferential groove 46 restricts axial movement of the gasket 24 and allows circumferential rotation.

[0025] The other circumferential end of the circumferential groove 46 is connected to the base end of the second axial groove 48. The second axial groove 48 extends from the circumferential groove 46 toward the tip in the axial direction. The second axial groove 48 has the same width and depth as the first axial groove 44, and accommodates the protrusion 24a without any gap. The tip of the second axial groove 48 extends to the neck portion 32. The second axial groove 48 allows the gasket 24 to move axially up to the neck portion 32.

[0026] Two guide grooves 42 are formed on the inner peripheral surface 40 of the barrel body 22. The two guide grooves 42 are disposed at positions 180° apart from each other in the circumferential direction. One guide groove 42 accommodates one of the protrusions 24a of the gasket 24, and the other guide groove 42 accommodates the other protrusion 24a of the gasket 24. The number of guide grooves 42 is not limited to two. It is sufficient that the number of guide grooves 42 is the same as the number of protrusions 24a of the gasket 24.

[0027] The barrel body 22 is made of a transparent resin material, allowing the liquid sample and air bubbles contained therein to be visually observed. Marked lines 35 are arranged on the outer periphery of the barrel body 22 at positions corresponding to the first stop position and the second stop position.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 10 , the syringe 14 may further include a sealing member 49 connecting the base end of the barrel body 22 and the plunger 26. The sealing member 49 is a tubular member formed of a flexible resin sheet or the like. One end of the sealing member 49 is connected to the base end of the barrel body 22, and the other end is connected to the base end of the plunger 26. The sealing member 49 is bellows-shaped. The sealing member 49 deforms from a folded bellows-like shape to an elongated tubular shape depending on the position of the plunger 26. That is, the sealing member 49 follows the displacement of the plunger 26 as the bellows expand. The sealing member 49 seals the gap between the plunger 26 and the barrel body 22 from the outside air, thereby maintaining the sterility of the containing space 36. The sealing member 49 prevents bacterial adhesion to the inner wall of the barrel body 22, thereby preventing false positives in tests in which a formulation is deemed contaminated despite being sterile.

[0029] In the syringe 14 described above, the axial movement of the gasket 24 is restricted at the second stop position by the stopper structure 28 shown in Fig. 2. When the gasket 24 is rotated in the circumferential direction by a predetermined angle, the stopper structure 28 releases the restriction on the axial movement of the gasket 24.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2, the sampling holder 16 has a needle tube 50, a needle hub 52, and a cap 54. The needle tube 50 is punctured into and penetrates a stopper 96 of a culture bottle 90, which will be described later. The needle tube 50 has an internal lumen 50a. When the needle tube 50 penetrates the stopper 96, the lumen 50a communicates with the internal space of the culture bottle 90. The needle hub 52 supports the base of the needle tube 50. The needle hub 52 has a flow path 52a that communicates with the lumen 50a. The needle hub 52 also has a cylindrical portion 52b that holds the inlet of the culture bottle 90.

[0031] The sampling holder 16 has a cap 54 to prevent bacterial adhesion to the needle tube 50. In the initial state, the cap 54 covers and closes the cylindrical portion 52b. The needle tube 50 is sealed by the cylindrical portion 52b of the needle hub 52 and the cap 54. The cap 54 is releasably connected to the needle hub 52 by a hinge portion 56. When the cap 54 is opened, the needle tube 50 is exposed. An internal flow path 52a of the needle hub 52 communicates with the second port 18b of the three-way stopcock 18.

[0032] The collection kit 10 of this embodiment is configured as described above. This collection kit 10 is used as follows.

[0033] 4A, first, a step is performed in which a platelet bag 100 (medical bag) containing a platelet preparation is connected to the connecting tube 12 of the collection kit 10. This step is performed by joining the tube 102 extending from the platelet bag 100 to the connecting tube 12 using a sterile joining device.

[0034] 4B, a step of placing a liquid sample (a part of the platelet preparation) in the syringe 14 is performed. Prior to this step, a step of replacing the air inside the connecting tube 12 and the second tube 20 with the liquid sample is performed. This step is performed by, for example, compressing the connecting tube 12 and the second tube 20 with the platelet bag 100 placed above.

[0035] Thereafter, plunger 26 of syringe 14 is retracted toward the base end, thereby storing the liquid sample in storage portion 38 of syringe 14. During this operation, plunger 26 may be moved back and forth in small increments in the axial direction to remove air bubbles from syringe 14. When gasket 24 reaches the second stop position, axial movement of gasket 24 is prevented by stopper structure 28. By rotating plunger 26 circumferentially by a predetermined angle, the restriction on axial movement of gasket 24 by stopper structure 28 is released.

[0036] Furthermore, the plunger 26 is retracted. The gasket 24 stops at the first stop position when the protrusion 24a (see FIG. 3A) reaches the base end of the guide groove 42. By performing the operations up to this point, the syringe 14 contains the liquid sample necessary to collect in the two culture bottles 90.

[0037] Thereafter, a step is performed in which the platelet bag 100 is separated from the collection kit 10. This step is performed by cutting and separating the tube 102 of the platelet bag 100 and the connecting tube 12 while welding the cut portions using a tube sealer.

[0038] Next, as shown in FIG. 5A, a step of placing a liquid sample in a first culture bottle 90 is performed. In this step, the first culture bottle 90 is connected to the sampling holder 16 of the collection kit 10. The first culture bottle 90 is an aerobic culture bottle 92. Then, the flow path switching cock 18d is rotated to the second position. With the flow path switching cock 18d in the second position, the sampling holder 16, the second tube 20, and the connection tube 12 communicate with each other.

[0039] The aerobic culture bottle 92 has a negative pressure inside, which causes it to suck in the liquid sample from the syringe 14. As shown in FIG. 5B, the gasket 24 of the syringe 14 is displaced from the first stop position to the second stop position by the negative pressure in the aerobic culture bottle 92. When the gasket 24 reaches the second stop position, the protrusion 24a (see FIG. 3A) of the gasket 24 that constitutes the stopper structure 28 abuts against the side wall of the circumferential groove 46 (see FIG. 3B).

[0040] As a result, the stopper structure 28 prevents the axial movement of the gasket 24. Preventing the movement of the gasket 24 stops the transfer of the liquid sample to the aerobic culture bottle 92. At this point, a predetermined amount (e.g., 8 ml or 10 ml) of liquid sample is collected in the aerobic culture bottle 92. In this way, with the collection kit 10 of this embodiment, the gasket 24 stops at the second stop position, so even if an inexperienced operator operates it, an accurate amount of liquid sample can be collected in the aerobic culture bottle 92.

[0041] As the liquid sample is transferred to the aerobic culture bottle 92, air in the lumen 50a of the needle tube 50 and the flow path 52a of the needle hub 52 is discharged into the aerobic culture bottle 92. In other words, the transfer of the liquid sample to the aerobic culture bottle 92 also serves as a priming step in which the lumen 50a and the flow path 52a are replaced with the liquid sample. This step prevents air from being mixed into the anaerobic culture bottle 94 later.

[0042] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6A, the aerobic culture bottle 92 is removed from the collection kit 10. Next, a step of collecting a liquid sample in a second culture bottle 90 is performed. The second culture bottle 90 is an anaerobic culture bottle 94. Thereafter, the plunger 26 of the syringe 14 is rotated circumferentially by a predetermined angle. This operation causes the protrusion 24a (see FIG. 3A) of the gasket 24 to move circumferentially along the circumferential groove 46 (see FIG. 3B) and into the second axial groove 48. This operation releases the stopper structure 28 from preventing the gasket 24 from moving in the axial direction. Note that the operation of rotating the plunger 26 may be performed after the aerobic culture bottle 92 is removed from the collection kit 10 and before the anaerobic culture bottle 94 is connected.

[0043] The negative pressure inside the anaerobic culture bottle 94 causes the liquid sample in the storage portion 38 of the syringe 14 to be sucked into the anaerobic culture bottle 94. The gasket 24 of the syringe 14 is displaced toward the tip. The transfer of the liquid sample to the anaerobic culture bottle 94 continues until the gasket 24 abuts against the neck portion 32, as shown in FIG. 6B. When the gasket 24 abuts against the neck portion 32, the transfer of the liquid sample is complete.

[0044] This step completes the collection of a predetermined amount (e.g., 8 ml or 10 ml) of liquid sample into the anaerobic culture bottle 94. In the collection kit 10 of this embodiment, the liquid sample is isolated from air by the gasket 24. Therefore, even when negative pressure is applied to the anaerobic culture bottle 94, the syringe 14 can prevent air from entering the anaerobic culture bottle 94.

[0045] Thereafter, a step is performed in which the anaerobic culture bottle 94 is removed from the collection kit 10. Through the above steps, collection of liquid samples into the aerobic culture bottle 92 and the anaerobic culture bottle 94 is completed.

[0046] (Second embodiment) In this embodiment, syringe 14A will be described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B. Syringe 14A can replace syringe 14 of collection kit 10 in Figure 1. Note that in the configuration of syringe 14A, components similar to those of syringe 14 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] 7A and 7B, the syringe 14A includes a barrel body 22A, a gasket 24A, and a plunger 26. As shown in FIG. 7A, the gasket 24A of this embodiment does not have a protrusion 24a (see FIG. 3A) on its outer peripheral surface 24b, and has a smooth cylindrical surface all around. The gasket 24A is fixed to the tip of the plunger 26 and moves integrally with the plunger 26.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 7B , the barrel body 22A has a first annular protrusion 58 and a second annular protrusion 60 on the inner circumferential surface 40 of the main body portion 30. The first annular protrusion 58 extends circumferentially around the axis of the barrel body 22A. The first annular protrusion 58 is formed as an annular protrusion that protrudes from the inner circumferential surface 40 in a direction approaching the axis (inward). The protruding height of the first annular protrusion 58 is set to a height that can prevent the gasket 24A from moving when the user operates the plunger 26 to move the gasket 24A toward the base end. The first annular protrusion 58 is located at the base end of the first stop position of the gasket 24A. The first annular protrusion 58 constitutes a part of the stopper structure 28A.

[0049] The first annular protrusion 58 prevents the gasket 24A from moving toward the proximal end when the plunger 26 is pulled toward the proximal end. The first annular protrusion 58 retracts the gasket 24A toward the proximal end, stopping the movement of the gasket 24A when a liquid sample is collected into the syringe 14. This prevents the syringe 14A from collecting too much or too little of the liquid sample in the process of collecting a liquid sample from the platelet bag 100 into the syringe 14A (see FIGS. 4A and 4B).

[0050] The second annular protrusion 60 is an annular protrusion positioned at the second stop position. The second annular protrusion 60 is an annular protrusion that protrudes inward from the inner circumferential surface 40. The protruding height of the second annular protrusion 60 is set to a level that prevents axial movement of the gasket 24A due to negative pressure in the culture bottle 90. That is, the second annular protrusion 60 constitutes a stopper structure 28A that prevents axial movement of the gasket 24A. The height of the second annular protrusion 60 is set to a level that allows the gasket 24A to overcome the protrusion when the user strongly presses the plunger 26. That is, the prevention of axial movement of the gasket 24A by the stopper structure 28A can be released by the user pressing the tip of the plunger 26.

[0051] The stopper structure 28A of this embodiment can prevent variations in the amount of liquid sample collected in the first culture bottle 90.

[0052] In the collection kit 10 of FIG. 1, when the syringe 14A of this embodiment is used instead of the syringe 14, the same effects as those of the collection kit 10 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0053] The stopper structure 28A may be configured with one or more protrusions instead of the first annular protrusion 58 and the second annular protrusion 60. In this case, the stopper structure 28A may have multiple protrusions separated in the circumferential direction.

[0054] (Third embodiment) In this embodiment, syringe 14B will be described with reference to Figures 8A and 8B. Syringe 14B can be substituted for syringe 14 of collection kit 10 in Figure 1. Note that in the configuration of syringe 14B, components similar to those of syringe 14 of the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0055] 8A and 8B, the syringe 14B includes a barrel body 22B, a gasket 24B, and a plunger 26. As shown in FIG. 8A, the gasket 24B of this embodiment does not have a protrusion 24a (see FIG. 3A) and has a smooth cylindrical surface all around. The gasket 24B is fixed to the tip of the plunger 26 and moves integrally with the plunger 26.

[0056] The gasket 24B of this embodiment has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the inner circumferential surface 40B of the syringe 14B. Therefore, the gasket 24B of this embodiment generates a larger sliding resistance against axial movement than the gasket 24 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2). The gasket 24B generates a sliding resistance that is large enough to prevent movement against the suction force caused by the negative pressure of the culture bottle 90. That is, in this embodiment, the gasket 24B, which generates a relatively large sliding resistance, and the inner circumferential surface 40B constitute the stopper structure 28B.

[0057] The user can move the gasket 24B by pushing and pulling the plunger 26 in the axial direction. That is, in the stopper structure 28B of this embodiment, the prevention of movement of the gasket 24B is released by pressing the gasket 24B via the plunger 26.

[0058] The steps of adjusting the amount of liquid sample collected into syringe 14B, collecting a liquid sample into aerobic culture bottle 92, and collecting a liquid sample into anaerobic culture bottle 94 are each performed by the user operating plunger 26 using marking line 35 on syringe 14B as a guide.

[0059] In the collection kit 10 of FIG. 1, when the syringe 14B of this embodiment is used instead of the syringe 14, the same effects as those of the collection kit 10 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0060] (Fourth embodiment) In this embodiment, syringe 14C will be described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B. Syringe 14C can replace syringe 14 of collection kit 10 in Figure 1. Note that in the configuration of syringe 14C, the same components as those of syringe 14 in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0061] 9A and 9B, a syringe 14C includes a barrel body 22C, a gasket 24C, and a plunger 26. As shown in Fig. 9A, the gasket 24C of this embodiment does not have a protrusion 24a (see Fig. 3A) on its outer peripheral surface 24b, and has a smooth cylindrical surface all around. The outer diameter of the gasket 24C is the same as the outer diameter of the gasket 24 of the first embodiment.

[0062] The barrel body 22C has a reduced diameter portion 62 in a portion of the inner circumferential surface 40C near the tip. The reduced diameter portion 62 is a portion of the inner circumferential surface 40C where the diameter is reduced inward. The reduced diameter portion 62 generates greater sliding resistance against axial movement of the gasket 24C. The reduced diameter portion 62 is located closer to the tip than the second stop position. Therefore, the reduced diameter portion 62 constitutes a stopper structure 28C that prevents axial movement of the gasket 24C against the suction force of the culture bottle 90. When the user presses the plunger 26 with a force stronger than the suction force caused by the negative pressure of the culture bottle 90, the gasket 24C can be advanced through the reduced diameter portion 62. In other words, the stopper structure 28C is released by pressing the gasket 24C toward the tip.

[0063] In the collection kit 10 of FIG. 1, when the syringe 14C of this embodiment is used instead of the syringe 14, the same effects as those of the collection kit 10 of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0064] The above-described embodiments of the present invention are summarized below.

[0065] A collection kit 10 according to one aspect comprises a connection tube 12 to which a medical bag containing a liquid sample can be connected, a syringe 14 connected to the connection tube and containing a predetermined amount of the liquid sample, and a sampling holder 16 connected to the syringe and to which a culture bottle 90 is connected, wherein the syringe has a barrel body 22, gaskets 24, 24A, 24B, 24C that slide inside the barrel body, and a plunger 26 attached to the gasket, the barrel body having a capacity capable of containing the amount of liquid sample to be collected in two of the culture bottles, and the syringe has stopper structures 28, 28A, 28B, 28C that abut against the gasket and prevent the gasket from moving axially against the negative pressure of the culture bottle.

[0066] In the collection kit described above, because the gasket is stopped by the stopper structure, even an unskilled operator can easily collect a predetermined amount of liquid sample into the aerobic culture bottle 92 and the anaerobic culture bottle 94. This also eliminates the risk of air getting into the anaerobic culture bottle. Furthermore, because the entire volume of liquid sample in the syringe can be collected into the culture bottle without air getting mixed in, the amount of valuable liquid sample, such as platelet products, collected can be reduced.

[0067] The stopper structure may have a protrusion 24a protruding radially outward from the gasket, and a guide groove 42 formed on the inner circumferential surface 40 of the barrel body to receive and slide the protrusion. The stopper structure 28 described above can reliably prevent axial movement of the gasket 24 with a simple configuration including the guide groove 42 and the protrusion 24a.

[0068] The guide groove may include a circumferential groove 46 extending in the circumferential direction, a first axial groove 44 extending from one end of the circumferential groove toward the base end in the axial direction, and a second axial groove 48 extending from the other end of the circumferential groove toward the tip end in the axial direction, and the circumferential groove may restrict movement of the gasket in the axial direction. The guide groove can prevent axial movement of the gasket at a predetermined position. Furthermore, the stopper structure having the guide groove releases the prevention of axial movement of the gasket by rotating the gasket.

[0069] The stopper structure may have a protrusion protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the barrel body, which further simplifies the structure.

[0070] The stopper structure may stop the gasket at the boundary between the area for storing the liquid sample to be collected in the first culture bottle and the area for storing the liquid sample to be collected in the second culture bottle. This stopper structure allows even an unskilled operator to easily collect a predetermined amount of liquid sample into the aerobic culture bottle and the anaerobic culture bottle.

[0071] The stopper structure may be an inner circumferential surface (40B, 40C) of the barrel body that has an inner diameter smaller than that of the gasket, thereby generating a frictional resistance between the inner circumferential surface (24b) of the gasket and the inner circumferential surface (40B, 40C) that is greater than the suction force generated by the negative pressure of the culture bottle. This stopper structure can be further simplified.

[0072] The collection kit may also include a three-way stopcock 18 that connects the connecting tube, the sampling holder, and the syringe. This collection kit can more effectively prevent the risk of air being mixed in when collecting a liquid sample into an anaerobic culture bottle, thereby reducing the risk of false positives in anaerobic culture tests.

[0073] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 10...Collection kit 12...Connecting tube 14, 14A, 14B, 14C... Syringe 16... Sampling holder 18…Three-way stopcock 22, 22A, 22B, 22C...Barrel body 24, 24A, 24B, 24C...Gaskets 26...Plunger 28, 28A, 28B, 28C...Stopper structure

Claims

1. a connecting tube to which a medical bag containing a liquid sample can be connected; a syringe communicating with the connecting tube and containing a predetermined amount of the liquid sample; a sampling holder that communicates with the syringe and to which a culture bottle is connected; The syringe includes a barrel body, a gasket that slides inside the barrel body, and a plunger attached to the gasket, the barrel body has a volume capable of accommodating the amount of the liquid sample to be collected in the two culture bottles; the syringe has a stopper structure that abuts against the gasket and prevents the gasket from moving in the axial direction against the negative pressure of the culture bottle; The stopper structure is a protrusion protruding radially outward from the gasket; a guide groove formed on the inner circumferential surface of the barrel body, the guide groove receiving and sliding the protrusion, A collection kit, wherein the stopper structure is provided at a position that stops the gasket at the boundary between an area in the syringe that contains the liquid sample to be collected in the first culture bottle and an area in the syringe that contains the liquid sample to be collected in the second culture bottle.

2. 2. The collection kit according to claim 1, wherein the guide groove comprises: a circumferential groove extending in a circumferential direction; a first axial groove extending from one end of the circumferential groove toward a base end in the axial direction; a second axial groove extending from the other end of the circumferential groove toward a tip end in the axial direction, The collection kit, wherein the circumferential groove restricts movement of the gasket in the axial direction.

3. A connecting tube to which a medical bag containing a liquid sample can be connected; a syringe communicating with the connecting tube and containing a predetermined amount of the liquid sample; a sampling holder that communicates with the syringe and to which a culture bottle is connected; The syringe includes a barrel body, a gasket that slides inside the barrel body, and a plunger attached to the gasket, the barrel body has a volume capable of accommodating the amount of the liquid sample to be collected in the two culture bottles; the syringe has a stopper structure that abuts against the gasket and prevents the gasket from moving in the axial direction against the negative pressure of the culture bottle; the stopper structure has a protrusion protruding from the inner circumferential surface of the barrel body, A collection kit, wherein the protrusion is provided at a position that stops the gasket at the boundary between an area in the syringe that contains the liquid sample to be collected in the first culture bottle and an area in the syringe that contains the liquid sample to be collected in the second culture bottle.

4. A connecting tube to which a medical bag containing a liquid sample can be connected; a syringe communicating with the connecting tube and containing a predetermined amount of the liquid sample; a sampling holder that communicates with the syringe and to which a culture bottle is connected; The syringe includes a barrel body, a gasket that slides inside the barrel body, and a plunger attached to the gasket, the barrel body has a volume capable of accommodating the amount of the liquid sample to be collected in the two culture bottles; the syringe has a stopper structure that abuts against the gasket and prevents the gasket from moving in the axial direction against the negative pressure of the culture bottle; A collection kit, wherein the stopper structure is the inner surface of the barrel body, which has an inner diameter smaller than that of the gasket, and thereby generates frictional resistance between the inner surface of the gasket and the outer surface of the gasket that is greater than the suction force generated by the negative pressure in the culture bottle.

5. A connecting tube to which a medical bag containing a liquid sample can be connected; a syringe communicating with the connecting tube and containing a predetermined amount of the liquid sample; a sampling holder that communicates with the syringe and to which a culture bottle is connected; The syringe includes a barrel body, a gasket that slides inside the barrel body, and a plunger attached to the gasket, the barrel body has a volume capable of accommodating the amount of the liquid sample to be collected in the two culture bottles; the syringe has a stopper structure that abuts against the gasket and prevents the gasket from moving in the axial direction against the negative pressure of the culture bottle; the stopper structure is a reduced diameter portion provided on the barrel body closer to the tip end than a predetermined position, A collection kit, wherein the reduced diameter portion is provided on the syringe closer to the tip than the boundary between the area for accommodating the liquid sample to be collected in the first culture bottle and the area for accommodating the liquid sample to be collected in the second culture bottle.

6. The collection kit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a second tube connected to the nozzle of the syringe; a three-way stopcock that connects the second tube, the connecting tube, the sampling holder, and the syringe; The second tube serves as a path for transferring the liquid sample from the connecting tube to the syringe and also as a path for transferring the liquid sample from the syringe to the sampling holder.

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