Testing method and testing system

Abstract

To provide a test method and test system, which allow for suppressing an increase in time required for completion of a test, caused by an increase in time it takes to collect a saliva sample.SOLUTION: A test method disclosed herein comprises collecting a saliva sample from a subject 80 before a medical inquiry 83, conducting a test after collecting the saliva sample provided that testing of the collected saliva sample is determined to be necessary and acquiring test result information for the test, and notifying the subject of the acquired test result information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to an inspection method and an inspection system.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, an inspection system for inspecting a coronavirus or the like has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a coronavirus inspection unit that can be mounted on a vehicle and moved is installed at a temporary inspection site provided outdoors for inspection. After the inspection, it is mounted on this vehicle and sequentially moved to other temporary inspection sites for installation and inspection. A coronavirus inspection system that repeats the above is disclosed. The above coronavirus inspection unit includes a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) device. Further, Patent Document 1 discloses that a subject collects saliva as a sample using a sample collection tool.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] So far, epidemics of infectious diseases caused by new pathogens have often occurred. In recent years, epidemics of infectious diseases caused by new coronaviruses such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19 have occurred. When an infectious disease spreads, the demand for inspection increases. For example, in the case of a new coronavirus such as COVID-19, a PCR test that amplifies a characteristic part of the virus may be used. <00000​​Although not disclosed in Patent Document 1 mentioned above, when performing a PCR test, the subject may undergo a medical interview with a doctor at the testing facility. After the interview, the subject provides a saliva sample. In some cases, the conversation with the doctor during the interview may cause dryness in the mouth or feelings of tension or stress, which can suppress saliva secretion when providing the saliva sample after the interview. In this case, the time required to collect the saliva sample increases, leading to a problem of increased time required to complete the test.

[0007] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide a testing method and testing system that can suppress the increase in the time required to complete the test due to an increase in the time required to collect a saliva sample. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] Herein, the present invention was conceived considering the phenomenon that saliva secretion in a subject is suppressed in situations where they are conversing with others or when they are feeling tension or stress, while saliva secretion is more likely in situations where they are not conversing with others or when they are relaxed, compared to the above situations and states. That is, in order to achieve the above objective, the examination method in the first aspect of this invention comprises the steps of collecting a saliva sample from the subject before the interview and after collecting the saliva sample Based on the medical interview conducted If it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is necessary, the test will be performed. Server The system includes the steps of obtaining test result information and notifying the subject of the obtained test result information.

[0009] The inspection system in the second aspect of this invention includes a server and ,sa A first terminal that can communicate with the router via the network, If, based on the interview conducted after the collection of the subject's saliva sample, it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is necessary, The system comprises a testing device that tests the subject's saliva sample, and a second terminal that acquires the test result information of the subject's test performed by the testing device and can communicate with a server via a network, and the server , coveredThe test results information of the saliva sample collected by the examiner before the interview is obtained from a second terminal, and the obtained test results information is sent to the subject. First terminal It is configured to notify [the relevant party]. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] The examination method in the first phase described above includes a step of collecting a saliva sample from the subject before the medical interview. This allows the subject to collect a saliva sample in a relaxed state, especially when not speaking, before undergoing a medical interview, which may cause dry mouth, tension, or stress due to conversation with the doctor. Therefore, since the saliva sample is collected when saliva is more easily secreted compared to during or immediately after the medical interview, the increase in the time required to collect the saliva sample can be suppressed. As a result, the increase in the time required to complete the examination due to the increase in the time required to collect the saliva sample can be suppressed. Hereinafter, in this specification, a medical interview means that when a doctor examines a subject, they ask about the subject's medical history, the course and condition of their current illness, etc.

[0011] In the second phase of the testing system described above, the server is configured to acquire test result information of the saliva sample collected from the subject before the interview from a second terminal, as described above. As a result, similar to the first phase, the subject's saliva sample is collected before the interview, allowing the subject to collect the sample in a relaxed state, especially without conversation, before undergoing an interview where they may experience dry mouth, tension, or stress from talking with the doctor. Therefore, since the saliva sample is collected when saliva is more easily secreted compared to during or immediately after the interview, the increase in the time required to collect the saliva sample can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to provide a testing system that can suppress the increase in the time required to complete the test due to the increase in the time required to collect the saliva sample. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1]This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the outline of the procedures for the subject and the testing facility in one embodiment of the testing method. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram of an inspection system according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram showing the program of the inspection system. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the flow of an inspection method according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The following describes embodiments of the present invention based on the drawings.

[0014] (Overview of the inspection process) An inspection method according to one embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.

[0015] Referring to Figure 1, the flow of the testing method according to this embodiment will be explained. Details of the testing method will be described later. The testing method involves sample collection 82, in which a saliva sample is collected from the subject 80 before the medical interview 83. After the saliva sample collection 82, if it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is necessary, the test is performed (test execution 94), and the test result information is obtained. The test of the saliva sample is, for example, a test to detect coronavirus in the saliva sample. The testing device 60 (see Figure 2) for testing the saliva sample is, for example, a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) device. The arrows shown in Figure 1 indicate the order of the testing flow.

[0016] The examinee 80 makes an examination request 81. The examination facility 90 receives the examination request 81 from the examinee 80 (request reception 91). Then, at the examination facility 90, the examinee 80 performs saliva specimen collection 82 to collect a saliva specimen. Before the interview 83 conducted by the examinee 80 on the same day as the saliva specimen collection 82, the saliva specimen is collected in the collection container 85. The collection container 85 containing the saliva specimen collected by the examinee 80 is received by the examination facility 90 (specimen reception 92).

[0017] After the saliva specimen collection 82, an interview 83 by a doctor is conducted on the examinee 80. If it is determined that the examination of the collected saliva specimen is necessary after the interview 83, the examination of the saliva specimen is performed (examination execution 94). When the examination of the saliva specimen is performed, information on the infection possibility determination result based on the examination is obtained (determination result information acquisition 84). If it is determined that the examination of the collected saliva specimen is unnecessary after the interview 83, the examination of the saliva specimen is not performed (examination not executed 95). Note that when the examination of the saliva specimen is not performed, after the interview 83, a notice of non-execution of the examination may be obtained from the examinee 80.

[0018] The saliva specimen collection 82 is performed at a predetermined collection location inside or outside the examination facility 90. Since there is no doctor at the collection location, the examinee 80 can stay in a relaxed state without feeling nervous or stressed at the collection location. When performing the saliva specimen collection 82, a stimulus for promoting the secretion of the examinee 80's saliva is applied to the examinee 80. Examples of the stimulus for promoting the secretion of saliva include a stimulus by smell, a stimulus by visual recognition of an image, a stimulus by chewing food, etc.

[0019] As stimuli by odors for promoting saliva secretion, for example, the odors of food and drink having acidity such as pickled plums and lemons, and the odors of food and drink that arouse appetite can be mentioned. For example, by installing a container in which an odor component that promotes saliva secretion is mixed at the collection location, an odor that promotes saliva secretion can be imparted to the subject 80. By smelling the above-mentioned odor at the collection location, the subject 80 promotes saliva secretion. The odor for promoting the saliva secretion of the subject 80 and the method of imparting the odor are not particularly limited.

[0020] Further, as stimuli by allowing the subject to visually recognize an image for promoting saliva secretion, for example, images of food and drink having acidity such as pickled plums and lemons, and images of food and drink that arouse appetite can be mentioned. For example, by displaying the above-mentioned image on a display at the collection location, a stimulus that promotes saliva secretion can be imparted to the subject 80. Further, as a stimulus by having the subject chew a food material for promoting saliva secretion, for example, gum can be mentioned. By providing gum to the subject 80 and having the subject 80 chew the provided gum, saliva secretion may be promoted. The stimulus for promoting the saliva secretion of the subject 80 and the method of imparting the stimulus are not particularly limited.

[0021] Also, at the time of saliva specimen collection 82, the subject 80 collects a saliva specimen in a collection container 85 provided at the examination facility 90. The collection container 85 includes a container body having an opening and a lid that covers the opening. As the collection container 85, various collection containers applicable to the inspection device can be used, such as a bottomed cylindrical collection container, a collection container having a wide-mouth shape on the opening side and a cylindrical shape on the bottom side. The collection container 85 is provided based on information such as the age of the subject included in the inspection request 81 and the presence or absence of dementia. For example, a bottomed cylindrical collection container whose opening can be closed with a lid is provided to a young person without any underlying diseases. For example, a collection container having a wide-mouth shape on the opening side, which is easy to collect a saliva specimen, is provided to an elderly person or a person with dementia.

[0022] Furthermore, when collecting the saliva sample 82, the subject 80's hands are disinfected, for example, with hypochlorous acid before the collection container 85 is provided. Also, the saliva sample collection 82 is performed with the subject 80 wearing gloves on their hands.

[0023] After a saliva sample is collected from the subject 80 82, a medical interview 83 is conducted by the physician. The medical interview 83 often involves the physician asking multiple questions in succession in a relatively confined space, which may cause tension or stress for the subject 80. Medical interview information 96 is obtained through the medical interview 83 (medical interview information acquisition 93). As medical interview information 96, information such as the subject 80's body temperature, physical condition, presence or absence of pre-existing conditions, use of medications, and allergies is obtained from the subject 80. In addition, information regarding the necessity of tests, as determined by the physician based on the medical interview 83, is obtained as medical interview information 96.

[0024] Based on the medical interview (83), the physician will determine whether or not a test of the saliva sample is necessary. Unless the subject (80) meets certain requirements based on the results of the medical interview (83), such as not having had contact with others for a certain period of time, having a normal body temperature, and not experiencing any health problems, a test of the saliva sample will be deemed necessary. Conversely, if the subject (80) meets certain requirements based on the results of the medical interview (83), such as not having had contact with others for a certain period of time, having a normal body temperature, and not experiencing any health problems, a test of the saliva sample will be deemed unnecessary.

[0025] The examination method comprises the steps of: collecting a saliva sample from the subject 80 before the medical interview 83; performing the test (execute the test 94) after the saliva sample collection 82 if it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is necessary, and obtaining the test result information; and notifying the subject 80 of the obtained test result information. If the test is performed, the collected saliva sample is discarded after the test.

[0026] Furthermore, regarding the testing method, if it is determined that testing is unnecessary for the collected saliva sample after saliva sample collection 82, the test is not performed (test not performed 95), and the collected saliva sample is discarded.

[0027] Furthermore, after saliva sample collection 82 and before testing the saliva sample, the input of questionnaire information 96 regarding the subject 80 is accepted, and the questionnaire information 96 regarding the subject 80 includes whether or not testing of the subject 80's saliva sample is necessary.

[0028] (Overview of the inspection system) Next, an overview of the inspection system 100 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2, the inspection system 100 includes a management server 10, a subject terminal 40, an inspection facility terminal 50, and an inspection device 60. The subject terminal 40 and the inspection facility terminal 50 are connected to the management server 10 via a network 70 so that they can access it. The management server 10 is an example of a "server" in the claims. The subject terminal 40 is an example of a "first terminal" in the claims. The inspection facility terminal 50 is an example of a "second terminal" in the claims.

[0030] Furthermore, the examination system 100 includes a database 20 containing a reservation DB 21, a sample collection result DB 22, a medical interview result DB 23, an examination result DB 24, and a subject DB 25. The database 20 is configured to communicate with the management server 10 via a network. For example, the database 20 is built on the cloud (cloud computing) and is configured to send and receive information with the management server 10 via the internet. The examination system 100 also includes a program 30 that runs on the management server 10. The program 30 is either a web server program that publishes HTML source code, or an ASP (Application Service Provider) program that runs on the server, or a combination thereof, and is configured to access each database 20.

[0031] The management server 10 is a computer device that manages the inspection process. The management server 10 is configured to include a control unit 11, a communication unit 12, and a program 30. The management server 10 communicates with the subject terminal 40 and sends and receives various information related to the inspection process. The management server 10 communicates with the inspection facility terminal 50 and sends and receives various information related to the inspection process. The management server 10 executes various programs 30.

[0032] The subject terminal 40 comprises an input receiving unit 41, a display unit 42, a communication unit 43, and a control unit 44. The subject terminal 40 is, for example, a smartphone carried by the subject 80.

[0033] The input receiving unit 41 is a touch panel. The input receiving unit 41 is configured to accept various operations from the subject 80. The display unit 42 is configured to display various images and the input receiving unit 41. The communication unit 43 is configured to communicate via the network 70. The control unit 44 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The subject terminal 40 may be a PC (personal computer) owned by the subject 80.

[0034] The inspection facility terminal 50 comprises an input unit 51, a display unit 52, a communication unit 53, and a control unit 54. The inspection facility terminal 50 is, for example, a PC (personal computer) installed in the inspection facility 90.

[0035] The input unit 51 includes a keyboard and mouse, etc. The display unit 52 is, for example, a liquid crystal display device. The communication unit 53 is configured to communicate via the network 70. The control unit 54 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), and RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The inspection facility terminal 50 may be, for example, a tablet terminal.

[0036] The testing device 60 is installed in the testing facility 90. The testing device 60 is a device for testing saliva samples collected from the subject 80. The testing device 60 is, for example, a PCR device. The test of the saliva sample is, for example, a PCR test.

[0037] <Database> The reservation database 21 is a database containing the examination request ID, the subject's name, the subject's ID, and the examination date. The subject's name, subject's ID, and examination date are entered by the subject 80 via the subject's terminal 40. The examination request ID is registered along with the entered subject's name, subject's ID, and examination date.

[0038] The sample collection results DB22 is a database containing saliva sample IDs and subject IDs. When a test is accepted for a subject, the subject ID and a newly automatically assigned saliva sample ID are registered.

[0039] The medical interview results DB23 is a database containing medical interview information 96, which includes information such as the subject's body temperature, physical condition, presence or absence of pre-existing conditions, medication use, and allergies, as well as information on whether or not tests are necessary, as determined by the physician based on the medical interview 83, and the subject ID. Information such as the subject's body temperature, physical condition, presence or absence of pre-existing conditions, medication use, and allergies is entered by the subject themselves or by the physician conducting the medical interview 83 via the testing facility terminal 50 when the subject visits the testing facility 90. Information on whether or not test results are necessary, as determined by the physician based on the medical interview 83, is entered by the physician via the testing facility terminal 50.

[0040] The test result DB24 is a database containing pathogen detection values ​​obtained by the testing device 60, infection possibility determination results, test date, test result notification date, and information on the person who determined the infection possibility. The infection possibility determination result is result data indicating whether or not there is an infection possibility, determined by a physician based on the test result data obtained by the testing device 60. The person who determined the infection possibility is mainly a physician. Pathogen detection values, infection possibility determination results, test date, test result notification date, and infection possibility determination person information are entered via the testing facility terminal 50 by a physician or nurse or other staff member after the saliva sample is tested.

[0041] Subject DB25 is a database containing data for verifying the subject ID and password entered by subject 80. Subject DB25 may also contain information about subject 80, such as their age and whether or not they have any pre-existing medical conditions.

[0042] <program> As shown in Figure 3, program 30 includes a reservation acceptance program 31, a sample collection management program 32, a medical interview result management program 33, an examination management program 34, and an examination result management program 35.

[0043] The reservation acceptance program 31 displays a web page on the accessing patient terminal 40 that accepts requests from the patient 80. When the patient terminal 40 accesses this web page, the reservation acceptance program 31 displays a login screen and accepts the patient ID and password. At this time, the reservation acceptance program 31 compares the data stored in the patient DB 25, which manages the patient 80's information on the management server 10, with the patient ID and password entered by the patient 80. If authentication is successful, the new test request page is displayed. If authentication fails, the new test request page is not displayed.

[0044] On the new test request page, based on the input of a new test request, desired test date, and information about the subject 80 such as the subject 80's age and whether or not they have any pre-existing conditions, the reservation acceptance program 31 assigns a new test request ID and registers the subject's name, subject ID, and test date and time, along with the subject 80's contact information, in the reservation DB 21. This information regarding the new test request is an example of "reservation information" in the claims. Furthermore, it is desirable that the new test request page only displays and allows the user to select from available test dates and times. In addition, information about the subject 80, such as the subject 80's age and whether or not they have any pre-existing conditions, may not be entered by the subject 80 on the new test request page, but rather data stored in the subject DB 25 may be registered.

[0045] The collection management program 32 displays a web page for staff at the testing facility 90, accessed from the testing facility terminal 50. When a staff member, such as a nurse belonging to the testing facility 90 who receives saliva samples from the subject 80, logs in to this web page using their assigned personal ID, a list of tests registered in the reservation DB 21 that have not yet been registered in the collection results DB 22 is displayed, along with an acceptance button corresponding to each test. When the acceptance button is clicked by the staff member, the collection management program 32 registers the selected subject ID and the newly automatically assigned saliva sample ID in the collection results DB 22. After the registration of the subject ID and saliva sample ID, the saliva sample ID number and the corresponding barcode are displayed on this web page, and these displays become printable. The staff member, such as a nurse, prints the displayed barcode and saliva sample ID on a sticker or similar material, and attaches the printed sticker to the collection container 85 containing the saliva sample collected from the subject 80. The person in charge transports the collection container 85, to which a sticker has been attached, to the laboratory in the testing facility 90 where the testing equipment 60 is installed. The person in charge also enters the date and time of actual saliva sample collection (matching the test date) and the person in charge's information (such as their own ID) on a web page, corresponding to the saliva sample ID displayed on the sticker. As a result, the collection management program 32 links the saliva sample ID, the date and time of saliva sample collection, and the person in charge's information and registers them in the collection results DB 22.

[0046] The medical interview result management program 23 displays a web page for personnel such as doctors or nurses who access it from the testing facility terminal 50. When the personnel log in to the web page using the ID assigned to them, a screen for entering medical interview information 96 is displayed. Once the personnel enter the medical interview information 96, the medical interview result management program 23 registers the medical interview information 96 in the medical interview result database 23.

[0047] Furthermore, the web page displayed by the medical interview result management program 33 shows information on whether or not testing is necessary, based on the medical interview 83. If the information indicates that testing is not necessary, the person in charge, such as a nurse, discards the collection container 85 containing the saliva sample. No testing is performed on the discarded saliva sample. When the person in charge enters the saliva sample ID of the discarded saliva sample and the information of the person who discarded the saliva sample (such as their own ID) on the web page, the medical interview result management program 33 registers the saliva sample ID of the discarded saliva sample and the information of the person who discarded the saliva sample in the medical interview result DB 23. The medical interview result management program 33 may, for example, notify the subject terminal 40 by email that the test was not performed. If the information indicates that testing is necessary, the collection container 85 containing the saliva sample is not discarded before the test, and the saliva sample is tested by the testing device 60. After the test, the collection container 85 containing the saliva sample is discarded.

[0048] The testing management program 34 displays a web page for personnel such as doctors or nurses who access it from the testing facility terminal 50. When the personnel log in to this web page using the ID assigned to them, a screen for entering the saliva sample ID is displayed. When this screen is displayed, the personnel such as nurses either read the barcode attached to the collection container 85 with a barcode reader, or enter the saliva sample ID written on the collection container 85. In response, the testing management program 34 reads the corresponding subject ID from the collection results DB 22 and accepts input from the personnel regarding the detected pathogen value, the possibility of infection determination result, the test date, the test result notification date, and the ID of the person who was determined to be potentially infected. The testing management program 34 registers the entered pathogen detection value, the possibility of infection determination result, the test date, the test result notification date, and the ID of the person who was determined to be potentially infected in the testing results DB 24.

[0049] The test result management program 35 retrieves the latest infection possibility determination result and the corresponding subject ID from the test result DB 24. The test result management program 35 also retrieves the contact information of the subject 80 stored in the reservation DB and notifies the subject 80 of the infection possibility determination result. In this case, the test result management program 35 notifies the infection possibility determination result via email to the subject terminal 40, for example. Note that the infection possibility determination result is an example of "test result information" in the claims.

[0050] (Inspection procedure flow) Referring to Figure 4, the flow of the inspection method according to this embodiment will be explained. Figure 4 mainly shows the processing flow of the inspection method by the management server 10.

[0051] In step S1, the patient terminal 40 accepts input of information regarding the test request and transmits the information regarding the test request to the management server 10. The management server 10 receives the information regarding the test request from the patient terminal 40. The information regarding the test request is registered in the reservation DB 21. Then, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0052] In step S2, a saliva sample ID is automatically assigned when the testing facility terminal 50 accepts a test request registered in the reservation DB 21. After the subject 80 collects the saliva sample before the medical interview 83, the testing facility terminal 50 transmits the saliva sample collection date and the person in charge for the saliva sample ID. The management server 10 receives the saliva sample collection date and the person in charge for the saliva sample ID. The saliva sample ID, the saliva sample collection date, and the person in charge information are linked and registered in the collection results DB 22. Then, the process proceeds to step S3.

[0053] In step S3, the testing facility terminal 50 receives input information regarding the necessity of testing, which is determined based on the medical interview 83, and transmits this information to the management server 10. The management server 10 receives the information regarding the necessity of testing from the testing facility terminal 50. The information regarding the necessity of testing is registered in the medical interview results DB 23. The process then proceeds to step S4.

[0054] In step S4, if the information regarding the necessity of the test, based on the medical interview 83, indicates that the test is necessary (Yes in step S4), proceed to step S5. If the information regarding the necessity of the test, based on the medical interview 83, indicates that the test is not necessary (No in step S4), proceed to step S7.

[0055] In step S5, the testing facility terminal 50 receives input of information regarding the infection possibility determination result based on the test and transmits the infection possibility determination result information to the management server 10. The management server 10 receives the infection possibility determination result information based on the test from the testing facility terminal 50. The infection possibility determination result information is registered in the test result DB 24. Then, the process proceeds to step S6.

[0056] In step S6, the management server 10 sends information about the infection possibility determination result to the subject terminal 40. The test is then completed.

[0057] In step S7, no test is performed on the saliva sample, and the collection container 85 containing the saliva sample is discarded. The test is then completed.

[0058] (Effects of this embodiment) In this embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

[0059] The testing method of this embodiment includes, as described above, the steps of collecting a saliva sample from the subject 80 before the medical interview 83, and, after collecting the saliva sample, performing a test if it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is necessary, and obtaining the test result information. This allows the subject 80 to collect a saliva sample in a relaxed state, especially when not conversing, before undergoing a medical interview, which may cause dry mouth or tension and stress due to conversation with the doctor. Therefore, by collecting the saliva sample when saliva is more easily secreted compared to during or immediately after the medical interview, the increase in the time required to collect the saliva sample can be suppressed. As a result, the increase in the time required to complete the test due to the increase in the time required to collect the saliva sample can be suppressed.

[0060] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, if it is determined through interviews or other means that testing of the collected saliva sample is unnecessary after collection, the collected saliva sample is discarded without being tested. This reduces the number of saliva samples to be tested by the testing device, thereby improving the efficiency of saliva sample testing.

[0061] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the system further includes a step of receiving medical interview information 96 about the subject 80 after the collection of the saliva sample and before the examination of the saliva sample, and the medical interview information 96 about the subject 80 includes whether or not the examination of the subject 80's saliva sample is necessary. As a result, it is easier to determine whether or not the examination of the subject 80's saliva sample is necessary compared to when the input of medical interview information 96 is not received, thereby preventing the saliva sample from being incorrectly not examined or being incorrectly examined.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the saliva sample is tested using PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction). This allows for the amplification and detection of genes such as viruses, thus enabling highly accurate detection of viruses and other genes.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the test of the saliva sample is a test to detect coronavirus in the saliva sample. This makes it possible to reliably obtain a test result for the possibility of infection with a coronavirus-related infectious disease.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the step of collecting a saliva sample involves applying a stimulus to the subject 80 that promotes saliva secretion. This promotes saliva secretion in the subject 80, thereby further suppressing the increase in the time required to collect the saliva sample.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the process further includes a step of obtaining reservation information for the saliva sample test for the subject 80 before collecting the saliva sample, the reservation information includes information about the subject 80, and the step of collecting the saliva sample involves providing a collection container 85 based on the information about the subject. This allows the subject 80 to collect the saliva sample using a collection container 85 that is appropriate to the subject 80's circumstances, thereby further suppressing the increase in the time required to collect the saliva sample.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the step of collecting a saliva sample involves providing the subject 80 with a collection container 85, including a lid, after the subject's hands have been disinfected with hypochlorous acid. This prevents substances other than those based on the subject's saliva sample from contaminating the collection container, thereby suppressing the appearance of false positives in the test results.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the step of collecting a saliva sample is performed with the subject 80 wearing gloves on their hands. This prevents substances other than those based on the subject 80's saliva sample from contaminating the collection container 85, thereby suppressing the appearance of false positives in the test results.

[0068] Furthermore, in the testing system of this embodiment, as described above, the management server 10 is configured to acquire test result information of the saliva sample collected from the subject 80 before the interview 83 from the testing facility terminal. As a result, similar to the testing method of the above embodiment, the saliva sample of the subject 80 is collected before the interview 83, so that the subject 80 can collect the saliva sample in a relaxed state, especially without conversation, before undergoing the interview 83, which may cause dry mouth or tension and stress due to conversation with the doctor. Therefore, since the saliva sample is collected in a state where saliva is more easily secreted compared to during or immediately after the interview, the increase in the time required to collect the saliva sample can be suppressed. As a result, it is possible to provide a testing system that can suppress the increase in the time required to complete the test due to the increase in the time required to collect the saliva sample.

[0069] [Differentiation] It should be noted that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims rather than by the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (exceptions) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0070] For example, in the above embodiment, the necessity of testing is determined based on the medical interview 83, and if it is determined that testing is necessary, testing is performed on the saliva sample, and if it is determined that testing is unnecessary, testing is not performed on the saliva sample. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the medical interview 83 by the physician, testing may be performed on the saliva samples of all subjects 80 who underwent the medical interview 83.

[0071] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when information indicating that testing is unnecessary is shown, the person in charge discards the collection container 85 containing the saliva sample, and no test is performed on the discarded saliva sample. However, the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0072] For example, a test request ID may be transmitted via the facility network to a testing device 60 deployed in a testing facility 90, along with a saliva sample ID, and a collection container 85 containing the saliva sample may be placed in the testing device 60. The testing device 60 reads the barcode attached to the collection container 85 and confirms whether it matches a saliva sample registered as requiring testing. If the testing device 60 confirms that it matches a saliva sample registered as requiring testing, it may test the saliva sample, obtain a pathogen detection value, and register the pathogen detection value obtained along with the saliva sample ID in the test results DB 24. In this case, a doctor or other person may register the infection possibility determination result along with the infection possibility determination person ID in the test results DB 24 on a web page based on the transmitted pathogen detection value. Alternatively, the testing device 60 may be configured not to test the saliva sample if it reads the barcode attached to the collection container 85 and confirms that it matches a saliva sample registered as not requiring testing.

[0073] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the medical interview information 96 regarding the subject 80 was shown to include whether or not it is necessary to perform a test on the subject 80's saliva sample, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the medical interview information 96 regarding the subject 80 does not have to include whether or not it is necessary to perform a test on the subject 80's saliva sample.

[0074] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which a stimulus to promote saliva secretion is applied to the subject 80 when collecting a saliva sample, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is not necessary for the subject 80 to be given a stimulus to promote saliva secretion when collecting a saliva sample.

[0075] Furthermore, while the above embodiment shows an example in which a collection container 85 is provided based on information about the subject 80 when collecting a saliva sample, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, all subjects 80 may be provided with the same type of collection container 85 without any information about the subject 80.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, when collecting a saliva sample, the subject 80's hands are disinfected with hypochlorous acid before the collection container 85, including a lid, is provided, and the collection of the saliva sample is performed with the subject 80 wearing gloves provided on their hands. However, the present invention is not limited to this. When collecting a saliva sample, the subject 80's hands do not need to be disinfected with hypochlorous acid, and the subject 80 may collect the saliva sample without wearing gloves.

[0077] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, information on whether or not a test is necessary, as determined by the physician based on the medical interview 83, is entered into the medical interview result DB 23, and when the web page displayed by the medical interview result management program 33 indicates that a test is unnecessary based on the medical interview 83, the collection container 85 containing the saliva sample is discarded. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, information on whether or not a test result is necessary, as determined by the physician based on the medical interview 83, is not required to be entered into the medical interview result DB 23, and the collection container 85 containing the saliva sample may be discarded when it is determined that a test is unnecessary based on the medical interview 83.

[0078] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, the testing device 60 is a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) device, and the saliva sample test is a test to detect coronavirus, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the testing device 60 may be a known testing device other than a PCR device, and the saliva sample test may be a test to detect viruses other than coronavirus.

[0079] [Aspect] Those skilled in the art will understand that the exemplary embodiments described above are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0080] (Item 1) The steps include collecting a saliva sample from the subject before the medical interview, After collecting the saliva sample, if it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is necessary, the test is performed and the test result information of the test is obtained. A testing method comprising the step of notifying the subject of the test of the acquired test result information.

[0081] (Item 2) The testing method according to item 1, wherein, after collecting the saliva sample, if it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is unnecessary, the test is not performed and the collected saliva sample is discarded.

[0082] (Item 3) After collecting the saliva sample and before testing the saliva sample, the system further includes a step of receiving input of medical information about the subject. The medical interview information concerning the subject includes whether or not it is necessary to perform the test on the subject's saliva sample, as described in item 1 or 2.

[0083] (Item 4) The aforementioned saliva sample is tested using the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method described in item 1.

[0084] (Item 5) The test method described in item 1, wherein the test of the saliva sample is a test for detecting coronavirus in the saliva sample.

[0085] (Item 6) The test method according to item 1, wherein the step of collecting the saliva sample involves providing the subject with a stimulus that promotes the secretion of saliva.

[0086] (Item 7) The process further includes obtaining appointment information for the examination of the saliva sample for the subject before collecting the saliva sample. The aforementioned reservation information includes information about the subject, The test method according to item 1, wherein the step of collecting the saliva sample is provided with a sample collection container based on information about the subject.

[0087] (Item 8) The test method according to item 1, wherein the step of collecting the saliva sample is to provide the subject with a sample collection container including a lid after the subject's hands have been disinfected with hypochlorous acid.

[0088] (Item 9) The test method according to item 1, wherein the step of collecting the saliva sample is performed with gloves on the subject's hands.

[0089] (Item 10) Server and The system accepts the input of reservation information for saliva sample testing from the subject, and a first terminal that can communicate with the server via a network, A testing device for testing the saliva sample of the subject, The system includes a second terminal which acquires the test result information of the subject's test using the aforementioned testing device and can communicate with the server via a network, The server is configured to obtain the subject's appointment information for the examination from the first terminal, obtain the examination result information of the saliva sample collected from the subject before the medical interview from the second terminal, and notify the subject of the obtained examination result information. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0090] 10 servers 40 Subject terminals 50 Testing facility terminals 60 Inspection equipment 70 Networks 80 subjects 83 Medical interview 85 Collection container 96 Medical Questionnaire Information 100 Inspection Systems

Claims

1. The steps include collecting a saliva sample from the subject before the medical interview, The steps include: performing the test if it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is necessary based on the medical interview conducted after the collection of the saliva sample, and obtaining the test result information of the test via a server; A testing method comprising the step of notifying the subject of the test of the acquired test result information.

2. The testing method according to claim 1, wherein, after collecting the saliva sample, if it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is unnecessary, the test is not performed and the collected saliva sample is discarded.

3. After collecting the saliva sample and before testing the saliva sample, the system further includes a step of receiving input of medical information about the subject. The examination method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interview information regarding the subject includes whether or not it is necessary to perform the examination of the subject's saliva sample.

4. The testing method according to claim 1, wherein the test of the saliva sample is a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test.

5. The testing method according to claim 1, wherein the test of the saliva sample is a test for detecting coronavirus in the saliva sample.

6. The examination method according to claim 1, wherein the step of collecting the saliva sample involves providing the subject with a stimulus that promotes the secretion of saliva.

7. The process further includes obtaining appointment information for the examination of the saliva sample for the subject before collecting the saliva sample. The aforementioned reservation information includes information about the subject, The examination method according to claim 1, wherein the step of collecting the saliva sample is provided with a sample collection container based on information about the subject.

8. The examination method according to claim 1, wherein the step of collecting the saliva sample is performed by providing the subject with a sample collection container including a lid after the subject's hands have been disinfected with hypochlorous acid.

9. The examination method according to claim 1, wherein the step of collecting the saliva sample is performed with gloves on the subject's hands.

10. The examination method according to claim 1, wherein, based on the medical interview conducted after the collection of the saliva sample, it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is unnecessary, the server notifies the subject of the non-performance of the test without performing the test.

11. The testing method according to claim 1, wherein, based on the medical interview conducted after the collection of the saliva sample, it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is unnecessary, the collected saliva sample is discarded without performing the test, and the server obtains information about the person responsible for discarding the saliva sample.

12. Server and A first terminal that can communicate with the aforementioned server via a network, Based on the medical interview conducted after the collection of a saliva sample from the subject, if it is determined that testing of the collected saliva sample is necessary, a testing device for testing the subject's saliva sample is provided. The system includes a second terminal that acquires the test result information of the subject by the aforementioned testing device and is capable of communicating with the server via a network, The testing system is configured such that the server acquires the test result information of the saliva sample collected from the subject before the medical interview from the second terminal, and notifies the subject's first terminal of the acquired test result information.

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