Absorbent article

Abstract

Provided is an absorbent article capable of appropriately performing an inspection even when the amount of excrement is small. An absorbent article (1) includes an inspection member (60) for inspecting the health state of a wearer. The inspection member includes: a contact part (64) with which excrement is brought into contact; a movement part (66) for guiding an excrement component that is a component contained in the excrement from the contact part; and a display part (62) that exhibits a color on the basis of the excrement component guided from the movement part. The inspection member includes a cover sheet (80) which is disposed closer to the non-skin side than the inspection member and overlaps the inspection member in the thickness direction. The contact part has a diffusion length longer than the diffusion length of the cover sheet.

Description

absorbent articles

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent article provided with a testing member for testing the health condition of a wearer.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an absorbent article equipped with a test member for testing the health condition of a wearer. The test member has a contact part that contacts excrement, a transfer part to which excrement components that are contained in the excrement are guided from the contact part, and an indicator part that changes color based on the excrement components guided from the transfer part.

[0003] International Publication No. 2021 / 132724

[0004] However, the above-mentioned absorbent article leaves room for improvement in the following respects. The test member is positioned closer to the skin than the top sheet, and guides excrement that passes through the top sheet. The excrement that reaches the test member comes into contact with the contact portion and is guided to the display portion or the like via the contact portion. When a large amount of excrement is discharged from the wearer, a sufficient amount of excrement components can be guided to the transfer portion via the top sheet and the contact portion, allowing for proper testing. However, depending on the type of excrement, the wearer's physical condition, etc., the amount of excrement may be small. When the amount of excrement is small, only a small amount of excrement reaches the test member, which may prevent proper testing.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and provides an absorbent article that can be appropriately inspected even when the amount of excrement is small.

[0006] An absorbent article according to one embodiment includes a test member for testing the health condition of a wearer. The test member includes a contact portion that contacts excrement, a transfer portion through which excrement components contained in the excrement are guided from the contact portion, and an indicator portion that changes color based on the excrement components guided from the transfer portion. The absorbent article further includes a cover sheet that is disposed on the non-skin side of the test member and overlaps the test member in the thickness direction. The diffusion length of the contact portion is longer than the diffusion length of the cover sheet.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment, as seen from the skin side. FIG. 2 is a plan view of an absorbent article according to an embodiment, as seen from the non-skin side. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion D in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional photograph of a cross-section taken along the width direction of a test member. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a test member taken along the width direction. FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the coloration state of the test member. FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a cross-section taken along the width direction when a worn article having an absorbent article attached thereto is worn. FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a permeation test of an artificial body fluid.

[0008] (1) Overview of the Embodiments The present specification and accompanying drawings make at least the following clear. The invention according to Aspect 1 is an absorbent article. The absorbent article has a test member for testing the wearer's health condition. The test member has a contact portion that contacts excrement, a transfer portion to which excrement components contained in the excrement are guided from the contact portion, and an indicator portion that changes color based on the excrement components guided from the transfer portion. The absorbent article has a cover sheet that is disposed on the non-skin side of the test member and overlaps the test member in the thickness direction. The diffusion length of the contact portion is longer than the diffusion length of the cover sheet. According to this aspect, because the diffusion length of the contact portion is longer than the diffusion length of the cover sheet, excrement that reaches the contact portion easily moves and diffuses within the contact portion. By increasing the diffusion of excrement in the contact portion, even a small amount of excrement can be guided to the transfer portion and the indicator portion, thereby ensuring reliable test results.

[0009] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 2 may have the following features in the invention according to aspect 1. The absorbent article has an absorbent core. The test member is arranged closer to the skin than the absorbent core. The cover sheet is arranged between the test member and the absorbent core. According to this aspect, since the diffusion length of the cover sheet is shorter than the diffusion length of the contact portion, excrement that reaches the contact portion is less likely to be guided toward the absorbent core via the cover sheet and is more likely to diffuse within the contact portion. By increasing the diffusion of excrement at the contact portion, even small amounts of excrement can be guided to the transfer portion and display portion, thereby ensuring reliable test results.

[0010] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 3 may have the following characteristics in the invention according to Aspect 1 or Aspect 2: the diffusion length of the contact portion is longer than the diffusion length of the absorbent core. According to this aspect, the contact portion diffuses excrement more easily than the cover sheet and the absorbent core. Therefore, excrement that reaches the contact portion diffuses more easily within the contact portion than the cover sheet and the absorbent core, and even a small amount of excrement can be guided to the transfer portion and the display portion, thereby ensuring reliable test results.

[0011] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 4 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 3. The diffusion length of the cover sheet is shorter than the diffusion length of the absorbent core. According to this aspect, the diffusion length relationship is cover sheet < absorbent core < contact portion. Therefore, excrement guided into the absorbent article from the skin-side surface of the absorbent article is drawn into the contact portion located on the skin side and diffuses in the contact portion. Furthermore, since the diffusion length relationship is cover sheet < absorbent core, excrement that reaches the cover sheet is easily guided from the cover sheet to the absorbent core. Excrement that reaches the cover sheet can be guided to the absorbent core without being excessively diffused within the cover sheet. By quickly guiding excrement guided to the non-skin side of the test member to the absorbent core, it is possible to prevent excrement that is guided to the non-skin side of the test member from returning to the contact portion.

[0012] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 5 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4. The absorbent article has a top sheet that covers the skin side of the test member and contacts the wearer. The top sheet and the contact portion are in contact with each other. According to this aspect, body waste can be quickly and efficiently guided from the top sheet to the contact portion.

[0013] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 6 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5: The diffusion length of the top sheet is shorter than the diffusion length of the contact portion. According to this aspect, the excrement can be guided from the top sheet to the contact portion without excessively diffusing the excrement in the top sheet. Therefore, even with a small amount of excrement, the excrement components can be guided to the transfer portion and the display portion via the contact portion, and test results can be reliably obtained.

[0014] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 7 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6. The test member is visible from the skin side of the absorbent article before use. According to this aspect, since the test member is visible from the skin side of the absorbent article before use, the position of the test member on the absorbent article can be ascertained when wearing the absorbent article. The wearer can wear the absorbent article while being aware of the presence of the test member, so that the test member can be positioned in an appropriate position. By positioning the test member in an appropriate position, even a small amount of excrement can be easily guided to the test member, thereby ensuring reliable test results.

[0015] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 8 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7: the diffusion length of the contact section is longer than the diffusion length of the transfer section. According to this aspect, excrement is likely to diffuse within the contact section and is likely to be guided to the transfer section and the display section via the contact section. The contact section may act as a filter, and can guide excrement components required for testing from the excrement to the transfer section and the display section.

[0016] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 9 may have the following features in the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 8: the thickness of the transfer section is thinner than the thickness of the contact section. Excrement components diffused within the contact section are guided to the transfer section. According to this aspect, the transfer section has a large thickness, so that the content of labeled antibody in the transfer section can be increased, making it easier to bring the labeled antibody into contact with the excrement components.

[0017] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to Aspect 10 may be the invention according to any one of Aspects 1 to 9, and have the following features: The migration section includes a first migration section having a labeled antibody that undergoes an antigen-antibody reaction with the excrement component, and a second migration section that guides the complex obtained by the antigen-antibody reaction to the display section. The diffusion length of the first migration section is shorter than the diffusion length of the second migration section. According to this aspect, the diffusion length relationship is contact section > second migration section > first migration section. Because the diffusion length of the first migration section is short, the migration speed of the excrement component within the first migration section is low, making it easier to bring the labeled antibody and the excrement component into contact within the first migration section. Furthermore, because the diffusion length of the second migration section is relatively long, the complex obtained by the antigen-antibody reaction can be smoothly guided to the display section, allowing the test results to be displayed quickly and reliably.

[0018] According to a preferred aspect, the invention according to aspect 11 may have the following feature in the invention according to any one of aspects 1 to 10: the diffusion length of the cover sheet is 0 mm. According to this aspect, the excrement components are not drawn into the cover sheet, and the diffusion of the excrement components within the test member can be further promoted.

[0019] (2) Absorbent Article According to an Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that in the following description of the drawings, identical or similar parts are designated by identical or similar reference numerals. However, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensional ratios and the like may differ from those of the actual product. Therefore, specific dimensions and the like should be determined with reference to the following description. Furthermore, parts in which the dimensional relationships and ratios differ between the drawings may be included. Furthermore, in the cross-sectional views, for the sake of convenience, the components are shown separated, but in the actual product, the components are in contact with each other. The absorbent article 1 is a panty liner. The absorbent article 1 is used by being attached to a wearable article such as underwear.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1 as viewed from the skin side T1. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the absorbent article 1 as viewed from the non-skin side T2. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of portion D in FIG. 5. The absorbent article 1 may have a front-to-rear direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T. The front-to-rear direction L is the direction extending from the front side (belly side) of the wearer to the back side (dorsal side) of the wearer, or the direction extending from the back side of the wearer to the front side. The width direction W is a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction L. The thickness direction T is a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction L and the width direction W. The thickness direction T extends between the skin side T1 and the non-skin side T2. The skin side T1 corresponds to the side that faces the wearer's skin during use. The non-skin side T2 corresponds to the side opposite the skin side, i.e., the side facing away from the wearer's skin, during use.

[0021] The absorbent article 1 has front regions S1, rear regions S2, and a crotch region S3. The crotch region S3 is a region positioned opposite the wearer's excretory opening, for example, the vaginal opening. When the absorbent article 1 is attached to a worn article, the crotch region S3 is positioned under the crotch of the worn article and between the wearer's legs. The front region S1 is located forward of the crotch region S3. The front edge of the front region S1 defines the front edge of the absorbent article 1. The rear region S2 is located rearward of the crotch region S3. The rear edge of the rear region S2 defines the rear edge of the absorbent article 1. The crotch region S3 may be a central region among three equal regions obtained by dividing the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-rear direction. In an absorbent article having wings, the crotch region S3 may be the region where the wings are provided.

[0022] In the present invention, the outer portion refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W, including the outer edge in the width direction W, and the outer edge refers to the outer edge in the width direction W. The outer edge of a component occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction is an edge connecting points located on the outer side in the width direction of the component, over the entire component. In the present invention, the inner portion refers to a portion occupying a certain range in the width direction W, including the inner edge in the width direction W, and the inner edge refers to the inner edge in the width direction W. The inner edge of a component occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction is an edge connecting points located on the inner side in the width direction of the component, over the entire component. In the present invention, the front end and rear end refer to portions occupying a certain range in the front-to-rear direction L, including edges in the front-to-rear direction L, and the front edge and rear edge are edges in the front-to-rear direction L. The outer end refers to the front end and rear end, and the outer edge refers to the front edge and rear edge. In addition, the inner side refers to a side that includes the inner side edge and extends along the front-to-rear direction L. The outer side is a side that includes the outer edge and extends along the front-to-rear direction L. In this specification, the term "along the front-to-rear direction L" means a direction that has an angle of less than 45° with respect to the front-to-rear direction L, and the term "along the width direction W" means a direction that has an angle of less than 45° with respect to the width direction W.

[0023] The absorbent article 1 may have at least an absorbent core 31, a top sheet 11, and a back sheet 21. The absorbent article 1 may have a vertically elongated shape. The absorbent core 31 contains an absorbent material that absorbs liquid. The absorbent material may be composed of, for example, at least one of pulp and a superabsorbent polymer. The absorbent core 31 may be composed of an air-laid pulp sheet. The absorbent core 31 may be sandwiched in the thickness direction by core wrap sheets.

[0024] The top sheet 11 constitutes the skin-facing surface of the absorbent article 1 and contacts the wearer's skin. The top sheet 11 may be made of, for example, a spunlace nonwoven fabric, an air-through nonwoven fabric, a spunbond nonwoven fabric, or an SMS nonwoven fabric. The visible light transmittance of the top sheet 11 may be 60% or more. The visible light transmittance of the top sheet 11 may be preferably 70% or more, and more preferably 80% or more. The basis weight of the top sheet 11 is 90 g / m ２ It may be less than 30 g / m ２ It may be 17 g / m or less. ２ The thickness of the topsheet 11 may be 5 mm or less.

[0025] The visible light transmittance can be measured using, for example, a spectrophotometer (JASCO Corporation V-570). Specifically, the visible light transmittance can be measured using a measurement target cut to 30 mm x 30 mm. In the following, the wavelength range of visible light is assumed to be 380 nm to 750 nm. The measurement conditions may be as follows: Photometry mode: Abs Response: Medium Bandwidth: 2.0 nm Near infrared: 8.0 nm Scanning speed: 1000 nm / min Start wavelength: 830 nm End wavelength: 350 nm Data acquisition interval: 1.0 nm.

[0026] The backsheet 21 constitutes the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 1. In the absorbent article 1 to be attached to a wearing article, the backsheet 21 abuts against the wearing article. The backsheet 21 may be made of, for example, a liquid-impermeable film, or a liquid-impermeable and breathable sheet. An example of a liquid-impermeable and breathable sheet is a film made of polyethylene resin and calcium carbonate, with fine interconnecting pores formed on the surface, which allows water vapor and air to pass through but blocks water. The non-skin side of the backsheet 21 may be provided with fastening parts 25 for joining the absorbent article 1 to a wearing article (underwear, etc.). The fastening parts 25 may be provided with an adhesive such as a hot-melt adhesive, or with an engaging member such as a mechanical fastener. The fastening parts 25 may extend in the width direction W and be arranged at intervals in the front-to-rear direction L.

[0027] The absorbent article 1 may have an auxiliary sheet 15 arranged on the skin side T1 of the absorbent core 31. The auxiliary sheet 15 improves the ability to draw body fluids from the top sheet 11 into the absorbent core 31. The auxiliary sheet 15 may be made of an air-through nonwoven fabric. The auxiliary sheet 15 may be arranged on the non-skin side T2 of the test member 60 and on the skin side T1 of the absorbent core 31. The auxiliary sheet 15 is arranged on the non-skin side T2 of the test member 60 and overlaps the test member 60 in the thickness direction T, constituting a "cover sheet" of the present invention. The top sheet 11 may cover the skin side T1 of the test member 60 and may abut at least a portion of the test member 60.

[0028] The absorbent article 1 may have compressed regions where compressed sections 35 are formed by compressing at least the top sheet 11 in the thickness direction T, and non-compressed regions where no compressed sections 35 are formed. The compressed regions are regions where the compressed sections 35 are arranged in the plan view shown in Figure 1, and the non-compressed regions are regions where no compressed sections are arranged in the plan view. The compressed sections 35 need only compress at least the top sheet 11, and may compress the top sheet 11 and the auxiliary sheet 15, or may compress the top sheet 11 and the absorbent core 31. The compressed sections 35 in this embodiment are formed by compressing the top sheet 11 and the auxiliary sheet 15. The compressed sections 35 may be arranged on both sides of the center of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction W.

[0029] The absorbent article 1 has a test member 60 that tests the wearer's health condition. The test member 60 indicates the wearer's health condition by changing color (changing color) based on excrement. The test member 60 may be made of any material, such as paper, nonwoven fabric, or woven fabric, as long as it has a material that can hold or contain an indicator. Examples of excrement (specimens) include blood (menstrual blood), urine, feces, sweat, and vaginal discharge. Examples of items that indicate the health condition include physical condition-related items (pH, iron deficiency anemia, renal function, myocardial infarction, inflammation / infection, nutritional status evaluation, etc.), pregnancy-related items (menstrual cycle prediction, ovulation prediction, etc.), and mental health-related items (depression tendency, medication, etc.). Examples of detection targets include urinary waste products (urine specific gravity), white blood cells, hydrogen ions (pH), proteins, glucose, ketone bodies, urobilinogen, bilirubin, urinary occult blood, nitrite, steroids, peptides, aromatic compounds, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), BUN (urea nitrogen), AlB (albumin), LPS (lipopolysaccharide), hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), LH (luteinizing hormone), U-ALB, CRP (C-reactive protein), myoglobin, CK-MB, troponin I, troponin T, hemoglobin, strep A, HBs antibody, HIV antibody, TP antibody, rotavirus, influenza virus, adenovirus, DNA, O-157, cocaine, marijuana, morphine, ferritin, and IgA (immunoglobulin A). The detection target is a chemical substance (inorganic or organic) determined according to an item indicating health status, and reacts with other chemical substances to cause coloration.

[0030] The test element 60 of this embodiment is a test element using immunochromatography to detect luteinizing hormone (LH) in vaginal discharge. The test element 60 may detect luteinizing hormone levels of 0.05 mIU / mL to 10.0 mIU / mL as positive. Unlike conventional urinary luteinizing hormone (LH) test kits, the absorbent article 1 is an everyday item, making it extremely easy to predict the day of ovulation and lessening psychological resistance. Furthermore, while conventional ovulation prediction methods using urine require procedures such as applying urine to a test strip and can take a relatively long time (e.g., 10 minutes), the absorbent article 1 allows a detection reaction to occur simply by wearing the absorbent article 1, accompanying the discharge of vaginal discharge, making ovulation prediction easier. For example, the absorbent article 1 allows the detection results to be checked more easily, for example, when the wearer goes to the toilet, rather than waiting 10 minutes to check the test results. Furthermore, unlike conventional methods that use urine, the absorbent article of the present invention has the advantage that detection can be performed without worrying about staining the hands. Therefore, it is possible to provide an absorbent article that enables simple prediction of the day of ovulation.

[0031] In addition, as a result of the applicant's extensive research, it has been found that luteinizing hormone (LH) detected from vaginal discharge can predict the ovulation date from five days before to the day of ovulation. In contrast, luteinizing hormone (LH) detected from urine can predict the ovulation date from two days including the day of ovulation. More specifically, test elements for detecting LH from urine are generally known to detect luteinizing hormone levels of 20.0 mIU / mL to 100.0 mIU / mL as a positive result. Test elements for detecting LH from urine must maintain a lower sensitivity than test elements for detecting LH in vaginal discharge in order to eliminate noise. This is because the value during the LH surge period falls within this range. Furthermore, since urinary LH levels are known to fluctuate between 1.5 and 12.0 mIU / mL during periods other than the LH surge, a design of 0.05 mIU / mL to 10.0 mIU / mL is likely to result in false positives when using test elements for urine, and is therefore outside of the conventional design range. Reference: From the academic literature (Characteristics of the urinary luteinizing hormone surge in young ovulatory women (April 16, 2007) table 2: Baseline LH (mIU / ml Cr), Mean 6.69 (±5.22) Range 0.82-23.7, LH peak (mIU / ml Cr), Mean 41.2 (±20.0) Range 12.1-104.

[0032] Test elements that detect LH in urine may pick up peaks other than the fertile window, making it difficult to design the sensitivity of the test device to the same range as vaginal discharge. Therefore, test elements that detect LH in urine have difficulty predicting ovulation more than two days before. In contrast, test elements that detect luteinizing hormone (LH) from vaginal discharge can determine the predicted date between five and three days before ovulation. Therefore, test elements that detect luteinizing hormone (LH) from vaginal discharge can determine the predicted date between five and three days before ovulation. Being able to determine the predicted date between five and three days before ovulation allows for the planning of fertility treatments. Compared to conventional methods that can determine ovulation on or the day before, this method reduces the burden of having to plan fertility treatments on the day itself, and prevents fertility treatments from being canceled due to an inability to plan in advance, thereby reducing mental burden and enhancing the feasibility of fertility treatments. Furthermore, ovulation predictions based on the menstrual cycle can only be determined about two weeks before ovulation. Considering individual differences, predicting with a two-week gap may result in low accuracy. Also, two weeks is too long from the perspective of planning. In contrast, a test device that detects luteinizing hormone (LH) from vaginal discharge can identify a predicted date between three and five days before ovulation, allowing for ovulation predictions close to the ovulation date, improving the accuracy of ovulation predictions and enhancing the feasibility of pregnancy attempts.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 6 , the test member 60 may include a transfer unit 66 that transfers excrement components contained in excrement and guides them to the display unit 62, and the display unit 62 changes color based on the excrement components guided from the transfer unit 66. The display unit 62 displays the wearer's health condition. The display unit 62 may display the wearer's health condition based on the color after coloring, or the presence or absence of coloring. The wearer can confirm their health condition by visually determining the color after coloring and / or the presence or absence of coloring. The display unit 62 may include an indicator that changes color based on at least one of the excrement components and the labeled antibody. The indicator may include a chemical substance (inorganic or organic) that changes color upon reacting with a target substance contained in excrement or a substance derived from the target substance (e.g., a complex formed by an antigen-antibody reaction between the target substance and an antibody). The indicator may also contain a chemical substance (inorganic or organic) that develops color by reacting with a labeled antibody (a chemical substance that undergoes an antigen-antibody reaction with the detection target) that has migrated with the excrement.

[0034] The test member 60 may have a contact portion 64 that comes into contact with the excrement. The contact portion 64 may be configured, for example, as a pad (which may be referred to as a sample pad or specimen pad). The contact portion 64 may be configured to draw in the excrement and guide the excrement components required for testing to the transfer portion 66. The excrement components are guided from the contact portion 64 to the transfer portion 66. The display portion 62 changes color based on the excrement components guided from the transfer portion 66, and the display portion 62 may be configured with multiple display portions with different detection targets. The display portion 62 may have, for example, a first display portion 62A and a second display portion 62B. The first display portion 62A is located closer to the contact portion 64 than the second display portion 62B.

[0035] The excrement components may move in the movement section 66 by capillary action. The excrement components may include the detection target. The movement section 66 may have a display movement section 66A through which the excrement components move from the contact section 64 to the display section 62, and a terminal movement section 66B through which the excrement components move in a direction away from the display section 62. The display movement section 66A may have a first display movement section 66A1 from the contact section 64 to the first display section 62A, and a second display movement section 66A2 through which the excrement components move between the plurality of display sections 62 (in the embodiment, from the first display section 62A to the second display section 62B). The terminal movement section 66B is a section through which the excrement components, etc. that have passed through the display section 62 move.

[0036] For example, immunochromatography can be used to test health conditions. In immunochromatography, the contact section 64 that contacts the excrement may be configured as a sample pad or a specimen pad. Excrement components that contact the contact section 64 move through the display movement section 66A. Specifically, the excrement components move to the display section 62 in the first display movement section 66A1. The display section 62 contains an antibody (labeled antibody) that reacts with the detection target (antigen). The labeled antibody may be included in the first display movement section 66A1. The portion of the first display movement section 66A1 that contains the labeled antibody may be configured as, for example, a conjugate pad. In the first display movement section 66A1, the excrement components, complexes formed by an antigen-antibody reaction with the detection target contained in the excrement components, and the labeled antibody may move by capillary action. The portion through which these chemical substances move may be configured as, for example, a membrane. The transfer section 66 of this embodiment has a conjugate pad 66X and a membrane 66Y, and the labeled antibody is contained in the conjugate pad 66X. The conjugate pad 66X constitutes the "first transfer section" of the present invention, and the membrane 66Y constitutes the "second transfer section" of the present invention.

[0037] The display section 62 is a region containing an indicator (capture antibody). The first display section 62A may contain a capture antibody that captures (binds to) the complex. The first display section 62A changes color when the complex is captured by the capture antibody. The first display section 62A may be referred to as a test line. The complex, labeled antibody, and excrement components not captured by the first display section may migrate through the second display transfer section 66A2 and reach the second display section 62B from the first display section 62A. The display section 62 may be a region on the membrane 66Y that constitutes the transfer section 66 where an indicator is applied, or may be a part of the membrane 66Y.

[0038] The second indicator 62B may contain a capture antibody different from that of the first indicator 62A. The capture antibody of the second indicator 62B may capture a complex different from the complex captured by the first indicator 62A, or may capture a labeled antibody. The second indicator 62B changes color when the complex or labeled antibody is captured by a capture antibody different from that of the first indicator 62A. The second indicator 62B, which captures the labeled antibody, may be referred to as a control line and serves as an indication for determining whether the test has been completed correctly. The excrement components that have passed through the indicator 62 (i.e., components not captured by the capture antibody) move through the terminal migration section 66B. The terminal migration section 66B may be composed of a membrane 66Y. The test member 60 may also have an absorbent section 67 that absorbs excrement components that have passed through the indicator 62. Instead of the absorbent section 67, the excrement components that have passed through the indicator 62 may be absorbed by the absorbent core 31. When the immunochromatography method is used, the display unit 62 and the contact unit 64 are disposed at different positions.

[0039] The inspection member 60 has a first direction, which is the movement direction of excrement components from the moving section 66 to the display section 62, and a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first direction is a direction extending in the movement direction of excrement components, and in this embodiment, is a direction along the front-to-back direction L of the absorbent article 1. That is, in this embodiment, the first direction is the front-to-back direction L, and the second direction is the width direction W. However, in a modified example, the first direction may be the width direction W, and the second direction may be the front-to-back direction L. The length of the inspection member 60 in the first direction may be longer than the length in the second direction.

[0040] The length of the test member 60 along the width direction W may be 1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. Although there are individual differences, the width of the labia minora is typically around 10 mm. By making the length of the test member 60 along the width direction W shorter than the width of the labia minora, discomfort during wear can be reduced. From the standpoints of visibility for the wearer and ease of processing, the length of the test member 60 along the width direction W may preferably be 2 mm or more. Preferably, the length of the test member 60 along the width direction W may be 3 mm or less. By making the length of the test member 60 along the width direction W 3 mm or less, the amount of fluid that needs to be retained for detection is relatively reduced. Therefore, LH detection can be performed satisfactorily even when detecting vaginal discharge that is small in volume, highly viscous, and has a low LH content.

[0041] Next, the configuration of a preferred test member 60 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a photograph of a cross section of the test member 60 taken along the width direction W. FIG. 7 shows a cross section of the region where the membrane 66Y is disposed. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a cross section of the test member 60 taken along the width direction W. FIG. 8(A) is a cross section taken along line F-F in FIG. 6, FIG. 8(B) is a cross section taken along line G-G in FIG. 6, and FIG. 8(C) is a cross section taken along line H-H in FIG. Note that the cross section in FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram, and the actual skin-side surface of the test member 60 may have a smoothly sloping curve, as shown in FIG. 7. More specifically, the skin-side surface of the test member 60 may have a curved shape that slopes from the outer edge 60E of the test member toward the inside in the width direction, from the non-skin side T2 toward the skin side T1, and the average thickness of a certain range of side regions extending from the outer edge 60E toward the inside in the width direction of the test member may be thinner than the average thickness of the center region. The test member 60 of this embodiment has a sample pad 64Z as the contact portion 64, and a conjugate pad 66X and a membrane 66Y as the moving portion 66. The sample pad 64Z is disposed at one end (the rear end in this embodiment) in the front-to-rear direction of the test member 60. The conjugate pad 66X is disposed closer to the non-skin side T2 than the sample pad 64Z. The conjugate pad 66X overlaps the other end (the front end in this embodiment) of the sample pad 64Z in the front-to-rear direction L in the thickness direction, but does not overlap one end of the sample pad 64Z in the thickness direction T. Therefore, excrement drawn into the sample pad 64Z passes through the sample pad 64Z and is then guided to the conjugate pad 66X. The membrane 66Y is disposed closer to the non-skin side T2 than the conjugate pad 66X. The membrane 66Y overlaps the other end of the conjugate pad 66X in the thickness direction T, but does not overlap one end of the conjugate pad 66X in the thickness direction. One end of the membrane 66Y and the other end of the sample pad 64Z are spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction L. Therefore, excrement components move in the order of the sample pad 64Z, conjugate pad 66X, and membrane 66Y. A first display portion 62A and a second display portion 62B are provided on the skin side T1 surface of the membrane 66Y.The first display section 62A and the second display section 62B are arranged with an interval therebetween in the front-rear direction L.

[0042] The test member 60 of this embodiment includes a test skin-side sheet 68, a non-test skin-side sheet 69, and an absorbent portion 67. The test skin-side sheet 68 is made of a liquid-impermeable film. The test skin-side sheet 68 constitutes the skin side T1 of the test member 60 and is positioned closer to the skin side T1 than the sample pad 64Z, conjugate pad 66X, membrane 66Y, absorbent portion 67, and non-test skin-side sheet 69. The test skin-side sheet 68 does not cover the skin side T1 of a portion of the sample pad 64Z (the area of ​​the sample pad 64Z not covered by the conjugate pad 66X), but covers the skin side T1 over the entire area of ​​the sample pad 64Z covered by the conjugate pad 66X, the conjugate pad 66X, the membrane 66Y, and the absorbent portion 67. The non-skin test sheet 69 constitutes the non-skin side T2 surface of the test member 60 and is positioned closer to the skin than the sample pad 64Z, conjugate pad 66X, membrane 66Y, absorbent portion 67, and test skin side sheet 68. The non-skin test sheet 69 covers the entire non-skin side T2 of the sample pad 64Z, conjugate pad 66X, membrane 66Y, absorbent portion 67, and test skin side sheet 68. The absorbent portion 67 overlaps the other end of the membrane 66Y in the front-to-rear direction L in the thickness direction T, but does not overlap one end of the membrane 66Y in the thickness direction T. The absorbent portion 67 is positioned closer to the skin side T1 than the membrane 66Y.

[0043] The labeled antibody of the test member 60 may have a colored antibody bound to a molecule that contributes to coloration. The labeled antibody may consist solely of the colored antibody, or may include antibodies other than the colored antibody. The colored antibody is colored before color development. The colored antibody may be colored a different color from the component on which the colored antibody is disposed (e.g., the conjugate pad). Examples of the colored antibody include blue, red, yellow, and white. In a plan view of the absorbent article 1, the color difference between the portion on which the colored antibody is disposed and the surrounding area of ​​the colored antibody (in this embodiment, the portion of the conjugate pad on which the colored antibody is not disposed) may be 3.0 or more. In this embodiment, the portion on which the colored antibody is disposed is the conjugate pad 66X. The complex formed by the antigen-antibody reaction of the colored antibody is colored based on the colored antibody.

[0044] FIG. 9 shows an example of the coloring pattern of the indicator 62 in a plan view of the test member 60 as viewed from the skin side T1. In FIG. 9, the area colored by the colored antibody is indicated by R1, and the colored area described below is indicated by R20. FIG. 9(A) shows the test member 60 before both the first indicator 62A and the second indicator 62B show a color reaction (hereinafter, "before coloring"). FIG. 9(B) shows the test member 60 in the test state. FIG. 9(C) shows the absorbent article 1 after both the first indicator 62A and the second indicator 62B show a color reaction (hereinafter, "after coloring"). FIG. 9(C) shows the coloring pattern when the target substance is detected (when the test line shows a color). In the pre-coloring state shown in FIG. 9(A), the first indicator 62A and the second indicator 62B are integrated with their surroundings. The state in which the first display portion 62A and the second display portion 62B are integrated with their surroundings is when the color difference between the first display portion 62A and the surrounding membrane 66Y is less than 3.0, and when the color difference between the second display portion 62B and the surrounding membrane 66Y is less than 3.0. On the other hand, the state in which the first display portion 62A and the second display portion 62B are distinguishable from their surroundings (not integrated) is when the color difference between the first display portion 62A and the surrounding membrane 66Y is 3.0 or more, and when the color difference between the second display portion 62B and the surrounding membrane 66Y is 3.0 or more. Before the color development, the wearer has difficulty recognizing the first display portion 62A and the second display portion 62B.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 9(B), during the test, the complex and the colored antibody migrate from the conjugate pad 66X, and the skin surface of the membrane 66Y is colored by the colored antibody and the complex colored by the colored antibody. The wearer can visually recognize the colored antibody and the colored complex during the test, allowing them to understand that the test is progressing. As the test progresses, the complex and the colored antibody move through the second indicator movement section 66A2 and then to the terminal movement section 66B. FIG. 9(C) shows the state after coloring, in which the first indicator section 62A is colored by the complex, and the second indicator section 62B is colored by the labeled antibody (including the colored antibody). The complex and the labeled antibody not captured by the first indicator section 62A and the second indicator section 62B migrate to the absorption section 67 and are adsorbed by the absorption section 67. In this way, the presence of the colored antibody allows the wearer to understand the test progress. The indicator section captures and colors at least one of the complex and the labeled antibody. By coloring the complex, the color developed by capturing the complex becomes more noticeable. Also, the color developed by capturing the colored antibody becomes more noticeable. Therefore, the display area after color development becomes more noticeable, and the wearer can more easily understand the test results.

[0046] However, some wearers may visually recognize the colored antibodies when viewing the test member 60 before use, which may give them the false impression that a color reaction has occurred, even though the color reaction has not yet occurred. The absorbent article 1 according to the present embodiment is configured to prevent this misunderstanding by the wearer. More specifically, the absorbent article 1 has a colored region R20 that covers the skin side T1 of the colored antibodies provided in the transfer section 66. The colored region R20 only needs to cover the skin side T1 of the colored antibodies before use of the test member 60, i.e., before the colored antibodies have transferred, and does not need to cover the skin side T1 of the colored antibodies that have transferred during the test process. Because the skin side T1 of the colored antibodies provided in the transfer section 66 is covered by the colored region R20 before use of the absorbent article 1, when the wearer views the absorbent article 1 before use from the skin side T1, the colored antibodies are located on the back side of the colored region R20, making it difficult to directly view the colored antibodies. The colored antibody is difficult for the wearer to see before use, and the wearer is prevented from mistakenly thinking that the test member 60 has already reacted before using the absorbent article 1 .

[0047] The colored region R20 is configured to be visible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 before use of the absorbent article 1. Therefore, by visually checking the colored region R20, the wearer can recognize that the absorbent article 1 has the inspection member 60, and can recognize the presence of the inspection member 60 and that the inspection results should be understood. The absorbent article 1 is used not only for inspection but also for everyday use, and both absorbent articles 1 with and without the inspection member 60 may be used as appropriate. The wearer can recognize that the absorbent article 1 has the inspection member 60 by visually checking the colored region R20. Furthermore, even if the wearer puts on an absorbent article with the inspection member 60 for inspection, they may forget that inspection is in progress while wearing it. Even in such cases, when visually checking the absorbent article 1, such as when replacing the absorbent article 1, they can notice the presence of the inspection member 60 and properly understand the inspection results.

[0048] The colored region R20 may be provided on a component of the absorbent article 1 that is located on the skin side T1 of the colored antibody. The colored region R20 may be provided on the test member 60 itself, or on a component (e.g., a top sheet, a skin-side cover sheet, etc.) located closer to the skin side T1 than the test member 60. The colored region R20 may be provided on a single layer of sheet, or on multiple layers, with the colored regions overlapping in the thickness direction. The colored region R20 may be a portion of the sheet itself colored with a pigment or the like, or a portion of the sheet partially colored by printing or the like. The colored region R20 may cover at least a portion of the colored antibody before coloring, but preferably covers the entire colored antibody (the entire region R1 colored by the colored antibody). In a configuration having both an antibody not bound to a molecule contributing to coloring and the colored antibody, the colored region R20 may cover at least the colored antibody, but may not necessarily cover the antibody not bound to a molecule contributing to coloring. In this embodiment, the colored region R20 is provided on the non-skin side of the test skin side sheet 68 that constitutes the test member. The test skin side sheet 68 is composed of a transparent resin film. The portion of the transparent resin film that is colored with ink or the like constitutes the colored region R20, and the uncolored portion constitutes the high-transmittance region R25. Before color development, the colored region R20 covers the region R1 of the conjugate pad 66X that is colored by the colored antibody. Note that, since it is essential that the change before and after the reaction be visible in the portion that overlaps the test member 60 in the thickness direction, a color difference between the test member 60 and the surrounding area is not necessarily required. Considering the overall consistency of the absorbent article 1, the color difference between the region other than the colored region R20 and the surrounding area of ​​the test member may be less than 0.6 before the reaction, and preferably may be the same color.

[0049] The test member 60 may be visible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 before use of the absorbent article 1. Note that, before use of the absorbent article 1, the indicator 62 is in a state before coloring. Therefore, the visibility of the test member 60 before use of the absorbent article 1 can be replaced with the visibility of the test member 60 before coloring of the indicator 62. Note that the state in which the test member 60 is visible before use of the absorbent article 1 only needs to be a state in which at least a portion of the test member 60 before coloring is visible. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the wearer be able to recognize the presence of the test member 60. This includes not only a configuration in which the test member 60 is directly visible, but also a state in which the skin side surface of the absorbent article 1 is raised by the test member 60 and the presence of the test member can be recognized by the raised portion. Because the test member 60 is visible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 before use of the absorbent article 1, the position of the test member 60 on the absorbent article 1 can be recognized when wearing the absorbent article 1. The wearer puts on the absorbent article 1 while being aware of the presence of the inspection member 60, so that the inspection member 60 can be placed in an appropriate position.

[0050] The display unit 62 after coloring may be visible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1. Because the display unit 62 after coloring is visible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1, the wearer can easily understand the test results by visually viewing the absorbent article 1 from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 without peeling the absorbent article 1 off the worn article or taking the absorbent article 1 off the worn article. Note that the display unit 62 only needs to be visible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 at least after coloring, and may be invisible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 before coloring, or may be visible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 before coloring.

[0051] The state in which the absorbent article 1 is visible from the skin side T1 may be such that the visible light transmittance is 60% or more when a member located on the skin side T1 is overlapped with an object for which visibility is to be evaluated (for example, the test member when evaluating the visibility of the test member 60). Alternatively, the state in which the absorbent article 1 is visible from the skin side T1 means that an object can be seen by a subject with good visual acuity (1.0 or better) in both eyes when looking at the object from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 at a distance of approximately 30 to 50 cm in a room (approximately 500 to 750 lx (lux)) that is brightly lit with daylight white light (approximate color temperature: 4600 to 5400 K (Kelvin)).

[0052] The test member 60 may be disposed on the non-skin side T2 of the top sheet 11 and on the skin side T1 of the back sheet 21. The test member 60 is visible through the top sheet 11 from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1. The top sheet 11 may have a visible light transmittance of 60% or more. This allows the wearer to more clearly see the color of the indicator 62 after color change through the top sheet 11, making it easier to determine whether the indicator 62 has changed color. The color difference between the top sheet 11 and the colored indicator 62 may be 0.6 or more, and preferably 3.0 or more. This configuration makes it less likely that the color of the colored indicator 62 will be similar to the color of the top sheet 11, making it easier to view the colored indicator 62. The wearer can easily determine whether the indicator 62 has changed color without removing the test member 60 from the absorbent article, making it easier to check the wearer's health condition simply and accurately.

[0053] Before the display unit 62 changes color, the test member 60 may be visible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 but not from the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 1. Because the test member 60 is visible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 before the display unit 62 changes color, the position of the test member 60 on the absorbent article 1 can be determined when wearing the absorbent article 1, and the test member 60 can be positioned appropriately. Before the display unit 62 changes color, the test member 60 is not visible from the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 1. Therefore, the user can intuitively determine whether the test member 60 is on the skin side or not based on whether the test member 60 is visible, thereby improving operability when wearing the absorbent article 1. Furthermore, the colored antibody may not be visible from the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 1 before use. Therefore, even when viewed from the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 1, misidentification of the absorbent article 1 before use can be reduced.

[0054] The state in which the absorbent article 1 is not visible from the non-skin side T2 may be such that the visible light transmittance is 20% or less when a member located on the non-skin side T2 is overlapped with an object for which visibility is to be evaluated (for example, the test member when evaluating the visibility of the test member 60). Alternatively, the state in which the absorbent article 1 is not visible from the non-skin side means that an object cannot be seen when viewed from the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 1 by a subject with good visual acuity (1.0 or better) in both eyes at a distance of approximately 30 to 50 cm in a room brightly lit with daylight white light (approximate color temperature: 4600 to 5400 K (Kelvin)) (approximate color temperature: 500 to 750 lx (lux)).

[0055] The inspection member 60 may be positioned closer to the skin side T1 than the absorbent core 31. The inspection member 60 is positioned closer to the skin side T1 than the absorbent core 31, and the skin side T1 is not covered by the absorbent core 31. This makes it easy to ensure visibility of the inspection member 60 when viewed from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1. When putting on the absorbent article 1, the wearer can put on the absorbent article 1 while being aware of the presence of the inspection member 60, and the inspection member 60 can be positioned in an appropriate position. Furthermore, after the inspection by the inspection member 60, the wearer can easily understand the inspection results.

[0056] The top sheet 11 and the back sheet 21 are composed of sheets having fibers, and the average inter-fiber distance of the back sheet 21 may be smaller than the average inter-fiber distance of the top sheet 11. With this configuration, before and after coloring of the indicator 62, the test member 60 is easily visible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 and is difficult to see from the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 1. This makes it easier to ensure visibility of the test member 60 from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1, and improves operability when putting on the absorbent article 1 by increasing the distinguishability between the skin side and the non-skin side of the absorbent article 1. The average inter-fiber distance can be evaluated, for example, by measuring the average inter-fiber distance of the surface to be measured (the skin side of the top sheet 11) using a microscope, and measuring the average inter-fiber distance of the non-skin side of the back sheet 21 using a microscope. The microscope method used a 3D image stitching function on a microscope (KEYENCE VHX-2000, lens VH-Z20W, aperture fully open) to obtain an enlarged image in focus from the skin-side surface of the sample to a depth of 100 μm, and then extract the outer area of ​​the fibers in focus based on the enlarged image. The surface formed there was defined as a fiber space. The diameter of the largest inscribed circle in the fiber space was defined as the fiber space distance, and the average value of 100 fiber spaces was defined as the average inter-fiber distance. The fiber density of the backsheet 21 may be higher than the fiber density of the topsheet 11. Because the fibers of the backsheet 21 are dense and the fibers of the topsheet 11 are sparse, visibility through the backsheet 21 is low and visibility through the topsheet 11 is high, making it easy to view the test member 60 from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 and difficult to view the test member 60 from the non-skin side T2 of the absorbent article 1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 8 , the test member 60 is divided into five equal regions in the second direction (the width direction W in this embodiment). The five regions include a center region RC located at the center of the test member 60 in the second direction and side regions RS located at both ends of the test member 60 in the second direction. The center region RC straddles the center of the test member 60 in the second direction. The side regions RS extend from the outer edges of the test member 60 in the second direction to the inside in the second direction (in the case where the second direction is the width direction as in this embodiment, from the outer edges 60E of the test member in the width direction to the inside in the width direction). The display unit 62 may be located at least in the center region RC. The display unit 62 may extend outward in the second direction beyond the center region RC, may be located between the center region RC and the side regions RS, or may be continuously located from the center region RC to the side regions RS.

[0058] The average thickness of the center region RC of the test member 60 may be greater than the average thickness of the side regions RS of the test member 60. The center region RC has a greater average thickness than the side regions RS, ensuring a larger volume of space for the movement of excrement components. Therefore, excrement components are more likely to move along the first direction in the center region RC, and a color reaction is more likely to occur in the indicator 62 in the center region RC. By causing a color reaction in the center region RC, which is located at the center of the test member 60 in the second direction, the wearer can easily visually recognize the color reaction, improving the visibility of the test results. Additionally, the edges of the test member 60 in the second direction are surrounded by regions that absorb excrement, such as the absorbent core 31 and top sheet 11, and visibility may be reduced by excrement absorbed in the surrounding regions. On the other hand, the center region RC is located away from the excrement absorbed in the surrounding regions, making visibility less likely to be reduced by the excrement. Therefore, the color reaction in the indicator 62 in the center region RC allows the wearer to easily understand the test results. The average thickness may be calculated by measuring 10 points in each region using a cross-sectional photograph of a cross section taken along the second direction (see, for example, FIG. 7 ). The thicknesses of the center region RC and the side regions RS are the distance in the thickness direction between the skin-side surface of the test member 60 and the non-skin-side surface of the test member 60 in each region. The thickness of the indicator 62 is the distance in the thickness direction between the skin-side surface of the indicator 62 and the non-skin-side surface of the indicator 62. The thickness of the top sheet 11 is the distance in the thickness direction between the skin-side surface of the top sheet 11 and the surface of the top sheet 11. The side regions RS are located at both ends of the test member 60 in the second direction. The average thickness of at least one side region RS may be thinner than the average thickness of the center region RC, but preferably the average thickness of both side regions RS may be thinner than the average thickness of the center region RC.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 6 and other figures, the test member 60 is composed of multiple components each having a different function, such as a moving section 66 and a display section 62. The top sheet 11 may cover at least a portion of the test member 60, but it may also cover the entire test member 60. In a configuration in which the average thickness of the side regions RS is thinner than the average thickness of the center region RC and the top sheet 11 covers the entire test member 60, the edges of the test member 60 are less likely to get caught, even if external forces are applied to the test member 60 due to the wearer's movements or other factors. This prevents curling of the edges of the test member 60 and misalignment between the components constituting the test member 60, thereby maintaining test accuracy. Furthermore, preventing curling and creasing of the edges of the test member also prevents localized changes in the thickness and density of each component. Localized changes in thickness and density may impede the movement of excrement components in the affected areas or hinder color reactions. However, it is possible to suppress local variations in the thickness and density of each component, and to suppress a decrease in inspection accuracy.

[0060] The density of the center region RC is lower than that of the side regions RS. The density can be calculated by cutting each region with the same planar dimensions within the range including the cross-section where the average thickness was measured, and using the weight of each region and the average thickness. The components within and between the components in the center region RC are less dense than those in the side regions RS, while the components within and between the components in the side regions RS are denser than those in the center region RC. Excrement components moving in the test member 60 tend to move more easily in the relatively sparse center region RC and less easily in the relatively dense side regions RS. Therefore, excrement components tend to move more easily in the first direction in the center region RC, and a color reaction is more likely to occur in the indicator 62 in the center region RC. By showing a color reaction at the center of the test member in the second direction, the wearer can easily visually recognize the color reaction, improving the visibility of the test results.

[0061] In a cross section along the second direction, the average thickness of the indicator 62 in the center region RC may be thicker than the average thickness of the indicator 62 in the side region RS. The indicator 62 in the center region RC is more likely to show a color reaction. By making it easier for a color reaction to occur in the center of the test member 60 in the second direction, the wearer can more easily visually recognize the color reaction, improving the visibility of the test results. In a configuration in which the indicator is formed by an indicator disposed on a membrane, as in the present embodiment, the average thickness of the membrane in the center region RC may be thicker than the average thickness of the membrane in the side region RS.

[0062] The average thickness of the top sheet 11 in the region covering the side region RS may be thicker than the average thickness of the top sheet 11 in the region covering the center region RC. Because the average thickness of the top sheet 11 covering the center region RC is thin, in the center region RC, bodily fluid can be quickly guided from the top sheet 11 side to the test member 60 side without being retained in the top sheet 11. This makes it easier for a color reaction to occur in the indicator 62 in the center region RC. By causing a color reaction to occur in the center of the test member 60 in the second direction, the wearer can easily visually recognize the color reaction, improving the visibility of the test results. The side regions RS are located at both end portions of the test member 60 in the second direction. The average thickness of the top sheet 11 covering at least one side region RS may be thicker than the average thickness of the top sheet 11 covering the center region RC, but preferably, the average thickness of both top sheets 11 covering both side regions may be thicker than the average thickness of the top sheet 11 covering the center region RC.

[0063] In a configuration in which the average thickness of the top sheet 11 in the area covering the side region RS is thicker than the average thickness of the top sheet 11 in the area covering the center region RC, and the entire area of ​​the inspection member 60 is covered by the top sheet 11, since the thickness of the top sheet 11 covering the side region RS is relatively thick, the top sheet 11 can absorb external forces on the edges of the inspection member, preventing curling at the edges of the inspection member and misalignment between the components of the inspection member 60.

[0064] The density of the top sheet 11 in the region covering the center region RC may be higher than the density of the top sheet 11 in the region covering the side regions RS. Because the density of the top sheet 11 covering the center region RC is relatively high and the density of the top sheet 11 covering the side regions RS is relatively low, the top sheet 11 can guide excrement from the side regions RS to the center region RC and guide excrement components to the center in the second direction, thereby promoting a color reaction at the center of the test member 60 in the second direction.

[0065] To further promote the color reaction at the center of the test member 60 in the second direction, the indicator 62 at the center in the second direction may be configured to stand out. For example, the area ratio of the indicator 62 in the center region RC may be configured to be higher than the area ratio of the indicator 62 in the side regions RS. Alternatively, the basis weight of the indicator constituting the indicator 62 may be different, and the basis weight of the indicator in the center region RC may be higher than the basis weight of the indicator in the side regions RS.

[0066] The first direction may be the front-to-rear direction L, and the second direction may be the width direction W. When worn, the absorbent article 1 is pinched between the legs and is susceptible to forces directed from the outside to the inside in the width direction W. Therefore, the outer edges of the test member 60, which are the edges in the width direction, are more susceptible to external forces than the center of the test member 60 in the width direction W. However, when the average thickness of the side regions RS is thinner than the average thickness of the center region RC, the relatively thin side regions RS are less susceptible to external forces, suppressing deformation in the outer portions of the test member 60 and allowing a color reaction based on the excrement components to occur without inhibiting the movement of the excrement components. Furthermore, when the average thickness of the top sheet 11 in the regions covering the side regions RS is thicker than the average thickness of the top sheet 11 in the region covering the center region RC, the relatively thick top sheet 11 absorbs external forces applied to the side regions RS, suppressing deformation in the outer portions of the test member 60 and allowing a color reaction based on the excrement components to occur without inhibiting the movement of the excrement components. Furthermore, when the density of the side region RS located on the outer part of the test member 60 is high, deformation of the outer part of the test member 60 is suppressed, and a color reaction based on the excrement components can be exhibited without hindering the movement of the excrement components.

[0067] The inspection member 60 may be arranged biased to one side in the front-to-rear direction L with respect to the center of the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-rear direction L, and the contact portion 64 may be arranged at an end of the inspection member 60 on the other side in the front-to-rear direction L. For example, the inspection member 60 may be biased forward with respect to the center of the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-rear direction L, and the contact portion 64 may be arranged at a rear end of the inspection member 60. Alternatively, the inspection member 60 may be biased rearward with respect to the center of the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-rear direction L, and the contact portion 64 may be arranged at a front end of the inspection member 60. The contact portion 64 is arranged at the end of the inspection member 60 on the other side in the front-to-rear direction, and is located toward the center of the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-rear direction L, making it easy to position it near the excretory opening. Therefore, the contact portion 64 can smoothly draw in excrement. Preferably, the inspection member 60 may be biased forward with respect to the center of the absorbent article 1 in the front-to-rear direction L. With this configuration, the test member 60 is easily visible to the wearer, allowing the wearer to easily recognize the presence of the test member 60 and easily visually confirm the test results. The other end of the contact portion 64 may be covered by a non-skin-side sheet rather than by a skin-side sheet (described later). The other end of the contact portion is covered by a liquid-impermeable non-skin-side sheet, which prevents contact with excrement from the non-skin side relative to the test member 60, while being uncovered by the skin-side sheet makes it easier for excrement from the skin side to come into contact with the other end of the contact portion.

[0068] The inspection member 60 may be arranged in a central portion in the width direction W of the absorbent article 1. At least a part of the inspection member 60 may be arranged in a central portion in the width direction W of the absorbent article 1. This configuration makes it easier to arrange the contact portion 64 facing the excretion opening. By arranging the inspection member 60 facing the excretion opening, it is easier to guide excrement to the inspection member 60, and after inspection by the inspection member, the wearer can easily understand the inspection results. The central portion in the width direction W of the absorbent article 1 includes the center of the width direction W of the absorbent article 1, and may be in a range of 10 mm outward from the center in the width direction. Preferably, the inspection member 60 may be arranged across the center of the width direction W of the absorbent article 1. The contact portion 64 of the inspection member 60 may be arranged in the crotch region S3.

[0069] In a plan view of the absorbent article, the inspection member 60 may be disposed at an angle with respect to the front-to-rear direction L of the absorbent article 1. The inspection member 60 disposed at an angle with respect to the front-to-rear direction L may be disposed such that the outer edge of the inspection member 60 in the width direction W is not parallel to the front-to-rear direction L but is inclined, or such that the inspection center line connecting the center of the width direction W at the front end of the inspection member 60 and the center of the width direction W at the rear end of the inspection member 60 is not parallel to the front-to-rear direction L but is inclined. By slanting the inspection member 60 with respect to the front-to-rear direction L of the absorbent article 1, the inspection member 60 becomes more noticeable relative to the outer edges of other components of the absorbent article 1 (e.g., the top sheet, the absorbent core), making it easier for the wearer to recognize the presence of the inspection member 60. Preferably, the length of the inspection member 60 in the front-to-rear direction L may be longer than the length of the inspection member 60 in the width direction W. This makes it easier for the wearer to recognize the inclined state of the inspection member 60. The angle formed between the inspection center line of the inspection member 60 and the front-rear direction L may be 20 degrees or less, and preferably may be 3 degrees or more and 10 degrees or less.

[0070] The compressing section 35 may have a first compressing section 351 and a second compressing section 352 arranged on either side of the inspection member 60 in the width direction W. The first compressing section 351 and the second compressing section 352 may be arranged at an interval in the width direction W, with the inspection member 60 disposed between the first compressing section 351 and the second compressing section 352. As shown in FIG. 3 , the distance G11 between the first compressing section 351 and the inspection member 60 in the width direction W may be different from the distance G12 between the second compressing section 352 and the inspection member 60 in the width direction W. Note that when comparing the distances G11 and G12, they are compared on the same imaginary line extending parallel to the width direction W. Furthermore, in an embodiment in which a plurality of first compressing sections 351 and a plurality of second compressing sections 352 are provided, the comparison is made between compressing sections having shapes that are symmetrical with respect to a center line that passes through the center of the absorbent article 1 in the width direction and extends in the front-to-rear direction L. The first compressing portion 351 and the second compressing portion 352 may extend in the front-to-rear direction L. By having the first compressing portion 351 and the second compressing portion 352 extend in the front-to-rear direction L, it becomes easier to make the inspection member stand out relatively to the first compressing portion and the second compressing portion. Note that the configuration in which the compressing portion 35 extends in the front-to-rear direction L includes not only a linear configuration extending in the front-to-rear direction, but also a configuration in which a collection of multiple compressing portions arranged at intervals is arranged extending in the front-to-rear direction.

[0071] The outer portion of the inspection member 60 may be formed with convex portions that protrude outward in the width direction W and concave portions that are recessed inward in the width direction W relative to the convex portions. The convex portions and concave portions may be alternately formed in line in the front-to-rear direction L. This configuration makes the outer portion of the inspection member 60 more noticeable, making it easier for the wearer to recognize the presence of the inspection member 60. The widthwise length of the convex portions and the widthwise length of the concave portions may be 20 μm or more and 60 μm or less, and the front-to-rear length of the convex portions and the front-to-rear length of the concave portions may be 50 μm or more and 400 μm or less.

[0072] In a cross section taken along the front-to-rear direction L, the skin-side surface of the test member 60 may be inclined toward the non-skin side T2 from the center of the test member 60 in the front-to-rear direction L toward the outer end of the test member 60. Because the skin-side surface is inclined toward the non-skin side T2 toward the outside of the test member 60 in the front-to-rear direction L, when bodily fluid reaches the skin-side surface of the test member 60, the bodily fluid can be guided toward the non-skin side T2 while being guided toward the outside of the test member 60 in the front-to-rear direction L. This makes it difficult for bodily fluid to remain on the test member 60, thereby preventing bodily fluid from reaching the test member 60 through unintended paths. Furthermore, because the body fluid is unlikely to remain on the test member 60, a decrease in visibility due to remaining body fluid can be prevented.

[0073] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, in a cross section taken along the width direction W, the skin-side surface of the test member 60 may be inclined toward the non-skin side T2 from the center of the width direction W of the test member 60 toward the outer edge of the test member 60. Because the test member 60 is inclined toward the non-skin side T2 toward the outer edge of the width direction W, when bodily fluid reaches the skin-side surface of the test member 60, the bodily fluid can be guided toward the non-skin side T2 while being guided toward the outer edge of the width direction W of the test member 60. This makes it difficult for bodily fluid to remain on the test member 60, thereby preventing bodily fluid from reaching the test member 60 through unintended paths. Furthermore, this also makes it difficult for bodily fluid to remain on the test member 60, thereby preventing a decrease in visibility due to remaining bodily fluid. To determine whether the skin-side surface of the test member is inclined toward the non-skin side, a photograph of a cross section taken along the front-to-rear direction or the width direction of the test member may be used to visually confirm whether the test member has an inclined portion. Alternatively, the test member may be divided into five equal parts in the front-to-back or width direction, and the position of the skin surface of the central portion may be compared with the position of the skin surface of the end portion to determine whether the skin surface of the test member is inclined toward the non-skin side. The configuration in which the skin surface of the test member is inclined toward the non-skin side may be such that the end portions of the test member are pressed more tightly than the center and have a higher density, or such that the number of materials or basis weight of the material at the end portions of the test member is smaller than that at the center.

[0074] 8, the skin side sheet may be inclined toward the non-skin side from the center in the width direction W of the skin side sheet toward the outer edge in the width direction W of the skin side sheet. Excrement discharged onto the skin side sheet is guided along the skin side sheet from the center in the width direction toward the side in the width direction to the non-skin side. This prevents the excrement from being guided directly to the moving section, and allows the excrement to be guided from the side in the width direction of the inspection member toward the non-skin side.

[0075] The color of the colored antibody provided in the transfer section 66 may be similar to the color of the colored region R20. According to this configuration, the colored antibody can be concealed by the similarly colored colored region R20, making the colored antibody less noticeable. When comparing the color of the colored antibody provided in the transfer section with the color of the colored region, the color of the colored antibody provided in the transfer section itself, i.e., the color of the colored antibody not covered by the colored region, is compared with the color of the colored region. Similar colors include the same color. In this specification, "different" colors refer to a difference in hue of 5 or more (preferably 8 or more, more preferably 10 or more), a difference in brightness of 1 or more (preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more), or a difference in saturation of 1 or more (preferably 2 or more, more preferably 3 or more) in the Munsell color system (100 hues). Furthermore, in this specification, "similar" or "similar colors" refers to a difference in hue of less than 5, lightness of less than 1, or saturation of less than 1 in the Munsell color system (100 hues), and includes cases where the colors are identical. Alternatively, "different" colors may refer to a color difference ΔE of 1 or more, preferably ΔE of 2 or more, more preferably ΔE of 3 or more, and even more preferably ΔE of 5 or more. In this case, "similar" or "similar colors" refer to a color difference ΔE of less than 1. Note that a whitish color is a color with an L* of 70 or more, preferably a color with an L* of 80 or more, and more preferably a color with an L* of 90 or more. The above color difference is measured as follows. (1) Prepare an X-Rite eXact Standard (measuring diameter: 1.5 mm) manufactured by X-Rite. (2) The CIE L*a*b* coordinates of the part of the sample to be measured are measured at 10 or more points at different positions, and the average value ([L1*, a1*, b1*]) is calculated. (3) The L*a*b* coordinates of the part of the sample to be compared are measured at 10 or more points at different positions, and the average value ([L2*, a2*, b2*]) is calculated. (4) The color difference ΔE is calculated using the following formula: It is calculated as follows.

[0076] The color difference between the color of the colored antibody provided in the transfer section 66 and the color of the colored region R20 may be 3.0 or more. While the colored region R20 has the effect of concealing the colored antibody, the color of the colored antibody and the color of the colored region R20 are different, making it easier for the wearer to understand the process of the colored antibody moving during the test and the coloration caused by the complex after the test is completed. This reduces misidentification before use and improves the visibility of the test results.

[0077] The color difference between the area of ​​the colored region R20 that overlaps with the colored antibody in the thickness direction T and the area of ​​the colored region R20 that does not overlap with the colored antibody may be 3.0 or more. The colored region R20 has the effect of concealing the colored antibody while allowing the wearer to identify the area where the colored antibody is located. The wearer can identify the area where the colored antibody is located and handle the absorbent article carefully by identifying parts that may affect the test, such as wearing the absorbent article without touching the area where the colored antibody is located. This prevents a decrease in test accuracy.

[0078] The skin side T1 of the first display portion 62A and the second display portion 62B does not have to be covered by the colored region R20. That is, the colored region R20 may be disposed in a region that does not overlap with the first display portion 62A and the second display portion 62B in the thickness direction T. This configuration ensures visibility of the first display portion 62A and the second display portion 62B from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1, allowing the wearer to understand the test results.

[0079] The brightness of the region where the colored region R20 is arranged on the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 may be lower than the brightness of the region where the first indication unit 62A is arranged after coloring. Because the brightness of the region where the colored region R20 is arranged is lower than the brightness of the region where the first indication unit 62A is arranged, the first indication unit 62A is less noticeable than the colored region R20 when viewed from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 after coloring. This prevents the colored labeled antibody from being visible from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article before use, while making the first indication unit 62A more noticeable after coloring, allowing the wearer to easily understand the test results. Furthermore, the brightness of the region where the colored region R20 is arranged on the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 may be lower than the brightness of the region where the second indication unit 62B is arranged after coloring. Because the brightness of the area where the colored area R20 is arranged is lower than the brightness of the area where the second display unit 62B is arranged, when viewed from the skin side of the absorbent article after coloring, the second display unit 62B is more noticeable than the colored area R20. Thus, while preventing the colored labeled antibody from being visible from the skin side of the absorbent article before use, the second display unit 62B can be made to stand out after coloring, allowing the wearer to easily understand the test results.

[0080] In a modified example, the brightness of the region where the colored region R20 is arranged on the skin side T1 of the absorbent article may be higher than the brightness of the region where the first display unit 62A is arranged after coloring. According to this aspect, the brightness of the region where the colored region R20 is arranged is higher than the brightness of the region where the first display unit 62A is arranged, and when viewed from the skin side of the absorbent article after coloring, the colored region R20 is more noticeable than the first display unit 62A. The visibility of the colored region R20, which does not cover the display unit, makes it easier for the wearer to distinguish between the colored region R20 and the first display unit 62A, and the wearer can easily understand the test results. Furthermore, the brightness of the region where the colored region R20 is arranged on the skin side of the absorbent article may be higher than the brightness of the region where the second display unit 62B is arranged after coloring. According to this aspect, the brightness of the area where the colored area R20 is arranged is higher than the brightness of the area where the second display portion 62B is arranged, and when viewed from the skin side of the absorbent article after coloring, the colored area R20 is more noticeable than the second display portion 62B. Because the colored area R20 that does not cover the display portion is more noticeable, the wearer can easily distinguish between the colored area R20 and the second display portion 62B, and the wearer can easily understand the test results.

[0081] The lightness may be the lightness in the Munsell color system, and can be measured by visual colorimetry, which involves visually judging the color (hue, lightness, and saturation) of the object to be measured by comparing it with a color sample. Specifically, for example, using an expanded version of the Munsell System Color Ruler published by Nippon Shikiken Jigyo Co., Ltd., the lightness can be judged visually by visually comparing the color (hue, lightness, and saturation) of the object to be measured with the Munsell symbols (color sample) on a numerical scale with equal intervals.

[0082] The colored region R20 may be provided on a liquid-impermeable sheet. According to this configuration, the skin side T1 of the colored antibody is covered by the liquid-impermeable sheet. Therefore, excrement can be prevented from reaching the colored antibody side directly from the skin side T1 of the colored antibody. The excrement reaches the area where the colored antibody is provided after passing through a predetermined path (the contact portion in this embodiment). This prevents a decrease in test accuracy due to excrement components other than those required for the test reaching the area where the colored antibody is provided, thereby improving test accuracy. In this embodiment, the sheet on which the colored region R20 is provided is a liquid-impermeable test skin-side sheet 68. The test skin-side sheet 68 does not cover the skin side T1 of a portion of the contact portion 64, but covers the transfer portion 66 and the display portion 62. Therefore, excrement is guided to the transfer portion 66 and the display portion 62 via the contact portion 64, preventing the excrement from reaching the transfer portion and the display portion directly. The contact part acts as a filter and can guide excrement components required for testing from the excrement to the transfer part and the display part.

[0083] The liquid-impermeable sheet provided with the colored region R20 may have a high-transmittance region R25 having a visible light transmittance higher than that of the colored region R20. The display unit 62 may be covered by the high-transmittance region R25. The high-transmittance region may be a region of the liquid-impermeable sheet where no colored region is provided. Because the display unit 62 is covered by the high-transmittance region R25, visibility of the display unit 62 can be ensured. Furthermore, by covering the skin side T1 of the display unit 62 with the liquid-impermeable sheet, it is possible to prevent excrement from reaching the display unit directly from the skin side. The high-transmittance region R25 may cover at least a portion of the display unit 62, but preferably covers the entire display unit 62.

[0084] The colored region R20 may have a first colored region R21 that covers the colored antibody of the moving portion, and a second colored region R22 that covers the skin side T1 of the absorbent portion 67. By covering the absorbent portion 67 with the second colored region R22, the colored absorbent portion 67 becomes difficult to see when the wearer views the absorbent article 1 from the skin side T1. Making the colored absorbent portion 67 difficult to see makes the display portion 62 stand out relatively, and improves the visibility of the test results.

[0085] The first colored region R21 and the second colored region R22 may be arranged at an interval in the front-to-rear direction L. The display unit 62 may be arranged between the colored regions R20 in the front-to-rear direction L. By covering the moving portion 66 and the absorbing portion 67 with the colored region R20 and arranging the display unit 62 between the colored regions R20, the moving portion 66 and the absorbing portion 67 are concealed, making the display unit 62 stand out relatively, and making it easier for the wearer to focus on the test results.

[0086] Furthermore, by providing the first colored region R21 and the second colored region R22 on either side of the display unit 62 in the front-to-back direction L, the range in which the test results are displayed can be indicated to the wearer. The first and second display units 62A and 62B change color by capturing the complex and the labeled antibody. Before coloring, they are difficult to see from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1. This can make it difficult for the wearer to identify the area in which the test results are displayed. However, by sandwiching the display unit 62 between the first and second colored regions R21 and R22, the area in which the test results are displayed is divided by the first and second colored regions R21 and R22, making it easier for the wearer to identify the area in which the test results are displayed. The areas of the first and second colored regions R21 and R22 may be larger than the combined area of ​​the first and second display units 62A and 62B. By increasing the area of ​​the first colored region R21 and the area of ​​the second colored region R22, the area in which the test result is displayed becomes clearer. In the vertically elongated test member 60 as in the present embodiment, the length in the front-rear direction L of the first colored region R21 and the length in the front-rear direction L of the second colored region R22 may be longer than the total length of the front-rear direction L of the first display portion 62A and the length in the front-rear direction L of the second display portion 62B. By increasing the length in the front-rear direction L of the first colored region R21 and the length in the front-rear direction L of the second colored region R22, the area in which the test result is displayed becomes clearer.

[0087] The absorbent article 1 has a cover sheet 80 that is disposed on the non-skin side T2 of the test member 60 and overlaps the test member 60 in the thickness direction T. The cover sheet 80 may be a sheet that covers at least a portion of the non-skin side of the test member 60, or may cover the entire non-skin side of the test member 60. The cover sheet 80 of this embodiment is formed from an auxiliary sheet 15 and is disposed so as to cover the non-skin side of the test member 60 via the second adhesive region 552. The diffusion length of the contact portion 64 may be longer than the diffusion length of the cover sheet 80. Because the diffusion length of the contact portion 64 is longer than the diffusion length of the cover sheet 80, excrement that reaches the contact portion 64 easily moves and diffuses within the contact portion 64. By increasing the diffusion of excrement in the contact portion 64, even a small amount of excrement can be guided to the movement portion 66 and the display portion 62, thereby reliably obtaining test results.

[0088] Here, the diffusion length indicates the ease of diffusion of the target substance (excrement components, body fluids), and the longer the diffusion length, the more the target substance diffuses within. The diffusion length can be measured, for example, by the following method. First, a sample to be measured and an artificial body fluid are prepared. The sample is 5 mm wide x 20 mm long. The artificial body fluid has a viscosity of 18.7 mPa·s at 23°C. Its formulation is as follows: 26.895 g of NaCl (salt), 1.5 g of carboxymethyl cellulose, and 0.3 g of Blue No. 1 dye are added to 6 L of distilled water in the first addition, and then the same amount of each type is added in the second addition. 10 μl of the artificial body fluid is dropped onto the longitudinal end of each sample using a pipette. The diffusion state of the body fluid is observed one minute after the drop, and the longitudinal length of the region into which the body fluid has diffused is measured. This measurement is taken as the diffusion length. By comparing the lengths of the diffused regions, the region with a longer length is determined to have a longer diffusion length. The length direction defining the diffusion length is the length direction of the sample (20 mm direction), and the length direction of the sample may be along the movement direction (first direction) of the excrement components in the test member. The comparison of diffusion lengths in this application may be a comparison of diffusion lengths in the first direction. This diffusion length evaluation method assumes that the sample being measured is one in which liquid diffuses in the thickness direction, such as a nonwoven fabric. For materials such as films in which liquid does not diffuse in the thickness direction, the diffusion length in this application is considered to be zero. When it is difficult to measure the diffusion length of the absorbent core using only the absorbent core 31, the measurement may be performed with the core wrap sheet included.

[0089] The cover sheet 80 may be disposed between the test member 60 and the absorbent core 31. According to this configuration, the cover sheet 80 has a relatively short diffusion length, so that excrement reaching the contact portion 64 is less likely to be guided to the absorbent core 31 via the cover sheet 80 and more likely to diffuse within the contact portion 64. By increasing the diffusion of excrement in the contact portion 64, even a small amount of excrement can be guided to the transfer portion 66 and the display portion 62, thereby ensuring reliable test results. To prevent excrement reaching the contact portion 64 from being guided to the absorbent core 31, the cover sheet 80 may be a liquid-impermeable sheet that covers the non-skin side of the contact portion 64. Covering the non-skin side of the contact portion 64 with a liquid-impermeable sheet prevents excrement reaching the contact portion 64 from being guided to the non-skin side, further promoting the diffusion of excrement within the contact portion 64. In this embodiment, the non-skin side of the contact portion 64 is covered with a liquid-impermeable test non-skin side sheet 69. Therefore, the non-skin-side test sheet 69 can prevent excrement from moving from the contact portion 64 to the non-skin side. The cover sheet 80, which is made of a liquid-impermeable sheet, has a diffusion length of 0 mm. By having a diffusion length of 0 mm, excrement components are not drawn into the cover sheet 80, and diffusion of the excrement components within the test member 60 can be further promoted.

[0090] The diffusion length of the contact portion 64 may be longer than the diffusion length of the absorbent core 31. According to this configuration, the contact portion 64 diffuses excrement more easily than the cover sheet 80 and the absorbent core 31. Therefore, excrement that reaches the contact portion 64 diffuses more easily within the contact portion 64 than within the cover sheet 80 and the absorbent core 31. Even a small amount of excrement can guide the excrement components from the contact portion 64 to the transfer portion 66 and the display portion 62, thereby ensuring reliable test results.

[0091] The cover sheet 80 is liquid permeable, and the diffusion length of the cover sheet 80 may be shorter than the diffusion length of the absorbent core 31. According to this configuration, the diffusion length relationship is cover sheet < absorbent core < contact portion. Therefore, excrement guided into the absorbent article 1 from the skin-side surface of the absorbent article 1 is drawn into the contact portion 64, which is located closer to the skin side T1 than the cover sheet 80, and diffuses in the contact portion 64. Furthermore, because the cover sheet 80 is liquid permeable and the diffusion length relationship is cover sheet < absorbent core, excrement that reaches the cover sheet is easily guided from the cover sheet 80 toward the absorbent core 31. Excrement that reaches the cover sheet 80 can be guided to the absorbent core 31 without being excessively diffused within the cover sheet 80. By quickly guiding excrement guided to the non-skin side T2 of the test member 60 to the absorbent core 31, it is possible to prevent excrement guided to the non-skin side T2 of the test member 60 from returning to the contact portion 64.

[0092] As a configuration for ensuring the diffusion of excrement in the contact portion 64, the diffusion length of the contact portion 64 in the above-mentioned diffusion length measurement may be preferably 10 mm or more, and more preferably 15 mm or more. Furthermore, the diffusion length of the contact portion 64 in the diffusion length measurement may be longer than the diffusion length of the cover sheet 80, and is preferably 5 mm or more longer than the diffusion length of the cover sheet 80. Similarly, the diffusion length of the contact portion 64 in the diffusion length measurement may be longer than the diffusion length of the absorbent core 31, and is preferably 3 mm or more longer than the diffusion length of the absorbent core 31. As a configuration for suppressing the diffusion of excrement in the cover sheet 80, the diffusion length of the cover sheet 80 may be less than 3 mm, and is preferably 0 mm. The absorbent core 31 is configured to draw excrement from the cover sheet side while suppressing the diffusion of excrement, and the diffusion length of the absorbent core 31 may be 3 mm or more and less than 5 mm. The cover sheet 80 only needs to be configured to be less susceptible to diffusion of bodily fluids in the planar direction than the contact portion 64, and may be configured from a liquid-permeable sheet (e.g., nonwoven fabric) or a liquid-impermeable sheet (e.g., film). A liquid-permeable cover sheet can quickly guide excrement through the cover sheet 80 to the absorbent core 31, thereby preventing the area around the test member 60 from becoming soiled with excrement. A liquid-impermeable cover sheet can further promote the diffusion of excrement components within the test member 60 without drawing excrement components into the cover sheet 80.

[0093] The top sheet 11 and the contact portion 64 may abut against each other. According to this embodiment, excrement can be quickly and efficiently guided from the top sheet 11 to the contact portion 64. In this embodiment, a skin-side coversheet 18 is disposed between the top sheet 11 and the test member 60. As shown in FIG. 6 , the skin-side coversheet 18 is disposed so as not to cover a portion of the skin side T1 of the contact portion. The top sheet 11 and the contact portion 64 abut against each other in the area where the skin-side coversheet 18 does not cover the contact portion. The diffusion length of the skin-side coversheet 18 may be shorter than the diffusion length of the contact portion 64. Preferably, the skin-side coversheet 18 is a liquid-impermeable sheet, and the diffusion length of the skin-side coversheet 18 may be 0 mm. In the area where the test member 60 is not covered by the skin-side coversheet 18 (specifically, the contact portion), excrement is guided into the test member. Since the diffusion length of the skin-side cover sheet 18 covering the skin side of the test member and the diffusion length of the cover sheet 80 covering the non-skin side of the test member are both 0 mm, the outflow of excrement from within the test member to the outside in the thickness direction is suppressed, making it easier for excrement to diffuse within the test member 60.

[0094] The diffusion length of the top sheet 11 may be shorter than the diffusion length of the contact portion 64. According to this embodiment, excrement can be guided from the top sheet 11 to the contact portion 64 without excessive diffusion in the top sheet 11. Therefore, even a small amount of excrement can be guided to the transfer portion 66 and the display portion 62 via the contact portion 64, thereby reliably obtaining test results. As a configuration for suppressing the diffusion of excrement in the top sheet 11, the diffusion length of the top sheet 11 may be less than 7 mm. Furthermore, the diffusion length of the top sheet 11 may be longer than the diffusion length of the cover sheet 80 and may be longer than the diffusion length of the absorbent core. Because the diffusion length of the top sheet 11 is relatively long, bodily fluids such as sweat during use, rather than urine or vaginal discharge for health checks, can be diffused in areas other than the vaginal opening, thereby suppressing stuffiness.

[0095] The diffusion length of the contact portion 64 may be longer than the diffusion length of the transfer portion 66. According to this embodiment, excrement easily diffuses within the contact portion 64 and is easily guided to the transfer portion 66 and the display portion 62 via the contact portion 64. The contact portion 64 acts as a filter, guiding excrement components necessary for testing from the excrement to the transfer portion and the display portion. Furthermore, the diffusion length of the transfer portion 66 is relatively short. If excrement components easily diffuse within the transfer portion 66, the excrement components initially drawn in may come into contact with many antibodies, making it difficult for later-drawn bodily fluids to come into contact with the antibodies. However, because the diffusion length of the transfer portion 66 is relatively short and the excrement components are less likely to spread in the thickness direction during diffusion within the transfer portion 66, the probability of contact with antibodies within the transfer portion 66 can be increased.

[0096] The thickness of the transfer section 66 may be thicker than the thickness of the contact section 64. According to this embodiment, the excrement components diffused within the contact section 64 are guided to the relatively thick transfer section 66. Because the transfer section is thick, the amount of labeled antibody contained in the transfer section 66 can be increased, making it easier for the labeled antibody to come into contact with the excrement components. In a transfer section having multiple components as in this embodiment, it is sufficient that at least one of the thickness of the conjugate pad 66X and the thickness of the membrane 66Y is thicker than the thickness of the contact section 64.

[0097] The migration section 66 may include a first migration section (conjugate pad 66X) having labeled antibodies that undergo antigen-antibody reactions with excrement components, which are components contained in excrement, and a second migration section (membrane 66Y) that guides the complexes obtained by the antigen-antibody reactions to the display section 62. In this embodiment, the display section 62 is disposed on the membrane, and a portion of the membrane (the region that guides the complexes from the conjugate pad 66X to the display section 62) constitutes the second display section. The diffusion length of the first migration section may be shorter than the diffusion length of the second migration section. According to this configuration, the diffusion length relationship is contact section > second migration section > first migration section. Because the diffusion length of the first migration section is short, it is possible to easily bring the labeled antibodies and excrement components into contact within the first migration section. Furthermore, because the diffusion length of the second migration section is relatively long, the complexes obtained by the antigen-antibody reactions can be smoothly guided to the display section, allowing the test results to be displayed quickly and reliably.

[0098] The "cover sheet" in this embodiment is constituted by the auxiliary sheet 15. However, in a modified example, the absorbent article may have a liquid-impermeable non-skin-side cover sheet that covers the non-skin side T2 of the test member 60, and this non-skin-side cover sheet may constitute the "cover sheet" of the present invention. The non-skin-side cover sheet 19 (see FIG. 10 ) may be constituted by, for example, a liquid-impermeable film, and may be disposed between the test member 60 and the auxiliary sheet 15 in the thickness direction T.

[0099] The absorbent article 1 may include a first hydrophobic portion 71 having hydrophobic properties that covers the skin side T1 of the display portion 62 of the inspection member. By having the first hydrophobic portion 71 cover the skin side T1 of the display portion 62, it is possible to prevent excrement from reaching the display portion 62 directly from the skin side T1 of the display portion 62. This makes it possible to prevent the visibility of the display portion 62 from being reduced by excrement that has directly reached the display portion 62. Note that it is sufficient for the first hydrophobic portion 71 to cover at least a portion of the skin side T1 of the display portion 62, but it may preferably cover the skin side T1 of the entire display portion 62 (first display portion 62A and second display portion 62B).

[0100] In this embodiment, the first hydrophobic section 71 is composed of the skin-side cover sheet 18 and the test skin-side sheet 68. The first hydrophobic section 71 may be composed of only one of the skin-side cover sheet 18 and the test skin-side sheet 68. Both the skin-side cover sheet 18 and the test skin-side sheet 68 are liquid-impermeable sheets and constitute the "skin-side sheet" of the present invention. That is, the skin-side sheet covers the skin side T1 of the display unit 62. Covering the skin side T1 of the display unit 62 with the liquid-impermeable skin-side sheet prevents excrement from reaching the display unit 62 directly from the skin side T1 of the display unit 62. The skin-side cover sheet 18 is a separate sheet from the test member 60 and is located closer to the skin side T1 than the test skin-side sheet 68. The test skin-side sheet 68 is a sheet that constitutes the test member 60. The test skin side sheet 68 constitutes the "first skin side sheet" of the present invention, and the skin side cover sheet 18 constitutes the "second skin side sheet" of the present invention.

[0101] The hydrophobic portion (including the first hydrophobic portion 71, the second hydrophobic portion 72, and the third hydrophobic portion 73) may be a portion with low liquid permeability, in which liquid permeation is reduced compared to the surrounding area, or a portion with liquid impermeability, in which liquid does not pass through. The hydrophobic portion may be a portion to which a hydrophobic coating agent is applied, or a portion to which a liquid-impermeable sheet is disposed. Examples of the hydrophobic coating agent include an adhesive (HMA type adhesive) and a water repellent agent (silicone). FIG. 3 shows the width direction ranges of the first hydrophobic portion 71, the second hydrophobic portion 72, and the third hydrophobic portion 73.

[0102] The first hydrophobic portion 71 only needs to cover at least the skin side T1 of the display portion 62, and may cover the skin side T1 of the region of the test member 60 other than the display portion 62. The first hydrophobic portion 71 may cover the skin side T1 of the moving portion 66. Covering the skin side T1 of the moving portion with the first hydrophobic portion 71 makes it difficult for excrement to directly reach the moving portion, thereby improving test accuracy. Furthermore, the first hydrophobic portion 71 does not need to cover at least a portion of the skin side T1 of the contact portion 64. Because the first hydrophobic portion 71 does not cover at least a portion of the skin side T1 of the contact portion 64, excrement is guided into the contact portion 64 via at least a portion of the contact portion 64, and then guided to the moving portion 66 via the contact portion 64. Covering the skin side T1 of the moving portion 66 with the first hydrophobic portion 71 prevents excrement from directly reaching the moving portion 66. Therefore, the excrement components required for the test can be guided to the transfer portion 66 via the contact portion 64, improving the test accuracy. Improved test accuracy allows accurate test results to be displayed quickly, allowing the wearer to easily understand the test results. While it is sufficient for the first hydrophobic portion 71 to cover at least a portion of the skin side T1 of the transfer portion 66, it is preferable for the first hydrophobic portion 71 to cover the skin side T1 of the entire transfer portion 66.

[0103] The first hydrophobic portion 71 may be disposed so as to cover the skin side T1 of a portion other than the contact portion 64. The first hydrophobic portion 71 can be configured so that excrement comes into direct contact only with a predetermined region (a portion) of the contact portion 64, and the portion other than the contact portion 64 is likely to exhibit a filtering function that moves only the necessary components to the transfer portion 66 side.

[0104] The skin-side sheet (in this embodiment, the skin-side cover sheet 18) constituting the first hydrophobic portion 71 may be positioned closer to the skin side T1 than the test member 60 and may be positioned across the contact portion 64, the moving portion 66, and the display portion 62. The skin-side sheet spans the contact portion 64, the moving portion 66, and the display portion 62, and is continuous from the contact portion 64 to the display portion 62. The continuous first hydrophobic portion 71 prevents excrement from penetrating the test member through gaps between the first hydrophobic portions 71, thereby preventing excrement from reaching the test member via unintended routes. The skin-side sheet constituting the first hydrophobic portion 71 may cover only a portion of the skin side of the contact portion 64 (it does not have to cover the entire contact portion), preferably covering less than 50% of the entire area of ​​the contact portion, more preferably less than 20% of the entire area of ​​the contact portion, and even more preferably less than 10% of the entire area of ​​the contact portion.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 6 , a hollow portion HP may be formed between the skin-side sheet and the display unit 62. That is, the non-skin-side surface of the skin-side sheet and the skin-side surface of the display unit 62 may be spaced apart in the thickness direction T. According to this configuration, when a force is applied from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 toward the test member 60 due to pressure during wear, the hollow portion HP can absorb the pressure from the skin side T1. This prevents the display unit 62 from being crushed by pressure during wear, allowing the display unit 62 to display the test results. In this embodiment, in the region anterior to the display unit 62, the absorbent unit 67 and the second colored region R22 are disposed between the membrane 66Y and the test skin-side sheet 68. In the region posterior to the display unit 62, the conjugate pad 66X and the sample pad 64Z are disposed between the membrane 66Y and the test skin-side sheet 68. Therefore, a hollow portion HP is formed between the display portion 62 and the skin-side sheet, preventing the display portion 62 from being pressed by the skin-side sheet. Preferably, the thickness of the sample pad 64Z and the conjugate pad 66X may be 0.5 mm or greater. The hollow portion HP is a space formed between the components constituting the test member. The hollow portion HP may be provided in an area other than between the skin-side sheet and the display portion 62 (between the test skin-side sheet 68 and the display portion). As shown in FIG. 8 , the hollow portion HP may be provided between the sample pad 64Z and the non-test skin-side sheet 69, between the conjugate pad 66X and the colored region R20, or between the membrane 66Y and the test skin-side sheet 68.

[0106] The visible light transmittance of the skin-side sheet constituting the first hydrophobic portion 71 may be higher than the visible light transmittance of the absorbent core 31. Because the visible light transmittance of the skin-side sheet constituting the first hydrophobic portion 71 is relatively high, it is possible to prevent the presence of the skin-side sheet from reducing the visibility of the test member 60. By covering the display portion 62 with the skin-side sheet, it is possible to prevent the visibility of the display portion 62 from being reduced by excrement that reaches the display portion 62 directly from the skin side T1, while also preventing the reduction in visibility of the test member 60 due to the high visible light transmittance.

[0107] The absorbent article 1 may include a second hydrophobic portion 72 having hydrophobic properties and covering the non-skin side T2 of the indicator 62 of the test member 60. The absorbent core 31 may be positioned closer to the non-skin side T2 than the second hydrophobic portion 72. Because the second hydrophobic portion 72 covers the non-skin side T2 of the indicator 62 and is positioned between the test member 60 and the absorbent core 31, it is possible to prevent excrement absorbed in the absorbent core 31 from directly transferring to the indicator 62. It is possible to prevent the visibility of the indicator 62 from being reduced by excrement absorbed in the absorbent core 31. The test member 60 is positioned closer to the skin side T1 than the absorbent core 31, and the skin side T1 is not covered by the absorbent core 31. This makes it easy to ensure the visibility of the indicator 62 when viewed from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1. The wearer can easily understand the test results. The second hydrophobic portion 72 may cover at least a portion of the non-skin side T2 of the display portion 62, but preferably may cover the entire non-skin side T2 of the display portion 62 (the first display portion 62A and the second display portion 62B).

[0108] In this embodiment, the second hydrophobic portion 72 is formed by the non-skin-side test sheet 69. The non-skin-side test sheet 69 is a liquid-impermeable sheet and constitutes the "non-skin-side sheet" of the present invention. That is, the non-skin-side sheet covers the non-skin-side T2 of the display portion 62. Covering the non-skin-side T2 of the display portion 62 with a liquid-impermeable non-skin-side sheet prevents excrement absorbed in the absorbent core 31 from migrating to the display portion 62, thereby preventing excrement migrating from the absorbent core 31 from reducing the visibility of the display portion 62. In a modified example, a non-skin-side cover sheet constituting the second hydrophobic portion may be provided between the test member 60 and the auxiliary sheet 15. The non-skin-side cover sheet may be a separate sheet from the test member 60 and may be located closer to the non-skin-side T2 than the non-skin-side test sheet 69. The non-skin-side test sheet 69 is a sheet that constitutes the test member 60. The non-skin-side test sheet 69 constitutes the "first non-skin-side sheet" of the present invention. The non-skin side cover sheet constitutes the "second non-skin side sheet" of the present invention.

[0109] The second hydrophobic portion 72 only needs to cover at least the non-skin side T2 of the display portion 62, and may cover the non-skin side T2 of an area of ​​the test member 60 other than the display portion 62. The second hydrophobic portion 72 may cover the non-skin side T2 of the contact portion 64 and the non-skin side T2 of the moving portion 66. Because the second hydrophobic portion 72 covers the non-skin side T2 of the contact portion 64 and the non-skin side T2 of the moving portion 66, it is possible to prevent excrement absorbed in the absorbent core 31 from migrating to the contact portion 64 and the moving portion 66. This allows excrement components necessary for the test to be guided to the moving portion 66 via the contact portion 64, improving test accuracy. Improved test accuracy allows accurate test results to be displayed quickly, allowing the wearer to easily understand the test results. The second hydrophobic portion 72 may cover at least a portion of the non-skin side T2 of the moving portion 66 and at least a portion of the non-skin side T2 of the contact portion 64, but preferably may cover the entire non-skin side T2 of the moving portion 66 and the entire non-skin side T2 of the contact portion 64.

[0110] The non-skin-side cover sheet in the modified example covers the non-skin side T2 of the test member 60 and may be positioned across the outer edge of the test member 60 in the width direction W. The non-skin-side cover sheet, which is separate from the test member 60, can prevent excrement from penetrating into the test member from the non-skin side of the test member. Furthermore, the skin-side cover sheet 18, which serves as the skin-side sheet, covers the skin side T1 of the test member 60 and may be positioned across the outer edge of the test member 60 in the width direction W. The skin-side cover sheet 18, which is separate from the test member 60, can prevent excrement from penetrating into the test member 60 from the skin side T1 of the test member 60.

[0111] The bending rigidity of the non-skin-side cover sheet may be lower than the bending rigidity of the side regions of the test member 60. Because the bending rigidity of the non-skin-side cover sheet covering the non-skin side T2 of the test member 60 is relatively low, the non-skin-side T2 region is more easily deformed than the test member 60, making the test member 60 less likely to feel stiff. Furthermore, because the bending rigidity of the side regions is relatively high, curling of the test member 60 can be suppressed. Furthermore, the bending rigidity of the non-skin-side cover sheet may be lower than the bending rigidity of the test non-skin-side sheet 69. The non-skin-side cover sheet is positioned closer to the non-skin side T2 than the test non-skin-side sheet 69. Because the bending rigidity of the non-skin-side cover sheet covering the non-skin side T2 of the test member 60 is relatively low, the non-skin-side T2 region is more easily deformed than the test member 60, making the test member 60 less likely to feel stiff.

[0112] The bending rigidity of the skin-side cover sheet 18 may be lower than the bending rigidity of the side regions of the test member 60. Because the bending rigidity of the skin-side cover sheet 18 covering the skin side T1 of the test member 60 is relatively low, the region of the skin side T1 is more easily deformed than the test member 60, making the test member 60 less likely to feel stiff. Because the bending rigidity of the side regions is relatively high, curling of the test member 60 is suppressed. The bending rigidity of the skin-side cover sheet 18 may be lower than the bending rigidity of the test skin-side sheet 68. The skin-side cover sheet 18 is positioned closer to the skin side T1 than the test skin-side sheet 68. Because the bending rigidity of the skin-side cover sheet 18 covering the skin side T1 of the test member 60 is relatively low, the region of the skin side T1 is more easily deformed than the test member 60, making the test member 60 less likely to feel stiff.

[0113] Here, the bending rigidity can be measured by the KES method. Specifically, this can be performed using a KES-FB2-AUTO-A bending tester manufactured by Kato Tech Co., Ltd., and samples of a size that allows measurement of both the cover sheet and the test member are prepared. It is preferable to measure the bending rigidity of the test member by cutting out a sample so that it includes the portion containing the antibody, and measuring the rigidity of the portion containing the antibody. Next, each sample is fixed between the chucks of the tester so that the lateral bending rigidity of each sample can be measured. The sample is bent to a maximum curvature of +2.5 cm-1 toward the front, then bent to a maximum curvature of -2.5 cm-1 toward the back, and then returned to its original position. The bending rigidity value is calculated from the average of the slope of the bending moment relative to the curvature when the slope becomes approximately constant after the first bending toward the front, and the slope when the slope becomes approximately constant after the first bending toward the back. This measurement is repeated five times for each sample, and the average value is used as the bending rigidity.

[0114] The skin-side sheet and the non-skin-side sheet may abut at least on the outside in the width direction of the test member 60. The skin-side cover sheet 18 as the skin-side sheet and the non-skin-side cover sheet 19 as the non-skin-side sheet may abut on the outside in the width direction W of the test member 60. The skin-side sheet and the non-skin-side sheet abutting against each other suppress the infiltration of excrement from the skin side T1, the non-skin side T2, and the sides of the test member 60, and suppress excrement from reaching the test member through unintended paths. The skin-side sheet and the non-skin-side sheet may abut on at least on the outside in the front-to-back direction of the test member. In this embodiment, the skin-side cover sheet 18 and the non-skin-side cover sheet abut on the outside in the width direction W of the test member 60. The skin-side cover sheet 18 and the non-skin-side cover sheet abutting against each other prevent excrement from penetrating from the skin side T1, the non-skin side T2, and the sides of the test member 60, thereby preventing excrement from reaching the test member 60 through unintended paths. Preferably, the skin-side cover sheet 18 and the non-skin-side cover sheet may be joined outside the test member 60 in the width direction W. Examples of such joining include joining with an adhesive or joining by welding such as thermal welding. This configuration further prevents excrement from penetrating from the skin side, the non-skin side, and the sides of the test member 60, thereby further improving test accuracy.

[0115] The outer edges of the skin-side sheet and the non-skin-side sheet may be misaligned in the width direction W. That is, the outer edge of the skin-side coversheet 18 may be misaligned in the width direction W with at least one of the outer edges of the non-skin-side coversheet and the outer edge of the test non-skin-side sheet 69. The outer edge of the test skin-side sheet 68 may be misaligned in the width direction with at least one of the outer edges of the non-skin-side coversheet and the outer edge of the test non-skin-side sheet 69. The absorbent article 1 is sandwiched between the legs and receives a force from the outside toward the inside in the width direction W. At this time, the outer edges of the non-skin-side sheet and the outer edges of the skin-side sheet are misaligned in the width direction, and multiple deformation base points are provided at intervals in the width direction W, gradually weakening the force received from the outside in the width direction W. This allows the shape of the test member 60 to be maintained while also softening the impact on the legs and reducing discomfort when worn. Furthermore, the outer edge of the skin-side cover sheet 18 and the outer edge of the test skin-side sheet 68 may be misaligned in the width direction W, and the outer edge of the non-skin-side cover sheet and the outer edge of the test non-skin-side sheet 69 may be misaligned in the width direction W. With this configuration, the outer edges of the sheets are arranged in more stages, providing more deformation base points and gradually weakening the force acting from the outside in the width direction toward the test member.

[0116] The outer edge of the test member 60 in the front-to-rear direction may be covered by at least one of the first non-skin-side sheet (test non-skin-side sheet 69), the second non-skin-side sheet (non-skin-side cover sheet), the first skin-side sheet (test skin-side sheet 68), and the second skin-side sheet (skin-side cover sheet 18). Covering the outer edge of the test member with any of the sheets can reduce discomfort when worn due to the rigidity of the test member. In the front-to-rear direction L, the outer edge of the first non-skin-side sheet, the outer edge of the second non-skin-side sheet, the outer edge of the first skin-side sheet, and the outer edge of the second skin-side sheet may be offset. Note that it is sufficient if at least one of the outer edges of the four sheets is offset, and preferably, all of the outer edges of each sheet may be offset. Since the outer edge of the first non-skin side sheet, the outer edge of the second non-skin side sheet, the outer edge of the first skin side sheet, and the outer edge of the second skin side sheet are offset in the front-to-back direction, multiple deformation base points can be provided at intervals in the front-to-back direction, and the absorbent article having the inspection member can be positioned along the front-to-back curves of the body.

[0117] The absorbent article 1 may include third hydrophobic portions 73 that are disposed on both sides of the test member 60 in the width direction W and have hydrophobic properties. The third hydrophobic portions 73 are disposed outward in the width direction from the outer edges of the test member 60 in the width direction W, and suppress the intrusion of excrement from the sides of the test member 60. The length in the width direction W of each third hydrophobic portion 73 may be longer than the length in the width direction W of the test member 60. The length in the width direction W of the third hydrophobic portion 73 is longer than the length in the width direction W of the test member 60, and can suppress the intrusion of excrement from the sides of the test member over a wide range extending from the test member 60 outward in the width direction W. This makes it difficult for excrement to be disposed adjacent to the sides of the test member, and suppresses a decrease in the visibility of the test member due to excrement accumulating on the sides of the test member. The third hydrophobic portion 73 in the embodiment is composed of a portion that extends outward in the width direction W from the inspection member on the non-skin side cover sheet, and a portion that extends outward in the width direction W from the inspection member on the skin side cover sheet 18.

[0118] The skin side T1 of the test member 60 may be covered with a sheet that is less breathable than the top sheet 11. The sheet that is less breathable than the top sheet 11 may have lower breathability than the top sheet 11, or may be non-breathable. Covering the skin side of the test member 60 with a sheet that is less breathable than the top sheet 11 prevents the test member 60 from drying out from the skin side T1 of the test member 60. The test member 60 can maintain an appropriate humidity level, and when excrement and excrement components are guided, the excrement components can be smoothly transported, allowing for appropriate testing. In this embodiment, a skin-side cover sheet 18 is disposed on the non-skin side T2 of the top sheet 11 and on the skin side T1 of the test member 60. The skin-side cover sheet 18 is made of a transparent resin film, and the breathability of the skin-side cover sheet 18 is lower than the breathability of the top sheet 11. The skin-side cover sheet 18 constitutes a sheet that is less breathable than the top sheet 11. Furthermore, the widthwise length and front-to-rear length of the skin-side cover sheet 18 are shorter than those of the members (e.g., the top sheet 11, the auxiliary sheet 15, and the absorbent core 31) arranged around the skin-side cover sheet 18, and the breathability of the members arranged around the skin-side cover sheet 18 is higher than that of the skin-side cover sheet 18. The high breathability of the members arranged around the skin can ensure the fluidity and breathability of bodily fluids within the absorbent article.

[0119] As shown in Figure 6, the skin-side cover sheet 18, like the test skin-side sheet, does not cover the skin side T1 of a portion of the sample pad 64Z (the area of ​​the sample pad not covered by the conjugate pad), but covers the skin side T1 of the area of ​​the sample pad 64Z covered by the conjugate pad 66X, the conjugate pad 66X, the membrane 66Y, and the entire absorbent portion 67. The skin-side cover sheet 18 also prevents excrement from directly reaching the moving portion 66 and the display portion 62. The width of the skin-side cover sheet 18 is longer than the width of the test member 60, and the outer edges on both sides of the skin-side cover sheet 18 may be positioned outward in the width direction W from the outer edges of the test member 60. The skin-side cover sheet 18 prevents excrement from penetrating from the skin side and sides of the test member, thereby preventing excrement from reaching the test member 60 via unintended paths. In the width direction of the absorbent article, the outer edges on both sides of the skin-side cover sheet 18 may be positioned outward from the outer edges of the test skin-side sheet 68. The skin-side cover sheet 18 prevents excrement from penetrating from the skin side T1 and sides of the test member 60, and prevents excrement from reaching the test member 60 through unintended routes.

[0120] The skin-side coversheet 18 is disposed between the top sheet 11 and the inspection member 60, and may be configured to be visible through the top sheet 11 from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1. By recognizing the presence of the skin-side coversheet 18, the wearer is assured that the inspection member 60 is protected, allowing them to use the absorbent article 1 with peace of mind. If the skin-side coversheet 18 is made of a resin film, the skin-side coversheet 18 is easily noticeable when the absorbent article 1 is viewed from the skin side T1 of the absorbent article 1 due to the diffuse reflection of light from the resin film. Therefore, the wearer can recognize the presence and position of the inspection member 60 by focusing on the skin-side coversheet 18.

[0121] The test member 60 is disposed on the skin side T1 of the absorbent core 31, and the absorbent article 1 may have a liquid-impermeable non-skin-side cover sheet disposed between the test member 60 and the absorbent core 31. Covering the non-skin side T2 of the test member 60 with the liquid-impermeable non-skin-side cover sheet can prevent excrement absorbed in the absorbent core 31 from migrating to the display section 62. This can prevent the visibility of the display section 62 from being reduced by excrement absorbed in the absorbent core 31. Furthermore, necessary excrement components can be guided to the display section 62 via the contact section 64, improving the accuracy of the test.

[0122] The test member 60 is positioned closer to the skin (T1) than the absorbent core 31, and the non-skin side (T2) of the test member 60 may be covered with a sheet that is less breathable than the absorbent core 31. The sheet that is less breathable than the absorbent core 31 may have lower breathability than the absorbent core 31, or may be non-breathable. Covering the non-skin side (T2) of the test member 60 with a sheet that is less breathable than the absorbent core 31 prevents the test member 60 from drying out from the non-skin side (T2) of the test member 60. The test member 60 can maintain an appropriate humidity level, and when excrement and excrement components are guided, the excrement components can be smoothly transported, allowing for appropriate testing. The non-skin side cover sheet 19 may be made of a resin film, and the breathability of the non-skin side cover sheet 19 may be lower than that of the absorbent core 31. The non-skin side cover sheet constitutes a sheet that is less breathable than the absorbent core 31. Furthermore, the width and front-rear lengths of the non-skin-side cover sheet are shorter than those of the components arranged around the non-skin-side cover sheet (e.g., the top sheet 11, auxiliary sheet 15, and absorbent core 31), and the breathability of the surrounding components is higher than that of the non-skin-side cover sheet. The high breathability of the surrounding components ensures the fluidity and breathability of body fluids within the absorbent article.

[0123] The breathability of the back sheet 21 may be higher than that of at least one of the skin-side cover sheet 18 and the non-skin-side cover sheet. This allows for both the effect of preventing the test member from drying out by at least one of the skin-side cover sheet 18 and the non-skin-side cover sheet, and the effect of preventing stuffiness after the absorbent core has absorbed body fluids by the back sheet.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 6 , the skin-side cover sheet 18 may be shifted rearward relative to the test skin-side sheet 68. The skin-side cover sheet 18 may extend forward relative to the leading edge of the test member 60. The non-skin-side cover sheet may be shifted rearward relative to the test non-skin-side sheet 69. The non-skin-side cover sheet may extend rearward relative to the trailing edge of the test member 60. The non-skin-side cover sheet may cover the entire non-skin side T2 of the sample pad 64Z, conjugate pad 66X, and membrane 66Y. The width of the non-skin-side cover sheet is longer than the width of the test member 60, and the outer edges on both sides of the non-skin-side cover sheet may be positioned outward in the width direction W relative to the outer edges of the test member 60. The non-skin-side cover sheet prevents excrement from entering the test member 60 from the non-skin side T2 and sides, preventing excrement from reaching the test member 60 via unintended paths. In the width direction of the absorbent article, the outer edges on both sides of the non-skin-side cover sheet may be positioned outboard of the outer edges of the non-skin-side test sheet 69. The non-skin-side cover sheet prevents excrement from penetrating from the non-skin-side T2 and sides of the test member 60, and prevents excrement from reaching the test member 60 through unintended routes.

[0125] The test member 60 of the present embodiment tests the wearer's health condition from vaginal discharge. As described above, vaginal discharge is a suitable target for testing health among bodily waste, but the amount excreted is small and it can be difficult to detect. Furthermore, vaginal discharge has a high viscosity among bodily waste, making it difficult for it to reach the test member 60, making it difficult to obtain appropriate test results. For this reason, the top sheet 11 of the present embodiment is configured to enable appropriate testing of health using vaginal discharge. Next, the configuration of the top sheet 11 will be described in detail.

[0126] The top sheet 11 is positioned closer to the skin side T1 than the test member 60 and contacts the wearer's skin surface. Vaginal discharge excreted by the wearer is applied to the skin side of the top sheet 11, permeates through the top sheet 11, and is guided to the test member 60 side. The top sheet 11 allows 6% or more of an artificial body fluid having a viscosity of 15 to 30 Pa·s at 23°C (hereinafter referred to as the predetermined viscosity) that is in contact with the skin side of the top sheet 11 to permeate to the non-skin side of the top sheet. As a result of extensive research by the applicant, it has been found that the viscosity of typical vaginal discharge is 15 to 30 Pa·s at 23°C, and that an artificial body fluid of this predetermined viscosity exhibits a permeation behavior similar to that of vaginal discharge. The top sheet 11 allows a high proportion of 6% or more of the artificial body fluid of this predetermined viscosity that is in contact with the skin side T1 surface to permeate to the non-skin side of the top sheet 11. Therefore, even vaginal discharge, which has a higher viscosity than urine and menstrual blood, can permeate the top sheet 11 and be guided to the test member 60, and even a small amount of vaginal discharge can be permeated through the top sheet 11 at a high rate and be guided to the test member 60, thereby obtaining appropriate test results based on the vaginal discharge. The artificial body fluid permeation test, which measures the artificial body fluid that permeates the top sheet, will be described in detail below.

[0127] When a sufficient amount of artificial body fluid is to be measured, viscosity is measured as follows: (1) Prepare the following equipment: HAAKE RheoStress 1 (sensor: cone φ60 mm, 1° angle C60 / 1) manufactured by Thermo Fisher Scientific Co., Ltd. (2) Place 38 ml of the antibacterial fluid to be measured in a container attached to the equipment, and immerse the measuring element in the artificial body fluid. (3) Measure viscosity under the following conditions: temperature 23°C, humidity 60%, shear rate: 10.0 (l / s)

[0128] The top sheet 11 may be configured to allow 6% or more of the artificial body fluid that comes into contact with the skin-side surface of the top sheet 11 to permeate to the non-skin-side surface of the top sheet 11 when the skin-side surface of the top sheet 11 is pressed against the wearer with a pressure of 1.60 to 1.70 kPa. When worn, the absorbent article 1 is subjected to various forces. As a result of extensive research by the applicant, it has been found that the skin-side surface of the top sheet 11 comes into a pressed state in which it is pressed against the wearer with a pressure of at least 1.60 to 1.70 kPa in various situations, such as when the wearer changes their position or when the worn article with the absorbent article 1 is pulled up. In this case, 6% or more of the artificial body fluid that comes into contact with the skin-side surface T1 of the top sheet 11 is permeated to the non-skin-side surface of the top sheet 11, so that vaginal discharge that has permeated the top sheet 11 can be guided to the testing member 60, and appropriate test results can be obtained based on the vaginal discharge.

[0129] The absorbent article 1 may be an absorbent article that is fastened to the inner surface of a wearing article S when used. The pressed state may be a state in which the outer surface of the wearing article S is pressed toward the wearer so that the skin-side surface of the top sheet 11 of the absorbent article 1 abuts against the wearer's skin. Fig. 10 schematically shows a cross section along the width direction of the wearing article S with the absorbent article 1 attached to it when worn by a wearer. Fig. 10 shows a state in which the absorbent article 1 is pressed toward the wearer and a state in which the absorbent article 1 is not pressed toward the wearer. For ease of explanation, Fig. 10 omits components of the absorbent article 1 other than the testing member 60 and the skin-side coversheet 18. Fig. 10 also shows a non-skin-side coversheet 19 in a modified example. In Fig. 10 , V, S, and F are schematic representations of the vaginal opening, the wearing article, and the wearer's fingers.

[0130] Figure 10(A) shows an example of a state in which the wearing article S with the absorbent article 1 attached is not pressed against the wearer, i.e., in a normal wearing state. Unlike sanitary napkins, panty liners absorb a small amount of body waste and are not used for a specific period of time like sanitary napkins, but are used daily. Therefore, unlike sanitary napkins, which are used together with sanitary shorts, panty liners are often used attached to everyday underwear. As a result, panty liners are not pressed against the wearer like sanitary napkins are pressed by sanitary shorts, and a gap is likely to form between the wearer and the absorbent article 1, as shown in Figure 10(A). Pubic hair around the vaginal opening V also tends to create a gap between the wearer and the absorbent article 1.

[0131] To perform an inspection using the inspection member 60, the wearer can intentionally press the outer surface of the worn article S toward the wearer so that the skin-side surface of the top sheet 11 of the absorbent article 1 comes into contact with the wearer's skin. This pressure by the wearer is typically achieved with a finger, so as not to apply excessive force to the delicate genital area, and the wearer presses the gap between the skin-side surface of the top sheet 11 of the absorbent article 1 and the wearer's skin. Fig. 10(B) shows a state in which a finger is placed against the non-skin-side surface of the worn article, while Fig. 10(C) shows a state in which the finger is pressed against the outer surface of the worn article S toward the wearer. As a result of extensive research by the applicant, when the wearer presses the outer surface of the worn article S toward the wearer with their finger, the top sheet 11 is pressed toward the wearer with a pressure of at least 1.60 to 1.70 kPa. In this pressed state, vaginal discharge that has passed through the top sheet 11 is guided toward the inspection member 60, thereby obtaining appropriate inspection results based on the vaginal discharge.

[0132] The top sheet 11 and the test member 60 may abut against each other. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the skin-side surface of the test member 60 abuts against the non-skin-side surface of the top sheet 11. In the absorbent article 1 of this embodiment, a skin-side cover sheet 18 is disposed between the top sheet 11 and the test member 60. The skin-side cover sheet 18 does not cover a portion of the sample pad 64Z serving as the contact portion 64. Therefore, the top sheet 11 and the test member 60 abut against each other in the area where the skin-side cover sheet 18 is not disposed. With this configuration, vaginal discharge can be directly guided to the test member 60 via the top sheet 11, allowing the excrement to be quickly and reliably guided to the test member 60. Note that, in order to ensure permeability to body fluids, it is preferable that no adhesive be applied to the area where the top sheet 11 and the test member 60 abut.

[0133] The length in the width direction W of the inspection member 60 may be shorter than the width of a woman's finger. When a finger is placed on the wearing article S along the front-to-rear direction L of the absorbent article and pressed against it, the width of the finger is arranged along the width direction W of the inspection member 60. Since the length in the width direction W of the inspection member 60 is shorter than the width of a woman's finger, the entire inspection member 60 can be pressed with the finger. Here, in this specification, "finger width" does not mean the thickness of the finger, but specifically refers to the width of the finger in the direction in which the nail spreads. In consideration of the action of placing a finger on the outer surface of a wearing article and pressing against it, the "finger width" may be at least one of the widths of a typical woman's middle finger, index finger, and ring finger, and is set to, for example, 10 mm.

[0134] The length in the width direction W of the non-skin-side coversheet 19 covering the non-skin-side side of the test member 60 may be shorter than the finger width. According to this configuration, when a finger is placed against the worn article 1 and pressed along the front-to-rear direction L of the absorbent article 1, the finger can press the entire width direction W of the test member 60 with the finger via the non-skin-side coversheet 19. Furthermore, the length in the width direction W of the skin-side coversheet 18 covering the skin side T1 of the test member 60 may be shorter than the finger width. As shown in FIG. 10(C) , when the outer surface of the worn article S is pressed toward the wearer, the skin-side coversheet 18 is disposed flat, and the test member 60 is also likely to be disposed along this flat surface facing the excretion opening. Furthermore, if the length in the width direction W of the skin-side coversheet 18 is longer than the test member 60, the test member 60 can be pressed so as to face the excretion opening across the entire width direction W of the test member 60.

[0135] The inspection member 60 may be arranged across the center of the width direction W of the absorbent article 1. When a wearer places their finger against the inspection member 60 to press it, they are aware that the finger is placed against the excretory opening V, and can easily place their finger so that it touches the center of the width direction W of the absorbent article 1. Therefore, the inspection member arranged across the center of the width direction W of the absorbent article 1 can be pressed toward the wearer by pressing the inspection member 60. The inspection member 60 may have a vertically elongated shape in which the length in the front-to-rear direction L of the inspection member 60 is longer than the length in the width direction W. When a wearer places their finger against the worn article to press it along the front-to-rear direction L of the absorbent article 1, it is easy to place the finger along the inspection member 60, and a certain range of the inspection member 60 extending in the front-to-rear direction L can be pressed with the finger, allowing the inspection member 60 to be positioned closer to the body.

[0136] The top sheet 11 is composed of a sheet having fibers, and the average inter-fiber distance of the top sheet 11 may be longer than the average diameter of a woman's pubic hair. The average diameter of pubic hair may be the average diameter of an adult woman, specifically 90 μm. According to this configuration, because the average inter-fiber distance of the top sheet 11 is longer than the average diameter of a woman's pubic hair, pubic hair is more likely to penetrate into the top sheet 11 when the top sheet 11 comes into contact with the wearer's skin. Vaginal discharge adhering to pubic hair is more likely to transfer to the top sheet 11. Preferably, the average inter-fiber distance on the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 11 may be longer than the average diameter of a woman's pubic hair. When the skin-facing surface of the absorbent article is pressed against the wearer, pubic hair is more likely to penetrate into the top sheet.

[0137] The contact portion 64 of the test member 60 and the top sheet 11 are composed of sheets having fibers, and the average inter-fiber distance of the top sheet 11 may be longer than the average inter-fiber distance of the contact portion 64. Excrement discharged into the absorbent article 1 is guided to the contact portion 64 via the top sheet 11. Excrement in the top sheet 11 is more likely to transfer to the contact portion 64, which has a narrower average inter-fiber distance, making it easier for even a small amount of vaginal discharge to reach the test member 60. The fiber density of the top sheet 11 may be higher than the fiber density of the contact portion 64. Excrement is more likely to transfer from the top sheet 11, which has a relatively high fiber density, to the contact portion 64, which has a relatively low fiber density, making it easier for even a small amount of vaginal discharge to reach the test member 60.

[0138] The contact portion 64 may contact the top sheet 11 in the non-compressed region. It is sufficient that at least a portion of the contact portion 64 contacts the top sheet 11 in the non-compressed region, and a portion of the contact portion may contact the top sheet 11 in the compressed region. The top sheet 11 in the non-compressed region does not have the irregularities caused by the compressed portion 35 as compared to the top sheet 11 in the compressed region, and is therefore more likely to come into surface contact with the contact portion 64. Excrement within the top sheet 11 will more easily migrate to the contact portion 64, making it easier for the test member 60 to reach even a small amount of vaginal discharge.

[0139] The average thickness of the top sheet 11 in the region covering the contact portion 64 may be thicker than the average thickness of the top sheet 11 in the region covering the transfer portion 66. The top sheet 11 covering the contact portion 64 has a thicker average thickness, ensuring a large volume of space for retaining excrement. Therefore, the top sheet 11 in the region covering the contact portion 64 can absorb a larger amount of excrement, making it easier for the excrement to transfer from the top sheet 11 to the contact portion 64.

[0140] The non-skin-side cover sheet 19 is a liquid-impermeable sheet and may cover the entire width direction W of the test member 60. The outer edges on both sides of the non-skin-side cover sheet 19 may extend further outward in the width direction W than the outer edges of the test member 60. According to this configuration, by covering the non-skin side T2 of the test member 60 with a liquid-impermeable sheet over the entire width direction W of the test member 60, excrement that reaches the test member 60 is prevented from penetrating through the test member 60 to the non-skin side T2, making it easier for the excrement to move within the test member 60.

[0141] The contact angle of the artificial body fluid with the top sheet 11 may be smaller than the contact angle of the artificial body fluid with the wearer's skin. Here, "contact angle" evaluates wettability; the smaller the contact angle, the easier it is to wet and absorb the artificial body fluid. The contact angle is evaluated using the above-described artificial body fluid. As a result of extensive research by the applicant, it was found that a PET plate exhibits hydrophilicity very similar to that of skin. Therefore, the contact angle with skin is the contact angle with the PET plate. The contact angle is measured as follows: (1) In a thermostatic chamber at 25°C, an automatic contact angle meter CA-V type (manufactured by Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.), a polyethylene terephthalate plate (hereinafter referred to as the "PET plate"), and a top sheet are prepared. The PET plate is PET-6010 (manufactured by Takiron C.I. Co., Ltd., size: 41.5 x 80.0 x 1.0 mm). (2) Approximately 2 μL of the wiping ability improver is dropped onto each of the PET plate and the top sheet using a syringe, and 5 seconds after the dropping, the contact angle of the wiping ability improver is measured using an automatic contact angle meter, CA-V model, by the θ / 2 method. (3) The measurement is performed 10 times at different locations on each of the PET plate and the top sheet, and the average value of these measurements is used as the contact angle.

[0142] The test element 60 of this embodiment is a test element using immunochromatography to detect luteinizing hormone from vaginal discharge. The immunochromatographic test element forms a complex with excrement components through an antigen-antibody reaction, which then develops a color with an indicator at the destination of the complex, indicating the test result. Therefore, a larger amount of excrement is required than in tests using test strips. However, according to the present invention, even a small amount of vaginal discharge can be guided to the test element, allowing for immunochromatographic testing.

[0143] The absorbent article 1 may be folded around the crease before use, and at least the indicator 62 of the test member 60 may be arranged in an area that does not overlap with the crease. No creases due to the crease are formed in the indicator 62, ensuring visibility of the indicator 62. Preferably, the test member 60 may be arranged in an area that does not overlap with the crease. No creases due to the crease are formed in the test member 60, making it easier to position the test member 60 along the body and guiding even small amounts of vaginal discharge to the test member. A fastening portion 25 may be arranged in an area that overlaps with the test member 60 in the thickness direction. The area where the test member 60 is arranged can be fastened to the worn article via the fastening portion 25, and the test member 60 can be pressed toward the wearer via the worn article, making it easier to guide even small amounts of vaginal discharge to the test member.

[0144] It is preferable that the absorbent article be configured so that adhesives do not inhibit the transfer of excrement. As shown in Fig. 3, the components constituting the absorbent article are joined to each other by adhesively bonded regions. More specifically, a first adhesive region 551 is provided between the top sheet 11 and the skin-side cover sheet 18. No adhesive region is provided between the skin-side cover sheet 18 and the test member 60. A second adhesive region 552 is provided between the test member 60 and the auxiliary sheet 15. A third adhesive region 553 is provided between the auxiliary sheet 15 and the absorbent core 31. A fourth adhesive region 554 is provided between the absorbent core 31 and the back sheet 21. As shown in Fig. 6, non-adhesive regions where no adhesive is provided are provided on the surfaces where the moving section 66, the display section 62, the contact section 64, and the absorbent section 67 come into contact with each other. More specifically, a non-adhesive region is provided on the surface where the moving portion 66 and the display portion 62 come into contact, a non-adhesive region is provided on the surface where the moving portion 66 and the contact portion 64 come into contact, and a non-adhesive region is provided on the surface where the moving portion 66 and the absorption portion 67 come into contact. According to this aspect, since no adhesive is provided on the surfaces where the constituent members come into contact with each other, the presence of adhesive is prevented from interfering with the movement of excrement components, and the test can be performed accurately and precisely.

[0145] Next, a preferred method for manufacturing a test element configured as described above will be described. Note that only a portion of the steps of the manufacturing method will be described below; steps other than these steps can be adopted from known manufacturing methods. The manufacturing method includes at least a laminating step in which components constituting the moving section, the display section, and the absorbent section are arranged between a non-skin-side test continuous sheet (continuous sheet) comprising a series of sheets constituting the non-skin-side test sheet 69 and a skin-side test continuous sheet (continuous sheet) comprising a series of sheets constituting the skin-side test sheet 68; and a cutting step in which the laminate formed by the laminating step is cut along the edge of the test element in the second direction. The cutting step presses the laminate in the thickness direction T to cut the laminate. According to this manufacturing method, during the process of cutting the laminate, the edge of the test element in the second direction is pressed, and the side region RS, which is the end of the test element in the second direction, is pressed more than the center region RC, resulting in a thinner thickness of the side region RS than the center region RC. Furthermore, the side region RS is pressed more than the center region RC, resulting in a higher density in the side region RS than the center region RC. Preferably, the laminating step does not apply adhesive to the surfaces where the contact portion 64 and the moving portion 66 meet, the surfaces where the components constituting the moving portion (the conjugate pad 66X and the membrane 66Y) meet, the surfaces where the moving portion 66 meets the display portion 62, and the surfaces where the moving portion 66 meets the absorbent portion 67. The cutting step may involve fusing the laminate and joining the edges of the test member in the second direction by fusing. The surfaces where the contact portion 64 and the moving portion 66 meet, the surfaces where the components constituting the moving portion (the conjugate pad 66X and the membrane 66Y) meet, the surfaces where the moving portion 66 meets the display portion 62, and the surfaces where the moving portion 66 meets the absorbent portion 67 are areas where excrement components move. This configuration prevents adhesives from interfering with the permeation of excrement. Furthermore, by fusing the edges of the test member in the second direction, the components can be joined without adhesive, thereby preventing adhesives from interfering with the permeation of excrement. In the lamination process, the process of constructing the moving section, display section, and absorbent section between the test non-skin side continuous sheet and the test skin side continuous sheet may involve arranging the moving section, display section, and absorbent section in a state where they are cut to the dimensions of the test member, or arranging a continuous body in which the members constituting the moving section, display section, and absorbent section are connected.When the laminate has a non-skin side test continuous sheet, a skin side test continuous sheet, and another continuous body, the continuous body may also be cut in the cutting step. According to this manufacturing method, the continuous body can be cut and joined together with the non-skin side test continuous sheet and the skin side test continuous sheet in the cutting step.

[0146] Next, a permeation test of an artificial body fluid will be described with reference to Figure 11. Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the test equipment used in the permeation test. The artificial body fluid used in the present invention can be corn starch (e.g., manufactured by Fuyekuni Kogyo) adjusted to a viscosity of 15 to 30 Pa s at 23°C. The test apparatus comprises a cylindrical jig 401 on which the top sheet (when measuring an absorbent article sheet, the absorbent article sheet, the same applies below) is placed, a digital force gauge (manufactured by SHIMPO (Nidec Shimpo)) 402, a force gauge stand (manufactured by SHIMPO (Nidec Shimpo)) (not shown) that supports the digital force gauge, a flat plate (acrylic plate) 404 attached to the tip 403 of the digital force gauge 402, and artificial leather (PBZ13001, IDEATEX JAPAN Co., Ltd. (Shotoku Building, 2-25-6 Taito, Taito-ku, Tokyo)) 405 attached to the surface of the flat plate 404 facing the top sheet 11. The test apparatus is set up in advance. Specifically, a filter paper 420 sized to cover the hollow portion of the cylindrical jig 401 is prepared, and the weight of the filter paper is measured. The filter paper used may be qualitative No. 2 filter paper, 100 mm x 100 mm (Advantec Toyo). Next, filter paper 420 is placed to cover the hollow portion of the jig 401 and secured to the filter paper 420. Next, the top sheet 11 is placed on top of the filter paper 420 with the skin-facing side of the top sheet 11 facing up, and the top sheet 11 is secured to the jig and filter paper. For example, both ends of the top sheet 11 are secured with cellophane tape. Furthermore, after securing a digital force gauge 402 to a force gauge stand, an acrylic plate (30 mm x 30 mm) 404 is secured to the tip 403 of the digital force gauge 402, and artificial leather (30 mm x 30 mm) 405 is secured to the acrylic plate. The top sheet 11 to be subjected to the permeation test is then prepared. The top sheet 11 is peeled off from the absorbent article, and only the top sheet 11 is removed. At this time, if the top sheet cannot be peeled off due to the adhesive, the top sheet is cooled (for example, frozen with liquid nitrogen and air-dried until the liquid nitrogen components evaporate from the removed top sheet), and then the top sheet 11 is removed. The dimensions of the top sheet are the dimensions on the cylindrical jig (equal to or greater than the dimensions of the cylindrical jig).

[0147] The permeation test begins with 0.5 mg of artificial body fluid being dropped onto the skin-facing surface of the top sheet 11. Figure 11(A) shows the state in which the artificial body fluid 410 has been dropped onto the top sheet 11 placed on a jig. The digital force gauge 402 is then lowered at 100 mm / min, and the descent of the digital force gauge is stopped when the digital force gauge in contact with the top sheet 11 indicates a value of 2.16 kPa. Figure 11(B) shows the state in which the descent of the digital force gauge has stopped. The top sheet 11 and filter paper 420 are removed from the jig, and the weight of the filter paper is measured. The weight of the filter paper after the permeation test minus the weight of the filter paper before the permeation test is the weight of the artificial body fluid that has permeated the top sheet 11. The permeation test was performed five times using five samples, and the average value was used.

[0148] Although the present invention has been described in detail using the above-described embodiments, it is clear to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The present invention can be embodied in various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the claims. Therefore, the description in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. It is preferable that the absorbent article be individually packaged in a package to prevent deterioration of the test member before use. The package may be made of a laminate material in which aluminum is laminated with a resin (e.g., polyethylene terephthalate, polypropylene) to prevent the absorbent article from coming into contact with air before use. It is also preferable that the package contain an adsorbent with adsorption properties together with the absorbent article to prevent deterioration of the test member before use.

[0149] The entire contents of Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-128105, filed on August 4, 2023, are incorporated herein by reference.

[0150] It is possible to provide an absorbent article that can be appropriately inspected even when the amount of excrement is small.

[0151] DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1: Absorbent article 11: Top sheet 15: Auxiliary sheet 18: Skin-side cover sheet (second skin-side sheet) 21: Back sheet 31: Absorbent core 35: Compression section 60: Test member 62: Indication section 62A: First indication section 62B: Second indication section 64: Contact section 64Z: Sample pad 66: Transfer section 66X: Conjugate pad 66Y: Membrane 67: Absorbent section 68: Test skin-side sheet (first skin-side sheet) 69: Test non-skin-side sheet (first non-skin-side sheet) 71: First hydrophobic section 72: Second hydrophobic section 73: Third hydrophobic section 80: Cover sheet RC: Center region RS: Side region R20: Colored region R21: First colored region R22: Second colored area R25: Highly transparent area HP: Hollow area S1: Front area S2: Back area S3: Inseam area L: Anteroposterior direction T: Thickness direction T1: Skin side T2: Non-skin side W: Width direction

Claims

1. An absorbent article having a test member for testing the health condition of a wearer, the test member having a contact portion that comes into contact with excrement, a transfer portion to which excrement components contained in the excrement are guided from the contact portion, and an indicator portion that changes color based on the excrement components guided from the transfer portion, the absorbent article having a cover sheet that is positioned on the non-skin side of the test member and overlaps the test member in the thickness direction, and the diffusion length of the contact portion is longer than the diffusion length of the cover sheet.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the absorbent article has an absorbent core, the test member is positioned closer to the skin than the absorbent core, and the cover sheet is positioned between the test member and the absorbent core.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 2, wherein the diffusion length of said contact portion is longer than the diffusion length of said absorbent core.

4. The absorbent article according to claim 3, wherein the spreading length of said cover sheet is shorter than the spreading length of said absorbent core.

5. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the absorbent article has a top sheet that covers the skin side of the test member and contacts the wearer, and the top sheet and the contact portion are in contact with each other.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 5, wherein the spreading length of the top sheet is shorter than the spreading length of the contact portion.

7. An absorbent article as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the inspection member is visible from the skin side of the absorbent article before the absorbent article is used.

8. An absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spreading length of the contact portion is longer than the spreading length of the moving portion.

9. The absorbent article according to claim 8, wherein the thickness of the transfer portion is smaller than the thickness of the contact portion.

10. The absorbent article described in claim 8, wherein the transfer section comprises a first transfer section having a labeled antibody that undergoes an antigen-antibody reaction with the excrement component, and a second transfer section that guides a complex obtained by the antigen-antibody reaction to the display section, and the diffusion length of the first transfer section is shorter than the diffusion length of the second transfer section.

11. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the spreading length of the cover sheet is 0 mm.