Slides and staining methods

Abstract

To provide a slide glass that can be stained without a specimen peeling off when staining is performed using an automatic staining device. According to the present invention, there is provided a glass slide comprising an examination area having an outer region and a smear region, the outer region being formed by applying an anti-fouling treatment to the glass slide, the smear region being shaped by being surrounded by the outer region, and comprising a specimen drop portion and a staining liquid drop portion, the specimen drop portion and the staining liquid drop portion being positioned at different positions within the smear region.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a slide and a staining method. [Background technology]

[0002] Various staining methods have been used in pathological diagnosis. For example, Gram staining, which involves applying a specimen to a glass slide and staining it, is a well-known test method used in the diagnosis of infectious diseases. Staining devices that can perform Gram staining regardless of the technician's level of expertise are available.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a staining device that automatically performs Gram staining. In this staining device, a clamp holds a glass slide, and staining is performed by spraying various liquids used in Gram staining onto the glass slide. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-232875 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, with such automatic staining devices, unlike when staining is done by hand by a technician, it is not possible to adjust the amount or strength of the liquid sprayed for staining depending on the specimen, and there is a risk that the specimen will peel off from the slide during the staining process.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a slide glass that can be stained without the specimen peeling off when staining using an automatic staining device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to the present invention, the following inventions are provided. [1] A glass slide comprising an examination area having an outer region and a smeared region, the outer region being formed by applying an antifouling treatment to the glass slide, the smeared region being shaped by being surrounded by the outer region, and comprising a specimen drop portion and a staining liquid drop portion, the specimen drop portion and the staining liquid drop portion being positioned at different positions within the smeared region. [2] The slide glass described in [1], further comprising a gripping area extending over a predetermined length from one end of the short side of the slide glass and adjacent to the examination area, the gripping area comprising a barrier portion, the barrier portion being formed by applying a linear anti-fouling treatment to the gripping area on the side of the examination area and along the short side of the slide glass. [3] A slide glass according to [1] or [2], wherein the smeared area comprises a first area and a second area, the first area and the second area being approximately circular and arranged so as to be connected to each other to form a snowman-shaped smeared area, the specimen drop area being the first area, and the staining liquid drop area being the second area. [4] A slide glass according to [1] or [2], wherein the smeared area comprises a specimen enclosing portion, the specimen enclosing portion is annular and is formed within the smeared area by applying an antifouling treatment to the specimen enclosing portion so that at least one notch is formed around its outer periphery, the specimen dripping portion is an area within the specimen enclosing portion, and the staining liquid dripping portion is an area within the smeared area but outside the specimen enclosing portion. [5] The slide glass according to [4], wherein the cutout is formed so that the outer periphery on both sides of the cutout is curved and convex. [6] A slide glass according to [1] or [2], wherein the smeared area includes a specimen enclosing portion, the specimen enclosing portion being formed in the smeared area by applying an antifouling treatment to the specimen enclosing portion in a dashed ring shape, the specimen drop portion being arranged within the specimen enclosing portion, and the staining liquid drop portion being arranged within the smeared area but outside the specimen enclosing portion. [7] The slide glass according to [6], wherein the specimen surrounding portion has an inflow portion formed at a distance greater than the distance between the dashed lines. [8] A slide glass according to [1] or [2], wherein the smeared areas are each oval in shape, the specimen drop area is an area on one side of the major axis radius of the smeared area, and the staining liquid drop area is an area on the other side of the major axis radius of the smeared area. [9] A slide glass according to [1] or [2], wherein the smeared area is rectangular in shape and has a notch formed on at least one short side and at least one long side.

[10] A method for staining a specimen, comprising a specimen dropping step and a staining liquid dropping step, wherein in the specimen dropping step, a specimen is dropped into a smeared area on a slide glass, and in the staining liquid dropping step, a staining liquid is dropped at a position within the smeared area on the slide glass different from the position where the specimen was dropped. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] In the slide glass according to the present invention, the portion where the specimen is dropped and the portion where the staining liquid is dropped are located at different positions, so that the specimen can be stained without the risk of peeling off. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a slide glass 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a block diagram of an automatic staining apparatus 100 in which a slide glass 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention is used. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a control means 140. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit 141. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a slide glass 1 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a slide glass 1 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a slide glass 1 according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a slide glass 1 according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9A is a plan view of a slide glass 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9B is a bottom view of a slide glass 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9C is a front view of a slide glass 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9D is a rear view of a slide glass 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9E is a left side view of a slide glass 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9F is a right side view of a slide glass 1 according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a specimen surrounding portion 15 of a slide glass 1 according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Fig. 11A is a plan view of a slide glass 1 according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 11B is a bottom view of the slide glass 1 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Fig. 12A is a plan view of a slide glass 1 according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, and Fig. 12B is a bottom view of the slide glass 1 according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the slide glass 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the slide glass 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the slide glass 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The following describes embodiments of the present invention. The various features shown in the following embodiments can be combined with one another. Furthermore, each feature can be an independent invention. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, elements not specified in the claims are optional and can be omitted. Any number of "0"s (for example, one or two) may be added to the end of numerical values ​​disclosed in the following description. For example, one or two "0"s may be added after "1.4" to make it "1.40" or "1.400."

[0011] 1. First embodiment A slide glass 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 1. In this specification, the slide glass 1 can be referred to as a preparation as needed. In addition, the staining in this specification may be any known staining such as Gram staining, Ziehl-Nielsen staining, India ink staining, Giemsa staining, or Grocott staining. For convenience, the following description will be focused on Gram staining.

[0012] 1.1 Overall structure of slide glass 1 The slide glass 1 comprises an examination area 10 and a gripping area 20 .

[0013] (1) Inspection Area 10 The test area 10 includes an outer area 11 and a smeared area 12. The outer area 11 is formed by applying an antifouling treatment to the glass slide 1. In this specification, the antifouling treatment refers to a water-repellent treatment and / or an oil-repellent treatment. Specifically, the outer area 11 is formed by applying a hydrophobic material and / or an oleophobic material to the glass slide 1. The hydrophobic material may be, for example, any UV-curable ink. FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which a single material, either a hydrophobic material or an oleophobic material, is applied. Alternatively, a material having both hydrophobic and oleophobic properties (hereinafter referred to as amphophobic), such as a fluororesin, may be applied.

[0014] In Figure 1, the outer region 11 is formed by applying an antifouling treatment to the periphery of the smear region 12 so as to fill in most of the test region 10. With this configuration, the outer region 11 repels the specimen and staining liquid, allowing the specimen and staining liquid to be retained in the smear region 12. This prevents the specimen and staining liquid from flowing out of the smear region 12, resulting in loss of specimen quantitation, contamination, or failure to retain the staining liquid for a predetermined period of time, making staining impossible.

[0015] The smeared region 12 is a portion defined by being surrounded by the outer region 11. The slide glass 1 according to this embodiment can have one or more smeared regions 12. The slide glass 1 can have any number of smeared regions 12, but the slide glass 1 shown in the figure has three smeared regions 12. In other words, this slide glass 1 can be used to stain three specimens.

[0016] The smear area 12 also includes a specimen drop area 12a and a staining liquid drop area 12b. The specimen drop area 12a is an area where a specimen collected from a patient is dropped. The specimen drop area 12a is the observation position after staining. The specimen may be, for example, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, blood, sputum, or bile, but the slide glass 1 according to this embodiment is preferably used for specimens with relatively low viscosity, such as urine or cerebrospinal fluid. The staining liquid drop area 12b is an area where various liquids used for staining (for example, in the case of Gram staining, crystal violet, Lugol's solution, water, alcohol, etc.) are dropped.

[0017] The specimen drop portion 12a and the staining liquid drop portion 12b are positioned at different positions within the smear area 12. By positioning the specimen drop portion 12a and the staining liquid drop portion 12b at different positions, it is possible to prevent the specimen from peeling off due to the dripping of the staining liquid. Furthermore, when the observation and evaluation of the stained slide glass 1 are performed mechanically using a device, the observation position may be fixed regardless of the distribution of bacteria in the specimen. In this case, a specimen with a higher concentration than that normally observed by a technician may be used so that bacteria can be observed using the device. A specimen with a higher concentration is more likely to peel off than a normal specimen, making the slide glass 1 more useful.

[0018] Each smeared region 12 according to this embodiment includes a first region 13 and a second region 14. The first region 13 and the second region 14 are each substantially circular and are arranged so as to be connected to each other, thereby forming a snowman-shaped smeared region 12. In this embodiment, the first region 13 is a specimen drop portion 12a, and the second region 14 is a staining liquid drop portion 12b. In FIG. 1, the boundary between the first region 13 and the second region 14 is indicated by a dashed line for ease of understanding.

[0019] Liquids have the property of becoming round due to surface tension. By making the first region 13 and the second region 14 each approximately circular, the dropped specimen or staining liquid can be more easily held in the smear region 12 by surface tension. Furthermore, a substantially circular shape makes it easier for the concentration to be distributed uniformly compared to a rectangular shape. Therefore, by making the first region 13 and the second region 14 each approximately circular, the specimen after staining can be more easily observed and evaluated.

[0020] The diameter L1 of the circle constituting the first region 13 is 2 to 15 mm, preferably 6 to 8 mm, and more preferably 7 mm. Specifically, the diameter L1 of the first region 13 is, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. The diameter L2 of the circle constituting the second region 14 is 3 to 8 mm, preferably 4 to 6 mm, and more preferably 5 mm. Specifically, the diameter L2 of the second region 14 is, for example, 3, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, or 8 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here.

[0021] To ensure quantitative concentration in the smeared region 12, the amount of sample dispensed is determined according to the size of the smeared region 12. Therefore, if the area of ​​the smeared region 12 is too large, the amount of sample dispensed increases, and it takes a long time to dry the sample.

[0022] On the other hand, if the size of the smeared region 12 is too small, surface tension will not work well, and the liquid will easily flow out of the smeared region 12. Therefore, it is preferable that the diameters L1 and L2 of the first region 13 and the second region 14 are within the above range. When the diameters L1 and L2 of the first region 13 and the second region 14 are within the above range, the amount of sample to be dropped will be approximately 15 μl, and for this amount of sample, the drying time can be reduced to approximately 45 minutes.

[0023] (2) Gripping area 20 The gripping area 20 is an area that is provided over a predetermined length from one end of the short side of the slide glass 1 and is adjacent to the examination area 10. As will be described in detail later, when staining is performed using a staining device, the gripping means 110 of the staining device grips the gripping area 20 to perform various staining operations.

[0024] The gripping region 20 includes a barrier portion 21. The barrier portion 21 is formed by applying an antifouling treatment linearly to the gripping region 20 on the side of the examination region 10 and across the width of the slide glass 1. The antifouling treatment of the barrier portion 21 can be selected from the same group of materials as those used for the outer region 11.

[0025] When performing a staining operation in the staining device, when the gripping means 110 that grips the slide glass 1 is moved, the staining liquid may flow over the dripping area and the outer area 11 and adhere to the gripping means 110. If the staining liquid adheres to the gripping means 110, the staining liquid used on the previous slide glass 1 may adhere to another slide glass 1, causing contamination between the slide glasses.

[0026] By forming the barrier portion 21 that has been subjected to antifouling treatment, it is possible to prevent the staining liquid from entering the arm side, and to prevent contamination between the slide glasses.

[0027] The number of barrier portions 21 may be one, but preferably a plurality of barrier portions 21 are provided. By providing a plurality of barrier portions 21, it becomes more difficult for the staining liquid to reach the arm that grips the slide glass 1. Specifically, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 barrier portions 21 are provided. In the illustrated example, the barrier portion 21 is formed of first to third barrier portions 21a to 21c that are linear and parallel to each other.

[0028] When multiple barrier sections 21 are provided, it is preferable that at least one is water-repellent and at least one is oil-repellent. In other words, it is preferable that, among the first to third barrier sections 21a-c, two barrier sections 21 are water-repellent and one barrier section 21 is oil-repellent, or that one barrier section 21 is water-repellent and two barrier sections 21 are oil-repellent. The example in Fig. 1 shows the former configuration.

[0029] Specific examples of the combination of treatments for the barrier portion 21 include the first and second barrier portions 21a, 21b being water-repellent and the third barrier portion 21c being oil-repellent, the first and third barrier portions 21a, 21c being water-repellent and the second barrier portion 21b being oil-repellent, or the first barrier portion 21a being oil-repellent and the second and third barrier portions 21b, 21c being water-repellent.

[0030] When there are two barrier portions 21 that have been treated with an oil-repellent coating, the combinations are, for example, as follows: the first and second barrier portions 21a, 21b are oil-repellent and the third barrier portion 21c is water-repellent; the first and third barrier portions 21a, 21c are oil-repellent and the second barrier portion 21b is water-repellent; or the first barrier portion 21a is water-repellent and the second and third barrier portions 21b, 21c are oil-repellent.

[0031] When barrier section 21 is coated with an amphophobic substance to be water- and oil-repellent, first to third barrier sections 21a-c may all be made of the same substance. Also, for example, among first to third barrier sections 21a-c, one barrier section 21 may be water- and oil-repellent and two barrier sections 21 may be water- or oil-repellent, or one barrier section 21 may be water-repellent and two barrier sections 21 may be water- or oil-repellent, or one barrier section 21 may be water-repellent, one barrier section 21 may be oil-repellent, and one barrier section 21 may be water-repellent.

[0032] Furthermore, although the barrier portion 21 is formed in a straight line in the illustrated example, it can be formed in any shape (for example, a curved line) as long as it is configured to make it difficult for the staining liquid to reach the arm.

[0033] 1.2 Staining equipment Here, an example of an automatic staining apparatus that is intended for use with the slide glass 1 according to this embodiment will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the automatic staining apparatus 100 includes a gripping means 110, a moving means 120, a staining liquid dripping means 130, and a control means 140. The automatic staining apparatus 100 may further include conventionally known components such as a staining liquid bottle for storing the staining liquid and a waste liquid tank for storing used staining liquid.

[0034] 1.2.1 Gripping means 110 The gripping means 110 is configured to be able to grip the slide glass 1. For example, the gripping means 110 is formed in a clip shape and grips the gripping region 20 of the slide glass 1. The gripping means 110 may have any other configuration as long as it is able to grip the slide glass 1.

[0035] 1.2.2 Transportation 120 The moving means 120 is connected to the gripping means 110 and is configured to be able to move the gripping means 110. The moving means 120 may have any configuration as long as it can move and tilt the gripping means 110. The moving means 120 may be, for example, an articulated arm. The moving means 120 is configured to be able to be driven in response to commands from a movement control unit 141b, which will be described later.

[0036] 1.2.3 Staining liquid dropping means 130 The staining liquid dripping means 130 includes a plurality of staining liquid dripping members 130a. Each staining liquid dripping member 130a is connected to, for example, a staining liquid bottle and is configured to drip staining liquid. Each staining liquid dripping member 130a can be configured to drip one type of staining liquid in response to a command from a drip control unit 141c (described later).

[0037] 1.2.4 Control Means 140 [Hardware configuration of control means 140] 3, the control means 140 includes a control unit 141, a memory unit 142, and an input unit 143. The control means 140 may further include an output unit 144. A communication bus 145 interconnects the control unit 141, the memory unit 142, the input unit 143, and the output unit 144. The communication bus 145 also connects the control means 140 to the moving unit 120 and the staining liquid dropping means 130.

[0038] (1) Control unit 141 The control unit 141 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a microprocessor (MPU), a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or the like, and controls the overall operation of the automatic staining apparatus 100.

[0039] (2) Storage section 142 A part of the storage unit 142 is configured with, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) or a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory), and is used as a work area when the control unit 141 executes processes based on various programs.

[0040] Furthermore, a part of the storage unit 142 is, for example, a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM (Read Only Memory) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), and stores various data and programs used in the processing of the control unit 141. The storage unit 142 can hold a database including one or more tables for recording various information, processing results, and the like.

[0041] The storage unit 142 stores various parameters used when the automatic staining apparatus 100 operates. For example, it is possible to store various information received by the input unit 143.

[0042] The programs stored in the memory unit 142 include, for example, an OS (Operating System) for realizing the basic functions of the control means 140, drivers for controlling various hardware, programs for realizing various functions, etc., and include programs used in the processing of the control means 140.

[0043] (3) Input section 143 The input unit 143 may include, for example, one or more of a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a microphone, a touch screen, buttons, etc. The input unit 143 accepts input of various information by a user of the automatic staining device 100. The information may include, for example, the order in which the staining liquids are applied, the dripping times and drip amounts of the various staining liquids, the leaving time after dripping each staining liquid, and the start / end of operation of the device.

[0044] (4) Output unit 144 The output unit 144 can output information such as the current dripping time and drip amount of the staining liquid during staining, the leaving time, etc. The output unit 144 is, for example, any display and / or speaker.

[0045] [Functional configuration of control means 140] As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 141 includes, as functional components, an acquisition unit 141a, a movement control unit 141b, and a dropping control unit 141c.

[0046] (1) Acquisition unit 141a The acquisition unit 141a acquires various information received from the input unit 143 and operation information of the movement control unit 141b and the dropping control unit 141c.

[0047] (2) Movement control unit 141b Movement control unit 141b controls moving means 120 based on the information acquired by acquisition unit 141a. For example, upon acquiring information about the start of device operation, movement control unit 141b can control moving means 120 to move below staining liquid dropping member 130a so that the dropping position of staining liquid dropping member 130a containing the liquid to be applied is aligned with staining liquid dropping portion 12b of slide glass 1.

[0048] Furthermore, for example, after dripping the staining liquid, the movement control unit 141b can control the moving means 120 to alternately tilt or vibrate the slide glass 1 toward the long side during the standing time. Furthermore, for example, the movement control unit 141b can control the moving means 120 to tilt the slide glass 1 after the standing time has elapsed.

[0049] (3) Dropping control unit 141c The drip control unit 141c controls each of the plurality of staining liquid dripping members 130a based on the information acquired by the acquisition unit 141a. For example, when the moving means 120 has completed the downward movement of the first staining liquid dripping member 130a, the drip control unit 141c can control the first staining liquid dripping member 130a to drip a predetermined amount of staining liquid.

[0050] 1.3 Dyeing method A staining method using a slide glass 1 will be described. The staining method according to this embodiment includes a specimen dropping step and a staining step. In this embodiment, the specimen dropping step is performed by a technician, and the staining step is performed by the automatic staining device 100. Note that the specimen dropping step may be performed by the automatic staining device 100 or another device.

[0051] 1.3.1 Sample dropping process In the specimen dropping step, a specimen is dropped into the smeared area 12 on the slide glass 1. Specifically, a predetermined amount of specimen is dropped into the specimen dropping area 12a according to the size of the specimen dropping area 12a. In this embodiment, the predetermined amount is 15 μl. After dropping the specimen, the specimen is dried until it can be stained.

[0052] 1.3.2 Dyeing process The staining process includes a staining liquid dropping process, a leaving process, and a discharging process. Before starting the staining liquid dropping process, the user attaches the specimen-attached slide glass 1 prepared in the specimen dropping process to the gripping means 110 of the automatic staining apparatus 100 and inputs various information into the input unit 143 to start the operation of the apparatus.

[0053] (1) Dyeing liquid dropping process In the staining liquid dropping step, the staining liquid is dropped at a position different from the position where the specimen was dropped within the smeared area 12 on the slide glass 1. Specifically, the movement control unit 141b moves the moving means 120 so that the desired dropping position from the staining liquid dropping member 130a is located at the staining liquid dropping portion 12b of the slide glass 1 held by the gripping unit.

[0054] When the movement of the moving means 120 is completed, the dripping control unit 141c controls the staining liquid dripping means 130 to drip the staining liquid from the corresponding staining liquid dripping member 130a. The dripping control unit 141c controls the staining liquid dripping means 130 so that the dripping amount becomes a predetermined amount.

[0055] (2) Leaving process When the staining liquid dropping process is completed, the leaving process begins. In the leaving process, the dropped liquid is held on the slide glass 1 for a predetermined time. In the leaving process, the movement control unit 141b controls the moving unit to alternately tilt or vibrate the slide glass 1 depending on the staining liquid to be applied. Through this operation, the specimen on the slide glass 1 is stained or decolorized.

[0056] (3) Discharge process When the leaving step is completed after a predetermined time has elapsed, the discharging step is initiated. In the discharging step, the movement control unit 141b controls the moving means 120 to tilt the slide glass 1 toward the short side of the slide glass 1 that is not gripped by the gripping means 110 or toward one of the long sides, thereby discharging the staining liquid from the slide.

[0057] In the dyeing method of the present embodiment, the dyeing liquid dropping step to the discharging step are repeated until all of the dyeing liquid has been applied. Depending on the liquid to be applied, the discharging step may be performed without performing the leaving step.

[0058] 2. Second embodiment A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 5. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, and the content described in the first embodiment can also be applied to this embodiment as long as it does not contradict the spirit of the first embodiment. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is the shape of the smeared region 12. The following description will focus on this difference.

[0059] The smeared region 12 is shaped into a cornerless shape by the outer region 11. In the illustrated example, the smeared region 12 is circular, but it may also be configured into an oval or elliptical shape, for example. By configuring the smeared region 12 into such a cornerless shape, surface tension is more likely to act on the sample or staining liquid being dropped, preventing various liquids from leaking out of the smeared region 12. The smeared region 12 may also be formed into any polygonal shape.

[0060] Each smeared region 12 includes a specimen enclosing portion 15. The specimen enclosing portion 15 is configured in an annular shape and has at least one notch 15c formed on its outer periphery, thereby forming the specimen enclosing portion 15 within the smeared region 12. In this embodiment, the specimen drop portion 12a is an area within the specimen enclosing portion 15, and the staining liquid drop portion 12b is an area within the smeared region 12 but outside the specimen enclosing portion 15.

[0061] The specimen surrounding portion 15 is formed by applying an antifouling treatment to the glass slide 1. Specifically, like the outer region 11, the specimen surrounding portion 15 is formed by applying one or more substances selected from a hydrophobic substance, an oleophobic substance, or a substance having both hydrophobic and oleophobic properties to the glass slide 1. The specimen surrounding portion 15 may be made of the same substance as the outer region 11, or may be made of a different substance.

[0062] The inner diameter L3 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 is 2 to 15 mm, preferably 4 to 6 mm, and more preferably 5 mm. Specifically, the inner diameter L3 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 may be, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 mm, or may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0063] By designating the area enclosed by specimen enclosure 15 as specimen drop portion 12a, the position of specimen drop portion 12a can be shifted from staining liquid drop portion 12b, reducing the amount of specimen dropped and shortening the drying time of the specimen. Specifically, when the inner diameter L3 of specimen enclosure 15 is within the above range, the amount of specimen dropped is 5 μl, and for this amount of specimen, the drying time can be kept to less than 30 minutes. Furthermore, the circular shape of specimen drop portion 12a enclosed by specimen enclosure 15 allows for a uniform distribution of bacteria.

[0064] The width T1 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 where the notch 15c is formed is 0.1 to 2 mm. Specifically, the width T1 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 where the notch 15c is formed may be, for example, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, or 2.0 mm, or may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here.

[0065] Specifically, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 notches 15c are formed in specimen enclosure 15. By forming the width T1 of specimen enclosure 15 at the portion where notches 15c are formed within the above range and by forming the above number of notches 15c, when staining liquid is dropped onto smeared region 12 outside specimen enclosure 15, the staining liquid can pass through notches 15c and over specimen enclosure 15, and adhere to the specimen at specimen dropping portion 12a.

[0066] The width T2 of the specimen enclosure 15 is 1 to 3 mm. Specifically, the width T2 of the specimen enclosure 15 is, for example, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, or 3.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. Because the width T2 of the specimen enclosure 15 is within the above range and the inner circumference of the specimen enclosure 15 is circular, once a liquid enters the specimen enclosure 15, it can be retained within the specimen enclosure 15 by surface tension.

[0067] When multiple notches 15c are provided, it is preferable that the notches 15c are formed so that the intervals between them are equal. By forming the notches 15c at equal intervals, the staining liquid can be evenly applied to the specimen. Furthermore, it is preferable that the notches 15c have a triangular shape as shown in Figure 5 so that the staining liquid can easily flow into the specimen enclosure 15.

[0068] 3. Third embodiment A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 6. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, and the contents described in the second embodiment can also be applied to this embodiment as long as they do not contradict the spirit of the second embodiment. The main difference between this embodiment and the second embodiment is the shape of the specimen surrounding portion 15. The following description will focus on these differences.

[0069] The smeared area 12 is shaped into a rectangular shape by the outer area 11. In the illustrated example, the smeared area 12 is rectangular, but it may also be configured into, for example, a circular, oval, or elliptical shape.

[0070] The specimen enclosure 15 is formed within the smeared region 12 by applying an antifouling treatment to the shape of a broken line ring. Here, the broken line ring does not mean a completely closed loop, but rather has at least a partially open portion. In the example of FIG. 6, the specimen enclosure 15 has four openings 15a formed therein. In this embodiment, the specimen drop portion 12a is the region within the specimen enclosure 15. The staining liquid drop portion 12b is the region within the smeared region 12 but outside the specimen enclosure 15.

[0071] The length L5 of the inner diameter side of opening 15a is 0.1 to 1 mm. Specifically, the length L5 of the inner diameter side of opening 15a is, for example, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1.0 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0072] In this configuration, the specimen that is dropped directly into the specimen enclosure 15 has the property of becoming round due to surface tension, and therefore is unlikely to flow out of the circular specimen enclosure 15 even though it has the opening 15a. On the other hand, by dropping the staining liquid from outside the specimen enclosure 15, the staining liquid is likely to flow into the specimen dropping portion 12a through the opening 15a.

[0073] The inner diameter L4 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 is 2 to 15 mm, preferably 6 to 8 mm, and more preferably 7 mm. Specifically, the inner diameter L4 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 may be, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or 15 mm, or may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0074] When the inner diameter L4 of the specimen enclosure 15 is within the above range, the amount of specimen dropped is 10 μl, and for this amount of specimen, the drying time can be reduced to approximately 30 minutes.

[0075] 4. Fourth embodiment A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, and the content described in the first embodiment can also be applied to this embodiment as long as it does not contradict the spirit of the first embodiment. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is the shape of the smeared region 12. The following description will focus on this difference.

[0076] Each of the multiple smeared regions 12 is oval in shape. In this embodiment, the specimen drop portion 12a is a region on one major axis side of the smeared region 12, and the staining liquid drop portion 12b is a region on the other major axis side of the smeared region 12. In Figure 7, for ease of understanding, a dashed line is drawn at the boundary between the specimen drop portion 12a and the staining liquid drop portion 12b.

[0077] The minor axis L6 of the smeared region 12 is 5 to 10 mm, preferably 6 to 8 mm, and more preferably 7 mm. Specifically, the minor axis L6 of the smeared region 12 may be, for example, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, or 10 mm, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here. When the minor axis L6 of the smeared region 12 is within this range, the amount of sample dispensed is approximately 20 μl, and the drying time for this amount of sample can be approximately one hour.

[0078] 5. Fifth embodiment 5.1 Structure of slide glass 1 A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 8. This embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, and the content described in the first embodiment can also be applied to this embodiment as long as it does not contradict the spirit of the first embodiment. The main difference between this embodiment and the first embodiment is the shape of the smeared region 12. The following description will focus on this difference.

[0079] The slide glass 1 of this embodiment has one specimen area. Therefore, the slide glass 1 of this embodiment can stain one specimen. In this embodiment, it is preferable to use the slide glass 1 for specimens with relatively high viscosity, such as blood, sputum, and bile.

[0080] The painted area 12 is rectangular in shape, with a notch formed on at least one short side and at least one long side. In other words, the notches of the painted area 12 are protrusions of the outer area 11. In the illustrated example, one vertical notch 16a is formed at the midpoint of each short side, and first to third horizontal notches 16b1 to 16b3 are formed at equal intervals on one long side.

[0081] The specimen used in this embodiment is highly viscous, so a technician must spread the specimen on the glass slide 1. In this glass slide 1, the notches function as scales. That is, by applying the specimen to the intersection of the vertical notch 16a and the horizontal notch 16b, the specimen can be applied to a fixed location, thereby ensuring that the specimen is applied to the observation position of the staining device.

[0082] In the example of Fig. 8, the notches are configured in a triangular shape, but the shape of the notches is not particularly limited as long as they can function as scales. For example, they may be configured in a rectangular or semicircular shape.

[0083] 8, the specimen dropping portion 12a according to this embodiment is the portion where a line extending from the vertical cutout 16a intersects with lines (shown as dashed lines) extending from the first to third horizontal cutouts 16b1 to 16b3. In this example, the specimen can be spread in the longitudinal direction of the slide glass 1 from the portion where the first horizontal cutout 16b1 and the vertical cutout 16a intersect toward the portion where the third horizontal cutout 16b3 and the vertical cutout 16a intersect.

[0084] The staining liquid dropping portion 12b according to this embodiment is a region of a predetermined length from the longitudinal end of the smeared region 12. For ease of understanding, dashed lines are added to the end of the staining liquid dropping portion 12b in Fig. 8. The predetermined length is, for example, 10 to 50% of the length of the short side of the smeared region 12, and more specifically, it may be, for example, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50%, or may be within a range between any two of the numerical values ​​exemplified here.

[0085] A notch (not shown) for the staining liquid drop portion 12b may be further provided at a position corresponding to the length of the staining liquid drop portion 12b on the short side of the smeared area 12. This configuration makes it possible to more clearly define the area of ​​the staining liquid drop portion 12b.

[0086] 5.2 Staining method In the staining method according to this embodiment, in the specimen dropping step, the specimen is dropped onto the specimen dropping portion 12a on the first horizontal shaft cutout 16b1 side, and then the specimen is spread to the specimen dropping portion 12a on the third horizontal shaft cutout 16b3 side.

[0087] 6. Sixth embodiment A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 9A to 9F and 10. This embodiment is similar to the second embodiment, and the details described in the other embodiments can also be applied to this embodiment as long as they do not contradict the spirit of the second embodiment.

[0088] 9A to 9F show six views of a slide glass 1 according to this embodiment. In the drawings, the areas where the antifouling treatment is applied, such as the outer region 11, are shown in color, and the other areas are transparent. In the bottom view shown in FIG. 9B, the antifouling pattern in the plan view of FIG. 9A is merely visible, and no pattern is applied to the bottom surface.

[0089] Because the antifouling treatment is applied very thinly to the surface of the slide glass 1, the pattern is omitted from the front view, back view, left side view, and right side view shown in Figures 9C to 9F. In addition, the front view, back view, left side view, and right side view shown in Figures 9C to 9F are the same for slide glasses 1 other than those of this embodiment, so they are not shown in other embodiments.

[0090] In the illustrated example, specimen enclosure 15 is configured in an annular shape, and multiple notches 15c are formed on its outer periphery. In this embodiment, notch 15c is defined by a pair of convex portions 15c1, 15c2 that form both sides of notch 15c. In other words, notch 15c is formed by convex portions 15c1, 15c2 that have a curved convex shape on its outer periphery. Convex portions 15c1, 15c2 may be arc-shaped. These notches 15c give specimen enclosure 15 an overall petal-like shape. This shape smoothly guides the staining liquid and promotes smooth inflow from the outside to the inside of the enclosure.

[0091] 7. Seventh embodiment 11A and 11B, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described. This embodiment is similar to the sixth embodiment, and the contents described in the other embodiments can also be applied to this embodiment as long as they do not contradict the spirit of the sixth embodiment.

[0092] As shown in FIG. 11A , the smeared region 12 of this embodiment has a generally hexagonal, house-shaped outer shape, with one side of a rectangle connected to the bottom of a trapezoid. At least some of the corners may be rounded, such as by being chamfered. In the example of FIG. 11A , some corners of the rectangular portion where the specimen enclosure 15 is located are rounded. Furthermore, a guide portion 18 with an antifouling treatment is formed in the trapezoidal portion of the smeared region 12, independent of the outer region 11. The guide portion 18 functions as a guide to guide the dripped staining liquid evenly to the two specimen enclosures 15. In this embodiment, the guide portion 18 is formed in the shape of an isosceles triangle, with its base facing the specimen enclosure 15. Furthermore, the guide portion 18 is preferably positioned closer to the staining liquid dripping portion 12b than the specimen enclosure 15 and equidistant from each of the two specimen enclosures 15, so that the staining liquid can be guided evenly to the two specimen enclosures 15. In other words, it is preferable to place it on the staining liquid dropping portion 12b side in the center between the specimen surrounding portions 15.

[0093] Two specimen enclosures 15 are formed in the rectangular portion of the smearing region 12. This allows two specimens to be processed simultaneously on a single slide glass 1. As in the sixth embodiment, each specimen enclosure 15 has a notch 15c formed by curves that convex inward on both sides, giving it a petal-like shape. These two specimen enclosures 15 are arranged side by side in the short-side direction near the end of the slide glass 1 opposite the gripping region 20 in the longitudinal direction. This arrangement, combined with the configuration of the gripping region 20 and the staining liquid dripping portion 12b described below, allows the staining liquid to be evenly distributed, resulting in uniform staining effects for specimens smeared on multiple specimen enclosures 15.

[0094] In the smeared region 12 shown in FIG. 11A, the staining liquid drop portion 12b is the portion of the smeared region 12 closer to the gripping region 20 than the guide portion 18. In FIG. 11A, for ease of understanding, the region corresponding to the staining liquid drop portion 12b is indicated by a dashed line. The staining liquid dropped onto the staining liquid drop portion 12b is distributed evenly to the left and right by the guide portion 18 and is efficiently guided to the two specimen enclosures 15. This results in a uniform staining effect on each specimen, and has the effect of suppressing the occurrence of uneven staining.

[0095] The shape of guide portion 18 is not limited to the triangle shown in this embodiment. Guide portion 18 can be formed into any shape as long as it can evenly distribute the staining liquid toward each specimen enclosure 15. For example, guide portion 18 can be formed into a Y-shape with two branches at the tip.

[0096] Furthermore, the slide glass 1 may have an identification portion 19 formed thereon. As shown in FIG. 11A, the identification portion 19 serves as a mark for identifying each specimen when multiple specimens are stained on one slide glass 1. In the example of FIG. 11A, the identification portion 19 is formed in the shape of the letters A and B so that the outer region 11 is hollowed out. The shape of the identification portion 19 may not be an alphabet, but may be a number or any other mark.

[0097] The identification section 19 may be formed anywhere other than the outer region 11, as long as it is in a region other than the smear region 12 and in a position where the sample can be identified. For example, the identification section 19 may be formed in the grip region 20. When the identification section 19 is formed in a region that has been treated with an antifouling treatment, it is formed by not applying the antifouling treatment, and when it is formed in a region that has not been treated with an antifouling treatment, it is formed by applying the antifouling treatment.

[0098] 8. Eighth embodiment An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 12A and 12B. This embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, and the contents described in the other embodiments can also be applied to this embodiment as long as they do not contradict the spirit of the third embodiment.

[0099] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12A, the specimen enclosure 15 is formed in the smeared region 12 by applying an antifouling treatment to the broken-line annular shape. Here, the specimen enclosure 15 formed in the broken-line annular shape has inlet portions 15b formed at intervals greater than the length L5 of the inner diameter side of the opening portions 15a, which is the spacing between the other broken lines. The spacing between the inlet portions 15b is the length L6 along the inner diameter of the annular shape of the specimen enclosure 15. The length L6 of the inlet portions 15b is 2 to 5 times the length L5 of the opening portions 15a. Specifically, for example, the length L6 of the inlet portions 15b is 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, or 5.0 times the length L5 of the opening portions 15a, and may be within a range between any two of the values ​​exemplified here.

[0100] With this configuration, the staining liquid dropped onto the staining liquid dropping portion 12b can flow more efficiently from the inflow portion 15b into the specimen dropping portion 12a (inside the specimen enclosing portion 15).

[0101] 9. Other Embodiments The present invention can also be implemented in the following aspects. (1) Discharge section 17 In all of the above-described embodiments, a discharge section 17 may be provided. FIG. 13 shows an example in which a discharge section 17 is provided in the first embodiment. The discharge section 17 is formed so as to penetrate the outer periphery of the smeared region 12 through the outer region 11 toward the edge of the slide glass 1. By providing the discharge section 17, the flow direction of the staining liquid can be determined. This makes it possible to further reduce the risk of the staining liquid overflowing from one smeared region 12 and flowing into an adjacent smeared region 12, causing contamination.

[0102] (2) Antifouling treatment In the above-described embodiment, the outer region 11 is configured to be stain-resistant by applying a single substance, but it may be configured to be applied with multiple substances. Specifically, the outer region 11 may include a water-repellent region 11a to which a hydrophobic substance is applied and an oil-repellent region 11b to which an oil-repellent substance is applied. FIG. 14 shows an example in which the water-repellent region 11a and the oil-repellent region 11b are formed in the fourth embodiment. In this configuration, the water-repellent region 11a and the oil-repellent region 11b may be arranged in the opposite direction.

[0103] In this example, the oil-repellent region 11b is provided so as to form the outer periphery of the smeared region 12. The water-repellent region 11a is provided from the outer periphery of the oil-repellent region 11b to cover the entire test region 10. When the outer region 11 is formed of a single substance, such as a hydrophobic substance, as in the above-described embodiment, organic solvents are not repelled by the hydrophobic substance and therefore tend to flow out of the smeared region 12. Therefore, by combining the oil-repellent region 11b and the water-repellent region 11a, it is possible to prevent liquid from flowing out of the smeared region 12 regardless of the properties of the staining liquid.

[0104] (3) Barrier section 21 The barrier 21 may have any shape as long as it is configured to prevent the staining liquid from adhering to the gripping means 110. For example, as shown in Fig. 15, the barrier 21 may be formed in a U-shape so as to surround the portion gripped by the gripping means 110. [Example]

[0105] Specific examples of the slide glass according to the present invention will be described below.

[0106] Example 1: Evaluation of liquid retention performance A prototype slide glass was produced in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the slide glass 1 of the present invention, in which the inner diameter L3 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 was 7 mm, the width T1 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 where the notch was formed was 0.75 mm, and the width T2 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 was 2 mm.

[0107] 50 μL of pure water was dropped onto the inside of the specimen enclosure 15 (specimen drop portion 12a) of this slide glass. As a result, the dropped liquid was entirely held within the specimen enclosure 15 by surface tension and did not leak out through the notch. Furthermore, even when this slide glass was tilted at a 45-degree angle, the liquid was stably held within the specimen enclosure 15.

[0108] These results demonstrate that the slide glass of the present invention has excellent liquid retention properties, capable of retaining liquid within the area where the sample is dropped, even when the amount of liquid used is significantly greater than the expected amount, or when the slide glass is tilted during transportation.

[0109] Example 2: Evaluation of liquid inflow performance A prototype slide glass was manufactured in accordance with the sixth embodiment of the present invention, in which the inner diameter L3 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 was 7 mm, the width T1 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 where the notch was formed was 1 mm, and the width T2 of the specimen surrounding portion 15 was 2 mm.

[0110] Pure water was dropped onto the outside of the specimen enclosure 15 (staining liquid drop portion 12b) of this slide glass. As a result, it was visually confirmed that the liquid quickly and smoothly flowed into the specimen enclosure 15 from each notch.

[0111] From these results, it was confirmed that the notch structure of the present invention functions effectively in gently introducing the staining liquid into the specimen portion.

[0112] Example 3: Evaluation using actual staining solution Evaluation was performed using the same slide glass as used in Example 2 and crystal violet, which is used in actual Gram staining. When a staining solution was dropped onto the outside of the specimen enclosure 15, it was observed that the staining solution spread evenly along the notch to the inside, as in Example 2.

[0113] These results demonstrate that the slide glass of the present invention functions as intended not only with experimental liquids but also with various staining solutions used in actual staining processes. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1: slide glass, 10: test area, 11: outer area, 11a: water-repellent area, 11b: oil-repellent area, 12: smear area, 12a: specimen drop area, 12b: staining liquid drop area, 13: first area, 14: second area, 15: specimen enclosure, 15a: opening, 15b: inlet area, 15c: notch, 15c1: convex portion, 15c2: convex portion, 16a: vertical axis notch, 16b: horizontal axis notch, 16b1: first horizontal axis notch, 16b2: second horizontal axis notch, 16b3: third horizontal axis notch Notch, 17: discharge section, 18: guide section, 19: recognition section, 20: gripping area, 21: barrier section, 21a: first barrier section, 21b: second barrier section, 21c: third barrier section, 100: automatic staining device, 110: gripping means, 120: moving means, 130: staining liquid dripping means, 130a: staining liquid dripping member, 140: control means, 141: control section, 141a: acquisition section, 141b: movement control section, 141c: dripping control section, 142: memory section, 143: input section, 144: output section, 145: communication bus

Claims

1. It is a microscope slide, The inspection area comprises an outer area and a coating area, The outer region is formed by applying an anti-fouling coating to the slide glass. The aforementioned coating region is formed by being surrounded by the aforementioned outer region, and comprises a first region which is a sample dropping portion and a second region which is a staining liquid dropping portion. The sample dispensing portion and the staining liquid dispensing portion are located at different positions within the coating area. A microscope slide comprising a first region and a second region, both substantially circular in shape and arranged to communicate with each other, forming a snowman-shaped coating region.

2. It is a microscope slide, The inspection area comprises an outer area and a coating area, The outer region is formed by applying an anti-fouling coating to the slide glass. The aforementioned coating area is formed by being surrounded by the aforementioned outer area, and comprises a sample dropping portion, a staining liquid dropping portion, and a sample enclosure portion. The sample enclosure is formed within the coating area by being annular in shape and having an antifouling treatment applied such that at least one notch is formed on its outer circumference. The sample dispensing portion and the staining liquid dispensing portion are located at different positions within the coating area. The sample dispensing portion is the area within the sample enclosure, The portion where the staining liquid is dropped is a glass slide, which is located within the coating area and outside the specimen enclosure.

3. A microscope slide according to claim 2, The aforementioned notch is formed such that the outer circumference on both sides of the notch is curved and convex, in the glass slide.

4. It is a microscope slide, The inspection area comprises an outer area and a coating area, The outer region is formed by applying an anti-fouling coating to the slide glass. The aforementioned coating area is formed by being surrounded by the aforementioned outer area, and comprises a sample dropping portion, a staining liquid dropping portion, and a sample enclosure portion. The aforementioned sample enclosure is formed within the coating area by applying an anti-fouling treatment in the shape of a dashed ring. The sample dispensing portion and the staining liquid dispensing portion are located at different positions within the coating area. The sample dispensing portion is located within the sample enclosure. The portion for dropping the staining liquid is a glass slide located within the coating area and outside the specimen enclosure.

5. A microscope slide according to claim 4, The aforementioned specimen enclosure portion has inflow sections formed at intervals greater than the intervals of the dashed lines, which are provided on the glass slide.

6. A microscope slide according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A gripping area is provided extending over a predetermined length from one end of the short side of the aforementioned glass slide, and is adjacent to the inspection area. The gripping area is equipped with a protective wall, The protective wall portion is formed by applying a linear anti-fouling treatment to the gripping area on the inspection area side and along the shorter direction of the slide glass.

7. A method for staining a specimen using a glass slide, The aforementioned glass slide comprises an inspection area having an outer region and a coating region, The outer region is formed by applying an anti-fouling coating to the slide glass. The aforementioned coating region is formed by being surrounded by the aforementioned outer region, and comprises a first region which is a sample dropping portion and a second region which is a staining liquid dropping portion. The sample dispensing portion and the staining liquid dispensing portion are located at different positions within the coating area. The first and second regions are substantially circular in shape and are arranged to communicate with each other, forming a snowman-shaped coating region. The aforementioned staining method comprises a sample dropping step and a staining liquid dropping step. In the sample dropping step, the sample is dropped into the smear area on the glass slide. A staining method comprising the step of dropping the staining liquid, wherein the staining liquid is dropped onto the glass slide at a position different from the position where the sample was dropped within the smear area.

8. A method for staining a specimen using a glass slide, The aforementioned glass slide comprises an inspection area having an outer region and a coating region, The outer region is formed by applying an anti-fouling coating to the slide glass. The aforementioned coating area is formed by being surrounded by the aforementioned outer area, and comprises a sample dropping portion, a staining liquid dropping portion, and a sample enclosure portion. The sample enclosure is formed within the coating area by being annular in shape and having an antifouling treatment applied such that at least one notch is formed on its outer circumference. The sample dispensing portion and the staining liquid dispensing portion are located at different positions within the coating area. The sample dispensing portion is the area within the sample enclosure, The portion where the staining liquid is dropped is within the coating area and outside the sample enclosure. The aforementioned staining method comprises a sample dropping step and a staining liquid dropping step. In the sample dropping step, the sample is dropped into the smear area on the glass slide. A staining method comprising the step of dropping the staining liquid, wherein the staining liquid is dropped onto the glass slide at a position different from the position where the sample was dropped within the smear area.

9. A method for staining a specimen using a glass slide, The aforementioned glass slide comprises an inspection area having an outer region and a coating region, The outer region is formed by applying an anti-fouling coating to the slide glass. The aforementioned coating area is formed by being surrounded by the aforementioned outer area, and comprises a sample dropping portion, a staining liquid dropping portion, and a sample enclosure portion. The aforementioned sample enclosure is formed within the coating area by applying an anti-fouling treatment in the shape of a dashed ring. The sample dispensing portion and the staining liquid dispensing portion are located at different positions within the coating area. The sample dispensing portion is located within the sample enclosure. The aforementioned liquid staining portion is located within the coating area and outside the specimen enclosure. The aforementioned staining method comprises a sample dropping step and a staining liquid dropping step. In the sample dropping step, the sample is dropped into the smear area on the glass slide. A staining method comprising the step of dropping the staining liquid, wherein the staining liquid is dropped onto the glass slide at a position different from the position where the sample was dropped within the smear area.

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