Cartridge and analyte inspection apparatus including same

Abstract

The present invention relates to a cartridge and an analyte inspection apparatus including same. More specifically, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a cartridge and an anlyte inspection apparatus may be provided, the cartridge comprising: a plurality of inspection chambers for providing a space in which a reaction solution is accommodated; a supply flow path for providing a path through which the reaction solution supplied from the outside flows to the plurality of inspection chambers; and a plurality of resistance channels through which the reaction solution discharged from the plurality of inspection chambers flows, wherein the plurality of resistance channels are respectively connected to the plurality of inspection chambers so that gas inside the inspection chambers is discharged to the outside, and a second resistance value, which is a sum of resistance values of the plurality of resistance channels, is greater than a first resistance value, which is a sum of resistance values of the supply flow path and the plurality of inspection chambers.

Description

Cartridge and analyte inspection device including the same

[0001] The present invention relates to a cartridge and an analyte inspection device including the cartridge.

[0002] Typically, samples collected from humans or animals are purified in a laboratory and then tested. In laboratory purification, the sample is typically pretreated or purified using chemical or physical methods using specific equipment. The user can then collect the purified sample and perform a specific test. One such test is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), which determines the presence or absence of specific nucleic acids within a sample. The PCR reaction is widely used in this field. The PCR reaction is performed in three main steps: denaturation, annealing, and extension. The denaturation step is performed at a relatively high temperature of approximately 95 degrees Celsius. However, the annealing and extension steps can be performed at lower temperatures, such as 72 degrees Celsius or lower.

[0003] Recently, rapid test results have become essential for diagnosing bacterial and viral infections. To achieve this, cartridge devices, which integrate nucleic acid extraction, gene amplification, and detection processes, have been used. Furthermore, cartridge devices can be equipped with multiple test chambers into which reaction solutions are dispensed, enabling multiple tests to be performed simultaneously on a single sample. Equal volumes of sample must be dispensed into these multiple test chambers.

[0004] In this regard, conventional methods have involved dividing the supply channels that supply samples and designing each dispensed channel to have equal fluid resistance. However, this approach has presented drawbacks: it requires a large space to arrange the dispensed channels in multiple layers within the cartridge; it requires a large volume of sample to fill all the dispensed channels; and, if the internal flow rates between channels are slightly different due to imperfect manufacturing processes, the sample may not be evenly filled into each branched channel, contrary to the design.

[0005] When performing independent PCR reactions in multiple test chambers where dispensed samples are tested in this way, it is difficult to trust the results of the PCR test if the samples are not evenly filled in each test chamber. Therefore, there is a growing need for a cartridge that dispenses the same amount of sample from the supply path to each test chamber while excluding unnecessary path structures or external devices, and an analyte test device including the cartridge.

[0006] Embodiments of the present invention have been invented with the above background in mind, and are intended to provide a cartridge and analyte inspection device capable of evenly dispensing a sample introduced from the outside into a supply path into a plurality of first inspection chambers and second inspection chambers.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a cartridge comprises: a plurality of inspection chambers providing a space for accommodating a reaction solution; a supply path providing a passage for allowing a reaction solution supplied from the outside to flow into the plurality of inspection chambers; and a plurality of resistance channels through which the reaction solution discharged from the plurality of inspection chambers flows, wherein the plurality of resistance channels are respectively connected to the plurality of inspection chambers so that a gas inside the inspection chamber is discharged to the outside, and a second resistance value which is a summed resistance value of the plurality of resistance channels is greater than a first resistance value which is a summed resistance value of the supply path and the plurality of inspection chambers.

[0008] Additionally, it may be characterized in that the second resistance value is at least five times greater than the first resistance value.

[0009] Additionally, it may be characterized in that the second resistance value is at least 20 times greater than the first resistance value.

[0010] In addition, the supply path may include a main channel; and a dispensing channel branching from the main channel to provide a passage through which the reaction solution is supplied to the plurality of inspection chambers.

[0011] Additionally, an end reservoir communicating with the outside may be formed at the end of the resistance channel to prevent the reaction solution from leaking to the outside beyond the capacity of the resistance channel.

[0012] In addition, the resistance channel is formed to have a predetermined cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resistance channel, and the inspection chamber is formed to have a predetermined cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the inspection chamber, and the cross-sectional area of ​​the resistance channel may be smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the inspection chamber.

[0013] Additionally, the plurality of resistance channels include a plurality of first resistance channels and a plurality of second resistance channels, and the resistance value of the first resistance channel may be different from the resistance value of the second resistance channel.

[0014] In addition, an injection device having an injection port provided to discharge a reaction solution to the outside; and a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the injection device can be communicated with the main channel.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention can evenly dispense a reaction solution into a plurality of inspection chambers by arranging a resistance channel at the rear end of the first inspection chamber and the second inspection chamber.

[0016] Additionally, multiple test chambers can be filled with samples evenly regardless of the flow rate or hydraulic pressure within the supply path.

[0017] Additionally, by excluding unnecessary euro structures or external devices, the desired reaction can be performed with minimal sample and cost.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an analyte inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of an analyte inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0020] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the injection device, cartridge, and cover of the analyte inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0021] FIG. 4 is a drawing of a cartridge of an analyte inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from above.

[0022] FIG. 5 is a drawing of a cartridge of an analyte inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0023] FIG. 6 is a drawing of a cartridge and a cover of an analyte inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention, viewed from below.

[0024] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the overflow volume of a reaction solution according to the ratio of the first resistance value and the second resistance value of an analyte inspection device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Hereinafter, specific embodiments for implementing the technical idea of ​​the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0026] In addition, when explaining the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description is omitted.

[0027] Additionally, when it is said that a component is 'connected to', 'supplied with', or 'flowed with' another component, it should be understood that it may be directly connected to, supplied with, or flowed with that other component, but there may also be other components in between.

[0028] The terminology used herein is intended solely to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0029] Additionally, please note that the terms "upper side," "lower side," and "side" in this specification are based on the illustrations in the drawings and may be expressed differently if the orientation of the subject changes. For the same reason, some components in the attached drawings are exaggerated, omitted, or schematically depicted, and the sizes of each component do not fully reflect the actual size.

[0030] Additionally, terms that include ordinal numbers, such as "first," "second," etc., may be used to describe various components, but these components are not limited by such terms. These terms are used solely to distinguish one component from another.

[0031] The term "comprising" as used in the specification means specifying a particular characteristic, region, integer, step, operation, element and / or component, but does not exclude the presence or addition of other particular characteristics, regions, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups.

[0032] In addition, it is to be noted in advance that the expressions such as top, side, bottom, etc. in this specification are explained based on the illustration in the drawing and may be expressed differently if the direction of the object is changed.

[0033] Hereinafter, a specific configuration of an analyte inspection device (1) according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0034] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, in the present embodiment, the analyte test device (1) can be used to perform a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a reaction solution containing a sample derived from a living organism or the environment. The analyte test device (1) can include a case (10), an injection device (20), and a cartridge (30). In addition, the case (10), the injection device (20), and the cartridge (30) of the analyte test device (1) can be composed of any one material selected from the group consisting of plastic, rubber, ceramic, inorganic compound, and metal, or a combination thereof.

[0035] The case (10), the injection device (20), and the cartridge (30) can be manufactured through processes such as blow molding, compression molding, extrusion molding, injection molding, laminating, reaction injection molding, matrix molding, rotational molding, spin casting, transfer molding, thermoforming, and 3D printing. The case (10), the injection device (20), and the cartridge (30) can be mass-produced by existing automated facilities, and can be manufactured as reusable or disposable. In addition, the case (10), the injection device (20), and the cartridge (30) can be manufactured separately and assembled to form a single analyte inspection device (1).

[0036] The case (10) can accommodate at least a portion of the injection device (20) and the cartridge (30). This case (10) can be supported on a base (100) of the cartridge (30) to be described later. This case (10) can include a case cover portion (11) that accommodates a portion of the injection device (20) and the cartridge (30), and a cover portion (12) that can open and close an injection port (21) of the injection device (20) to be described later.

[0037] The injection device (20) can inject a reaction solution into the supply path (300) of the cartridge (30), which will be described later. The injection device (20) may have a space formed therein to accommodate the reaction solution. Meanwhile, the reaction solution injected into the supply path (300) by the injection device (20) may be formed of a liquid, a solid, or a mixture thereof, including, for example, some or all of cells, viruses, tissues, exosomes, proteins, nucleic acids, antigens, and antibodies. The injection device (20) may include an inlet (21), an outlet (22), an exchange port (23), a piston (24), and an injection device body (25).

[0038] A sample can be injected from the outside into the receiving space of the injection device (20) through the injection port (21). In addition, the injection port (21) can be selectively opened and closed by the cover part (12) of the case (10). This injection port (21) can be formed in the injection device body (25) so as to be perpendicular to the direction in which the piston (24) is inserted.

[0039] The outlet (22) can provide a passage that guides the reaction solution in the injection device (20) to flow into the inlet (311) of the main channel (310) of the supply path (300), which will be described later. This outlet (22) can be detachably connected to the upper end of the inlet (311) of the main channel (310).

[0040] The exchange port (23) can provide a passage through which the reaction solution within the injection device (20) flows to the communication port (510) of the exchange channel (500) described later. This exchange port (23) can be detachably connected to the upper end of the communication port (510) of the exchange channel (500).

[0041] The piston (24) may be configured to reciprocate within the injection device (20). When the piston (24) is moved so as to be inserted into the interior of the injection device (20), the reaction solution may flow into the supply path (300) of the cartridge (30) through the outlet (22).

[0042] The injection device body (25) can provide a receiving space, which is a space for receiving a sample introduced from the outside. An injection port (21), an outlet (22), and an exchange port (23) can be formed in the injection device body (25).

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 6, the cartridge (30) may provide a path for the reaction solution to flow. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) of the reaction solution may be performed in the cartridge (30). In addition, the cartridge (30) may support the case (10) and the injection device (20). In addition, the cartridge (30) may include a base (100), a test chamber (200), a supply path (300), a resistance channel (400), an exchange path (500), and a cover (600).

[0044] The base (100) can form the body of the cartridge (30). An inspection chamber (200), a supply path (300), a resistance channel (400), an exchange path (500), and a cover (600) can be arranged on the base (100).

[0045] The inspection chamber (200) can provide a space where a reaction solution is accommodated. This inspection chamber (200) can receive the reaction solution through the first chamber inlet (321) and the second chamber inlet (322) of the dispensing channel (320) of the supply channel (300) to be described later. In addition, when the amount of the reaction solution accommodated in the inspection chamber (200) exceeds the accommodation capacity of the inspection chamber (200), the excess reaction solution can be discharged into the resistance channel (400) through the first resistance channel inlet (411) and the second resistance channel inlet (421) of the resistance channel (400) to be described later. A plurality of inspection chambers (200) can be provided. Meanwhile, the reaction solution can be prevented from being discharged to the outside of the inspection chamber (200) by the second cover (620) of the cover (600) to be described later, which is attached to the other side (upper side of FIG. 2) of the inspection chamber (200). The inspection chamber (200) can have a predetermined resistance value, and the resistance value according to the cross-sectional shape (circular, rectangular, square, etc.) of the inspection chamber (200) can be calculated according to the following mathematical expression 1 considering the length and cross-sectional area. In addition, the inspection chamber (200) can include a first inspection chamber (210) and a second inspection chamber (220).

[0046] <Mathematical Formula 1>

[0047]

[0048] The first inspection chamber (210) receives the reaction solution through the first chamber inlet (321) of the dispensing channel (320), and the reaction solution exceeding the capacity of the first inspection chamber (210) can be discharged to the first resistance channel (410) through the first resistance channel inlet (411) of the first resistance channel (410).

[0049] The second inspection chamber (220) receives the reaction solution through the second chamber inlet (322) of the dispensing channel (320), and the reaction solution exceeding the capacity of the second inspection chamber (220) can be discharged to the second resistance channel (420) through the second resistance channel inlet (421) of the second resistance channel (420).

[0050] The first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220) may be spaced apart from the main channel (310) of the supply path (300) by different distances. For example, the first inspection chamber (210) may be positioned closer to the main channel (310) than the second inspection chamber (220). In other words, the second inspection chamber (220) may be positioned further away from the main channel (310) than the first inspection chamber (210). Here, the distance may be a distance in the direction in which the main channel (310) extends or in a direction perpendicular thereto. Meanwhile, even if the first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220) are spaced apart from the main channel (310) at different distances, the reaction solution can be evenly dispensed into the first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220) by the resistance channel (400), and a detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0051] The supply path (300) can provide a passage for a reaction solution supplied from the outside to flow to a plurality of inspection chambers (200). This supply path (300) can be arranged on one side of the base (100) (the lower side of FIG. 3), and the reaction solution can flow within the supply path (300) without being discharged to the outside by a first cover (610) of a cover (600) attached to one side of the base (100), which will be described later. This supply path (300) can have a predetermined resistance value, and the resistance value according to the shape of the supply path (300) can be calculated according to the above mathematical expression 1 considering the length and cross-sectional area. In addition, the combined resistance value of the resistance value of the supply path (300) and the resistance values ​​of the plurality of inspection chambers (200) can be named a first resistance value. The supply channel (300) may include a main channel (310) and a distribution channel (320).

[0052] The main channel (310) can provide a path for the reaction solution supplied from the injection device (20) to flow into the dispensing channel (320). An inlet (311) can be formed on one side of the main channel (310), and the inlet (311) is connected to the outlet (22) of the injection device (20), so that the reaction solution in the injection device (20) can flow into the main channel (310) through the outlet (22) and the inlet (311). The other side of the main channel (310) can be connected to the dispensing channel (320), and the reaction solution introduced into the main channel (310) can flow into the dispensing channel (320).

[0053] The dispensing channel (320) may be branched from the main channel (310) and may provide a passage through which a reaction solution is supplied to a plurality of inspection chambers (200). A first chamber inlet (321) and a second chamber inlet (322) may be formed in the dispensing channel (320). In addition, at least a portion of the dispensing channel (430) may be vertically connected to at least one of the plurality of inspection chambers (200), thereby supplying a sample to at least one of the plurality of inspection chambers (200).

[0054] The first chamber inlet (321) may be connected to the first inspection chamber (210). The reaction solution may flow into the first inspection chamber (210) through the first chamber inlet (321). The first chamber inlet (321) may be positioned closer to the main channel (310) than the second chamber inlet (322).

[0055] The second chamber inlet (322) may be connected to the second inspection chamber (220). The reaction solution may flow into the second inspection chamber (220) through the second chamber inlet (322). The second chamber inlet (322) may be positioned further away from the main channel (310) than the first chamber inlet (321). Here, the distance may be a distance in the direction in which the main channel (310) extends or in a direction perpendicular thereto.

[0056] In addition, the flow length from the end of the main channel (310) to the second chamber inlet (322) may be longer than the flow length from the end of the main channel (310) to the first chamber inlet (321). Here, the flow length may be the extension length of the dispensing channel (320) extending from the end of the main channel (310) to the first chamber inlet (321) or the second chamber inlet (322). For example, the flow length may be the extension length of the dispensing channel (320) when the dispensing channel (320) extending from the end of the main channel (310) to the first chamber inlet (321) or the second chamber inlet (322) is formed in a straight or curved shape.

[0057] Meanwhile, the specifications of the structures can be determined based on the ratio of the resistance applied to each of the inspection chamber (200), the supply path (300), and the resistance channel (400), and a detailed description thereof will be provided later.

[0058] The resistance channel (400) can allow the reaction solution discharged from the inspection chamber (200) to flow. In other words, the resistance channel (400) can provide a passage through which the reaction solution exceeding the capacity of the inspection chamber (200) can flow. In addition, the resistance channel (400) can be connected to the inspection chamber (200) and can provide a passage through which gas inside the inspection chamber (200) is discharged to the outside as the inspection chamber (200) is filled with the reaction solution. The resistance channel (400) can be provided in multiple numbers. The resistance channel (400) can be extended relatively long, and the resistance channel (400) can be formed to have a predetermined cross-sectional area in a direction orthogonal to the extension direction of the resistance channel (400). In addition, the cross-sectional area of ​​the resistance channel (400) can be formed relatively small. For example, the cross-sectional area of ​​the resistance channel (400) may be relatively smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the supply path (300) and the inspection chamber (200). Each of the plurality of resistance channels (400) may have its own resistance value, and the sum of the resistance values ​​of the plurality of resistance channels (400) may be referred to as a second resistance value. Meanwhile, the second resistance value may be different from the first resistance value. For example, the second resistance value may be greater than the first resistance value. As a specific example, the second resistance value may be five times greater than the first resistance value, and as another example, the second resistance value may be 20 times greater than the first resistance value. In addition, the resistance channel (400) may have an end reservoir, which will be described later, formed at an end to prevent the reaction solution from leaking to the outside by exceeding the capacity of the resistance channel (400). The resistance channel (400) may include a first resistance channel (410) and a second resistance channel (420).

[0059] The first resistance channel (410) may be connected to communicate with the first inspection chamber (210) to provide a passage through which the reaction solution discharged from the first inspection chamber (210) flows. A first resistance channel inlet (411) communicating with the first inspection chamber (210) may be formed at one side of the first resistance channel (410). For example, when the amount of the reaction solution accommodated in the first inspection chamber (210) exceeds the capacity of the first inspection chamber (210), the excess reaction solution may be discharged to the first resistance channel (410) through the first resistance channel inlet (411) of the first resistance channel (410). The resistance value of the first resistance channel (410) may be configured to be the same as or different from the resistance value of the second resistance channel (420). For example, by configuring the length and cross-sectional area of ​​the first resistance channel (410) to be the same as or different from those of the second resistance channel (420), the resistance value of the first resistance channel (410) and the resistance value of the second resistance channel (420) can be the same as or different from each other.

[0060] In addition, a first resistance channel outlet (412) communicating with the other side of the base (100) (upper side of FIG. 4) may be formed on the other side of the first resistance channel (410). This first resistance channel outlet (412) may be referred to as a first end reservoir. When the reaction solution flowing into the first resistance channel (410) from the first inspection chamber (210) exceeds the capacity of the first resistance channel (410), the reaction solution may flow to the other side of the base (100) through the first end reservoir, thereby preventing the reaction solution from flowing out of the passage of the first resistance channel (410).

[0061] The second resistance channel (420) may be connected to communicate with the second inspection chamber (220) to provide a passage through which the reaction solution discharged from the second inspection chamber (220) flows. A second resistance channel inlet (421) communicating with the second inspection chamber (220) may be formed on one side of the second resistance channel (420). For example, when the amount of the reaction solution accommodated in the second inspection chamber (220) exceeds the capacity of the second inspection chamber (220), the excess reaction solution may be discharged to the second resistance channel (420) through the second resistance channel inlet (421) of the second resistance channel (420). A second resistance channel outlet (422) communicating with the other side of the base (100) (the upper side in FIG. 4) may be formed on the other side of the second resistance channel (420). This second resistance channel outlet (422) may be referred to as a second end reservoir. When the reaction solution flowing into the second resistance channel (420) from the second inspection chamber (220) exceeds the capacity of the second resistance channel (420), the reaction solution flows to the other side of the base (100) through the second end reservoir, thereby preventing the reaction solution from flowing out of the passage of the second resistance channel (420).

[0062] The exchange channel (500) can provide a passage for the sample introduced from the injection device (20) to flow. A communication port (510) can be formed in the exchange channel (500), and the communication port (510) can be detachably connected to the exchange port (23) of the injection device (20). The sample in the injection device (20) can be introduced into the exchange channel (500) through the communication port (510) connected to the exchange port (23). The exchange channel (500) is used to sequentially contact and mix different solutions with the sample to extract analytes present in the sample. In addition, the exchange channel (500) can be connected to an expansion channel (520), which is a passage for the sample introduced from the communication port (510) to flow. The expansion channel (520) can be formed to have a wider width than the exchange channel (500).

[0063] A cover (600) can be attached to the base (100) to prevent the reaction solution from being discharged outside the passage. The cover (600) may be a film formed of a flexible material. For example, the cover (600) may include a first cover (610) and a second cover (620).

[0064] The first cover (610) can be attached to one side of the base (100) (the lower side in FIG. 3). For example, the first cover (610) can be attached to one end of the supply channel (300) so that the reaction solution can flow within the main channel (310) and the dispensing channel (320) of the supply channel (300) without being discharged to the outside.

[0065] The second cover (620) can be attached to the other side of the base (100). For example, the second cover (620) can be attached to the other end of the inspection chamber (200) to prevent the reaction solution from being discharged outside the inspection chamber (200).

[0066] Below, the operation and effect of the analyte inspection device (1) having the configuration described above will be described.

[0067] A reaction solution can be introduced into the main channel (310) through the inlet (311) of the main channel (310) connected to the outlet (22) of the injection device (20). The reaction solution introduced into the main channel (310) flows into the dispensing channel (320), and the reaction solution can be introduced into the first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220) through the first chamber inlet (321) and the second chamber inlet (322) of the dispensing channel (320). For example, the flow length from the end of the main channel (310) to the second chamber inlet (322) may be longer than the flow length from the end of the main channel (310) to the first chamber inlet (321), and in this case, a slight resistance difference may occur between the first and second inspection chambers (210, 220) connected to the first and second chamber inlets (321, 322).

[0068] In this case, the length and cross-sectional area may be formed differently so that there is a difference in the resistance value of the first resistance channel (410) and the resistance value of the second resistance channel (420), thereby enabling more accurate even distribution of the reaction solution. That is, even if the first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220) are spaced apart from the main channel (310) at different distances, the reaction solution can be evenly dispensed into the first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220) by the resistance value of the resistance channel (400).

[0069] In addition, when a reaction solution is supplied to a plurality of inspection chambers (200), the reaction solution can fill the inspection chamber (200) in which the gas was received while pushing out the gas existing in the inspection chamber (200). The gas can pass through the plurality of resistance channels (400) through the first resistance channel inlet (411) and the second resistance channel inlet (421) and be discharged to the resistance channel outlets (412, 422).

[0070] For example, the reaction solution exceeding the capacity of the first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220) is discharged into the first resistance channel (410) and the second resistance channel (420), respectively. The cross-sectional areas of the first resistance channel (410) and the second resistance channel (420) are formed to be relatively smaller than the cross-sectional areas of the first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220), so that the reaction solution flowing within the first resistance channel (410) and the second resistance channel (420) can flow at a relatively low speed. Accordingly, a predetermined resistance force is applied to the reaction solution discharged from the first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220) and flowing into the first resistance channel inlet (411) and the second resistance channel inlet (421) of the first resistance channel (410) and the second resistance channel (420). The reaction solution flowing from the dispensing channel (320) into the first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220) by the resistance of the first resistance channel (410) and the second resistance channel (420) can be evenly dispensed into the first reaction inspection (210) and the second inspection chamber (220).

[0071] The greater the difference between the first resistance value, which is the resistance value obtained by adding the resistance value of the supply path (300) and the resistance value of each of the test chambers (200), and the second resistance value, which is the resistance value obtained by adding the resistance values ​​of the plurality of resistance channels (400), the greater the effect of evenly dispensing the reaction solution. In addition, the greater the difference in resistance values, the smaller the volume of the reaction solution that flows into the resistance channel (400) after filling the test chamber (200), and therefore the smaller the amount of sample required to evenly dispense the reaction solution into each test chamber (200), and accordingly, the cost of the reagents used in the PCR reaction can be reduced.

[0072] Referring to Fig. 7, in order to confirm the effect of equal distribution of the reaction solution injected into the inspection chamber (200), the ratio of the first resistance value and the second resistance value was changed, and the ratio of the volume of the reaction solution introduced into each resistance channel (400) to the capacity of the inspection chamber (200) (overflow volume (%)) was measured.

[0073] As a result of the measurement, when the ratio of the first resistance value and the second resistance value is 1:1, about 38% of the reaction solution of the capacity of the inspection chamber (200) was introduced into the resistance channel (400). In other words, when the ratio of the first resistance value and the second resistance value is 1:1, about 38% of the reaction solution was lost and was not used for the inspection, and in order to perform the inspection effectively, the cartridge (30) may require a resistance channel (400) having a volume corresponding to about 38% of the capacity of the inspection chamber (200).

[0074] However, when the ratio of the first resistance value and the second resistance value is 1:5, less than about 15% of the reaction solution of the capacity of the inspection chamber (200) flows into the resistance channel (400). In other words, when the ratio of the first resistance value and the second resistance value is 1:5, only about 15% of the reaction solution is lost, which can be considered a significant level of loss, and the space occupied by the resistance channel (400) in the cartridge (30) can be optimized.

[0075] Furthermore, when the ratio of the first resistance value and the second resistance value is 1:20, less than about 6% of the reaction solution of the capacity of the inspection chamber (200) flows into the resistance channel (400), so that only about 6% of the reaction solution can be lost.

[0076] In other words, after an equal amount of reaction solution is filled in the first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220) by the resistance of the first resistance channel (410) and the second resistance channel (420), the reaction solution exceeding the capacity of the first inspection chamber (210) and the second inspection chamber (220) can flow into the resistance channel (400).

[0077] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described as specific embodiments, these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited thereto, but should be construed to have the broadest scope in accordance with the technical concepts disclosed in this specification. Those skilled in the art may combine / substitute the disclosed embodiments to implement patterns of shapes not specified, but this also does not depart from the scope of the present invention. In addition, those skilled in the art may easily modify or alter the disclosed embodiments based on this specification, and it is clear that such modifications or alterations also fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A plurality of inspection chambers providing a space in which a reaction solution is accommodated; A supply path providing a passage for a reaction solution supplied from the outside to flow into the plurality of inspection chambers; and It includes a plurality of resistance channels through which the reaction solution discharged from the plurality of inspection chambers flows, The above plurality of resistance channels are respectively connected to the plurality of inspection chambers so that the gas flowing inside the plurality of inspection chambers is discharged to the outside. A second resistance value, which is a resistance value obtained by adding the resistance values ​​of the plurality of resistance channels, is greater than a first resistance value, which is a resistance value obtained by adding the resistance values ​​of the supply channel and the resistance values ​​of the plurality of inspection chambers. Cartridge.

2. In paragraph 1, characterized in that the second resistance value is at least 5 times greater than the first resistance value. Cartridge.

3. In paragraph 1, characterized in that the second resistance value is at least 20 times greater than the first resistance value. Cartridge.

4. In paragraph 1, The above supply oil is Main channel; and Including a dispensing channel branching from the main channel and providing a passage through which the reaction solution is supplied to the plurality of inspection chambers. Cartridge.

5. In paragraph 4, The above busy channel is, At least a portion of the dispensing channel is vertically connected to at least one of the plurality of inspection chambers, thereby supplying a sample to at least one of the plurality of inspection chambers. Cartridge.

6. In paragraph 1 An end reservoir that is connected to the outside is formed at the end of the resistance channel to prevent the reaction solution from leaking out beyond the capacity of the resistance channel. Cartridge.

7. In paragraph 1, The above resistance channel is formed to have a predetermined cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the resistance channel, The above inspection chamber is formed to have a predetermined cross-sectional area in a direction perpendicular to the extension direction of the above inspection chamber, The cross-sectional area of ​​the above resistance channel is smaller than the cross-sectional area of ​​the above inspection chamber. Cartridge.

8. In paragraph 1, The above plurality of resistance channels include a plurality of first resistance channels and a plurality of second resistance channels, The resistance value of the first resistance channel is different from the resistance value of the second resistance channel, Cartridge.

9. An injection device provided with an injection port to discharge the reaction solution to the outside; and Containing a cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 8, The above injection device is connected to the main channel included in the supply path, Analyte inspection device.

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