Jig for collection kit

Abstract

This jig (200) for a collection kit comprises a kit-holding part (202), a container-holding part (204), and a raising / lowering mechanism (210). The kit-holding part (202) holds the collection kit (150) by supporting the holder (160) in such an orientation that a storage chamber (28) is positioned above an outflow path (30). The container-holding part (204) is disposed below the kit-holding part (202) and holds a sampling container (90). The raising / lowering mechanism (210) raises or lowers the kit-holding part (202) relative to the container-holding part (204).

Description

Collection kit jig

[0001] The present invention relates to a collection kit jig for connecting a sampling container to a collection kit.

[0002] Blood products include red blood cell products, plasma products, platelet products, and whole blood products. From these products, blood products containing the components required by the patient are selected and used. Blood products are used, for example, for transfusions.

[0003] Blood products are stored and transported in medical bags. To ensure the safety of blood products, a small sample may be taken from the medical bag for culture testing. In a culture test, the sample is taken from the medical bag into a culture bottle, and the culture bottle is placed in an environment suitable for bacterial growth. The presence or absence of bacteria in the blood product is determined based on whether or not bacterial growth is observed.

[0004] Among blood products, platelet products are inspected using the following procedure. Hereinafter, the medical bag containing the platelet product will be referred to as the platelet bag. First, a small-capacity collection bag is connected to the medical bag containing the platelet product. Then, a portion of the platelet product is transferred from the platelet bag to the collection bag. Next, the collection bag is detached from the platelet bag.

[0005] The collection bag is then transferred to a clean bench. In the clean bench, the platelet product in the collection bag is injected into a culture bottle. Prior to injection, the tube of the collection bag is connected to a tube extending from a sample collection tube. Using the scale on the sample collection tube as a guide, a predetermined amount of the platelet product is transferred from the collection bag to the sample collection tube.

[0006] The operator then operates the valve of the sample collection tube while visually checking the scale on the sample collection tube to transfer a specified amount of platelet product from the sample collection tube to a culture bottle. Anaerobic and aerobic culture are performed in the culture test. Therefore, the platelet product is dispensed into a culture bottle for anaerobic culture and a culture bottle for aerobic culture. The culture bottles are then set in a culture device and subjected to the culture test for a specified period.

[0007] For example, US Pat. No. 8,777,921 discloses a collection device for collecting samples from medical bags.

[0008] U.S. Patent No. 8,777,921

[0009] A collection kit for collecting a predetermined amount of sample from a medical bag includes an inlet tube and a collection bag located downstream of the inlet tube. When performing large-scale culture tests of blood products, it is necessary to improve the efficiency of the culture test. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to easily connect the collection bag to a sampling container.

[0010] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0011] (1) An aspect of the present invention is a collection kit jig used to connect a collection kit to a sampling container, the collection kit having an inlet tube to which a medical bag containing a sample to be collected is connected, a collection bag, and a holder that holds the collection bag, the collection bag having a storage chamber connected downstream of the inlet tube to store the sample to be collected, and an outlet flow path connected downstream of the storage chamber to allow the sample to flow out of the storage chamber and transport the sample to the sampling container, the collection kit jig comprising: a kit holding part that holds the collection kit by supporting the holder in an orientation in which the storage chamber is positioned above the outlet flow path; a container holding part that is positioned below the kit holding part and holds the sampling container; and a lifting mechanism that raises or lowers the kit holding part relative to the container holding part.

[0012] With the collection kit and the sampling container secured to the kit holder and the container holder, the kit holder is moved relatively close to the container holder by the lifting mechanism, connecting the sampling container to the outflow channel of the collection kit, thereby allowing the sample to be easily transferred from the collection kit to the sampling container.

[0013] Furthermore, since the collection bag is held by the holder, loosening of the collection bag is prevented, and therefore the collection bag can be easily attached to the collection kit jig via the holder.

[0014] (2) In the collection kit jig described in item (1) above, the collection kit has an adapter connected to the outflow flow path and to which the sampling container is attached, the collection kit jig has an adapter support part that holds the adapter, and the lifting mechanism may raise or lower the kit holding part and the adapter support part together relative to the container holding part.

[0015] By attaching the sampling container to the adapter, the sampling container can be connected to the outflow channel via the adapter. Note that the adapter may be detachably connected to the collection bag.

[0016] (3) In the collection kit jig described in (1) or (2), the kit holding portion may have a base portion and a retainer provided on the base portion, and the base portion and the retainer may form an accommodation space that accommodates the holder while surrounding the holder. Here, the retainer is a holder for holding the collection kit.

[0017] The kit holder is held in a stable position by surrounding the holder with the base and the retainer. This prevents misalignment between the outlet flow path of the collection kit held in the kit holder and the sampling container held in the container holder. Therefore, when the kit holder approaches the container holder, the sampling container is connected to the outlet flow path.

[0018] (4) In the collection kit tool described in item (3) above, the retainer may have a pocket space into which an end portion extending in the vertical direction of the holder can be inserted, and an insertion opening located above the pocket space for inserting the end portion into the pocket space.

[0019] The end of the holder is inserted into the pocket space of the retainer, so the collection kit is securely positioned. In addition, the insertion opening is located above the pocket space, so the end of the holder can be easily inserted into the pocket space.

[0020] (5) In the collection kit jig described in the above item (4), the retainer may have a lid portion that can open and close the insertion opening.

[0021] By closing the lid after the end of the holder is inserted into the pocket space of the retainer, the end of the holder is prevented from falling out of the pocket space, thereby preventing the collection kit from shifting out of position relative to the retainer.

[0022] (6) In the collection kit jig described in any one of items (1) to (5) above, the holder may have a plurality of holding holes, and the kit holding portion may have a plurality of holding pins that are inserted into the plurality of holding holes, respectively.

[0023] Despite its simple structure, the collection kit can be easily positioned and fixed to the kit holder.

[0024] (7) In the collection kit jig described in any one of items (1) to (6) above, the kit holding portion may have a cover that covers the holder at a position facing the collection bag.

[0025] The cover protects the collection bag.

[0026] (8) In the collection kit jig described in any one of items (1) to (7) above, the collection kit may have an exhaust flow path for exhausting air from inside the storage chamber and an exhaust valve provided in the exhaust flow path, and the kit holding portion may have an exhaust valve shielding portion that covers the upper part of the exhaust valve.

[0027] The exhaust valve shielding portion prevents air from entering the exhaust flow path via the exhaust valve, making it easy to transfer the sample from the medical bag to the storage chamber of the collection bag.

[0028] (9) In the collection kit jig described in any one of items (1) to (8) above, the collection bag may have a plurality of the storage chambers.

[0029] In this case, the sample can be stored separately in each of the multiple storage chambers. Therefore, multiple sampling containers can be connected to the multiple storage chambers, respectively. That is, the sample can be simultaneously collected in multiple sampling containers, improving collection efficiency.

[0030] (10) In the collection kit jig described in the above item (9), the collection kit jig may have a clamp portion that blocks communication between the plurality of storage chambers.

[0031] The clamp section blocks communication between the multiple storage chambers, preventing the transfer of the sample from one storage chamber to another, making it easy to transfer the sample from the multiple storage chambers to the sampling container.

[0032] (11) In the collection kit jig described in any one of items (1) to (10) above, the container holding portion may be positioned and fixed, and the lifting mechanism may raise or lower the kit holding portion relative to the container holding portion.

[0033] (12) In the collection kit jig described in any one of items (1) to (10) above, the kit holding portion may be positioned and fixed, and the lifting mechanism may raise or lower the container holding portion relative to the kit holding portion.

[0034] According to the present invention, the collection target can be easily transferred from the collection kit to the sampling container, and the collection kit can be easily fixed to the kit holder.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a collection kit according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of FIG. 1 with the holder omitted. FIG. 3 is an enlarged front view of a collection bag constituting the collection kit. FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of a holder constituting the collection kit. FIG. 5 is a schematic exploded perspective view of a collection kit according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view of the holder shown in FIG. 5 as seen from the back. FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which multiple collection kits are stacked. FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of a collection kit jig according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view showing the process of holding a collection kit in a kit holding section. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a clamp section from the rear. FIG. 11 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing the main parts of the lifting mechanism of the collection kit jig. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a process of storing a collection target in a storage chamber of the collection kit. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the collection kit is connected to a sampling container. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a process of transferring a collection target from a storage chamber to a sampling container. FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of a collection kit jig according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a schematic perspective view of the collection kit jig shown in FIG. 15, viewed from a different direction from that of FIG. 15. FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a collection kit jig according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 is a vertical cross-sectional side view of the clamping portion shown in FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a vertical cross-sectional side view showing a main portion of the lifting mechanism in the collection kit jig. FIG. 20 is a schematic perspective view of a collection kit jig according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a schematic front view of the kit holding portion shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 22 is a schematic perspective view of the cover and clamping portion shown in FIG. 20. FIG. 23 is a schematic perspective view of a collection kit jig according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 24 is a side view of a main portion of the collection kit jig shown in FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is a schematic perspective view of a collection kit jig according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 26 is a side view of a main portion of the collection kit jig shown in FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is a front view of the essential parts showing a configuration in which the adapter is detachable from the collection bag.

[0036] (1) Configuration of the Sampling Kit First, two exemplary embodiments of the sampling kit will be described. While the following describes an embodiment in which there are two each of the storage chamber 28, the connecting flow path 26, the outflow flow path 30, the adapter 40, and the sampling container 90, the number of these components may be one or three or more. However, the numbers of the storage chamber 28, the connecting flow path 26, the outflow flow path 30, the adapter 40, and the sampling container 90 are the same. Similarly, there may be one exhaust flow path 32 and three or more exhaust valves 50. Similarly, there may be one connection member 62, the mounting member 64, the engagement hole 120, and the positioning hole 130, either one or three or more.

[0037] The collection kit 100 shown in FIG. 1 and the collection kit 150 shown in FIG. 5 are typically fixed to collection kit jigs 200, 300, 400, 600, 700, and 800 (described below) with the components shown in lower positions in FIGS. 1 to 6 facing downward and the components shown in higher positions in FIGS. 1 to 6 facing upward. Therefore, the terms "up," "down," "left," and "right" in the following description correspond to the terms "up," "down," "left," and "right" in the drawings, respectively. However, "up" means a position relatively higher than "down," and "down" means a position relatively lower than "up." Therefore, "up" does not necessarily mean vertically upward. Similarly, "down" does not necessarily mean vertically downward.

[0038] The left-right direction is a horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical direction, and may be referred to as the "width direction" below. The horizontal direction perpendicular to the vertical and width directions may be referred to as the thickness direction.

[0039] Fig. 1 is a schematic front view of a collection kit 100 according to a first embodiment. The collection kit 100 is used to transfer a collection object M contained in a medical bag 80 shown in Fig. 12 to two sampling containers 90 (a first sampling container 90A and a second sampling container 90B) shown in Figs. 8, 13, 14, etc. The collection object M is, for example, a blood product such as a platelet product. The collection object M may also be a pharmaceutical product other than a blood product. The collection object M may also be a liquid sample other than a pharmaceutical product.

[0040] The collection kit 100 includes an inflow tube 12, a collection bag 14, and a holder 110 that holds the collection bag 14. A schematic front view of the collection kit 100 without the holder 110 is shown in Figure 2. An enlarged front view of the collection bag 14 is shown in Figure 3.

[0041] Inflow tube 12 is a transparent or translucent medical tube made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyvinyl chloride. Inflow tube 12 can be connected to or disconnected from other medical tubes without exposing the interior to the atmosphere by using a sterile connecting device or a tube sealer. Inflow tube 12 has an upstream end 13a and a downstream end 13b. When collection kit 100 is initially provided as a product, upstream end 13a is welded and sealed.

[0042] As will be described later, the downstream end 13b is connected to the upper side 14b of the collection bag 14 (see FIG. 3) via a relay member 60. The relay member 60 is, for example, a sleeve made of a material harder than the collection bag 14.

[0043] The collection bag 14 has two flexible sheets 22 stacked in the thickness direction. A common flow path 24, two connecting flow paths 26, two storage chambers 28, two outlet flow paths 30, and two exhaust flow paths 32 are formed between the two flexible sheets 22. The two connecting flow paths 26 are a first connecting flow path 26A and a second connecting flow path 26B. The two storage chambers 28 are a first storage chamber 28A and a second storage chamber 28B. The two outlet flow paths 30 are a first outlet flow path 30A and a second outlet flow path 30B, and the two exhaust flow paths 32 are a first exhaust flow path 32A and a second exhaust flow path 32B.

[0044] The two flexible sheets 22 are welded together except for the first connecting flow path 26A, the second connecting flow path 26B, the first storage chamber 28A, the second storage chamber 28B, the first outflow flow path 30A, the second outflow flow path 30B, the first exhaust flow path 32A, and the second exhaust flow path 32B. In an initial state, the first connecting flow path 26A, the second connecting flow path 26B, the first storage chamber 28A, the second storage chamber 28B, the first outflow flow path 30A, the second outflow flow path 30B, the first exhaust flow path 32A, and the second exhaust flow path 32B bulge in the thickness direction of the collection bag 14. In the first connecting flow path 26A, the second connecting flow path 26B, the first storage chamber 28A, the second storage chamber 28B, the first outflow flow path 30A, the second outflow flow path 30B, the first exhaust flow path 32A and the second exhaust flow path 32B, one flexible sheet 22 and the other flexible sheet 22 are spaced apart from each other along the thickness direction.

[0045] In a front view, the collection bag 14 has a rectangular shape with a longer side in the width direction and a shorter side in the vertical direction. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3, the collection bag 14 has a lower side 14a and an upper side 14b extending along the width direction, and a left side 14c and a right side 14d extending along the vertical direction.

[0046] The common flow path 24 extends vertically from the upper edge 14b to the lower edge 14a, dividing the collection bag 14 approximately in half in the width direction. That is, the common flow path 24 divides the collection bag 14 into a first region 14L to the left of the common flow path 24 and a second region 14R to the right of the common flow path 24. The first connecting flow path 26A, the first storage chamber 28A, the first outlet flow path 30A, and the first exhaust flow path 32A are located in the first region 14L. The second connecting flow path 26B, the second storage chamber 28B, the second outlet flow path 30B, and the second exhaust flow path 32B are located in the second region 14R. In the illustrated example, the first region 14L and the second region 14R are symmetrical about the axis C1 of the common flow path 24, but this is not limiting.

[0047] The common flow path 24 has an upstream end 25a and a downstream end 25b. The downstream end 13b of the inflow tube 12 is connected to the upstream end 25a of the common flow path 24 via the relay member 60 described above. The relay member 60 has a small diameter portion 61a and a large diameter portion 61b. The small diameter portion 61a is inserted into the upstream end 25a of the common flow path 24. The large diameter portion 61b protrudes upward above the upper edge portion 14b of the collection bag 14. The downstream end 13b of the inflow tube 12 is inserted into the large diameter portion 61b. The relay member 60 provides an airtight and liquid-tight seal between the downstream end 13b of the inflow tube 12 and the collection bag 14.

[0048] The downstream end 25b of the common flow path 24 is located near the bottom edge 14a of the collection bag 14. The upstream ends 27a of the first connecting flow path 26A and the second connecting flow path 26B branch off from the downstream end 25b of the common flow path 24. The first connecting flow path 26A and the second connecting flow path 26B are V-shaped with their apexes facing downward (open at the top). The intersection angle between the common flow path 24 and the first connecting flow path 26A is, for example, 10° to 85°. The intersection angle between the common flow path 24 and the second connecting flow path 26B is also, for example, 10° to 85°.

[0049] In the illustrated example, the first storage chamber 28A has a generally elliptical shape when viewed from the front in the thickness direction of the collection bag 14. The first storage chamber 28A may have a shape other than a generally elliptical shape. The volume of the first storage chamber 28A is, for example, approximately 8 mL to approximately 10 mL. The first storage chamber 28A temporarily stores the collection target M collected in the first sampling container 90A.

[0050] The upstream end 31a of the first outflow flow path 30A is connected to the lowermost part of the first storage chamber 28A. The first outflow flow path 30A extends toward the bottom edge 14a of the collection bag 14. The downstream end 27b of the first connecting flow path 26A is connected to a location of the first outflow flow path 30A that is close to the first storage chamber 28A. Therefore, the first connecting flow path 26A is connected to a lower part of the first storage chamber 28A via the first outflow flow path 30A. Therefore, the first storage chamber 28A is in communication with the common flow path 24 via the first outflow flow path 30A and the first connecting flow path 26A.

[0051] 1 and 2, the collection kit 150 further includes two adapters 40. The two adapters 40 are a first adapter 40A and a second adapter 40B. The first adapter 40A and the second adapter 40B may be detachable from the collection bag 14. This configuration will be described later as one of the modified examples.

[0052] The first adapter 40A is connected to the downstream end 31b of the first outlet flow path 30A. Specifically, a first connecting member 62A is provided at the downstream end 31b (see FIG. 3 ) of the first outlet flow path 30A. The first connecting member 62A is, for example, a sleeve made of a material harder than the collection bag 14. The first connecting member 62A has a small diameter portion 63a and a large diameter portion 63b. The small diameter portion 63a is inserted into the downstream end 31b of the first outlet flow path 30A. The large diameter portion 63b protrudes downward from the bottom edge 14a of the collection bag 14.

[0053] Here, the first connecting member 62A has a breakable plug (not shown) inside. In the initial state, the plug seals the first outflow channel 30A. This prevents the collection target M from flowing from the first storage chamber 28A to the first adapter 40A. When the collection target M is transferred from the first storage chamber 28A to the first adapter 40A, the plug is bent and broken. This opens the first outflow channel 30A.

[0054] 2, the first adapter 40A has an adapter body 42 and a communicating tube 44 provided at the upper end of the adapter body 42. The first adapter 40A is connected to the first outflow flow path 30A by inserting the communicating tube 44 into the inner hole of the large-diameter portion 63b of the first connecting member 62A. The first connecting member 62A provides a liquid-tight and airtight seal between the communicating tube 44 and the collection bag 14. The opening of the adapter body 42 is closed by a release sheet 57.

[0055] The first adapter 40A has a needle tube 46 inside the adapter body 42. The needle tube 46 is connected to the communicating tube 44. When the neck of the first sampling container 90A is inserted into the adapter body 42, the needle tube 46 penetrates the stopper 93 of the first sampling container 90A (see FIG. 8 ). Therefore, when the first connecting member 62A is opened as described above, the first sampling container 90A and the first storage chamber 28A are connected to each other via the communicating tube 44 and the needle tube 46.

[0056] The first adapter 40A has a rubber cover 49 that covers the needle tube 46. When the needle tube 46 is inserted into the stopper 93 of the first sampling container 90A, the rubber cover 49 is compressed by being pushed toward the collection bag 14. The needle tube 46 penetrates the compressed rubber cover 49. When the needle tube 46 is removed from the stopper 93 of the first sampling container 90A, the rubber cover 49 stretches due to its elastic restoring force and covers the needle tube 46 again.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 3 , the upstream end 33a of the first exhaust flow path 32A is connected to the top of the first storage chamber 28A and extends toward the top edge 14b of the collection bag 14. A first mounting member 64A is provided at the downstream end 33b of the first exhaust flow path 32A. The first mounting member 64A is, for example, a sleeve made of a material harder than the collection bag 14. The first mounting member 64A has a small diameter portion 65a and a large diameter portion 65b. The small diameter portion 65a is inserted into the downstream end 33b of the first exhaust flow path 32A. The large diameter portion 65b protrudes above the top edge 14b of the collection bag 14. The first mounting tube portion 52A of the first exhaust valve 50A is inserted into the inner hole of the large diameter portion 65b.

[0058] In this manner, the first exhaust valve 50A is connected to the collection bag 14 via the first attachment member 64A. The first attachment member 64A provides a liquid-tight and air-tight seal between the first attachment tube portion 52A and the collection bag 14.

[0059] The first exhaust valve 50A has a filter (not shown) inside that allows gas to pass through but prevents liquid from passing through. When the main component of the collection target M is water, the filter is preferably a hydrophilic filter. In this case, when the collection target M moves to the first exhaust valve 50A and comes into contact with the filter, the pores of the filter are blocked by the liquid. After this blocking, the filter blocks the passage of gas and liquid. Therefore, air is prevented from flowing back from the first exhaust valve 50A toward the first storage chamber 28A. A typical example of a collection target M whose main component is water is a blood product.

[0060] The shapes and positions of the second connecting passage 26B, the second storage chamber 28B, the second outflow passage 30B, the second connecting member 62B, the second exhaust passage 32B, and the second mounting member 64B are configured in accordance with the shapes and positions of the first connecting passage 26A, the first storage chamber 28A, the first outflow passage 30A, the first connecting member 62A, the first exhaust passage 32A, and the first mounting member 64A, respectively. The same applies to the first adapter 40A and the second adapter 40B, and to the first exhaust valve 50A (first mounting pipe portion 52A) and the second exhaust valve 50B (second mounting pipe portion 52B). Therefore, detailed descriptions of these components will be omitted. Furthermore, identical parts or portions will be designated by the same reference numerals.

[0061] In the illustrated example, the first connecting flow path 26A and the second connecting flow path 26B, the first storage chamber 28A and the second storage chamber 28B, the first outlet flow path 30A and the second outlet flow path 30B, and the first exhaust flow path 32A and the second exhaust flow path 32B are each in a line-symmetric relationship with respect to the axis C1 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) of the common flow path 24. However, the shapes and positions of these components do not have to be in a line-symmetric relationship.

[0062] As shown in Figure 4, the holder 110 has a box shape similar to a hollow rectangular parallelepiped with one end removed. The holder 110 has a main wall portion 112 that extends in the vertical and width directions, and a peripheral wall portion 114 that is continuous with the main wall portion 112 and perpendicular to it. The main wall portion 112 has retaining holes 115 at each of its four corners.

[0063] The peripheral wall 114 has a bottom 116a, a first side 116b, a second side 116c, and a ceiling 116d. The bottom 116a, the first side 116b, the second side 116c, and the ceiling 116d are connected to form a rectangle. The holder 110 further has an opening 118 that extends in the vertical and width directions. The opening 118 is located opposite the main wall 112. Hereinafter, in the thickness direction, the direction from the main wall 112 toward the opening 118 may be referred to as the "front," and the direction from the opening 118 toward the main wall 112 may be referred to as the "rear."

[0064] The bottom portion 116a protrudes in the thickness direction from the lower edge of the main wall portion 112. The bottom portion 116a has a plurality of engagement holes 120, namely, a first engagement hole 120A and a second engagement hole 120B. A first notch 122A and a second notch 122B are formed in the bottom portion 116a. The first notch 122A and the second notch 122B extend in the thickness direction from the opening 118, respectively, and are connected to the first engagement hole 120A and the second engagement hole 120B, respectively. A pair of first protrusions 124A is provided between the first notch 122A and the first engagement hole 120A, and a pair of second protrusions 124B is provided between the second notch 122B and the second engagement hole 120B.

[0065] The large diameter portion 63b of the first connecting member 62A is inserted into the first engagement hole 120A via the first notch 122A. The pair of first protrusions 124A prevent the large diameter portion 63b of the first connecting member 62A from slipping out of the first engagement hole 120A. The large diameter portion 63b of the second connecting member 62B is inserted into the second engagement hole 120B via the second notch 122B. The pair of second protrusions 124B prevent the large diameter portion 63b of the second connecting member 62B from slipping out of the second engagement hole 120B.

[0066] The ceiling portion 116d faces the bottom portion 116a, with the first side portion 116b and the second side portion 116c sandwiched therebetween. The ceiling portion 116d has a first positioning hole 130A, a fitting hole 140, and a second positioning hole 130B. A first insertion port 132A, a slit 142, and a second insertion port 132B are formed in the ceiling portion 116d. The first insertion port 132A and the second insertion port 132B each extend in the thickness direction from the opening 118 and are connected to the first positioning hole 130A and the second positioning hole 130B, respectively. A pair of first stoppers 134A is provided between the first insertion port 132A and the first positioning hole 130A, and a pair of second stoppers 134B is provided between the second insertion port 132B and the second positioning hole 130B.

[0067] The large diameter portion 65b of the first mounting member 64A is inserted into the first positioning hole 130A via the first insertion port 132A. The pair of first stoppers 134A prevent the large diameter portion 65b of the first mounting member 64A from slipping out of the first positioning hole 130A. The large diameter portion 65b of the second mounting member 64B is inserted into the second positioning hole 130B via the second insertion port 132B. The pair of second stoppers 134B prevent the large diameter portion 65b of the second mounting member 64B from slipping out of the second positioning hole 130B.

[0068] The slit 142 also extends in the thickness direction from the opening 118 as a starting point, and is connected to the fitting hole 140. A pair of claws 144 is provided between the slit 142 and the fitting hole 140. The large diameter portion 61b of the relay member 60 is inserted into the fitting hole 140 through the slit 142. The pair of claws 144 prevent the large diameter portion 61b of the relay member 60 from slipping out of the fitting hole 140.

[0069] Next, a collection kit 150 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Note that the same components as those shown in Figures 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions of these components will be omitted.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the collection kit 150 includes the collection bag 14 and a holder 160 for holding the collection bag 14 .

[0071] In the holder 160, the main wall 112 is generally rectangular and has a main surface 162 (see FIG. 5 ) that faces the collection bag 14 and a back surface 164 (see FIG. 6 ) that is the reverse side of the main surface 162. The direction connecting the main surface 162 and the back surface 164 is the thickness direction of the holder 160. The outer peripheral edge of the main wall 112 has a peripheral wall 114. The peripheral wall 114 protrudes in a direction away from the main surface 162 along the thickness direction. Therefore, the main surface 162 is located in an internal space 166 formed by the peripheral wall 114.

[0072] The main surface 162 is provided with an abutment portion 177 and four pin portions 178. The abutment portion 177 and the four pin portions 178 protrude from the main surface 162 in the thickness direction toward the collection bag 14. The abutment portion 177 is a convex portion having a substantially rectangular cylindrical shape. Four insertion holes 182 are formed in the collection bag 14. A downstream portion of the first connection flow path 26A is located between two of the four insertion holes 182. A downstream portion of the second connection flow path 26B is located between the other two of the four insertion holes 182. The four pin portions 178 that constitute the holder 160 are inserted into the four insertion holes 182, respectively.

[0073] Each of the four corners of the outer periphery of the main wall portion 112 has a first protrusion 170 that is integrally connected to the peripheral wall portion 114. The first protrusion 170 protrudes beyond the peripheral wall portion 114 in a direction away from the main surface 162 along the thickness direction. When the first protrusion 170 is viewed from the thickness direction of the holder 160, the first protrusion 170 is L-shaped. A first engagement step 172 is formed at the end of the first protrusion 170 in the thickness direction. In the illustrated example, the first engagement step 172 is configured as an inner step formed by cutting out a portion of the inner surface of the first protrusion 170.

[0074] Each of the four corners of the outer circumferential edge of the main wall portion 112 has a second protrusion 174. The second protrusion 174 protrudes along the thickness direction in the opposite direction to the first protrusion 170 and away from the back surface 164. When viewed from the thickness direction of the holder 160, the second protrusion 174 is L-shaped. The first protrusion 170 and the second protrusion 174 are integrally connected to the peripheral wall portion 114.

[0075] A second engagement step 176 is formed at the end of the second protrusion 174 in the thickness direction. In the illustrated example, the second engagement step 176 is configured as an outer step formed by cutting out a portion of the outer surface of the second protrusion 174. Here, the first engagement step 172 may be an outer step formed by cutting out a portion of the outer surface of the first protrusion 170. In this case, the second engagement step 176 is an inner step formed by cutting out a portion of the inner surface of the second protrusion 174.

[0076] The bottom 116a of the peripheral wall 114 has engagement holes 120 (first engagement hole 120A and second engagement hole 120B) and a relief notch 180. The relief notch 180 is a relief portion that prevents the clamp portion 230 from interfering with the bottom 116a when, for example, holding the collection kit 150 in the collection kit jig 200 shown in FIG. 8. The relief notch 180 is formed in the bottom 116a below the abutment portion 177. Meanwhile, the ceiling 116d of the peripheral wall 114 has a first positioning hole 130A, a fitting hole 140, and a second positioning hole 130B.

[0077] When storing or transporting multiple collection kits 150, the multiple collection kits 150 can be stacked in the thickness direction, as shown in Figure 7. At this time, the first engagement step 172 of one holder 160 engages with the second engagement step 176 of another holder 160 adjacent to the holder 160. In this way, the holders 160 can be stacked via the first engagement step 172 and the second engagement step 176 while holding a collection bag 14. Therefore, the multiple collection bags 14 and the multiple holders 160 can be stored or transported in an organized manner without scattering.

[0078] (2) First Embodiment Next, with reference to FIG. 8, the configuration of a collection kit jig 200 according to a first embodiment will be described.

[0079] The collection kit jig 200 includes a kit holding part 202, a container holding part 204, and an elevating mechanism 210. The container holding part 204 has a first container holding part 204A and a second container holding part 204B.

[0080] The kit holder 202 holds the collection kit 150. The kit holder 202 has a base 214 fixed to the lifting mechanism 210. The base 214 is a plate-like member that has a thickness in the horizontal direction, and in this embodiment is formed in a rectangular shape. The shape of the base 214 is not particularly limited. The base 214 can be displaced up and down in the vertical direction by the lifting mechanism 210. A rear surface 214b of the base 214 is fixed to the lifting mechanism 210.

[0081] The kit holding portion 202 has two retainers 216 provided on the front surface 214a of the base portion 214. The two retainers 216 are a first retainer 216A and a second retainer 216B. The first retainer 216A and the second retainer 216B protrude forward from the front surface 214a and extend vertically. As will be described later, the retainers 216 are holders that hold the collection kit 150 in the kit holding portion 202.

[0082] The first retainer 216A is a rectangular tubular body with an opening on its right side facing the second retainer 216B and an opening on its top side facing upward. As shown in FIG. 9 , the first retainer 216A has a pocket space 218 therein. The opening on the top of the first retainer 216A is located above the pocket space 218. This opening is an insertion opening 220 for inserting the first side portion 116b of the holder 160 into the pocket space 218. The first retainer 216A has a lid 222 for opening and closing the insertion opening 220. The lid 222 is rotatably connected to the base portion 214 via a hinge 224. One end of the hinge 224 is connected to the top surface of the lid 222, and the other end of the hinge 224 is connected to the rear surface 214b of the base portion 214. The first retainer 216A has a fastener 226 on the front surface 214a, which locks the lid 222 in the closed position.

[0083] The second retainer 216B is configured similarly to the first retainer 216A. Therefore, the same names and reference numerals are used for the components of the second retainer 216B that are the same as the components of the first retainer 216A. However, the second retainer 216B is a rectangular tubular body that is open on the left side facing the first retainer 216A and on the top side facing upward.

[0084] The front surface 214a of the base portion 214, the first retainer 216A, and the second retainer 216B form a storage space 228. The holder 160 is stored in the storage space 228 while holding the collection bag 14 to form the collection kit 150. When the collection kit 150 is stored in the storage space 228, the front surface 214a of the base portion 214, the left side of the first retainer 216A, and the right side of the second retainer 216B surround the main wall portion 112 of the holder 160 and the first side portion 116b and the second side portion 116c of the peripheral wall portion 114. Here, the first side portion 116b and the second side portion 116c are the ends of the peripheral wall portion 114 that extend in the up-down direction.

[0085] The kit holding unit 202 has a clamp unit 230. Specifically, a prismatic stay 232 extending forward is provided on the front surface 214a of the base unit 214. An L-shaped stay 234 is provided on the upper surface of the prismatic stay 232. The L-shaped stay 234 is generally L-shaped when the kit holding unit 202 is viewed from the right to the left in a side view. The portion of the L-shaped stay 234 that extends in the vertical direction has a back surface 234b that faces approximately the center of the front surface of the lower edge of the collection bag 14. The clamp unit 230 is provided on the back surface 234b.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 10 , the clamp 230 has a first protrusion 236A and a second protrusion 236B at its rear. The first protrusion 236A and the second protrusion 236B extend in the vertical direction. As shown in Fig. 14 , the first connecting flow path 26A in the collection bag 14 is sandwiched between the abutment portion 177 of the holder 160 and the first protrusion 236A. The second connecting flow path 26B in the collection bag 14 is sandwiched between the abutment portion 177 of the holder 160 and the second protrusion 236B. This blocks communication between the first storage chamber 28A and the second storage chamber 28B.

[0087] The clamp 230 is inserted into the relief notch 180 of the holder 160. This prevents the clamp 230 from interfering with the bottom 116a. When the collection kit 150 is fixed to the kit holding part 202, the clamp 230 is located inside the four pins 178 of the holder 160.

[0088] 8, when the collection kit 150 has a first adaptor 40A and a second adaptor 40B, the collection kit jig 200 preferably further includes a first adaptor support portion 240A and a second adaptor support portion 240B. The first adaptor support portion 240A and the second adaptor support portion 240B are at the same height and aligned horizontally.

[0089] The first adapter support portion 240A is provided on the kit holder 202 and secures the first adapter 40A. The first adapter support portion 240A has a pair of first protrusions 242A that protrude from the front surface 214a of the base portion 214 and are horizontally spaced apart from each other. The first adapter support portion 240A sandwiches the first adapter 40A between the pair of first protrusions 242A. The inner surfaces of one first protrusion 242A and the other first protrusion 242A form a holding surface that holds the first adapter 40A. The distance between the inner surfaces of one first protrusion 242A and the other first protrusion 242A is preferably set slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the first adapter 40A (retaining tube). This allows the first adapter 40A to be held with an appropriate holding force.

[0090] The second adapter support portion 240B has a pair of second protrusions 242B that protrude from the front surface 214a of the base portion 214 and are spaced apart horizontally. The pair of second protrusions 242B hold the second adapter 40B in the same manner as the pair of first protrusions 242A. In this manner, the second adapter support portion 240B is provided on the kit holder 202 and fixes the second adapter 40B.

[0091] The collection kit jig 200 includes a plate-shaped base 250 that forms the lower portion of the collection kit jig 200. The first container holding portion 204A and the second container holding portion 204B are provided on the upper surface of the base 250. Specifically, a pedestal 252 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 250. The first container holding portion 204A is formed by forming a container holding groove 205 that is U-shaped recessed from front to rear and open at the top on the left side of the pedestal 252. The second container holding portion 204B is formed by forming a container holding groove 205 that is U-shaped recessed from front to rear and open at the top on the right side of the pedestal 252. In this manner, the first container holding portion 204A and the second container holding portion 204B are provided integrally with the pedestal 252.

[0092] The first container holder 204A is disposed below the kit holder 202 and directly below the first adapter support 240A. The first sampling container 90A is held in a container holding groove 205 of the first container holder 204A. The distance between one inner surface and the other inner surface of the container holding groove 205 is preferably set slightly smaller than the outer shape of the first sampling container 90A. This allows the first sampling container 90A to be held with an appropriate holding force. Scales 91 are provided on the side surfaces of the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B.

[0093] The second container holder 204B is disposed below the kit holder 202 and directly below the second adapter support 240B. The second sampling container 90B is held in the container holding groove 205 of the second container holder 204B in the same manner as the first sampling container 90A.

[0094] The collection kit jig 200 may include a first electronic balance, a second electronic balance, a first weight display unit, and a second weight display unit. Although the first electronic balance, the second electronic balance, the first weight display unit, and the second weight display unit are not shown, the first electronic balance and the second electronic balance can be provided, for example, on the pedestal 252, directly below the two container holding grooves 205. The first weight display unit and the second weight display unit can be provided, for example, on the base 250 or the pedestal 252, etc.

[0095] The first electronic balance measures the weight of the collection target M transferred into the first sampling container 90A. The first weight display unit displays the value measured by the first electronic balance. The second electronic balance measures the weight of the collection target M transferred into the second sampling container 90B. The second weight display unit displays the value measured by the second electronic balance. Therefore, the user can quickly grasp the accurate weight of each of the collection targets M in the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B.

[0096] In the collection kit jig 200, the lifting mechanism 210 moves the kit holding part 202 in the up and down direction. The lifting mechanism 210 includes a frame-shaped part 256 fixed to the base 250, a displacement part 258 supported on the frame-shaped part 256 so as to be movable up and down, and a lifting operation part 260 attached to the frame-shaped part 256.

[0097] The frame-shaped portion 256 has a support column holder 262 fixed to the upper surface of the base 250, a support column 264 supported by the support column holder 262 and protruding upward, and a guide block 266 fixed to the support column 264. The guide block 266 is attached perpendicular to the support column 264 and extends in the front-to-rear direction along the thickness direction of the holder 160. The guide block 266 has a first end 266a which is the rear end and a second end 266b which is the front end. The first end 266a is fixed to the support column 264. A displacement portion 258 is disposed at the second end 266b. A guide hole 268 is formed in the second end 266b, penetrating in the up-down direction.

[0098] The frame-shaped portion 256 further includes a sub-frame 269 disposed between the guide block 266 and the base 250. The sub-frame 269 extends in the vertical direction. The upper end of the sub-frame 269 is connected between the first end 266a and the second end 266b of the guide block 266. The lower end of the sub-frame 269 is supported by the base 250.

[0099] The displacement portion 258 has a lifting rod 270 inserted into the guide hole 268 of the guide block 266, and a support 272 fixed to the lower end of the lifting rod 270. As shown in Fig. 11 , a rack 274 is formed on the lifting rod 270 along the extension direction (up-down direction) of the lifting rod 270. As shown in Fig. 8 , a fixed seat 276 is fixed to the upper end of the lifting rod 270.

[0100] A return spring 278 made of a coil spring is disposed between the guide block 266 and the fixed seat 276. The lower end of the return spring 278 abuts against the upper surface of the guide block 266, and the upper end of the return spring 278 abuts against the lower surface of the fixed seat 276. The lifting rod 270 is inserted inside the return spring 278. The elastic force of the return spring 278 acts to hold the displacement portion 258 in its initial position.

[0101] A positioning block 280 is fixed to the fixed seat 276. The positioning block 280 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the fixed seat 276. The lower surface of the positioning block 280 faces the upper surface of the guide block 266. When the displacement portion 258 descends, the lower end of the positioning block 280 abuts against the upper surface of the guide block 266, thereby stopping the descent of the displacement portion 258.

[0102] The support 272 is a block-shaped member extending horizontally. The base 214 of the kit holding unit 202 is fixed to the support 272. Two guide rods 282 are inserted into two holes provided at both ends of the support 272. The two guide rods 282 protrude upward and parallel to each other from the base 250. The guide rods 282 guide the support 272 as it moves up and down. Three or more guide rods 282 may be provided on the base 250.

[0103] The lifting operation unit 260 has a rotating rod 286 rotatably supported by the guide block 266, and an operation lever 288 fixed to the rotating rod 286. The rotating rod 286 is rotatable about a horizontal axis. As shown in FIG. 11 , the rotating rod 286 has a gear portion 290 that meshes with the rack 274 of the lifting rod 270. The gear portion 290 is disposed inside the guide block 266. Because the gear portion 290 and the rack 274 mesh with each other, when the gear portion 290 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating rod 286, the lifting rod 270 rises or falls depending on the rotation direction of the gear portion 290.

[0104] 8, the operating lever 288 is a part that is gripped by the user when operating the lifting operation unit 260, and is fixed perpendicular to the rotating rod 286. When the user moves the operating lever 288, the rotating rod 286 can be rotated.

[0105] The sampling kit jig 200 configured as described above is used as follows: In the first embodiment, a sampling method will be described in which the sampling kit 150 is used to distribute the sampling target M (see FIG. 12) into sampling containers 90 (see FIG. 14).

[0106] First, as shown in Figure 12, the collection target M is transferred from the medical bag 80 to the collection bag 14. Specifically, the medical bag 80 is connected to the collection kit 150. If the medical bag 80 is a platelet bag, the collection target M is a platelet preparation. The medical bag 80 has a supply tube 82 for connection. The supply tube 82 is connected to the inflow tube 12. The supply tube 82 is connected to the inflow tube 12 using a sterile connection device without coming into contact with the outside air.

[0107] Next, a liquid collection object M, such as a platelet product, is introduced into the collection bag 14. This process is initiated and carried out with the medical bag 80 positioned above the collection bag 14. At this point, the plugs of the first connecting member 62A and the second connecting member 62B are maintained in a closed state.

[0108] The collection target M flows out of the medical bag 80 due to gravity and flows into the common flow path 24 via the supply tube 82 and the inlet tube 12. The collection target M moves due to gravity along the common flow path 24 toward the lower edge 14a of the collection bag 14. The upstream ends 27a of the first connecting flow path 26A and the second connecting flow path 26B are connected to the downstream end 25b of the common flow path 24. Therefore, the collection target M is divided into a first tributary MF1 that flows from the common flow path 24 into the first connecting flow path 26A and a second tributary MF2 that flows from the common flow path 24 into the second connecting flow path 26B.

[0109] The first tributary MF1 rises as it moves through the first connecting flow path 26A toward the first storage chamber 28A. The air in the first connecting flow path 26A is pushed evenly by the rising first tributary MF1 and moves toward the first storage chamber 28A. This reduces the amount of air remaining in the first connecting flow path 26A. At this point, the first outlet flow path 30A is blocked by the plug of the first connecting member 62A. Therefore, the first tributary MF1 first flows into the first outlet flow path 30A and then into the first storage chamber 28A. As a result, at least a portion of the air in the first outlet flow path 30A is pushed out by the first tributary MF1 and moves to the first storage chamber 28A. This reduces the amount of air remaining in the first outlet flow path 30A.

[0110] As the first branch flow MF1 flows into the first storage chamber 28A, the liquid level of the collection target M rises in the first storage chamber 28A. As a result, the air in the first storage chamber 28A is pushed up within the first storage chamber 28A by the collection target M. The air flows into the first attachment pipe portion 52A via the first exhaust flow path 32A connected to the top of the first storage chamber 28A, and is then exhausted to the atmosphere through the first exhaust valve 50A.

[0111] After the first storage chamber 28A is filled with the collection target M, the collection target M flows into the inside of the first exhaust valve 50A via the first exhaust flow path 32A and the first attachment pipe portion 52A. When the collection target M comes into contact with the filter inside the first exhaust valve 50A, the collection target M is captured and held in the pores of the filter. This blocks the collection target M from the filter. As a result, the first exhaust valve 50A is closed, preventing the collection target M from passing through the first exhaust valve 50A and being discharged into the outside air. Therefore, the required amount of collection target M is stored in the first storage chamber 28A. The required amount is, for example, approximately 8 mL to 10 mL.

[0112] The second branch flow MF2 flowing into the second outlet flow path 30B via the second connecting flow path 26B is also stored in the second storage chamber 28B in the same manner as described above. When the first region 14L and the second region 14R in the collection bag 14 are linearly symmetrical to each other, the first storage chamber 28A and the second storage chamber 28B can store approximately the same amount of collection target material M at approximately the same time.

[0113] The medical bag 80 is then separated from the inflow tube 12 using a tube sealer (high frequency sealer or ultrasonic sealer) or the like. The tube sealer separates the inflow tube 12 from the supply tube 82 of the medical bag 80 and simultaneously seals the upstream end 13a of the inflow tube 12 by welding. The separation of the inflow tube 12 and the supply tube 82 is performed without exposing the internal flow path to the outside air.

[0114] The medical bag 80 separated from the inlet tube 12 is stored until the culture test is completed, and then is put to use. Meanwhile, the collection kit 150 containing the collection target M in the first storage chamber 28A and the second storage chamber 28B is carried into a clean bench. The collection kit jig 200 shown in Figure 8 is installed on the clean bench.

[0115] 9 , when holding the kit holding portion 202 on the collection kit 150, the user opens the lid portion 222 of the first retainer 216A and the lid portion 222 of the second retainer 216B. The user grasps the holder 160 and positions the first side portion 116b above the insertion opening 220 of the first retainer 216A and the second side portion 116c above the second retainer 216B. Next, the user lowers the collection kit 150 and inserts the first side portion 116b into the pocket space 218 through the insertion opening 220 of the first retainer 216A and the second side portion 116c into the pocket space 218 through the insertion opening 220 of the second retainer 216B.

[0116] The first protrusion 170, the second protrusion 174, and a portion of the bottom 116a, which constitute the underside of the left side of the holder 160, come into contact with the inner bottom surface of the first retainer 216A in the pocket space 218 of the first retainer 216A. The first protrusion 170, the second protrusion 174, and a portion of the bottom 116a, which constitute the underside of the right side of the holder 160, come into contact with the inner bottom surface of the second retainer 216B in the pocket space 218 of the second retainer 216B. This stops the holder 160 from descending.

[0117] 14 , the first protrusion 236A of the clamp unit 230 faces the upstream side of the first connecting flow path 26A, and the second protrusion 236B of the clamp unit 230 faces the upstream side of the second connecting flow path 26B. The upstream side of the first connecting flow path 26A is sandwiched and crushed between the abutting portion 177 of the holder 160 and the first protrusion 236A. The upstream side of the second connecting flow path 26B is sandwiched and crushed between the abutting portion 177 of the holder 160 and the second protrusion 236B. As a result, communication between the first storage chamber 28A and the second storage chamber 28B is blocked.

[0118] A seal may be provided in at least one of the first connecting flow path 26A and the second connecting flow path 26B using ultrasonic sealing, high-frequency sealing, or the like. In this case, communication between the first storage chamber 28A and the second storage chamber 28B is also blocked. Therefore, in this case, it is not necessary to provide the clamp 230 in the kit holding portion 202.

[0119] Next, the user closes the two lid portions 222 as shown in FIG. 8 to block the two insertion openings 220. The user then locks the lid portions 222 in the closed position with the fasteners 226. This prevents the holder 160 from slipping out of the pocket space 218, and positions the holder 160 in the storage space 228. In the storage space 228, the main wall portion 112 of the holder 160 and the first side portion 116b and second side portion 116c of the peripheral wall portion 114 are surrounded by the front surface 214a of the base portion 214, the left side of the first retainer 216A, and the left side of the second retainer 216B.

[0120] The user then secures the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B to the first container holder 204A and the second container holder 204B, respectively. The user then peels off the release sheets 57 from the first adapter 40A and the second adapter 40B, respectively. The above steps may be performed before or after the collection kit 150 is placed in the kit holder 202.

[0121] Next, the user performs an operation to transfer the sampling target M from the sampling kit 150 to the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B. Specifically, the user grasps the operating lever 288 and moves it in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 8 . This causes the rotating rod 286 to rotate in the direction of arrow A. As the rotating rod 286 rotates in this manner, the lifting rod 270 descends. This is because the gear portion 290 of the rotating rod 286 meshes with the rack 274 of the lifting rod 270, as shown in FIG. 11 .

[0122] 13 , as the lift rod 270 descends, the base 214, which is connected to the lift rod 270 via the support 272, also descends. As a result, the collection kit 150 fixed to the kit holder 202 also descends. When the lift rod 270 descends, the return spring 278, which is disposed between the fixed seat 276 and the guide block 266, is compressed in the axial direction. That is, the lift rod 270 descends against the elastic force of the return spring 278.

[0123] As the collection kit 150 is lowered, the first sampling container 90A is connected to the first adapter 40A, and the second sampling container 90B is connected to the second adapter 40B. The needle 46 of the first adapter 40A penetrates the stopper 93 (see FIG. 8) of the first sampling container 90A, and the needle 46 of the second adapter 40B penetrates the stopper 93 of the second sampling container 90B.

[0124] The user then breaks the plug of the first connecting member 62A and the plug of the second connecting member 62B. This opens the first connecting member 62A and the second connecting member 62B. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14 , the collection target M in the first storage chamber 28A is sucked out by the negative pressure of the first sampling container 90A and moves to the first sampling container 90A. Similarly, the collection target M in the second storage chamber 28B is sucked out by the negative pressure of the second sampling container 90B and moves to the second sampling container 90B.

[0125] In this manner, substantially all of the collection target material M stored in the first storage chamber 28A is transferred to the first sampling container 90A, and substantially all of the collection target material M stored in the second storage chamber 28B is transferred to the second sampling container 90B. That is, the first sample MS1 is introduced into the first sampling container 90A, and the second sample MS2 is introduced into the second sampling container 90B.

[0126] Next, the user lifts the collection kit 150 by operating the operation lever 288 of the lifting operation unit 260. Specifically, the user rotates the operation lever 288 in direction B in FIG. 13 . This releases the return spring 278 from the force compressing it downward. Therefore, the return spring 278 elastically expands and urges the guide block 266 upward. This urging causes the lift rod 270, support 272, and base 214 to rise together. Therefore, the collection kit 150 held by the kit holder 202 also rises. As the collection kit 150 rises, the first adapter 40A is removed from the first sampling container 90A, and the second adapter 40B is removed from the second sampling container 90B. The above steps complete collection (sampling) of the collection target M using the collection kit 150.

[0127] If the collection target M is a blood product, a culture test is performed on the first sample MS1 and the second sample MS2. Specifically, the first sample MS1 in the first sampling container 90A is used, for example, for anaerobic culture to observe whether anaerobic bacteria grow. The second sample MS2 in the second sampling container 90B is used, for example, for aerobic culture to observe whether aerobic bacteria grow. In both tests, the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B are used as culture bottles. If the first sample MS1 and the second sample MS2 pass the culture test, the collection target M in the medical bag 80 from which the first sample MS1 and the second sample MS2 were collected is determined to be an acceptable product. The acceptable product is used for patient treatment (e.g., blood transfusion).

[0128] The collection kit jig 200 according to the first embodiment has the following advantages.

[0129] 2, 5, and 6, the collection kit 150 has an inflow tube 12 to which a medical bag 80 containing a collection target M is connected, a collection bag 14, and a holder 160 that holds the collection bag 14. The collection bag 14 has a storage chamber 28 that is connected downstream of the inflow tube 12 and that stores the collection target M, and an outflow flow path 30 that is connected downstream of the storage chamber 28 and that allows the collection target M to flow out of the storage chamber 28 and transport the collection target M toward the sampling container 90.

[0130] The collection kit jig 200 shown in FIG. 8 is used to connect the collection kit 150 configured as described above to the sampling container 90. The collection kit jig 200 includes a kit holding portion 202, a container holding portion 204, and an elevating mechanism 210. The kit holding portion 202 holds the collection kit 150 by supporting the holder 160 in an orientation in which the storage chamber 28 is located above the outflow channel 30. The container holding portion 204 is disposed below the kit holding portion 202 and holds the sampling container 90. As can be understood by comparing FIGS. 8 and 13 , the elevating mechanism 210 raises or lowers the kit holding portion 202 relative to the container holding portion 204. Note that, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 13 , in the collection kit jig 200, the container holding portion 204 is positioned and fixed to a base 250, and the kit holding portion 202 rises or lowers toward the container holding portion 204.

[0131] With the collection kit 150 fixed to the kit holder 202 and the sampling container 90 fixed to the container holder 204, the kit holder 202 is moved relatively closer to the container holder 204 by the lifting mechanism 210, whereby the sampling container 90 is connected to the outflow flow path 30 of the collection kit 150. This allows the collection object M to be easily transferred from the collection kit 150 to the sampling container 90.

[0132] Furthermore, since the collection bag 14 is held by the holder 160, loosening of the collection bag 14 is prevented. Therefore, the collection bag 14 can be easily attached to the collection kit jig 200 via the holder 160.

[0133] The sampling kit 150 has an adapter 40 that is connected to the outflow channel 30 and to which a sampling container 90 is attached. Meanwhile, the sampling kit jig 200 has a first adapter support part 240A and a second adapter support part 240B as adapter support parts that hold the adapter 40. The lifting mechanism 210 raises or lowers the kit holding part 202 and the adapter support parts (the first adapter support part 240A and the second adapter support part 240B) together relative to the container holding part 204.

[0134] By attaching the sampling container 90 to the adapter 40, the sampling container 90 can be connected to the outflow passage 30 via the adapter 40. The adapter 40 may be detachably connected to the collection bag 14.

[0135] 9, the kit holding portion 202 has a base portion 214 and a retainer 216 provided on the base portion 214. The base portion 214 and the retainer 216 form an accommodation space 228 that surrounds the holder 160 and accommodates the holder 160.

[0136] The holder 160 is held in the kit holding part 202 so that the base part 214 and the retainer 216 surround the holder 160, thereby stabilizing the position of the holder 160. This prevents misalignment between the outflow channel 30 of the collection kit 150 held in the kit holding part 202 and the sampling container 90 held in the container holding part 204. Therefore, when the kit holding part 202 approaches relatively to the container holding part 204, the sampling container 90 is connected to the outflow channel 30.

[0137] The retainer 216 has a pocket space 218 into which the ends (first side portion 116b and second side portion 116c) extending in the vertical direction in the holder 160 can be inserted, and an insertion opening 220 located above the pocket space 218 for inserting the ends into the pocket space 218.

[0138] The collection kit 150 is securely positioned because the end of the holder 160 is inserted into the pocket space 218 of the retainer 216. In addition, the insertion opening 220 is located above the pocket space 218, making it easy to insert the end of the holder 160 into the pocket space 218.

[0139] The retainer 216 has a lid portion 222 that can open and close the insertion opening 220 .

[0140] By closing the lid 222 after the end of the holder 160 is inserted into the pocket space 218 of the retainer 216, the end of the holder 160 is prevented from coming out of the pocket space 218. This prevents the collection kit 150 from becoming misaligned with respect to the retainer 216.

[0141] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the collection bag 14 has a plurality of storage chambers 28 (in the illustrated example, a first storage chamber 28A and a second storage chamber 28B).

[0142] Therefore, the collection target M can be stored separately in each of the multiple storage chambers 28. Therefore, multiple sampling containers 90 (in the illustrated example, a first sampling container 90A and a second sampling container 90B) can be connected to the multiple storage chambers 28, respectively. In other words, the collection target M can be collected simultaneously in multiple sampling containers 90. This improves collection efficiency.

[0143] As shown in FIG. 8, the collection kit tool 200 has a clamp portion 230 that blocks communication between the plurality of storage chambers 28 .

[0144] The clamping portion 230 blocks communication between the plurality of storage chambers 28, thereby preventing the collection object M from moving from one storage chamber 28 (e.g., the first storage chamber 28A) to another storage chamber (e.g., the second storage chamber 28B). Therefore, it is easy to transfer the collection object M from the plurality of storage chambers 28 to the sampling container 90.

[0145] (3) Second Embodiment Next, the configuration of a collection kit jig 300 according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 15 and 16. The collection kit jig 300 according to the second embodiment includes a kit holding portion 202, a clamp portion 230, a first container holding portion 204A, and a second container holding portion 204B shown in Figures 8 and 13. For this reason, in the collection kit jig 300 according to the second embodiment, the same components as those shown in Figures 1 to 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals in Figures 15 and 16, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0146] The collection kit jig 300 includes a kit holder 202 , a first container holder 204A, a second container holder 204B, and a lifting mechanism 310 .

[0147] In the collection kit jig 300, the lifting mechanism 310 moves the kit holding part 202 in the up and down direction. The lifting mechanism 310 has a lifting operation part 320, a displacement part 340, and a guide part 360.

[0148] Two support plates 312 are erected on the base 250. The lifting operation unit 320 is provided on the front surface of the upper part of the two support plates 312. Specifically, the lifting operation unit 320 has a support shaft 322, an operation lever 324, two V-shaped arms 326, and a connecting rod 328. More specifically, a lever mounting plate 330 is fixed to the front surface of the upper part of the two support plates 312. A guide bracket 332 is provided on the front surface of the lever mounting plate 330. The guide bracket 332 has two support guide portions 334 bent forward from the width direction. A support shaft 322 is supported by the two support guide portions 334. The support shaft 322 is passed through a through hole in the operation lever 324. The operation lever 324 is rotatable around the support shaft 322.

[0149] The operating lever 324 is generally V-shaped. The operating lever 324 is connected to a movable platen 342 that constitutes a displacement unit 340 via two V-shaped arms 326 and a connecting rod 328. Here, as shown in FIG. 16 , the connecting rod 328 has, from bottom to top, a male thread portion 328a, a large diameter portion 328b, and a small diameter portion 328c. The upper ends of the two V-shaped arms 326 are connected to the V-shaped bent portion of the operating lever 324. The lower ends of the two V-shaped arms 326 are connected to the small diameter portion 328c that constitutes the upper portion of the connecting rod 328.

[0150] The movable platen 342 extends in the width direction. A plate nut 344 is disposed approximately in the center of the movable platen 342 in the width direction. A male threaded portion 328a constituting the lower portion of the connecting rod 328 is screwed into the female thread of the plate nut 344. A chamfer 336 is attached to the side surface of the large diameter portion 328b constituting the middle portion of the connecting rod 328. In the initial stage before the operating lever 324 is operated, the chamfer 336 is sandwiched between the lower ends of the two support guide portions 334.

[0151] First insertion holes (not shown) are formed at the left and right ends of the movable platen 342. The first insertion holes extend in the vertical direction. First stoppers 346 are provided at the left and right ends of the upper surface of the movable platen 342. The first stoppers 346 have second insertion holes 348 that overlap the first insertion holes above.

[0152] Two guide rods 362 that constitute a guide unit 360 are erected on the base 250. Each of the two guide rods 362 is passed through the first insertion hole and the second insertion hole 348. The guide rods 362 are passed through the interior of a return spring 364. The lower end of the return spring 364 abuts against the upper surface of the base 250. The upper end of the return spring 364 abuts against the lower surface of the movable platen 342. The return spring 364 urges the movable platen 342 upward.

[0153] The upper portion of each of the two guide rods 362 is exposed from the second insertion hole 348. A second stopper 366 is provided at the upper end of each of the two guide rods 362.

[0154] The movable platen 342 and the base unit 214 of the kit holding unit 202 are connected via an L-shaped bracket 370. Specifically, the L-shaped bracket 370 has a horizontal portion 370a extending in the front-rear direction and a vertical portion 370b extending in the up-down direction. The horizontal portion 370a is connected to the movable platen 342 with the upper surface of the horizontal portion 370a abutting against the lower surface of the movable platen 342. The horizontal portion 370a is passed through between two guide rods 362. On the other hand, the vertical portion 370b is connected to the base unit 214 with the front surface of the vertical portion 370b abutting against the rear surface 214b of the base unit 214.

[0155] The collection kit jig 300 configured as described above is used as follows. In the second embodiment, a collection method will be described in which the collection kit 150 is used to distribute the collection target M (see FIG. 12) to sampling containers 90 (see FIG. 14). Here, the operation of transferring the collection target M from the medical bag 80 to the collection bag 14 is the same as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the operation of holding the collection kit 150 in the kit holder 202 is also the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, a description of these operations will be omitted.

[0156] To transfer the sampling target M from the sampling kit 150 to the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B, the user grasps one end of the operating lever 324 and rotates the operating lever 324 so that the end moves downward in the direction of arrow A in Figure 15. This causes the connecting rod 328 to move downward.

[0157] 16 , the male thread portion 328a of the connecting rod 328 is connected to the movable platen 342 via the plate nut 344, and the movable platen 342 is connected to the base portion 214, so that the movable platen 342 and the kit holding portion 202 descend integrally with the connecting rod 328. When the movable platen 342 descends, the return spring 364 arranged between the base 250 and the movable platen 342 is compressed in the axial direction. That is, the movable platen 342 descends against the elastic force of the return spring 364.

[0158] When the kit holder 202 descends, the collection kit 150 secured to the kit holder 202 also descends. As a result, the first sampling container 90A is connected to the first adapter 40A, and the second sampling container 90B is connected to the second adapter 40B. The needle 46 of the first adapter 40A penetrates the stopper 93 (see FIG. 8) of the first sampling container 90A, and the needle 46 of the second adapter 40B penetrates the stopper 93 of the second sampling container 90B. Subsequently, the first connecting member 62A and the second connecting member 62B are opened by the same operation as in the first embodiment. Accordingly, a first sample MS1 (see FIG. 14) is introduced into the first sampling container 90A, and a second sample MS2 is introduced into the second sampling container 90B.

[0159] Next, the user rotates the operating lever 324 so that one end of the operating lever 324 shown in Figures 15 and 16 rises. This releases the return spring 364 from the force compressing it downward. Therefore, the return spring 364 elastically expands. Accordingly, the movable platen 342 is urged upward by the return spring 364. As a result, the movable platen 342, the kit holding section 202, and the sampling kit 150 rise together. As the sampling kit 150 rises, the first adapter 40A is removed from the first sampling container 90A, and the second adapter 40B is removed from the second sampling container 90B. The above steps complete the collection (sampling) of the sampling target M using the sampling kit 150.

[0160] The collecting kit jig 300 according to the second embodiment has the same effects as the collecting kit jig 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0161] (4) Third Embodiment Next, the configuration of a collection kit jig 400 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 to 19. The collection kit jig 400 according to the third embodiment includes a kit holding portion 202 shown in Figures 8, 13, and 15. For this reason, in the collection kit jig 400 according to the third embodiment, the same components as those shown in Figures 1 to 16 are denoted by the same reference numerals in Figures 17 to 19, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0162] The collection kit jig 400 includes a first adaptor support portion 240A, a second adaptor support portion 240B, a kit holder 202, a first container holder 204A, a second container holder 204B, and a lifting mechanism 420.

[0163] In the collection kit jig 400, the lifting mechanism 420 moves the second displacement unit 470, which includes the first container holding unit 204A and the second container holding unit 204B, in the up-down direction. The kit holding unit 202 is positioned and fixed above the first container holding unit 204A and the second container holding unit 204B.

[0164] Specifically, two first support plates 402 are erected on the upper surface of the base 250. The two first support plates 402 are arranged parallel to each other at the left and right ends of the base 250. The base portion 214 is positioned and fixed to the front surface of the upper part of the first support plates 402.

[0165] The kit holding unit 202 has a clamp unit 404. As shown in Figure 18, the clamp unit 404 has a U-shaped stay 406 and a roller 408. The rear surface of the rear end portion 406b of the U-shaped stay 406 is connected to the front surface 214a of the base unit 214. In this way, the clamp unit 404 is supported by the base unit 214.

[0166] The roller 408 is rotatably supported on the front end 406a of the U-shaped stay 406. The roller 408 faces approximately the center of the lower edge of the collection bag 14 and covers the connection (branch) between the common flow path 24 and the first and second connecting flow paths 26A and 26B. As a result, the roller 408 compresses the most downstream part of the common flow path 24, the most upstream part of the first connecting flow path 26A, and the most upstream part of the second connecting flow path 26B, thereby blocking communication between the common flow path 24 and the first and second connecting flow paths 26A and 26B.

[0167] In addition, in the collection kit jig 400, the clamp portion 404 may be replaced with the clamp portion 230 shown in Figures 8, 10 and 15.

[0168] The lifting mechanism 420 has a lifting operation unit 422 , a first displacement unit 430 , a first guide unit 450 , a second displacement unit 470 , a second guide unit 482 , and a gear mechanism 490 .

[0169] Two second support plates 410 are erected on the base 250. The lifting / lowering operation unit 422 is provided on the front of the upper portion of the two second support plates 410. The lifting / lowering operation unit 422 is configured similarly to the lifting / lowering operation unit 320 in the second embodiment. Therefore, a detailed description of the lifting / lowering operation unit 422 will be omitted. In the collection kit jig 300, in the initial state before the operation of the operation lever 324, one end of the operation lever 324 is tilted slightly upward from the horizontal (see FIGS. 15 and 16 ). In contrast, in the collection kit jig 400, as shown in FIG. 17 , in the initial state before the operation of the operation lever 324, one end of the operation lever 324 is tilted slightly backward from the vertically upward direction.

[0170] The first displacement unit 430 has a first moving platen 432 and a first driving plate 434. The first moving platen 432 and the first driving plate 434 move up and down integrally. The lifting and lowering of the first moving platen 432 and the first driving plate 434 is guided by a first guide unit 450.

[0171] The first moving platen 432 is a plate-shaped member extending along the width direction, and a plate nut 436 is disposed approximately in the center in the width direction. The male thread portion 328a of the connecting rod 328 is screwed into the female thread of the plate nut 436. The first moving platen 432 has first insertion holes 438 at each of the left and right ends. A cylindrical portion 440b of a first stopper 440 is inserted through the first insertion holes 438. The first stopper 440 is connected to the first moving platen 432 with the upper surface of the large-diameter flange portion 440a of the first stopper 440 abutting against the lower surface of the first moving platen 432.

[0172] Two first guide rods 452 that constitute the first guide unit 450 are erected on the base 250. Each of the two first guide rods 452 is passed through a second insertion hole 454 of the first stopper 440. An upper portion of each of the two first guide rods 452 is exposed from the second insertion hole 454. A second stopper 456 is provided at the upper end of each of the two first guide rods 452.

[0173] The first guide rod 452 is passed through the inside of a first return spring 458. The lower end of the first return spring 458 abuts against the upper surface of the first stopper 440. The upper end of the first return spring 458 abuts against the lower surface of the second stopper 456. The first return spring 458 urges the first moving platen 432 downward via the first stopper 440.

[0174] The first driving plate 434 is an inverted L-shaped member having a first vertically elongated portion 434a extending in the up-down direction and a first upper end portion 434b extending in the front-rear direction. The first vertically elongated portion 434a faces forward below the first moving platen 432. The first upper end portion 434b is connected to the lower surface of the first moving platen 432.

[0175] The second displacement unit 470 has a second moving platen 472. As shown in Figures 17 and 19, the second moving platen 472 has a support seat 472a extending along the width direction, and a tab 472b protruding rearward from approximately the center of the support seat 472a in the width direction. Therefore, the second moving platen 472 has a substantially T-shape in a plan view viewed from above to below.

[0176] 17 , the first container holding unit 204A and the second container holding unit 204B are respectively composed of a first container holder 207A and a second container holder 207B provided on the upper surface of the support seat 472a. The first container holder 207A and the second container holder 207B move up and down integrally with the second movable platen 472. Note that instead of the first container holder 207A and the second container holder 207B, the first container holding unit 204A and the second container holding unit 204B can also be configured using a pedestal 252 shown in FIG. 8 or the like.

[0177] The support seat 472a of the second movable platen 472 has third insertion holes (not shown) at the left and right ends. The third insertion holes extend in the vertical direction. Third stoppers 474 are provided on the upper surface of the support seat 472a at the left and right ends, respectively. The third stoppers 474 have fourth insertion holes 478 that overlap the third insertion holes.

[0178] 19 , a second driving plate 480 is provided on the upper surface of the tab portion 472b of the second moving platen 472. The second driving plate 480 has a second horizontal portion 480a extending in the front-rear direction and a second vertically elongated portion 480b extending in the up-down direction. The second horizontal portion 480a is connected to the tab portion 472b with the lower surface of the second horizontal portion 480a abutting against the upper surface of the tab portion 472b. Therefore, the second moving platen 472 moves up and down integrally with the second driving plate 480.

[0179] 17 , two second guide rods 484 that constitute the second guide portion 482 are erected on the base 250. Each of the two second guide rods 484 is passed through the third insertion hole and the fourth insertion hole 478. The upper portion of each of the two second guide rods 484 is exposed from the fourth insertion hole 478. A fourth stopper 486 is provided at the upper end of each of the two second guide rods 484.

[0180] The second guide rod 484 is passed through the interior of a second return spring 488. The lower end of the second return spring 488 abuts against the upper surface of the third stopper 474. The upper end of the second return spring 488 abuts against the lower surface of the fourth stopper 486. The second return spring 488 urges the second moving platen 472 downward via the fourth stopper 486.

[0181] 19 , the gear mechanism 490 has a first rack 492, a second rack 494, and a pinion 496 that meshes with the first rack 492 and the second rack 494. The first rack 492 is disposed on the front surface of the lower part of the first vertically elongated portion 434a of the first drive plate 434. The second rack 494 is disposed on the rear surface of the second vertically elongated portion 480b of the second drive plate 480. The pinion 496 is interposed between the first rack 492 and the second rack 494. The pinion 496 is supported by an L-shaped stay 498 that is erected on the upper surface of the base 250, via a bearing 500.

[0182] The sampling kit jig 400 configured as described above is used as follows: In the third embodiment, a sampling method will be described in which the sampling kit 150 is used to distribute the sampling target M (see FIG. 12) into sampling containers 90 (see FIG. 14).

[0183] To transfer the sampling target M from the sampling kit 150 to the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B, the user grasps one end of the operating lever 324 and rotates the operating lever 324 so that the end moves downward in the direction of arrow A in Figure 17. This causes the connecting rod 328 to move downward.

[0184] 17, the male thread portion 328a of the connecting rod 328 is connected to a first moving platen 432 via a plate nut 436, and a first driving plate 434 is connected to the first moving platen 432. Therefore, as the connecting rod 328 descends, the first moving platen 432 and the first driving plate 434 descend together.

[0185] 19 , a first rack 492 provided on the first vertically elongated portion 434a of the first drive plate 434 meshes with a pinion 496, and the pinion 496 meshes with a second rack 494 provided on the second vertically elongated portion 480b of the second drive plate 480. Therefore, when the first moving platen 432 and the first drive plate 434 descend, the pinion 496 is pushed downward by the first rack 492 and rotates. As a result, the second rack 494 is pushed upward by the pinion 496. This causes the second drive plate 480 and the second moving platen 472 to which the second drive plate 480 is connected to rise together.

[0186] When the second moving platen 472 moves up, the second return spring 488 disposed between the third stopper 474 and the fourth stopper 486 is compressed in the axial direction. That is, the second moving platen 472 moves up against the elastic force of the second return spring 488.

[0187] The first container holder 204A and the second container holder 204B rise integrally with the second movable platen 472. As a result, the first sampling container 90A is connected to the first adapter 40A, and the second sampling container 90B is connected to the second adapter 40B. The needle tube 46 of the first adapter 40A penetrates the stopper 93 (see FIG. 17) of the first sampling container 90A, and the needle tube 46 of the second adapter 40B penetrates the stopper 93 of the second sampling container 90B. Subsequently, the first connecting member 62A and the second connecting member 62B are opened by the same operation as in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the first sample MS1 (see FIG. 14) is introduced into the first sampling container 90A, and the second sample MS2 is introduced into the second sampling container 90B.

[0188] Next, the user rotates the operating lever 324 so that one end of the operating lever 324 shown in FIG. 17 rises. This releases the second return spring 488 from the force compressing it upward. Therefore, the second return spring 488 elastically expands. Accordingly, the second movable platen 472 is urged downward by the second return spring 488 via the third stopper 474. As a result, the second movable platen 472, the first container holding unit 204A, and the second container holding unit 204B descend together. As the first container holding unit 204A and the second container holding unit 204B descend, the first adapter 40A is removed from the first sampling container 90A, and the second adapter 40B is removed from the second sampling container 90B. The above steps complete the collection (sampling) of the collection target M using the collection kit 150.

[0189] Following the descent of the second moving platen 472, the second rack 494 pushes the pinion 496 downward, and the pinion 496 pushes the first rack 492 upward, in the opposite manner to the above. As a result, the first driving plate 434 and the first moving platen 432 rise and return to their original positions.

[0190] The collecting kit jig 400 according to the third embodiment has the same effects as the collecting kit jig 200 according to the first embodiment.

[0191] (5) Fourth Embodiment Next, the configuration of a collection kit jig 600 according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 20 to 22. Here, the collection kit jig 600 according to the fourth embodiment is configured similarly to the collection kit jig 400 according to the third embodiment, except that it includes a kit holding portion 602 instead of the kit holding portion 202. For this reason, in the collection kit jig 600 according to the fourth embodiment, the same components as those shown in Figures 1 to 19 are simply assigned the same reference numerals in Figures 20 to 22, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0192] In the fourth embodiment, an example is shown in which the collection kit 100 shown in FIG. 1 is fixed to the kit holder 602.

[0193] 20 , the collection kit jig 600 includes a kit holding unit 602, a first container holding unit 204A, a second container holding unit 204B, and an elevating mechanism 420. As described above, the configurations of the first container holding unit 204A, the second container holding unit 204B, and the elevating mechanism 420 are the same as those of the collection kit jig 400 according to the third embodiment.

[0194] As shown in FIG. 21 , the kit holding portion 602 has a base portion 614 and a plurality of retainers 620. The plurality of retainers 620 includes a first retainer 620A and a second retainer 620B. The first retainer 620A is disposed on the left side of the base portion 614, and the second retainer 620B is disposed on the right side of the base portion 614. As in the first to third embodiments, the front surface of the base portion 614, the first retainer 620A, and the second retainer 620B form an accommodation space 622 that accommodates the holder 110. When the collection kit 100 is accommodated in the accommodation space 622, the main wall portion 112 and the peripheral wall portion 114 of the holder 110 are surrounded by the front surface of the base portion 614, the right inner surface of the first retainer 620A, and the left inner surface of the second retainer 620B.

[0195] The kit holding portion 602 has a plurality of holding pins 624. In the illustrated example, the number of holding pins 624 is four, but the number of holding pins 624 is not limited to four. The holding pins 624 protrude forward from the front surface of the base portion 614 in the storage space 622. The holding pins 624 engage with four holding holes provided in the holder 110, respectively. This secures the collection kit 100 to the kit holding portion 602.

[0196] First retainer 620A has a first step 626 on its front right side. A hook 630 for fastening a fastener 628 is provided on the front surface of first retainer 620A to the left of first step 626. Second retainer 620B has a second step 632 on its front left side. A hinge 634 is provided on the front surface of second retainer 620B to the right of second step 632.

[0197] The left and right ends of the cover 640 engage with the first step 626 and the second step 632, respectively. A fastener 628 is provided at the left end of the cover 640. A hinge 634 is connected to the right end of the cover 640. The cover 640 is rotatable via the hinge 634. The cover 640 is in a closed state when its left end abuts against the first step 626, and in an open state when its left end is separated from the first step 626. When the cover 640 is in the closed state, the fastener 628 is fastened to the hook 630. This maintains the cover 640 in the closed state.

[0198] The cover 640 is preferably transparent or translucent, allowing the user to view the collection bag 14 through the cover 640. This makes it easy to check whether the collection target M has been transferred from the first storage chamber 28A and the second storage chamber 28B to the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B.

[0199] The cover 640 is provided with a clamp portion 642. As shown in FIG. 22 , a rectangular fitting hole 644 is formed through the cover 640 in the front-to-rear direction (thickness direction). The clamp portion 642 has a large plate portion 642a that is larger than the fitting hole 644, a small plate portion 642b that has a shape corresponding to the shape of the fitting hole 644, a first protrusion portion 646A, and a second protrusion portion 646B. The small plate portion 642b protrudes rearward from the back surface of the large plate portion 642a. The small plate portion 642b and the large plate portion 642a have substantially similar shapes. The first protrusion portion 646A and the second protrusion portion 646B protrude rearward from the back surface of the small plate portion 642b. The first protrusion portion 646A and the second protrusion portion 646B extend in the up-down direction.

[0200] The small plate portion 642b is fitted into the fitting hole 644. The large plate portion 642a is exposed from the fitting hole 644 and is located in front of the cover 640. The back surface of the large plate portion 642a, except for the portion from which the small plate portion 642b protrudes, abuts the front surface of the cover 640. The first protrusion portion 646A and the second protrusion portion 646B are exposed from the fitting hole 644 and are located behind the cover 640. When the cover 640 is closed, the first protrusion portion 646A crushes the first connecting flow path 26A in the collection bag 14, blocking communication between the first connecting flow path 26A and the common flow path 24. At the same time, the second protrusion portion 646B crushes the second connecting flow path 26B in the collection bag 14, blocking communication between the second connecting flow path 26B and the common flow path 24.

[0201] 21 , a first exhaust valve shielding portion 650A, a tube support portion 654, and a second exhaust valve shielding portion 650B are integrally provided on the upper portion of the front surface 614a of the base portion 614. The tube support portion 654 is located between the first exhaust valve shielding portion 650A and the second exhaust valve shielding portion 650B in the width direction of the base portion 614.

[0202] The first exhaust valve shielding portion 650A is an enclosure having a roof portion 652. The roof portion 652 covers the first exhaust valve 50A from above. The upper surface of the first exhaust valve 50A and the lower surface of the roof portion 652 are slightly spaced apart from each other. This prevents the first exhaust valve 50A from being blocked by the roof portion 652. The same applies to the roof portion 652 of the second exhaust valve shielding portion 650B and the upper surface of the second exhaust valve 50B.

[0203] The tube support portion 654 has a pair of protrusions 656 that protrude forward. The inflow tube 12 of the collection kit 100 is sandwiched between the pair of protrusions 656. In this way, the inflow tube 12 is supported by the tube support portion 654.

[0204] The collection kit jig 600 configured as described above is used as follows: In the fourth embodiment, a collection method will be described in which the collection kit 100 is used to distribute the collection target M (see FIG. 12) into sampling containers 90 (see FIG. 14).

[0205] The user opens the cover 640 and inserts the holder 110 into the storage space 622. At this time, the four retaining pins 624 of the kit holding portion 602 engage with the four retaining holes 115 provided in the holder 110, respectively. This causes the collection kit 100 to be fixed (held) in the kit holding portion 602.

[0206] The user then rotates the cover 640 to the closed position and fastens the clasp 628 to the hook 630, thereby keeping the cover 640 in the closed position.

[0207] The operation for transferring the sampling target M from the sampling kit 100 to the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B is the same as in the third embodiment, so a description of the sampling method will be omitted.

[0208] The collection kit jig 600 according to the fourth embodiment has the following advantages.

[0209] 1 and 4, the holder 110 has a plurality of holding holes 115. As shown in Fig. 20, the kit holding portion 602 has a plurality of holding pins 624 that are inserted into the plurality of holding holes 115. In the illustrated example, the plurality of holding pins 624 protrude forward from the base portion 614.

[0210] In this case, the collection kit 100 can be positioned and fixed to the kit holding portion 602 with a simple structure.

[0211] The collection kit 100 has an exhaust valve 50 provided in each of the multiple exhaust flow paths 32. The kit holding unit 602 has a first exhaust valve shielding portion 650A and a second exhaust valve shielding portion 650B that cover the upper part of the exhaust valve 50.

[0212] The first exhaust valve shielding portion 650A and the second exhaust valve shielding portion 650B prevent air from flowing into the exhaust flow path 32 via the exhaust valve 50. Therefore, the storage chamber 28 of the collection bag 14 is maintained at a negative pressure, making it easy to transfer the collection object M from the medical bag 80 (see FIG. 12 ) to the storage chamber 28.

[0213] (6) Fifth Embodiment Next, the configuration of a collection kit jig 700 according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 23. Here, the collection kit jig 700 according to the fifth embodiment includes a kit holding portion 602, a cover 640, a clamp portion 642, a first exhaust valve shielding portion 650A, a second exhaust valve shielding portion 650B, and a tube support portion 654, as shown in Figures 20 to 22. For this reason, in the collection kit jig 700 according to the fifth embodiment, the same components as those shown in Figures 1 to 22 are simply assigned the same reference numerals in Figure 23, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0214] In the fifth embodiment, the first container holder 204A and the second container holder 204B are moved up and down in an inclined direction relative to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the collection kit 100 is fixed to the kit holder 602.

[0215] As shown in FIG. 23 , the collection kit jig 700 includes a first leg 702 and a second leg 704 that are vertically elongated and have a generally trapezoidal shape. The first leg 702 and the second leg 704 have a first inclined surface 706 and a second inclined surface 708, respectively. The first inclined surface 706 and the second inclined surface 708 are surfaces that slope upward from the front to the rear. As shown in FIG. 24 , the axis L1 of the first inclined surface 706 and the second inclined surface 708 intersects with a horizontal line H1 extending along the front-to-rear direction at an intersection angle α. The intersection angle α is, for example, 70° to 80°.

[0216] Base portion 614 constituting kit holding portion 602 is positioned and fixed so as to straddle the upper portions of first inclined surface 706 and second inclined surface 708. Therefore, the intersection angle between the axis along the inclination of kit holding portion 602 and the horizontal line H1 extending in the front-to-rear direction is, similar to intersection angle α, for example, 70° to 80°.

[0217] The collection kit jig 700 includes an elevator mechanism 728. The elevator mechanism 728 has a guide frame 710, a sliding plate 730, and a handle 732 that is held by the user.

[0218] An upper portion of the guide frame 710 is connected to the rear surface 614b of the base portion 614. The guide frame 710 is located between the first leg portion 702 and the second leg portion 704, and is inclined from bottom to top as it moves from front to rear. The angle between the axis along the inclination of the guide frame 710 and the horizontal line extending in the front-to-rear direction is, for example, 70° to 80°, similar to that of the kit holding portion 602.

[0219] The guide frame 710 has a base plate 712 extending along the width direction, and a first guide plate 714 and a second guide plate 716 provided at the left and right ends, respectively, of the base plate 712. The first guide plate 714 has a first U-shaped groove 718 opening on its right surface facing the second guide plate 716. The first U-shaped groove 718 is a groove recessed outward (leftward) in the width direction from the right surface of the first guide plate 714. The second guide plate 716 has a second U-shaped groove 720 opening on its left surface facing the first guide plate 714. The second U-shaped groove 720 is a groove recessed outward (rightward) in the width direction from the left surface of the second guide plate 716.

[0220] The left and right ends of the slider 730 are slidably inserted into the first U-shaped groove 718 and the second U-shaped groove 720, respectively. A handle 732 is provided on the front surface of the slider 730.

[0221] The slider 730 is movable in the up-down direction (the inclination direction of the guide frame 710). Specifically, when a user grips the handle 732 and pushes the handle 732 up, the slider 730 ascends along the inclination of the guide frame 710 while being guided by the first guide plate 714 and the second guide plate 716. When a user grips the handle 732 and pushes the handle 732 down, the slider 730 descends along the inclination of the guide frame 710 while being guided by the first guide plate 714 and the second guide plate 716.

[0222] The first container holding portion 204A and the second container holding portion 204B are provided on the front surface of the sliding platen 730, above the handle 732. In the fifth embodiment, the first container holding portion 204A and the second container holding portion 204B are respectively composed of a first container holder 740A and a second container holder 740B. As the sliding platen 730 moves up and down as described above, the first container holding portion 204A and the second container holding portion 204B move up and down integrally with the sliding platen 730.

[0223] In the fifth embodiment, the first adapter support portion 240A and the second adapter support portion 240B are provided on a fixed platen 750. The fixed platen 750 is connected to the base portion 614 with the front surface of the fixed platen 750 abutting against the rear surface 614b of the base portion 614. In other words, the fixed platen 750 is positioned and fixed to the base portion 614. Therefore, the fixed platen 750 does not move up or down. Therefore, the first adapter support portion 240A and the second adapter support portion 240B do not move up or down either.

[0224] The collection kit jig 700 configured as described above is used as follows: In the fifth embodiment, a collection method will be described in which the collection kit 100 is used to distribute the collection target M (see FIG. 12) into sampling containers 90 (see FIG. 14).

[0225] The user secures the sampling kit 100 to the kit holder 602 in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment. Next, the user grasps the handle 732 and pushes the slider 730 upward. This causes the slider 730, the first container holder 204A, and the second container holder 204B to rise together. As a result, the first sampling container 90A is connected to the first adapter 40A, and the second sampling container 90B is connected to the second adapter 40B. The needle 46 of the first adapter 40A penetrates the stopper 93 of the first sampling container 90A, and the needle 46 of the second adapter 40B penetrates the stopper 93 of the second sampling container 90B. Thereafter, the first connecting member 62A and the second connecting member 62B are opened by the same operation as in the first embodiment. Accordingly, a first sample MS1 (see FIG. 14) is introduced into the first sampling container 90A, and a second sample MS2 is introduced into the second sampling container 90B.

[0226] Next, the user grasps the handle 732 and pushes the slider 730 downward. This causes the slider 730, the first container holder 204A, and the second container holder 204B to descend together. As the first container holder 204A and the second container holder 204B descend, the first adapter 40A is removed from the first sampling container 90A, and the second adapter 40B is removed from the second sampling container 90B. Through the above steps, collection (sampling) of the collection target M using the collection kit 100 is completed.

[0227] The collecting kit jig 700 according to the fifth embodiment has the same effects as the collecting kit jig 600 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0228] (7) Sixth Embodiment Next, the configuration of a collection kit jig 800 according to a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 25. Here, the collection kit jig 800 according to the sixth embodiment includes a kit holding portion 602, a cover 640, a clamp portion 642, a first exhaust valve shielding portion 650A, a second exhaust valve shielding portion 650B, and a tube support portion 654, as shown in Figures 20, 21, and 23. For this reason, in the collection kit jig 800 according to the sixth embodiment, the same components as those shown in Figures 1 to 24 are simply assigned the same reference numerals in Figure 25, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0229] In the sixth embodiment, the first container holder 204A and the second container holder 204B are moved up and down in an inclined direction relative to the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the collection kit 100 is fixed to the kit holder 602.

[0230] As shown in FIG. 25 , the collection kit jig 800 includes a first leg 802 and a second leg 804 erected on the upper surface of a base. The first leg 802 and the second leg 804 are vertically long trapezoids. The first leg 802 and the second leg 804 each have a first inclined surface 806 and a second inclined surface 808. The first inclined surface 806 and the second inclined surface 808 are inclined surfaces that slope upward from the front to the rear. As shown in FIG. 26 , the axis L2 of the first inclined surface 806 and the second inclined surface 808 intersects with a horizontal line H1 extending along the front-to-rear direction at an intersection angle β. The intersection angle β is, for example, 70° to 80°.

[0231] An L-shaped bracket 810 is attached to the lower portion of each of the first inclined surface 806 and the second inclined surface 808. A first fixed plate 812 is supported by the first leg 802 and the second leg 804 via the L-shaped bracket 810. In other words, the first fixed plate 812 is positioned and fixed so as to straddle the lower portion of the first inclined surface 806 and the lower portion of the second inclined surface 808. The first fixed plate 812 is a plate-shaped member that is inclined from top to bottom as it moves from front to rear.

[0232] Base portion 614 constituting kit holding portion 602 is positioned and fixed so as to straddle the upper part of first inclined surface 806 and the upper part of second inclined surface 808. Therefore, the intersection angle between the axis along the inclination of kit holding portion 602 and the horizontal line H1 extending in the front-to-rear direction is, similar to intersection angle β, for example, 70° to 80°.

[0233] A second fixed platen 814 is attached to the rear surface 614b of the base portion 614. Specifically, the second fixed platen 814 is connected to the base portion 614 with the front surface of the second fixed platen 814 abutting against the rear surface 614b of the base portion 614. Therefore, the second fixed platen 814 does not move up or down. Therefore, the first adapter support portion 240A and the second adapter support portion 240B provided on the second fixed platen 814 do not move up or down either.

[0234] The collection kit jig 800 includes a lifting mechanism 820. The lifting mechanism 820 has a lifting operation unit 822, a displacement unit 840, and a guide unit 850.

[0235] The lifting operation unit 822 is provided on the upper surface of the first fixed platen 812. The lifting operation unit 822 has an operation lever 824 bent in a substantially V-shape, and a lifting rod 828 connected to one end of the operation lever 824 via a link 826. A frame-shaped support unit 830 is provided on the upper surface of the first fixed platen 812. The lifting rod 828 is passed through a bushing 832 supported by the frame-shaped support unit 830. The lifting rod 828 extends substantially parallel to the first inclined surface 806 and the second inclined surface 808.

[0236] The displacement unit 840 has a movable platen 842. The movable platen 842 is a plate-shaped member extending in the width direction. The upper end of the lifting rod 828 is connected to the lower surface of the movable platen 842, approximately at the center in the width direction. The movable platen 842 has first insertion holes (not shown) at its left and right ends. First stoppers 844 are provided on the upper surface of the movable platen 842, at the left and right ends. The first stoppers 844 have second insertion holes 846 that overlap the first insertion holes.

[0237] The lifting and lowering of the movable platen 842 is guided by a guide unit 850. Two guide rods 852 constituting the guide unit 850 are erected on the first fixed platen 812. The two guide rods 852 extend parallel to the lifting rod 828, the first inclined surface 806, and the second inclined surface 808. The lower portion of each of the two guide rods 852 is protected by being covered with a sleeve 854. The upper portion of each of the two guide rods 852 passes through a first insertion hole of the movable platen 842 and a second insertion hole 846 of the first stopper 844, and is exposed from the second insertion hole 846. A second stopper 856 is provided at the upper end of each of the two guide rods 852.

[0238] The guide rod 852 is passed through the inside of a return spring 858. The lower end of the return spring 858 abuts against the upper surface of the second stopper 856. The upper end of the return spring 858 abuts against the lower surface of the second stopper 856. The return spring 858 urges the movable platen 842 downward via the first stopper 844.

[0239] In the sixth embodiment, the first container holding unit 204A and the second container holding unit 204B are respectively composed of a first container holder 740A and a second container holder 740B provided on the upper surface of a movable platen 842. The first container holder 740A and the second container holder 740B move up and down integrally with the movable platen 842. Note that instead of the first container holder 740A and the second container holder 740B, the first container holding unit 204A and the second container holding unit 204B can also be composed using a pedestal 252 shown in FIG. 8 and the like.

[0240] The collection kit jig 800 configured as described above is used as follows: In the sixth embodiment, a collection method will be described in which the collection kit 100 is used to distribute the collection target M (see FIG. 12) into sampling containers 90 (see FIG. 14).

[0241] The user secures the collection kit 100 to the kit holder 602 in the same manner as in the fourth and fifth embodiments. Next, the user grasps the upper end of the operating lever 824 and rotates the operating lever 824 forward so that the upper end descends in the direction of arrow A in FIG. 25 . This causes the lift rod 828 to rise. Because the lift rod 828 is connected to the movable platen 842, as the lift rod 828 rises, the movable platen 842 rises integrally with the lift rod 828. As the movable platen 842 rises, the return spring 858 is compressed in the axial direction. That is, the movable platen 842 rises against the elastic force of the return spring 858.

[0242] The first container holder 204A and the second container holder 204B rise integrally with the movable platen 842. As a result, the first sampling container 90A is connected to the first adapter 40A, and the second sampling container 90B is connected to the second adapter 40B. The needle tube 46 of the first adapter 40A penetrates the stopper 93 of the first sampling container 90A, and the needle tube 46 of the second adapter 40B penetrates the stopper 93 of the second sampling container 90B. Subsequently, the first connecting member 62A and the second connecting member 62B are opened by the same operation as in the first embodiment. Accordingly, the first sample MS1 (see FIG. 14 ) is introduced into the first sampling container 90A, and the second sample MS2 is introduced into the second sampling container 90B.

[0243] Next, the user grasps the upper end of the operating lever 824 shown in FIG. 25 and rotates the operating lever 824 backward so that the upper end rises, in the opposite direction to the above. This releases the return spring 858 from the force compressing it upward. Therefore, the return spring 858 elastically expands. Accordingly, the movable platen 842 is urged downward by the return spring 858 via the first stopper 844. As a result, the movable platen 842, the first container holding portion 204A, and the second container holding portion 204B descend together. As the first container holding portion 204A and the second container holding portion 204B descend, the first adapter 40A is removed from the first sampling container 90A, and the second adapter 40B is removed from the second sampling container 90B. The above steps complete the collection (sampling) of the collection target M using the collection kit 100.

[0244] The collection kit jig 800 according to the sixth embodiment has the same effects as the collection kit jig 600 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0245] (8) Modifications Other possible modifications will be briefly described below.

[0246] In the first and second embodiments, the collection kit 100 may be held in the kit holder 202. In the fifth and sixth embodiments, the collection kit 150 may be held in the kit holder 602. In the first and second embodiments, the clamp 404 shown in FIGS. 17 and 18 may be used. In the third embodiment, the clamp 230 shown in FIGS. 8 and 15 may be used. In this way, the components of the first to sixth embodiments may be interchangeable.

[0247] In the first to sixth embodiments, the user operates the operating levers 288, 324, 824 or the handle 732 to raise and lower the kit holding units 202, 602 relative to the container holding unit 204. Alternatively, the kit holding units 202, 602 may be raised and lowered relative to the container holding unit 204 by an actuator such as a ball screw or a motor.

[0248] In the first to sixth embodiments, the collection kit jigs 200, 300, 400, 600, 700, and 800 are illustrated as including one operating unit (operating lever 288, 324, 824 or handle 732) and one kit holder 202 (or one kit holder 602). Alternatively, the collection kit jigs may be configured to include a plurality of kit holders 202 (or kit holders 602). In this case, the number of container holders 204 corresponds to the number of storage chambers 28. When a user operates a single operating unit, all of the kit holders 202 (or kit holders 602) simultaneously move up and down relative to the container holder 204.

[0249] The first electronic balance, the second electronic balance, the first weight display unit, and the second weight display unit can also be provided in the second to sixth embodiments. For example, in the case of the collection kit jig 300 according to the second embodiment, the first electronic balance and the second electronic balance can be provided directly below the two container holding grooves 205 on the base 252, as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the case of the collection kit jig 400 according to the third embodiment, the first electronic balance and the second electronic balance can be provided on the second movable platen 472, for example.

[0250] Specifically, the support seat 472a of the second movable platen 472 has a main body on which the first and second electronic balances are mounted and a sliding shelf that can be pulled out forward relative to the main body. The sliding shelf is located directly below the first and second container holders 207A and 207B and shields the first and second electronic balances when stored in the main body. In contrast, when the sliding shelf is pulled out from the main body, the first and second electronic balances are exposed. Furthermore, through holes are formed in the bottoms of the first and second container holders 207A and 207B.

[0251] In this configuration, when the sampling objects M are transferred from the first storage chamber 28A and the second storage chamber 28B of the sampling bag 14 to the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B, respectively, the sliding shelf is pulled forward relative to the main body. Accordingly, the bottoms of the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B pass through the through-holes and come into contact with the first electronic balance and the second electronic balance, respectively. As a result, the weights of the sampling objects M in the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B are measured separately.

[0252] A further variation is a configuration in which the first adapter 40A and the second adapter 40B are detachable from the collection bag 14. This configuration will be described with reference to Figure 27. Note that the same components as those shown in Figures 1 to 6 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of these components will be omitted.

[0253] In this configuration, a needle connector 900 for closing the first outflow flow path 30A is attached to the collection bag 14. Meanwhile, the first adapter 40A has an adapter body 42 and a needle unit 920. The adapter body 42 is connected to the first outflow flow path 30A via the first connecting member 62A, the needle connector 900, and the needle unit 920.

[0254] The needle connector 900 has a fitting tube portion (not shown) that faces the collection bag 14. The fitting tube portion is inserted into the first connecting member 62A. The needle connector 900 has a cap attachment tube portion (not shown) that faces the adapter body 42. The cap attachment tube portion is closed by a rubber cap 904. This rubber cap 904 prevents the collection object M in the first storage chamber 28A from leaking through the needle connector 900 before the adapter body 42 is attached to the collection bag 14. The upper surface of the rubber cap 904 abuts, for example, against the lower surface of a first flange portion 906 that constitutes the needle connector 900.

[0255] The needle connector 900 further includes a second collar 908. The second collar 908 is located between the first collar 906 and the fitting tube in the axial direction of the needle connector 900. An annular groove 910 is formed between the first collar 906 and the second collar 908.

[0256] The needle unit 920 has a first needle 922, a second needle 924, and a needle hub 926. The needle hub 926 has a cylindrical cup portion 928 with a hollow interior, and an adapter holding portion 930. The cup portion 928 has a cup opening 932 formed at one end of the cup portion 928 facing the needle connector 900, and a slit 934 extending along the axial direction of the cup portion 928 from the cup opening 932. Therefore, when the rubber cap 904 is inserted into the hollow interior of the cup portion 928 through the cup opening 932, the one end of the cup portion 928 easily expands due to elastic deformation.

[0257] The needle hub 926 further has a claw portion 936. The claw portion 936 is provided on the inner edge of the cup opening 932 in the cup portion 928 and protrudes radially inward of the cup portion 928.

[0258] The adapter holding portion 930 has a smaller diameter than the cup portion 928. The adapter holding portion 930 is located at the other end of the cup portion 928 opposite to the one end where the cup opening 932 is formed in the axial direction of the cup portion 928. The other end is the end of the cup portion 928 that is away from the needle connector 900.

[0259] The first needle 922 is held in the needle hub 926 with its cutting edge 922a facing toward the needle connector 900. The cutting edge 922a of the first needle 922 is located inside the hollow cup portion 928. The second needle 924 is held in the needle hub 926 with its cutting edge 924a facing in the opposite direction to the cutting edge 922a of the first needle 922. Most of the second needle 924 is exposed from the adapter holding portion 930. A rubber cover 938 is placed over the portion of the second needle 924 that is exposed from the adapter holding portion 930. The inner cavity of the first needle 922 and the inner cavity of the second needle 924 are in communication with each other.

[0260] An insertion hole 935 is formed in one axial end of the adapter body 42 that faces the needle connector 900. The adapter holding part 930 fits into the insertion hole 935. The needle unit 920 and the adapter body 42 are pre-assembled by this fitting to form the first adapter 40A.

[0261] The connection between the second outlet flow path 30B and the second adapter 40B is similar to that described above. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. That is, the adapter body 42 of the second adapter 40B is connected to the second outlet flow path 30B via the second connecting member 62B, the needle connector 900, and the needle unit 920.

[0262] The needle unit 920 and the adapter body 42 are connected to the needle connector 900 by fitting the rubber cap 904 into the cup portion 928 of the needle hub 926. The fitting of the rubber cap 904 into the cup portion 928 is completed when the edge of the cup portion 928 abuts against the second flange portion 908 of the needle connector 900. During this fitting, the cutting edge 922a of the first needle 922 penetrates the rubber cap 904 and reaches the inside of the cap attachment tube portion of the needle connector 900. In addition, the claw portion 936 of the cup portion 928 engages with the annular groove 910 of the needle connector 900. This engagement prevents the needle hub 926 from falling off the needle connector 900.

[0263] When the neck of the first sampling container 90A (see FIG. 8) is inserted into the adapter body 42 of the first adapter 40A, the cutting edge 924a of the second needle 924 pierces the stopper 93 of the first sampling container 90A. Therefore, when the first connecting member 62A is opened as described above, the first sampling container 90A and the first storage chamber 28A are connected via the first outlet flow path 30A, the internal flow path of the first connecting member 62A, the internal flow path of the needle connector 900, the inner lumen of the first needle 922, and the inner lumen of the second needle 924. Therefore, the collection target M in the first storage chamber 28A moves into the first sampling container 90A.

[0264] The rubber cover 938 is compressed by being pushed toward the collection bag 14. The cutting edge 924a of the second needle 924 penetrates the compressed rubber cover 938. When the cutting edge 924a of the second needle 924 is removed from the stopper 93 of the first sampling container 90A, the rubber cover 938 stretches due to its elastic restoring force and covers the second needle 924 again.

[0265] In the second sampling container 90B, whose neck is inserted into the adapter body 42 of the second adapter 40B, the collection target M in the second storage chamber 28B is moved to the second sampling container 90B in the same manner as described above. As can be seen from the above, even in the collection kit 100 in which the first adapter 40A and the second adapter 40B are detachable from the collection bag 14, the collection target M can be transferred from the first storage chamber 28A and the second storage chamber 28B to the first sampling container 90A and the second sampling container 90B, respectively.

[0266] The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations can be adopted without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

1. A collection kit tool used to connect a collection kit to a sampling container, the collection kit having an inflow tube to which a medical bag containing a sample to be collected is connected, a collection bag, and a holder holding the collection bag, the collection bag having a storage chamber connected downstream of the inflow tube to store the sample to be collected, and an outflow flow path connected downstream of the storage chamber to allow the sample to flow out of the storage chamber and transport the sample to the sampling container, the collection kit tool comprising: a kit holding part that holds the collection kit by supporting the holder in an orientation in which the storage chamber is located above the outflow flow path, a container holding part that is positioned below the kit holding part and holds the sampling container, and a lifting mechanism that raises or lowers the kit holding part relative to the container holding part.

2. A jig for a collection kit as described in claim 1, wherein the collection kit has an adapter connected to the outflow flow path and to which the sampling container is attached, the jig for the collection kit has an adapter support part that holds the adapter, and the lifting mechanism raises or lowers the kit holding part and the adapter support part together relative to the container holding part.

3. A collection kit jig as described in claim 1, wherein the kit holding portion has a base portion and a retainer provided on the base portion, and the base portion and the retainer form a storage space for storing the holder while surrounding the holder.

4. A collection kit jig as described in claim 3, wherein the retainer has a pocket space into which an end portion extending in the vertical direction of the holder can be inserted, and an insertion opening located above the pocket space for inserting the end portion into the pocket space.

5. A collecting kit jig as claimed in claim 4, wherein the retainer has a lid portion capable of opening and closing the insertion opening.

6. A collection kit jig as described in claim 1, wherein the holder has a plurality of holding holes, and the kit holding portion has a plurality of holding pins which are inserted into the respective holding holes.

7. A collection kit jig as claimed in claim 1, wherein said kit holding section has a cover for covering said holder at a position facing said collection bag.

8. A collection kit jig as described in claim 1, wherein the collection kit has an exhaust flow path for exhausting air inside the storage chamber and an exhaust valve provided in the exhaust flow path, and the kit holding portion has an exhaust valve shielding portion that covers the upper part of the exhaust valve.

9. A collection kit jig according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the collection bag has a plurality of the storage chambers.

10. A collection kit jig as claimed in claim 9, wherein the collection kit jig has a clamp portion that blocks communication between the multiple storage chambers.

11. A collection kit jig as described in claim 1, wherein the container holding portion is positioned and fixed, and the lifting mechanism raises or lowers the kit holding portion relative to the container holding portion.

12. A collection kit jig as described in claim 1, wherein the kit holding portion is positioned and fixed, and the lifting mechanism raises or lowers the container holding portion relative to the kit holding portion.

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