Collecting kit

Abstract

A collecting member (14A) of a collecting kit (10A) includes a plurality of accommodating portions (22), and a storage portion (58). The plurality of accommodating portions (22) each have a plurality of accommodating chambers (24), and the storage portion (58) has a storage chamber (60). The storage chamber (60) is connected to at least one of the plurality of accommodating chambers (24) via a guide path (54). The storage chamber (60) stores air that has moved from the plurality of accommodating chambers (24) when a collection target substance is accommodated in the plurality of accommodating chambers (24).

Description

Collection kit

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a collection kit for transferring a collection target (mainly a liquid medicine) contained in a medical bag into a plurality of sampling containers.

[0002] Blood products include red blood cell products, plasma products, platelet products, and whole blood products. To ensure the safety of blood products, a small sample may be taken from the blood product and cultured. In a culture test, the sample is collected in a culture bottle (sampling container), and the bottle is placed in an environment favorable for bacterial growth to detect the presence or absence of pathogens.

[0003] Below, the procedure for transferring a platelet preparation from a medical bag containing a platelet preparation (hereinafter referred to as a platelet bag) to two culture bottles will be explained using the example of the medical bag.

[0004] A small-capacity collection bag is connected to the platelet bag, and a portion of the platelet product from the platelet bag is transferred to the collection bag. The collection bag is then detached from the platelet bag. Next, in a clean bench, the collection bag is connected to a tube extending from a sample collection tube, and a specified amount of the platelet product is transferred from the collection bag to the sample collection tube using the scale on the sample collection tube as a guide. Two culture bottles are then connected to the sample collection tube in sequence, and the specified amounts of the platelet product are transferred to the two culture bottles. One of the two culture bottles is used for anaerobic culture, and the other is used for aerobic culture.

[0005] For example, US Pat. No. 8,777,921 discloses a collection kit for collecting samples from medical bags.

[0006] U.S. Patent No. 8,777,921

[0007] To further improve the safety of blood products, culture testing of all blood products is being considered. Therefore, there is a need to improve the work efficiency of culture testing of blood products. Furthermore, when performing culture testing of all blood products, it is desirable for the equipment used to separate blood products into culture bottles to have a simple structure. It is also desirable for a predetermined amount of sample to be collected in each of multiple sampling containers.

[0008] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

[0009] (1) An aspect of the present disclosure is a collection kit for collecting collection objects contained in a medical bag into multiple sampling containers, the collection kit comprising: an inflow tube to which the medical bag is connected; and a collection member connected downstream of the inflow tube, wherein the collection member has multiple storage sections each having multiple storage chambers for storing the collection objects; at least one outflow port connected to the multiple storage chambers and for transporting the collection objects from the multiple storage sections to the multiple sampling containers; and a storage section connected to at least one of the multiple storage sections via a guide path and having a storage chamber for storing air that moves from the multiple storage sections when the collection objects are stored in the multiple storage sections, wherein the storage section is made of a material that can expand in response to the movement of air from the multiple storage sections.

[0010] When air moves from the multiple storage sections to the storage section, the storage section is expandable, allowing the air to be received in the storage chamber. Because the air is stored in the storage section, there is no need to provide an air filter outside the sampling member to exhaust the air. This simplifies the configuration of the sampling member.

[0011] (2) The collection kit described in item (1) above may include a backflow prevention unit disposed in the guide path to prevent the air stored in the storage chamber from returning to the multiple storage chambers.

[0012] For example, when the sample is transferred from the storage units to the sampling container, the air stored in the storage chamber is prevented from returning to the storage units, preventing the sample from coming into contact with air. This allows the sample to be subjected to a culture test.

[0013] (3) In the collection kit described in the above item (2), the backflow prevention unit may have a hydrophilic filter disposed inside the guide path.

[0014] The hydrophilic filter allows air to pass through before it is wet with the liquid collection target, but prevents air from passing through after it is wet with the collection target. Therefore, when the collection target overflows from the multiple storage units and wets the hydrophilic filters, the air stored in the storage units can be prevented from passing through the hydrophilic filters and returning to the storage chamber.

[0015] (4) In the collection kit described in the above item (2), the backflow prevention part may have a clamp that compresses the guide path from the outside.

[0016] In this configuration, after the collection target has been transferred from the medical bag to the multiple storage chambers, the clamps are simply attached to the outside of the sheet portion, which simplifies the configuration of the collection kit.

[0017] (5) In the collection kit described in any one of items (1) to (4) above, the collection member has a sheet portion formed by welding two flexible sheets together, the storage chamber is formed as an inner chamber of the sheet portion, and each of the multiple storage portions may be formed from an inflexible material and supported by the sheet portion.

[0018] Each of the multiple storage units exhibits inflexibility. Note that "the storage unit exhibits inflexibility" means that the storage unit has a degree of rigidity that does not substantially deform when the collection target flows into the storage chamber and when the collection target flows out of the storage chamber into the sampling container. In other words, each of the multiple storage units is hard enough not to exhibit flexibility.

[0019] Therefore, with the above configuration, deformation of the multiple storage sections is suppressed when air is discharged from each storage chamber into the reservoir chamber. As a result, the amount of sample to be collected transferred from the medical bag to each storage chamber is approximately the same. That is, the amount of sample to be collected in each storage chamber is constant. Therefore, the amount of sample to be collected in the sampling container is stable.

[0020] (6) In the collection kit described in the above item (5), the material of each of the plurality of storage sections may be resin.

[0021] Resin is lightweight, which allows for a lighter collection kit. Moreover, resin is hard.

[0022] (7) In the collection kit described in any one of items (1) to (4) above, the collection member has a sheet portion formed by welding two flexible sheets together, and the sheet portion has a plurality of the storage portions, and the plurality of storage chambers and the storage chambers may be individually formed as internal chambers of the sheet portion.

[0023] When forming the sheet portion from two flexible sheets, multiple storage chambers and reservoir chambers can be formed simultaneously. This simplifies the process of fabricating multiple storage portions. Furthermore, since the sheet portion from which the reservoir and multiple storage portions are formed is made of flexible sheets, material costs can be reduced.

[0024] (8) The collection kit according to any one of the above items (1) to (7) may further include an adapter connected downstream of the outlet port.

[0025] The adapter allows the storage unit and the sampling container to be easily connected via the outlet port. Furthermore, since the sampling kit includes the adapter before use, the operator does not need to connect the adapter to the outlet port each time the sampling kit is used. As a result, the sampling operation can be performed efficiently.

[0026] (9) In the collection kit described in any one of items (1) to (8) above, the collection member may have a plurality of the storage sections, and the storage chamber of each of the plurality of storage sections may be connected to each of the plurality of storage chambers.

[0027] In this configuration, air exhausted from one storage chamber is transferred to one storage chamber. In other words, air exhausted from two or more storage chambers is not stored in one storage chamber. This allows the volume of each storage chamber to be reduced. Therefore, each of the multiple storage units can be made smaller.

[0028] (10) In the collection kit described in any one of items (1) to (9) above, the multiple storage sections may be arranged from upstream to downstream in the flow direction of the collection object, and the storage chamber may be connected to the storage chamber of the storage section located at the most downstream side.

[0029] Since the number of guide paths and storage chambers formed in the sampling member can be one each, the configuration of the sampling member is simplified.

[0030] In the present disclosure, the air transferred from the plurality of storage chambers is stored in the air storage section, eliminating the need for an air filter to exhaust the air to the outside of the sampling member, thereby simplifying the configuration of the sampling member.

[0031] FIG. 1 is a schematic front view of a collection kit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the thickness direction. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of a collection member constituting the collection kit of FIG. 1, as viewed from the thickness direction. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing a state in which a medical bag is connected to the collection kit. FIG. 4 is a schematic front view showing a state in which a sampling container is connected to the collection kit via an adapter and a collection target has been transferred to the sampling container. FIG. 5 is a schematic front view of a collection kit according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the thickness direction. FIG. 6 is a schematic front view of a collection kit according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the thickness direction. FIG. 7 is a front view of a main portion showing the periphery of an outflow port in a collection kit according to a modified example.

[0032] In the following description, up, down, left, and right correspond to up, down, left, and right in Figures 1 to 7, respectively. Additionally, the "width direction" refers to the left-right direction in Figures 1 to 7. The "thickness direction" refers to the direction perpendicular to the up-down (V) direction and the width (W) direction. Collection kit 10A shown in Figures 1 to 4, collection kit 10B shown in Figure 5, and collection kit 10C shown in Figure 6 are typically used in a position where the up-down direction in Figures 1 to 6 is aligned vertically.

[0033] The collection object of the collection kit 10A shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is, for example, a blood product such as a platelet product. The collection object may be a pharmaceutical product other than a blood product. The collection object may be a liquid sample other than a pharmaceutical product. The medical bag 100 (see FIG. 3) may be a blood bag system for centrifuging blood containing multiple components into multiple components with different specific gravities (e.g., three components: a light component, a medium component, and a heavy component, or two components: a light component and a heavy component), and storing and storing each component in a separate bag. In this case, the collection kit 10A may be connected to the blood bag system. The same applies to the collection kit 10B shown in FIG. 5 and the collection kit 10C shown in FIG. 6.

[0034] In the following, all embodiments will be described using a platelet product M (see FIG. 3) as the blood product. Alternatively, the blood product collected by collection kits 10A to 10C may be a red blood cell product, a plasma product, or a whole blood product.

[0035] Collection kit 10A (see FIGS. 1 to 4), collection kit 10B (see FIG. 5), and collection kit 10C (see FIG. 6) are used, for example, in culture tests to confirm the safety of blood products at business establishments such as blood centers that manufacture blood products. In this case, the multiple sampling containers 110 (first sampling container 110a and second sampling container 110b) shown in FIG. 4 are culture bottles.

[0036] The culture test involves testing for anaerobic and aerobic bacterial culture. Therefore, the culture test uses a first sampling container 110a for anaerobic culture and a second sampling container 110b for aerobic culture. The collection kits 10A-10C are used to collect a liquid sample (platelet preparation M) and dispense a predetermined amount into the first sampling container 110a and the second sampling container 110b.

[0037] 1 is a schematic front view of a collection kit 10A according to a first embodiment. The collection kit 10A includes an inflow tube 12 and a collection member 14A.

[0038] The inflow tube 12 is a transparent or translucent medical tube made of a thermoplastic resin such as polyvinyl chloride. The inflow tube 12 can be connected to or disconnected from other medical tubes without exposing the interior to the outside air by using a sterile connection device, a tube sealer, or the like. The inflow tube 12 has an upstream end 12u and a downstream end 12d. When the collection kit 10A is provided as a product in an unused state, the upstream end 12u is welded and sealed. Hereinafter, the unused state will also be referred to as the "initial state."

[0039] The downstream end 12d is connected to an upper edge 20b of a sheet portion 20A (described later) constituting the collection member 14A via an inflow port 16. As shown in Figure 3, when the platelet preparation M contained in the medical bag 100 is transferred to the collection member 14A, the medical bag 100 is connected to the upstream end 12u of the inflow tube 12.

[0040] As shown in detail in Figure 2, the collection member 14A has a sheet portion 20A and a plurality of storage portions 22. In the illustrated example, the plurality of storage portions 22 includes a first storage portion 22a and a second storage portion 22b. That is, the number of the plurality of storage portions 22 is two. However, the number of the plurality of storage portions 22 may be three or more.

[0041] The sheet portion 20A has a first notch 26a formed in the left portion 14L of the sampling member 14A and a second notch 26b formed in the right portion 14R of the sampling member 14A. The first notch 26a and the second notch 26b extend widthwise and upward from the bottom edge 20a of the sheet portion 20A. A first storage portion 22a is disposed in the first notch 26a, and a second storage portion 22b is disposed in the second notch 26b. The first storage portion 22a is connected to the sheet portion 20A via a first inlet pipe 30a and a first outlet pipe 32a. The first inlet pipe 30a is connected to the sheet portion 20A via a first inlet port 34a, and the first outlet pipe 32a is connected to the sheet portion 20A via a first outlet port 36a. The second storage portion 22b is connected to the sheet portion 20A via a second inlet pipe 30b and a second outlet pipe 32b. The second inlet pipe 30b is connected to the seat portion 20A via a second inlet port 34b, and the second outlet pipe 32b is connected to the seat portion 20A via a second outlet port 36b. Based on the above connections, the first storage portion 22a and the second storage portion 22b are each supported on the seat portion 20A.

[0042] The first storage section 22a is hollow and has a first storage chamber 24a therein. The second storage section 22b is also hollow and has a second storage chamber 24b therein. That is, the multiple storage sections 22 each have multiple storage chambers 24.

[0043] The first storage section 22a and the second storage section 22b are storage areas that temporarily store the platelet preparation M to be transferred to the first sampling container 110a and the second sampling container 110b shown in FIG. 4, respectively. The volumes of the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b are each large enough to store, for example, approximately 8 mL to approximately 10 mL of platelet preparation M. The volumes of the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b are, for example, approximately equal to each other. The volumes of the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b may be different from each other. In the initial state of the collection kit 10A, air is present in the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b.

[0044] The first and second storage portions 22a and 22b have a first outlet pipe portion 38a and a second outlet pipe portion 38b, respectively. A first outlet flow path 40a is formed inside the first outlet pipe portion 38a, and a second outlet flow path 40b is formed inside the second outlet pipe portion 38b.

[0045] The first outlet pipe 38a extends downward from the lower part of the first storage unit 22a. The first inlet pipe 30a extends from the right part of the first outlet pipe 38a toward the upper part of the first outlet flow path 40a. The inner hole (not shown) of the first inlet pipe 30a communicates with the first storage chamber 24a via the first outlet flow path 40a. The first outlet pipe 32a extends upward from the upper part of the first storage unit 22a. The first storage chamber 24a communicates with the first storage chamber 60a via the first outlet flow path 40a, the first discharge port 36a, and the first guide path 54a. The first guide path 54a and the first storage chamber 60a will be described later.

[0046] The second outlet pipe 38b extends downward from the lower part of the second storage unit 22b. The second inlet pipe 30b extends from the left part of the second outlet pipe 38b toward the upper part of the second outlet flow path 40b. The inner hole of the second inlet pipe 30b communicates with the second storage chamber 24b via the second outlet flow path 40b. The second outlet pipe 32b extends upward from the upper part of the second storage unit 22b. The second storage chamber 24b communicates with the second storage chamber 60b via the second outlet flow path 40b, the second outlet port 36b, and the second guide path 54b. The second guide path 54b and the second storage chamber 60b will be described later.

[0047] The first storage section 22a and the second storage section 22b configured as described above are inflexible. Specifically, the first storage section 22a is rigid enough to not substantially deform when the platelet preparation M flows from the medical bag 100 into the first storage chamber 24a, or when the platelet preparation M flows from the first storage chamber 24a toward the first sampling container 110a. The second storage section 22b is similarly rigid enough to not substantially deform under the above conditions.

[0048] The first storage section 22 a and the second storage section 22 b are preferably transparent or translucent. In this case, the operator can easily visually check the amount of platelet preparation M stored in the first storage chamber 24 a and the second storage chamber 24 b. The operator can also easily visually check the amount of platelet preparation M that has flowed out of the first storage chamber 24 a and the second storage chamber 24 b.

[0049] A suitable example of a material that satisfies the above conditions is resin. Resin is lightweight, hard to break, and easy to process, making it suitable as a material for the first storage portion 22 a and the second storage portion 22 b. The first storage portion 22 a and the second storage portion 22 b may also be made of glass.

[0050] The sheet portion 20A is formed from two flexible sheets 21a, 21b stacked in the thickness direction. Therefore, the sheet portion 20A is flexible enough to allow the multiple storage chambers 60, described below, to expand when air flows into them. The sheet portion 20A has multiple storage sections 58. The outer surfaces of the multiple storage sections 58 are the outer surfaces of the two flexible sheets 21a, 21b. It is not essential that the sheet portion 20A has two flexible sheets 21a, 21b. The sheet portion 20A may be formed by accommodating a bag-shaped storage section 22 and a bag-shaped storage section 58.

[0051] Two flexible sheets 21a, 21b are overlapped and partially welded to each other. In the unwelded portion, a common flow path 50, multiple connecting flow paths 52, multiple guide paths 54, and multiple storage chambers 60 are formed between the two spaced-apart flexible sheets 21a, 21b. As can be seen from this, in the first embodiment, the multiple storage chambers 60 are formed as internal chambers of sheet portion 20A. Each of the multiple storage chambers 60 is the hollow interior of each of the multiple storage sections 58. In the initial state of collection kit 10A, the multiple storage sections 58 are fully contracted (collapsed), and the volume of each of the multiple storage chambers 60 is zero.

[0052] The number of each of the plurality of connecting flow paths 52, the plurality of guide paths 54, and the plurality of storage sections 58 (plurality of storage chambers 60) is the same as the number of the plurality of storage sections 22. In the illustrated example, the number of the plurality of storage sections 22 is two, as described above. Therefore, the plurality of connecting flow paths 52 have a first connecting flow path 52a and a second connecting flow path 52b. The plurality of guide paths 54 have a first guide path 54a and a second guide path 54b. The plurality of storage sections 58 have a first storage section 58a and a second storage section 58b, and the plurality of storage chambers 60 have a first storage chamber 60a and a second storage chamber 60b.

[0053] The common flow path 50 extends from the upper side 20b to the lower side 20a of the sampling member 14A so as to divide the sampling member 14A into a left portion 14L and a right portion 14R in the width direction. The first connecting flow path 52a (first inlet port 34a), the first storage portion 22a (first storage chamber 24a), the first discharge pipe portion 32a (first discharge port 36a), the first guide path 54a, and the first reservoir portion 58a (first reservoir chamber 60a) are located in the left portion 14L. The second connecting flow path 52b (second inlet port 34b), the second storage portion 22b (second storage chamber 24b), the second discharge pipe portion 32b (second discharge port 36b), the second guide path 54b, and the second reservoir portion 58b (second reservoir chamber 60b) are located in the right portion 14R. In the illustrated example, the left portion 14L and the right portion 14R are positioned symmetrically with respect to the axis C1 of the common flow path 50, but are not limited to this positional relationship.

[0054] The common flow path 50 has an upstream end 50u and a downstream end 50d. The upstream end 50u of the common flow path 50 is connected to the downstream end 12d of the inflow tube 12 via the inflow port 16 described above.

[0055] A downstream end 50d of the common flow path 50 is located at the lower side 20a of the seat portion 20A. A first connecting flow path 52a and a second connecting flow path 52b branch off from the downstream end 50d of the common flow path 50. In the illustrated example, the intersection angle α between the common flow path 50 and the first connecting flow path 52a is approximately 90°, and the intersection angle β between the common flow path 50 and the second connecting flow path 52b is also approximately 90°. The intersection angles α and β may be acute or obtuse angles.

[0056] As described above, the first connecting flow path 52a is connected to the first inlet pipe section 30a via the first inlet port 34a. The inner bore of the first inlet pipe section 30a is in communication with the first storage chamber 24a via the first outlet flow path 40a of the first outlet pipe section 38a. Alternatively, the inner bore of the first inlet pipe section 30a may be in direct communication with the first storage chamber 24a. The second connecting flow path 52b is connected to the second inlet pipe section 30b via the second inlet port 34b. The inner bore of the second inlet pipe section 30b is in communication with the second storage chamber 24b via the second outlet flow path 40b of the second outlet pipe section 38b. Alternatively, the inner bore of the second inlet pipe section 30b may be in direct communication with the second storage chamber 24b.

[0057] In the illustrated example, the first storage section 58a and the second storage section 58b are arranged side by side outward in the width direction of the first storage section 22a and the second storage section 22b, respectively. Alternatively, the first storage section 58a and the second storage section 58b may be arranged side by side above the first storage section 22a and the second storage section 22b, respectively.

[0058] In the illustrated example, the first storage section 58a and the second storage section 58b have a vertically long rectangular shape. The first storage section 58a and the second storage section 58b may have a polygonal shape other than a rectangle, or may have an elliptical or circular shape.

[0059] The first guide passage 54a is a U-shaped flow path that opens downward in the upper part of the left portion 14L. The upstream end of the first guide passage 54a is connected to the upper part of the first storage chamber 24a via the first discharge port 36a and the inner hole of the first discharge pipe portion 32a. The downstream end of the first guide passage 54a is connected to the upper part of the first storage chamber 60a. Therefore, the first storage chamber 24a is in communication with the first storage chamber 60a via the first discharge port 36a, the inner hole of the first discharge pipe portion 32a, and the first guide passage 54a.

[0060] The second guide path 54b is a flow path that is, for example, U-shaped and open downward, located at the upper part of the right portion 14R. The upstream end of the second guide path 54b is connected to the upper part of the second storage chamber 24b via the second discharge port 36b and the inner hole of the second discharge pipe portion 32b. The downstream end of the second guide path 54b is connected to the upper part of the second storage chamber 60b. Therefore, the second storage chamber 24b is in communication with the second storage chamber 60b via the second discharge port 36b, the inner hole of the second discharge pipe portion 32b, and the second guide path 54b. As described below, the first guide path 54a and the second guide path 54b guide air that has been previously stored in the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b toward the first storage chamber 60a and the second storage chamber 60b, respectively, in the initial state before use of the collection kit 10A.

[0061] Therefore, the first storage chamber 60a has a volume equal to or greater than the sum of half the volume of the inflow tube 12, half the volume of the common flow path 50, the volume of the first inlet pipe section 30a, the volume of the first storage chamber 24a, and the volume of the first guide path 54a. The second storage chamber 60b has a volume equal to or greater than the sum of half the volume of the inflow tube 12, half the volume of the common flow path 50, the volume of the second inlet pipe section 30b, the volume of the second storage chamber 24b, and the volume of the second guide path 54b.

[0062] An exhaust flow path that is open to the atmosphere is not connected to the seat portion 20A, that is, the first storage chamber 60a and the second storage chamber 60b are not open to the atmosphere via an exhaust flow path.

[0063] The collection kit 10A includes a backflow prevention unit 70 provided in each of the first guide path 54a and the second guide path 54b. In one aspect, the backflow prevention unit 70 includes a hydrophilic filter 72 disposed inside each of the first guide path 54a and the second guide path 54b. Before the pores of the hydrophilic filter 72 are blocked, the hydrophilic filter 72 allows air to pass from the first guide path 54a and the second guide path 54b to the first storage chamber 60a and the second storage chamber 60b, respectively. When the platelet preparation M subsequently flows through the first guide path 54a and the second guide path 54b and comes into contact with the hydrophilic filter 72, the pores of the hydrophilic filter 72 are blocked by the platelet preparation M because the main component of the platelet preparation M is water. This blockage allows the hydrophilic filter 72 to block the passage of air and the platelet preparation M. Therefore, air is prevented from flowing back from the first storage chamber 60a and the second storage chamber 60b toward the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b.

[0064] In another aspect, the backflow prevention unit 70 has clamps 74 disposed on the outside of the first guide path 54 a and the second guide path 54 b. The clamps 74 compress the first guide path 54 a and the second guide path 54 b from the outside. The tips of the clamps 74 are inserted into the slits 76.

[0065] The collection kit 10A includes an adapter 80 that is connected to the collection member 14A. The number of adapters 80 is the same as the number of outlet channels 40. In the illustrated example, the first storage section 22a has the first outlet channel 40a, and the second storage section 22b has the second outlet channel 40b, so the collection kit 10A includes a first adapter 80a and a second adapter 80b as the adapters 80.

[0066] The first adapter 80a is connected to the first outlet tube portion 38a via a first outlet port 78a. The first outlet port 78a has a breakable plug (not shown) therein. In the initial state, the plug seals the first outlet flow path 40a. This prevents the platelet preparation M from flowing from the first storage chamber 24a to the first adapter 80a. As described below, when the platelet preparation M is transferred from the first storage chamber 24a to the first adapter 80a, the plug is broken by being bent. This opens the first outlet port 78a.

[0067] 1 and 4, the first adapter 80a has a housing tube 82 capable of housing the neck of the first sampling container 110a, a communication tube 84 provided at the upper end of the housing tube 82, a tubular needle 86 disposed inside the housing tube 82, and a rubber cover 88 that covers the needle 86. The housing tube 82 has an openable and closable lid 90. A release sheet may be used instead of the lid 90.

[0068] The needle 86 inside the housing tube 82 is connected to the communication tube 84. When the neck of the first sampling container 110a (see FIG. 4) is inserted into the housing tube 82, the needle 86 pierces the plug 112 of the first sampling container 110a. Therefore, when the plug is broken and the first outlet port 78a is opened, the first sampling container 110a and the first storage chamber 24a are connected via the communication tube 84 and the needle 86.

[0069] When the needle 86 pierces the stopper 112 of the first sampling container 110a, the rubber cover 88 is pressed toward the sampling member 14A and compressed. The needle 86 penetrates the compressed rubber cover 88. When the needle 86 is removed from the stopper 112 of the first sampling container 110a, the rubber cover 88 stretches due to its elastic restoring force and covers the needle 86 again.

[0070] The second adapter 80b has a configuration similar to that of the first adapter 80a. When the needle 86 of the second adapter 80b penetrates the plug 112 of the second sampling container 110b and the plug is broken to open the second outlet port 78b, the second sampling container 110b and the second storage chamber 24b communicate with each other.

[0071] When the collection member 14A has three or more storage chambers 24, the collection kit 10A has three or more outlet flow paths 40 and three or more adapters 80 corresponding to the respective storage chambers 24.

[0072] In the initial state of the collection kit 10A, the first adapter 80a and the second adapter 80b may not be provided in the collection kit 10A. In this case, when the collection kit 10A is used, the first adapter 80a and the second adapter 80b are connected to the collection kit 10A. For example, the first adapter 80a has an engaging claw and a connecting needle, and the lower part of the first outflow flow path 40a has an engaging groove and a stopper 112. The first adapter 80a and the first outflow flow path 40a are connected by inserting the connecting needle into the stopper 112 and engaging the engaging claw with the engaging groove. The second adapter 80b has a connection structure similar to that of the first adapter 80a.

[0073] The collection kit 10A according to the first embodiment is basically configured as described above. Next, a collection method for separating the platelet preparation M into the first sampling container 110a and the second sampling container 110b using the collection kit 10A will be described.

[0074] 3, the operator first connects the medical bag 100 containing the platelet preparation M to the inflow tube 12. Specifically, the medical bag 100 has a supply tube 102. The operator joins the supply tube 102 to the upstream end 12u of the inflow tube 12. At this time, the supply tube 102 is joined to the inflow tube 12 using a sterile joining device without coming into contact with the outside air.

[0075] Next, the operator transfers the platelet preparation M to the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b. In this step, the medical bag 100 is positioned above the collection member 14A. At this point, the plugs of the first outlet port 78a and the second outlet port 78b are maintained in a closed state.

[0076] The platelet preparation M flows out of the medical bag 100 due to gravity and flows into the common flow channel 50 via the supply tube 102 and the inlet tube 12. The platelet preparation M further moves along the common flow channel 50 toward the lower edge portion 20a of the sheet portion 20A. A first connecting flow channel 52a and a second connecting flow channel 52b are connected to the downstream end portion 50d of the common flow channel 50. Therefore, the platelet preparation M is divided into a first branch flow MF1 that flows from the common flow channel 50 into the first connecting flow channel 52a and a second branch flow MF2 that flows from the common flow channel 50 into the second connecting flow channel 52b.

[0077] The first tributary flow MF1 first flows into the first outflow passage 40a and then flows into the first storage chamber 24a because the first outflow port 78a is blocked with a plug. Therefore, at least a portion of the air in the first outflow passage 40a is pushed out by the first tributary flow MF1 and moves to the first storage chamber 24a. This reduces the amount of air remaining in the first outflow passage 40a.

[0078] As the first branch flow MF1 further flows into the first storage chamber 24a, the liquid level of the platelet preparation M in the first storage chamber 24a rises. Accordingly, the air in the first storage chamber 24a is pushed by the platelet preparation M and rises within the first storage chamber 24a. The air flows through the inner hole of the first discharge tube portion 32a connected to the top of the first storage section 22a, the first discharge port 36a, and the first guide path 54a of the seat portion 20A, and then flows into the first storage chamber 60a. Because the first storage chamber 60a is not open to the atmosphere, the air is stored in the first storage chamber 60a.

[0079] The flexible sheets 21a and 21b forming the first storage section 58a are made of a material that can expand in response to the movement of air from the first storage section 22a to the first storage chamber 60a. Therefore, the first storage section 58a expands in response to the movement of air, thereby allowing the first storage chamber 60a to receive air.

[0080] After the first storage chamber 24a is filled with the platelet preparation M, the platelet preparation M flows into the first guide path 54a via the first discharge port 36a and the inner hole of the first discharge tube portion 32a. If the backflow prevention unit 70 has a hydrophilic filter 72, when the platelet preparation M comes into contact with the hydrophilic filter 72 arranged inside the first guide path 54a, the platelet preparation M is captured in the pores of the hydrophilic filter 72. This causes the platelet preparation M to be held in the hydrophilic filter 72. As a result, the hydrophilic filter 72 is blocked, preventing the platelet preparation M from passing through the hydrophilic filter 72 and flowing into the first storage chamber 60a. At the same time, air stored in the first storage chamber 60a as described above from passing through the hydrophilic filter 72 and returning to the first storage chamber 24a.

[0081] If the backflow prevention unit 70 has a clamp 74, after the air stored in the first storage chamber 24a has been transferred to the first storage chamber 60a, the operator attaches the clamp 74 to the outside of the first guide path 54a. The clamp 74 compresses the first guide path 54a from the outside. This closes the first storage chamber 60a, preventing the air in the first storage chamber 60a from passing through the clamp 74 and returning to the first storage chamber 24a. The tip of the clamp 74 is inserted into the slit 76.

[0082] In this way, the backflow prevention unit 70 can prevent the air stored in the first storage chamber 60a from returning to the first storage chamber 24a. Therefore, the platelet preparation M stored in the first storage chamber 24a is prevented from coming into contact with air. The amount of platelet preparation M stored in the first storage chamber 24a is, for example, approximately 8 mL to 10 mL.

[0083] The second branch flow MF2 flowing into the second outlet flow path 40b via the second connecting flow path 52b is also stored in the second storage chamber 24b in the same manner as above. As a result, air is stored in the second storage chamber 60b. In the second guide path 54b, the backflow prevention unit 70 also prevents the air stored in the second storage chamber 60b from returning to the second storage chamber 24b. Therefore, the platelet preparation M stored in the second storage chamber 24b is prevented from coming into contact with air.

[0084] For the reasons described above, the sampling kit 10A does not require an air filter for exhausting air to the outside of the sampling member 14A, which simplifies the configuration of the sampling member 14A.

[0085] Next, the medical bag 100 is separated from the inflow tube 12. In this process, a tube sealer such as a high-frequency sealer or an ultrasonic sealer is used. The tube sealer separates the inflow tube 12 from the supply tube 102 of the medical bag 100 and simultaneously seals the upstream end 12u of the inflow tube 12 by welding. The separation of the inflow tube 12 and the supply tube 102 is performed without exposing the internal flow paths of the tubes 12, 102 to the outside air.

[0086] The medical bag 100 separated from the collection kit 10A is stored until the test is completed. Meanwhile, the collection kit 10A with the platelet preparation M stored in the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b is carried into a clean bench.

[0087] Next, the steps of disconnecting the first connecting flow path 52a and the second connecting flow path 52b from the common flow path 50, respectively, and connecting the first sampling container 110a and the second sampling container 110b to the first outlet port 78a and the second outlet port 78b via the first adapter 80a and the second adapter 80b, respectively, are performed. These steps can be performed in any order. That is, either step can be performed first.

[0088] Communication between each of the first and second connecting channels 52a, 52b and the common channel 50 can be blocked by forming a welded seal 79 in each of the first and second connecting channels 52a, 52b, as shown in FIG. 4 . That is, in this case, multiple (two in the illustrated example) welded seals 79 are provided on the collection member 14A. The welded seals 79 can be formed by welding two flexible sheets 21a, 21b together using, for example, an ultrasonic sealer or a high-frequency sealer. Instead of the welded seals 79, clamps or clips may be used to block communication between each of the first and second connecting channels 52a, 52b and the common channel 50.

[0089] This blocking causes the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b to become mutually independent internal chambers. Therefore, the platelet preparation M stored in the first storage chamber 24a based on the first tributary flow MF1 does not flow into the second storage chamber 24b or the second outflow path 40b. Similarly, the platelet preparation M stored in the second storage chamber 24b based on the second tributary flow MF2 does not flow into the first storage chamber 24a or the first outflow path 40a. In other words, movement of the platelet preparation M between the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b is prevented.

[0090] To connect the first sampling container 110a to the first adapter 80a, as shown in Figure 4, the lid 90 of the first adapter 80a is opened and the neck of the first sampling container 110a is inserted into the housing tube 82. This causes the needle 86 provided inside the housing tube 82 to pierce the stopper 112 of the first sampling container 110a. Similarly, the second sampling container 110b is connected to the second adapter 80b.

[0091] Next, the operator transfers the platelet product M from the first storage chamber 24a to the first sampling container 110a, and transfers the platelet product M from the second storage chamber 24b to the second sampling container 110b. To perform this operation, the operator bends and breaks the plugs of the first outlet port 78a and the second outlet port 78b, thereby opening the first outlet port 78a and the second outlet port 78b. The platelet product M from the first storage chamber 24a is sucked out by the negative pressure within the first sampling container 110a, passes through the first outlet flow path 40a, the first outlet port 78a, and the connecting tube portion 84 and needle portion 86 of the first adapter 80a, and flows into the first sampling container 110a. Similarly, the platelet preparation M in the second storage chamber 24b is sucked out by the negative pressure in the second sampling container 110b, passes through the second outflow flow path 40b, the second outflow port 78b, and the communicating tube portion 84 and needle portion 86 of the second adapter 80b, and flows into the second sampling container 110b.

[0092] In this manner, substantially all of the platelet product M stored in the first storage chamber 24a is transferred to the first sampling container 110a, and substantially all of the platelet product M stored in the second storage chamber 24b is transferred to the second sampling container 110b. That is, the first sample MS1 is introduced into the first sampling container 110a, and the second sample MS2 is introduced into the second sampling container 110b. The first sampling container 110a is then detached from the first adapter 80a, and the second sampling container 110b is detached from the second adapter 80b. This completes the collection (sampling) of the platelet product M using the collection kit 10A.

[0093] Next, 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 110a is used, for example, for anaerobic culture to observe whether anaerobic bacteria grow. The second sample MS2 in the second sampling container 110b is used, for example, for aerobic culture to observe whether aerobic bacteria grow. In both tests, the first sampling container 110a and the second sampling container 110b are used as culture bottles. If the first sample MS1 and the second sample MS2 pass the culture test, the platelet preparation M in the medical bag 100 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).

[0094] When collecting the platelet preparation M (collection target) using the collection kit 10A, a jig (collection kit jig) may be used to connect the collection kit 10A to the first sampling container 110a and the second sampling container 110b. The collection kit jig may include, for example, a kit holder that holds the collection kit 10A, an elevating mechanism that displaces the kit holder up and down, and container holders that hold the first sampling container 110a and the second sampling container 110b. The collection kit 10A can be connected to the first sampling container 110a and the second sampling container 110b by lowering the kit holder. Instead of the elevating mechanism that displaces the kit holder up and down, a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the container holder may be provided.

[0095] The collection kit 10A according to the first embodiment has the following advantages.

[0096] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, a collection kit 10A for collecting platelet preparations M, which are the objects to be collected, into multiple sampling containers 110 includes an inflow tube 12 to which a medical bag 100 (see Figure 3) is connected, and a collection member 14A connected downstream of the inflow tube 12.

[0097] The collecting member 14A has a plurality of storage sections 22, a first outlet port 78a and a second outlet port 78b, a reservoir section 58, and a guide path 54. The plurality of storage sections 22 each have a plurality of storage chambers 24 that store a platelet preparation M. The first outlet port 78a and the second outlet port 78b are connected to the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b, respectively, that constitute the plurality of storage chambers 24, and transfer the platelet preparation M from the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b toward the plurality of sampling containers 110.

[0098] The reservoir 58 has a first reservoir 58a and a second reservoir 58b. The first reservoir 60a of the first reservoir 58a is connected to the first storage chamber 24a via the first guide path 54a of the guide path 54. The second reservoir 60b of the second reservoir 58b is connected to the second storage chamber 24b via the second guide path 54b of the guide path 54.

[0099] When the platelet preparation M is stored in the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b, the air stored in the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b moves to the first storage chamber 60a and the second storage chamber 60b via the first guide path 54a and the second guide path 54b, respectively. The storage section 58 is made of a material that can expand in response to the movement of air, and is capable of receiving and storing air in the first storage chamber 60a and the second storage chamber 60b.

[0100] Therefore, the sampling member 14A of the sampling kit 10A does not need an air filter for exhausting air to the outside of the sampling member 14A, and therefore the configuration of the sampling member 14A is simplified.

[0101] 3 and 4, collection kit 10A includes backflow prevention unit 70 disposed in guide path 54. Backflow prevention unit 70 prevents air stored in reservoir chamber 60 from returning to multiple storage chambers 24.

[0102] For example, when the platelet preparation M is transferred from the plurality of storage sections 22 to the plurality of sampling containers 110, the air stored in the storage chamber 60 is prevented from returning to the plurality of storage sections 22. This prevents the platelet preparation M from coming into contact with air. This allows the platelet preparation M to be subjected to a culture test.

[0103] In one aspect, the backflow prevention unit 70 includes a hydrophilic filter 72 disposed within the guide channel 54 .

[0104] The hydrophilic filter 72 allows air to pass through before it is wet with the liquid platelet preparation M, but prevents air from passing through after it is wet with the platelet preparation M. Therefore, when the platelet preparation M overflows from the multiple storage chambers 24 and wets the hydrophilic filter 72, the air stored in the storage section 58 can be prevented from passing through the hydrophilic filter 72 and returning to the multiple storage chambers 24.

[0105] In another embodiment, the backflow prevention portion 70 has a clamp 74 that compresses the guide passage 54 from the outside.

[0106] In this case, the clamp 74 is merely attached to the sampling member 14A, so the configuration of the sampling kit 10A is simple.

[0107] The collection kit 10A includes a first adapter 80a and a second adapter 80b connected downstream of the first outlet port 78a and the second outlet port 78b, respectively.

[0108] The first adapter 80a and the second adapter 80b facilitate connection of the first storage chamber 24a and the second storage chamber 24b to the first sampling container 110a and the second sampling container 110b via the first outlet port 78a and the second outlet port 78b, respectively. Furthermore, because the collection kit 10A in its initial state (before use) includes the first adapter 80a and the second adapter 80b, the operator does not need to connect the first adapter 80a and the second adapter 80b to the first outlet port 78a and the second outlet port 78b, respectively, when using the collection kit 10A. As a result, collection work can be performed efficiently.

[0109] The above effects can also be obtained in the second and third embodiments described below.

[0110] The collection kit 10A according to the first embodiment has the following unique effects.

[0111] As shown in Figure 2, the collection member 14A has a sheet portion 20A formed by overlapping and welding two flexible sheets 21a, 21b. The storage chamber 60 is formed as an inner chamber of the sheet portion 20A. Meanwhile, each of the multiple storage portions 22 is formed from an inflexible material. The multiple storage portions 22 are supported by the sheet portion 20A.

[0112] In addition, "the storage section 22 is inflexible" means that the storage section 22 has a degree of rigidity that prevents it from substantially deforming when the platelet preparation M (the object to be collected) flows into the storage chamber 24 and when the platelet preparation M flows out from the storage chamber 24 into the sampling container 110.

[0113] Therefore, with the above configuration, deformation of the multiple storage sections 22 is suppressed when air is discharged from the storage chamber 24 into the reservoir 60. As a result, the amount of platelet preparation M transferred from the medical bag 100 (see FIG. 3) to the storage chamber 24 is approximately the same. In other words, the amount of platelet preparation M stored in the storage chamber 24 is constant. Therefore, the sampling amount of platelet preparation M collected in the sampling container 110 is stable.

[0114] A suitable material for each of the plurality of storage portions 22 is resin, which is relatively hard and lightweight.

[0115] The sampling member 14A has a plurality of reservoirs 58, and the reservoir chamber 60 of each of the reservoirs 58 is connected to a corresponding one of the storage chambers 24. In the illustrated example, the reservoirs 58 have a first reservoir 58a and a second reservoir 58b, and the first reservoir chamber 60a of the first reservoir 58a is connected to the first storage chamber 24a of the first storage unit 22a. Furthermore, the second reservoir chamber 60b of the second reservoir 58b is connected to the second storage chamber 24b of the second storage unit 22b.

[0116] The first storage chamber 60a receives only the air exhausted from the first storage chamber 24a, and the second storage chamber 60b receives only the air exhausted from the second storage chamber 24b. This allows the volumes of the first storage chamber 60a and the second storage chamber 60b to be reduced. This allows the first storage section 58a and the second storage section 58b to be made smaller.

[0117] Next, a collection kit 10B according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 5. Note that components that are the same as those shown in Figures 1 to 4 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0118] 5 is a schematic front view of a collection kit 10B according to a second embodiment. The collection kit 10B includes an inflow tube 12 and a collection member 14B.

[0119] The collection member 14B includes a sheet portion 20B. As in the first embodiment, the sheet portion 20B is formed from two flexible sheets 21a and 21b that are overlapped in the thickness direction. The two flexible sheets 21a and 21b are overlapped and partially welded to each other.

[0120] In the unwelded portions of the two flexible sheets 21a, 21b, a common flow path 50, a plurality of connecting flow paths 52, a plurality of storage chambers 150, a plurality of outflow flow paths 152, a plurality of guide paths 154, and a plurality of storage chambers 156 are formed between the two spaced-apart flexible sheets 21a, 21b. As can be seen from this, in the second embodiment, the plurality of storage chambers 150 and the plurality of storage chambers 156 are each formed as internal chambers of the sheet portion 20B. The sheet portion 20B includes a plurality of storage sections 160 each having a plurality of storage chambers 150, and a plurality of storage sections 162 each having a plurality of storage chambers 156.

[0121] In the illustrated example, the number of the multiple storage sections 160 is two. That is, the multiple storage sections 160 have a first storage section 160a and a second storage section 160b. The storage chamber of the first storage section 160a is the first storage chamber 150a, and the storage chamber of the second storage section 160b is the second storage chamber 150b. However, the number of the multiple storage sections 160 may be three or more. The shapes of the first storage section 160a and the second storage section 160b are, for example, hexagons extending in the vertical direction. The shapes of the first storage section 160a and the second storage section 160b may be other polygonal shapes, or may be perfect circles or ellipses.

[0122] The number of each of the plurality of connecting flow paths 52, the plurality of outlet flow paths 152, the plurality of guide paths 154, and the plurality of storage sections 162 (plurality of storage chambers 156) is the same as the number of the plurality of storage sections 160. Accordingly, the plurality of connecting flow paths 52 have a first connecting flow path 52a and a second connecting flow path 52b, and the plurality of outlet flow paths 152 have a first outlet flow path 152a and a second outlet flow path 152b. The plurality of guide paths 154 have a first guide path 154a and a second guide path 154b. The plurality of storage sections 162 have a first storage section 162a and a second storage section 162b, and the plurality of storage chambers 156 have a first storage chamber 156a and a second storage chamber 156b.

[0123] A downstream end 50d of the common flow path 50 is located near the lower edge 20a of the seat portion 20B. A first connecting flow path 52a and a second connecting flow path 52b branch off from the downstream end 50d of the common flow path 50. In the illustrated example, the intersection angle γ between the common flow path 50 and the first connecting flow path 52a and the intersection angle θ between the common flow path 50 and the second connecting flow path 52b are acute angles. The intersection angles γ and θ may be right angles or obtuse angles.

[0124] The left portion 14L of the sampling member 14B will now be described. The first outlet flow path 152a is connected to the lowermost portion of the first storage chamber 150a. The first connecting flow path 52a is connected to a portion of the first outlet flow path 152a that is close to the first storage chamber 150a. Therefore, the first connecting flow path 52a is connected to the lower portion of the first storage chamber 150a via the first outlet flow path 152a. Therefore, the first storage chamber 150a is connected to the common flow path 50 via the first outlet flow path 152a and the first connecting flow path 52a. The downstream end of the first connecting flow path 52a may be connected to the lower portion of the first storage chamber 150a. In this case, the first storage chamber 150a is connected to the common flow path 50 only via the first connecting flow path 52a.

[0125] In the illustrated example, the first storage section 162a has a rectangular (rectangular) shape. The shape of the first storage section 162a may be any other polygonal shape, or may be a perfect circle or ellipse. In the second embodiment, the first storage section 162a is disposed above the first storage section 160a. The first storage section 160a and the first storage section 162a are aligned in the vertical direction on the seat section 20B. Therefore, the first guide path 154a extends linearly in the vertical direction. The upstream end of the first guide path 154a is connected to the top of the first storage chamber 150a. The downstream end of the first guide path 154a is connected to the bottom of the first storage chamber 156a. The first storage chamber 150a is in communication with the first storage chamber 156a via the first guide path 154a.

[0126] Therefore, the first storage chamber 156a has a volume equal to or greater than the sum of half the volume of the inflow tube 12, half the volume of the common flow path 50, the volume of the first connecting flow path 52a, the volume of the first storage chamber 150a, and the volume of the first guide path 154a. The second storage chamber 156b has a volume equal to or greater than the sum of half the volume of the inflow tube 12, half the volume of the common flow path 50, the volume of the second connecting flow path 52b, the volume of the second storage chamber 150b, and the volume of the second guide path 154b.

[0127] As in the first embodiment, the first storage section 162a and the first accommodating section 160a may be aligned in the width direction. In this case, it is preferable that the shape of the first guide path 154a be U-shaped, as in the first embodiment.

[0128] Collection kit 10B includes backflow prevention unit 70. In one embodiment, backflow prevention unit 70 includes a hydrophilic filter 72 disposed inside first guide passage 154a. In another embodiment, backflow prevention unit 70 includes a clamp 74 that compresses first guide passage 154a from the outside.

[0129] The collection kit 10B further includes a first adapter 80a. The first adapter 80a is connected to the collection member 14B via a first outlet port 78a. When a plug provided inside the first outlet port 78a is broken, the first outlet port 78a is opened, and the first outlet flow path 152a and the communication tube 84 are connected to each other.

[0130] The right portion 14R of the sampling member 14B is configured similarly to the left portion 14L. Therefore, detailed description of the second connecting flow path 52b, the second storage chamber 150b, the second outflow flow path 152b, the second guide path 154b, the second storage chamber 156b, the backflow prevention unit 70 provided in the second guide path 154b, and the second adapter 80b will be omitted.

[0131] In this configuration, the medical bag 100 is connected to the inflow tube 12 in the same manner as in Fig. 3. When the platelet preparation M is transferred from the medical bag 100 to the first storage chamber 150a (see Fig. 5) and the second storage chamber 150b, air in the first storage chamber 150a moves to the first storage chamber 156a via the first guide path 154a. Similarly, air in the second storage chamber 150b moves to the second storage chamber 156b via the second guide path 154b. The air is stored in the first storage chamber 156a and the second storage chamber 156b.

[0132] Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, the first sampling container 110a is attached to the first adapter 80a, and the second sampling container 110b is attached to the second adapter 80b (see FIG. 4). The plugs in the first outlet port 78a and the second outlet port 78b are then broken. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, with the backflow prevention unit 70 preventing air from returning from the first storage chamber 156a and the second storage chamber 156b to the first storage chamber 150a and the second storage chamber 150b, the platelet product M is transferred from the first storage chamber 150a and the second storage chamber 150b to the first sampling container 110a and the second sampling container 110b, respectively.

[0133] The collection kit 10B according to the second embodiment has the following unique effects.

[0134] In the collection kit 10B, the collection member 14B has a sheet portion 20B formed by overlapping and welding two flexible sheets 21a, 21b. The sheet portion 20B includes a plurality of storage portions 160. A plurality of storage chambers 150 and a reservoir chamber 156 are individually formed as internal chambers of the sheet portion 20B.

[0135] When forming the sheet portion 20B from the two flexible sheets 21a, 21b, the plurality of storage chambers 150 and the storage chambers 156 can be formed simultaneously. This simplifies the process of fabricating the plurality of storage sections 160. Furthermore, because the flexible sheets 21a, 21b are used as the material for the sheet portion 20B that forms the storage section 162 and the plurality of storage sections 160, it is possible to reduce material costs.

[0136] Next, a collection kit 10C according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 6. Note that the same components as those shown in Figures 1 to 5 are designated by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof may be omitted.

[0137] The collection kit 10C includes an inflow tube 12 and a collection member 14C.

[0138] The collection member 14C includes a sheet portion 20C. As in the first and second embodiments, the sheet portion 20C is formed from two flexible sheets 21a and 21b that are overlapped in the thickness direction. The two flexible sheets 21a and 21b are overlapped and partially welded to each other.

[0139] In the unwelded portions of the two flexible sheets 21a, 21b, an inlet flow path 180, a plurality of storage chambers 190, a communication flow path 182, a plurality of outlet flow paths 184, a guide path 194, and a storage chamber 196 are formed between the two spaced-apart flexible sheets 21a, 21b. The sheet portion 20C includes a plurality of storage sections 192 each having a plurality of storage chambers 190, and a storage section 198 having a storage chamber 196.

[0140] The plurality of storage chambers 190 include a first storage chamber 190a and a second storage chamber 190b, and the plurality of storage sections 192 include a first storage section 192a and a second storage section 192b. The plurality of outlet channels 184 include a first outlet channel 184a and a second outlet channel 184b. The collection member 14C may include three or more storage chambers and three or more outlet channels.

[0141] Sheet member 20C has a first region 200 including first storage portion 192a and a second region 202 including second storage portion 192b. When viewed in the thickness direction of sampling member 14C, first region 200 has a rectangular shape with a smaller area than second region 202. Sheet member 20C further has a connecting region 204 connecting first region 200 and second region 202.

[0142] The connecting region 204 extends in the width direction and integrally connects the first region 200 and the second region 202. The sheet portion 20C has a pair of notches 206 formed by cutting out rectangular shapes in the sheet portion 20C above and below the connecting region 204. The connecting region 204 is formed between the upper and lower notches 206. Although not particularly limited, the connecting region 204 is located in the center of the first region 200 and the second region 202 in the up-down direction.

[0143] The first region 200 includes the inflow passage 180, a first storage portion 192a (first storage chamber 190a), a first outflow passage 184a, and an upstream portion 182u of the communication passage 182. The inflow passage 180 connects the inflow tube 12 and the first storage chamber 190a. The inflow passage 180 is connected to the upper end of the first storage chamber 190a. The first outflow passage 184a is connected to the lower end of the first storage chamber 190a. The first outflow passage 184a extends downward from the lower end of the first storage chamber 190a.

[0144] The second region 202 includes a downstream portion 182d of the communication flow path 182, a second storage portion 192b (second storage chamber 190b), a second outlet flow path 184b, a guide path 194, and a storage chamber 196. The second outlet flow path 184b is connected to the lower end of the second storage chamber 190b. The second outlet flow path 184b extends downward from the lower end of the second storage chamber 190b. The volume of the second storage chamber 190b may be the same as or different from the volume of the first storage chamber 190a.

[0145] The communicating flow path 182 is a flow path that connects the first storage portion 192a and the second storage portion 192b to communicate the first storage chamber 190a and the second storage chamber 190b. The communicating flow path 182 has an upstream portion 182u, a midstream portion 182m, and a downstream portion 182d. The upstream portion 182u is connected to an upper portion of the first storage chamber 190a that faces the connecting region 204. The upstream portion 182u of the communicating flow path 182 extends obliquely upward from the first storage chamber 190a and forms a curved V-shape that extends downward.

[0146] The midstream portion 182m of the communication flow path 182 extends along the connecting region 204 of the seat portion 20C and is connected to the downstream portion 182d in the second region 202. The downstream portion 182d forms a curved V-shape that extends downward and obliquely upward toward the second storage chamber 190b. The downstream portion 182d is connected to a lower portion of the second storage chamber 190b that faces the connecting region 204.

[0147] In the illustrated example, the shape of the storage portion 198 is rectangular (rectangular). The shape of the storage portion 198 may be another polygon, a perfect circle, or an ellipse. In the third embodiment, the storage portion 198 is disposed above the second storage portion 192b. The second storage portion 192b and the storage portion 198 are aligned vertically in the second region 202. Therefore, the guide path 194 extends linearly in the vertical direction. The upstream end of the guide path 194 is connected to the top of the second storage chamber 190b. The downstream end of the guide path 194 is connected to the bottom of the storage chamber 196. The second storage chamber 190b communicates with the storage chamber 196 via the guide path 194. The first storage chamber 190a communicates with the storage chamber 196 via the communication flow path 182, the second storage chamber 190b, and the guide path 194.

[0148] Therefore, the storage chamber 196 has a volume greater than the sum of the volume of the inlet tube 12, the volume of the inlet flow path 180, the volume of the first storage chamber 190a, the volume of the connecting flow path 182, the volume of the second storage chamber 190b, and the volume of the guide path 194.

[0149] 1 to 4, the reservoir 198 and the second storage section 192b may be aligned in the width direction. In this case, it is preferable that the guide path 194 has a U-shape, as in the first embodiment.

[0150] Collection kit 10C includes backflow prevention unit 70. In one embodiment, backflow prevention unit 70 includes a hydrophilic filter 72 disposed inside guide channel 194. In another embodiment, backflow prevention unit 70 includes a clamp 74 that compresses guide channel 194 from the outside.

[0151] The collection kit 10C further includes a first adaptor 80a and a second adaptor 80b. The first adaptor 80a is connected to the collection member 14C via a first outlet port 78a. When a plug provided inside the first outlet port 78a is broken, the first outlet port 78a is opened, and the first outlet flow path 184a is connected to the communicating tube 84 of the first adaptor 80a. The second adaptor 80b is connected to the collection member 14C via a second outlet port 78b. When a plug provided inside the second outlet port 78b is broken, the second outlet port 78b is opened, and the second outlet flow path 184b is connected to the communicating tube 84 of the second adaptor 80b.

[0152] In this configuration, the medical bag 100 is connected to the inlet tube 12 in the same manner as in Fig. 3. When the platelet preparation M is transferred from the medical bag 100 to the first storage chamber 190a (see Fig. 6) and the second storage chamber 190b, the platelet preparation M flows into the second storage chamber 190b via the first storage chamber 190a and the communicating flow path 182. Accordingly, air in the first storage chamber 190a moves to the second storage chamber 190b via the communicating flow path 182, and air in the second storage chamber 190b moves to the storage chamber 196 via the guide path 194. The air is stored in the storage chamber 196.

[0153] In this way, even if the number of storage chambers 196 is less than the number of storage chambers 190, by arranging multiple storage chambers 190 from upstream to downstream in the flow direction of the platelet preparation M and connecting a storage chamber 196 to the storage chamber 190 located at the most downstream end (in the illustrated example, the second storage chamber 190b), it is possible to store all of the air in the multiple storage chambers 190 in the storage chamber 196.

[0154] Thereafter, as in the first embodiment, the first sampling container 110a is attached to the first adapter 80a, and the second sampling container 110b is attached to the second adapter 80b (see FIG. 4). The plugs in the first outlet port 78a and the second outlet port 78b are then broken. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 6, with the backflow prevention unit 70 preventing air from returning from the storage chamber 196 to the second storage chamber 190b, the platelet product M is transferred from the first storage chamber 190a and the second storage chamber 190b to the first sampling container 110a and the second sampling container 110b, respectively.

[0155] The collection kit 10C according to the third embodiment has the following unique effects.

[0156] The multiple storage sections 192 are arranged from upstream to downstream in the flow direction of the platelet preparation M. In this configuration, the reservoir 196 is connected to the storage chamber 190 of the storage section 192 located at the most downstream position (the second storage chamber 190b of the second storage section 192b).

[0157] This allows the number of guide paths 194 and the number of storage chambers 196 formed in the sampling member 14C to be one, thereby simplifying the configuration of the sampling member 14C.

[0158] Modifications that can be adopted in the first to third embodiments will be described.

[0159] In the first to third embodiments, an outflow port is connected to each of the multiple storage chambers 24, 150, and 190. That is, the number of storage chambers 24, 150, and 190 is the same as the number of outflow ports. However, as shown in FIG. 7 , a confluent outflow channel 212 may be formed in the seat portion 20D, and one outflow port 214 may be connected to the seat portion 20D. Specifically, a first outflow channel 210a is connected to one of the multiple storage chambers, and a second outflow channel 210b is connected to another of the multiple storage chambers. Furthermore, the first outflow channel 210a and the second outflow channel 210b are joined to the confluent outflow channel 212. The confluent outflow channel 212 is connected to one adapter 80 via the outflow port 214.

[0160] Next, the platelet preparation M is transferred from the storage chambers 24, 150, 190 to a sampling container (not shown) attached to the adapter 80. After a predetermined amount of platelet preparation M has been transferred to the sampling container, the operator removes the sampling container from the adapter 80. Next, the operator attaches another sampling container (not shown) to the adapter 80 and transfers the platelet preparation M from the storage chambers 24, 150, 190 to that sampling container. The above process is repeated as necessary. In this manner, the platelet preparation M can be dispensed into multiple sampling containers.

[0161] In this case, the number of outlet ports 214 and adapters 80 is reduced compared to the configuration shown in Figures 1 to 6. This allows for simplification of the collection kit.

[0162] 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 for collecting samples contained in a medical bag into a plurality of sampling containers, comprising: an inflow tube to which the medical bag is connected; and a collection member connected downstream of the inflow tube, wherein the collection member has: a plurality of storage sections, each having a plurality of storage chambers for storing the samples; at least one outflow port connected to the plurality of storage chambers and for transporting the samples from the plurality of storage sections to the plurality of sampling containers, respectively; and a storage section connected to at least one of the plurality of storage sections via a guide path, having a storage chamber for storing air that moves from the plurality of storage sections when the samples are stored in the plurality of storage sections, wherein the storage section is made of a material that can expand in response to the movement of air from the plurality of storage sections.

2. A collection kit according to claim 1, further comprising a backflow prevention section disposed in said guide path for preventing said air stored in said storage chamber from returning to said plurality of storage chambers.

3. A collection kit according to claim 2, wherein said backflow prevention portion comprises a hydrophilic filter disposed within said guide passage.

4. A collection kit according to claim 2, wherein said backflow prevention portion has a clamp for compressing said guide passage from the outside.

5. A collection kit as described in claim 1, wherein the collection member has a sheet portion formed by overlapping and welding two flexible sheets, the storage chamber is formed as an inner chamber of the sheet portion, and each of the multiple storage portions is formed from an inflexible material and supported by the sheet portion.

6. The collection kit according to claim 5, wherein each of the plurality of containers is made of a resin material.

7. A collection kit as described in claim 1, wherein the collection member has a sheet portion formed by overlapping and welding two flexible sheets, the sheet portion has a plurality of the storage portions, and the plurality of storage chambers and the storage chambers are individually formed as internal chambers of the sheet portion.

8. The collection kit of claim 1, further comprising an adapter connected downstream of said outlet port.

9. A collection kit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the collection member has a plurality of the storage sections, and the storage chamber of each of the plurality of storage sections is connected to each of the plurality of storage chambers.

10. A collection kit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the multiple storage sections are arranged from upstream to downstream in the flow direction of the collection target object, and the storage chamber is connected to the storage chamber of the storage section located at the most downstream side.

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