Absorbent article provided with test body for holding body fluid

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent article that has an excellent feeling of use, in which body fluids are unlikely to leak from a removal section during use, and in which foreign matter is unlikely to adhere to a test body owing to the fact that foreign matter is unlikely to enter from the removal section.　An absorbent article (1) comprising a test body (51) for holding a body fluid is characterized in that said absorbent article (1) is provided with an unopened removal section (41) for removing the test body (51), and the removal section (41) is configured so that the test body (51) can be removed by opening the removal section (41).

Description

Absorbent article comprising a test body that retains body fluid

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an absorbent article comprising a test body that retains body fluid.

[0002] In order to analyze body fluid, studies have been conducted on absorbent articles provided with a test body that retains body fluid. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a vaginal fluid collection system comprising a fluid-permeable top sheet, a fluid-impermeable back sheet, an absorbent pad disposed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fluid collection test strip having a grippable portion extending from an edge and disposed in fluid contact with the absorbent pad, wherein at least one of the back sheet or the top sheet includes an opening sized to allow removal and / or insertion of the fluid collection test strip.

[0003] Japanese National Publication of International Patent Application No.2019-508706

[0004] Patent Document 1 does not disclose the absorbent article according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an absorbent article which is less likely to allow body fluid to leak from the take-out portion during use, less likely to allow foreign matter to enter from the take-out portion, thus less likely to cause foreign matter to adhere to the test body, and is excellent in usability.

[0005] The present inventors have found an absorbent article comprising a test body that retains body fluid, wherein the absorbent article comprises an unopened take-out portion for taking out the test body, and the take-out portion is configured such that the test body can be taken out by opening the take-out portion.

[0006] The absorbent article according to the present disclosure is less likely to allow body fluid to leak from the take-out portion during use, less likely to allow foreign matter to enter from the take-out portion, thus less likely to cause foreign matter to adhere to the test body, and is excellent in usability.

[0007] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment. Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment. Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 1 according to the third embodiment. Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary napkin 1 according to the third embodiment. Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the disposable diaper 101 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 13 is a diagram illustrating the disposable diaper 101 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 14 is a diagram illustrating the disposable diaper 101 according to the fourth embodiment. Figure 15 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary tampon 151 according to the fifth embodiment. Figure 16 is a diagram illustrating the sanitary tampon 151 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0008] Specifically, this disclosure relates to the following embodiments: [Embodiment 1] An absorbent article comprising a test specimen that holds bodily fluids, wherein the absorbent article comprises an unopened removal section for removing the test specimen, and the removal section is configured such that the test specimen can be removed by opening the removal section.

[0009] In the vaginal fluid collection system described in Patent Document 1, at least one of the back sheet or the front sheet includes an opening formed to allow removal and / or insertion of the fluid collection test strip. Therefore, when using the absorbent pad, bodily fluids may move along the fluid collection test strip and leak from the opening, and foreign matter may enter through the opening, potentially affecting the test using the specimen.

[0010] The absorbent article described above is equipped with an unopened removal section for removing the test specimen, and the removal section is configured so that the test specimen can be removed by opening the removal section. Therefore, with the absorbent article, bodily fluids are less likely to leak from the removal section during use, foreign matter is less likely to enter from the removal section, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the test specimen. Furthermore, with the absorbent article described above, since the removal section is not opened and the test specimen is not exposed from the absorbent article, the wearer is less likely to feel the presence of the test specimen when using the absorbent article, resulting in superior comfort.

[0011] [Aspect 2] The absorbent article according to aspect 1, wherein the removal section is provided with a fragile wire.

[0012] In the absorbent article described above, the removal section is equipped with a weak line. Therefore, stretching, deformation, etc., of the materials constituting the absorbent article are less likely to occur at the opening formed by opening the removal section. As a result, when removing the test object from the opening formed by opening the removal section, the test object can be removed smoothly, and it is less likely that the test object will be pulled into the opening, causing bodily fluids to be removed and the removed bodily fluids to contaminate the surroundings, and it is also less likely that foreign matter will adhere to the test object.

[0013] [Aspect 3] The absorbent article according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent article comprises two materials arranged adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, the removal section comprises a pair of tabs arranged on the two materials, and the removal section is configured to allow the inspection object to be removed from between the two materials by pulling the pair of tabs apart in the thickness direction.

[0014] In the absorbent article described above, the dispensing section is equipped with a predetermined pair of tabs. Therefore, the opening formed by opening the dispensing section tends to be wider. As a result, when removing the test object from the opening formed by opening the dispensing section, the test object can be removed smoothly, and it becomes less likely that the test object will be pulled into the opening, causing bodily fluids to be removed and the removed bodily fluids to contaminate the surroundings, and it also becomes less likely that foreign matter will adhere to the test object.

[0015] [Aspect 4] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent article comprises a pair of flap portions having adhesive portions for fixing the absorbent article to clothing, and the removal portion is located on at least one of the pair of flap portions.

[0016] When force is applied to an absorbent article during use, the dispensing section may open, potentially causing bodily fluids to leak out. However, in the above-mentioned absorbent article, the dispensing section is located on at least one of a pair of flap sections. Therefore, even if the dispensing section opens when force is applied to the absorbent article during use, bodily fluids are less likely to leak out. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned absorbent article, when the dispensing section is opened after use to remove the test sample, the possibility of the test sample itself being contaminated with bodily fluids is low, allowing for hygienic removal of the test sample, and reducing the likelihood of foreign matter adhering to the test sample.

[0017] [Aspect 5] The absorbent article according to aspect 4, wherein the pair of flap portions are configured to be fixed to the garment from the outer surface of the garment.

[0018] In the absorbent article described above, the pair of flaps are configured to be fixed to the clothing from the outside. Therefore, even if the dispensing section is opened when force is applied to the absorbent article during use, bodily fluids are less likely to leak from the dispensing section. Furthermore, when the dispensing section is opened and the test sample is removed after use of the absorbent article, the possibility of the test sample itself being contaminated with bodily fluids is low, allowing for hygienic removal of the test sample, and also reducing the likelihood of foreign matter adhering to the test sample.

[0019] [Aspect 6] The absorbent article according to aspect 4 or 5, wherein the removal portion is located on both of the pair of flap portions.

[0020] In the absorbent article described above, the removal section is located on both of the pair of flap sections. Therefore, with the absorbent article, the test specimen can be easily removed from the removal section regardless of the dominant hand. Furthermore, even if one flap section is deformed by the adhesive section of the flap section due to movement while wearing the absorbent article, making it difficult to remove the test specimen from the removal section of that flap section, the test specimen can still be removed from the removal section of the other flap section, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the test specimen. Moreover, even if bodily fluids adhere to one flap section, making it difficult to remove the test specimen from the removal section of that flap section, the test specimen can still be removed from the removal section of the other flap section, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the test specimen.

[0021] [Aspect 7] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 6, wherein the absorbent article comprises a hydrophobic sheet, and the dispensing portion is located on the hydrophobic sheet. In the absorbent article, the dispensing portion is located on the hydrophobic sheet. Therefore, even if bodily fluids reach the dispensing portion when using the absorbent article, it is less likely that bodily fluids will leak from the dispensing portion.

[0022] [Aspect 8] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent article is provided with a pair of leak-proof walls, and the dispensing portion is located outside the pair of leak-proof walls. In the absorbent article described above, the dispensing portion is located outside the pair of leak-proof walls. Therefore, when using the absorbent article, bodily fluids are less likely to reach the dispensing portion, and bodily fluids are less likely to leak from the dispensing portion.

[0023] [Aspect 9] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent article comprises two materials arranged adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, the inspection body is arranged between the two materials in the thickness direction, and the absorbent article comprises an adhesive portion that adheres the two materials together so as to surround the inspection body in the planar direction of the absorbent article.

[0024] The absorbent article described above is equipped with a predetermined adhesive portion. Therefore, the position of the object being inspected is less likely to shift before and during use of the absorbent article.

[0025] [Aspect 10] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the inspection specimen is fixed to the absorbent article by a water-soluble adhesive portion made of a water-soluble adhesive.

[0026] In the absorbent article described above, the test specimen is fixed to the absorbent article by a water-soluble adhesive. Therefore, before the body fluid reaches the absorbent article, the test specimen can be fixed to a desired location (for example, the area in contact with the excretory opening), and after the body fluid reaches the test specimen, the adhesive force of the water-soluble adhesive is weakened by the body fluid, making it easier to remove the test specimen from the absorbent article.

[0027] [Aspect 11] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 10, wherein the test specimen further comprises a solid-liquid separation layer. In the absorbent article, the test specimen comprises a solid-liquid separation layer. Therefore, it is possible to exclude the solid components of the body fluid and make it easier to test the liquid components in the body fluid.

[0028] [Aspect 12] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 11, wherein the bodily fluid is menstrual blood or vaginal discharge.

[0029] In the absorbent material described above, the bodily fluid is menstrual blood or vaginal discharge. Although menstrual blood and vaginal discharge are considered useful bodily fluids for disease examination, their temporary and irregular discharge makes it difficult to collect them from people in hospitals and other facilities. Even if collection is possible, it often requires invasive examinations that cause physical and mental distress to the patient. In the absorbent material described above, since the bodily fluid is menstrual blood or vaginal discharge, the menstrual blood or vaginal discharge absorbed by the absorbent material can be easily analyzed by non-invasive or minimally invasive tests.

[0030] [Aspect 13] The absorbent article according to any one of aspects 1 to 12, wherein the test specimen includes a fabric as a base sheet. In the absorbent article, the test specimen includes a fabric as a base sheet. Therefore, the absorbent article can economically collect bodily fluids through the test specimen in a manner that is less likely to cause discomfort to the wearer.

[0031] [Aspect 14] The absorbent article described in any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the absorbent article is an absorbent article worn by a wearer, having a longitudinal direction and a width direction that are perpendicular to each other, the inspection body has a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other, the first direction being the longitudinal direction of the inspection body, and the inspection body is arranged on the absorbent article such that the first direction extends in a direction along the width direction.

[0032] In wearable absorbent articles, the longitudinal direction is aligned with the wearer's front-to-back direction, which tends to increase the curvature when worn. Therefore, if the test specimen is positioned so that the first direction aligns with the longitudinal direction, the wearer may experience discomfort, and the distance between the removal area and the area where bodily fluids are collected (e.g., the area in contact with the excretory opening) increases, resulting in a tendency for the test specimen to become longer. In the absorbent article described above, the test specimen is positioned so that the first direction aligns with the width direction, which reduces the wearer's discomfort and allows for a shorter test specimen.

[0033] [Aspect 15] In a plan view of the absorbent article, the inspection body has an area ratio of 1.0 to 25.0% of the absorbent article, as described in any one of aspects 1 to 14.

[0034] In the above-mentioned absorbent material, since the test surface has a predetermined surface area ratio, the wearer is less likely to feel discomfort when wearing the absorbent material. Furthermore, if the base material of the test surface is fabric, leakage of the absorbent material through the test surface becomes less likely, and the test surface is less likely to obstruct the breathability of the absorbent material.

[0035] The absorbent article relating to this disclosure will be described in detail below. [First Embodiment] Figures 1 to 6 are diagrams illustrating an absorbent article, specifically a sanitary napkin 1, according to one embodiment of this disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "First Embodiment"). Specifically, Figures 1 and 2 are diagrams of the skin-facing side and the non-skin-facing side of the sanitary napkin 1, respectively. Figure 3 is a diagram of the first surface 55a side of the inspection strip 51. Figure 4 is a schematic end view that also shows the IV-IV end face of Figure 1 in reference. Figure 5 is a front view of the leak-proof packaging 201, and Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the leak-proof packaging 201 containing the inspection strip 51.

[0036] A sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are perpendicular to each other. The sanitary napkin 1 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 3 having a skin-contacting surface 5a and a non-skin-contacting surface 5b, a second sheet 7 adjacent to the non-skin-contacting surface 5b of the top sheet 3, an absorbent 9 positioned on the non-skin side of the second sheet 7, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 11 positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent 9, an adhesive portion 13 positioned on the non-skin side of the back sheet 11 and for fixing to clothing, and a pair of side sheets 23 positioned on both outer sides in the width direction W. The adhesive portion 13 is divided into a main body adhesive portion 15, a side flap adhesive portion 17, and a hip flap adhesive portion 21. The side flap adhesive portion 17 is divided into a right side flap adhesive portion 19a and a left side flap adhesive portion 19b.

[0037] The pair of side sheets 23 are made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and are equipped with elastic members 25 arranged in the longitudinal direction, forming a pair of leak-proof walls 27. Each of the pair of leak-proof walls 27 has a fixed end 29a joined to the top sheet 3 and a free end 29b including the elastic member 25.

[0038] The sanitary napkin 1 is equipped with a pair of side flap portions 31, specifically a right side flap portion 33a located on the right side of the wearer and a left side flap portion 33b located on the left side of the wearer. These side flap portions 31 are positioned on both outer sides in the width direction W of the area that comes into contact with the excretory opening (not shown) and are folded and fixed to the outer surface of the clothing. Each pair of side flap portions 31 consists of a side sheet 23, a back sheet 11, and an adhesive portion 17 for the side flap portion. Specifically, the right side flap portion 33a consists of a side sheet 23, a back sheet 11, and an adhesive portion 19a for the right side flap portion. The left side flap portion 33b consists of a side sheet 23, a back sheet 11, and an adhesive portion 19b for the left side flap portion.

[0039] The sanitary napkin 1 is positioned on the rear side in the longitudinal direction L and on both outer sides in the width direction W, and includes a pair of hip flap portions 35 that are fixed to the inner surface of clothing without being folded. Each of the pair of hip flap portions 35 consists of a side sheet 23, a back sheet 11, and a hip flap adhesive portion 21.

[0040] The sanitary napkin 1 has a round seal portion 37 at its outer edge that seals the materials constituting the sanitary napkin 1. In the pair of side flap portions 31 and the pair of hip flap portions 35, the round seal portion 37 is formed by fusing the side sheet 23 and the back sheet 11 together. The sanitary napkin 1 also has an embossed portion 39 formed by embossing the top sheet 3, the second sheet 7 and the absorbent material 9.

[0041] The sanitary napkin 1 comprises a test strip 51, which is a test body for retaining menstrual blood, between a second sheet 7 and an absorber 9. The test strip 51 has a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 orthogonal to each other, wherein the first direction D1 is the longitudinal direction of the test strip 51. The test strip 51 comprises: a base sheet 53 having a translucent color, which has a first surface 55a and a second surface 55b; and a filter paper 57 serving as a body fluid component retention sheet affixed to the first surface 55a of the base sheet 53 and to one end (not labeled) in the first direction D1. The filter paper 57 is configured to be capable of storing DNA in menstrual blood for a long period of time. The other end (not labeled) of the base sheet 53 forms a grip portion 59 for being gripped by a wearer of the sanitary napkin 1.

[0042] The test strip 51 is disposed in the thickness direction T so as to overlap with the absorber 9 and the right side flap portion 33a, such that the first direction D1 is parallel to the width direction W, and the filter paper 57 is disposed in the excretory opening contact area. The test strip 51 is disposed such that the first surface 55a faces the skin side. In the test strip 51, the second surface 55b of the base sheet 53 is adhered to the absorber 9 via a water-soluble adhesive portion 61 formed of a water-soluble adhesive, but the first surface 55a of the base sheet 53 and the filter paper 57 are not adhered to the second sheet 7.

[0043] The right side flap portion 33a is provided with an unopened take-out portion 41 for taking out the test strip 51 from the sanitary napkin 1. The take-out portion 41 is constituted by a weakening line 43 extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L, specifically an intermittent cut line, and the weakening line 43 is formed on both the side sheet 23 and the back sheet 11.

[0044] The wearer can take out the test strip 51 by cutting off the right side flap portion 33a along the weakening line 43 formed on both the side sheet 23 and the back sheet 11.

[0045] Specifically, the method of using the sanitary napkin 1 is as follows. A wearer fixes the adhesive portion 13 of the sanitary napkin 1 to clothing, specifically, fixes the main body adhesive portion 15 and the hip flap adhesive portion 21 to the inner surface of the clothing, folds the right side flap portion 33a back toward the outer surface side of the clothing, fixes the right side flap adhesive portion 19a to the outer surface of the clothing, folds the left side flap portion 33b back toward the outer surface side of the clothing, fixes the left side flap adhesive portion 19b to the outer surface of the clothing, and then uses the sanitary napkin 1.

[0046] When the sanitary napkin 1 absorbs menstrual blood and it is time to replace it with a new sanitary napkin, the right side flap adhesive portion 19a of the right side flap portion 33a is peeled off from the clothing, and the folded state of the right side flap portion 33a is restored. Next, the right side flap portion 33a is cut along the weakened line 43, and the test strip 51 with the menstrual blood absorbed by the filter paper 57 can be taken out from the formed opening (not shown). The test strip 51 with the menstrual blood 63 absorbed by the filter paper 57 can be housed in a leak-proof package 201, then sent to a testing institution to request analysis.

[0047] The leak-proof package 201 is composed of a first member 203 on which the test strip 51 is placed and a second member 205 that seals the test strip 51 together with the first member 203. By placing the test strip 51 with the menstrual blood 63 absorbed by the filter paper 57 on the first member 203 and covering the first member 203 with the second member 205, leakage of menstrual blood can be suppressed.

[0048] In the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, an unopened take-out portion 41 for taking the test strip 51 out of the sanitary napkin 1 is formed in the right side flap portion 33a. Accordingly, in the sanitary napkin 1, during use, menstrual blood is less likely to leak through the take-out portion 41, foreign matter is less likely to enter through the take-out portion 41, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the test specimen.

[0049] In the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, the dispensing section 41 is made of a fragile wire 43. As a result, when removing the inspection strip 51 from the opening (not shown) formed by opening the dispensing section 41, the inspection strip 51 can be removed smoothly, the inspection strip 51 is less likely to be pulled towards the opening and have menstrual blood removed, and the removed menstrual blood is less likely to contaminate the surrounding area, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the inspection strip 51.

[0050] In the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, the right side flap portion 33a is provided with a removal section 41 for removing the examination strip 51 from the sanitary napkin 1. As a result, even if the removal section 41 is opened when force is applied to the sanitary napkin 1 during use, menstrual blood is less likely to leak from the removal section 41.

[0051] Furthermore, the right side flap portion 33a is folded back towards the outer surface of the garment, and the adhesive portion 19a of the right side flap portion is fixed to the outer surface of the garment. This makes it less likely for menstrual blood to leak from the removal portion 41 when the removal portion 41 is opened when force is applied to the sanitary napkin 1 during use. In addition, when the removal portion 41 is opened and the test strip 51 is removed after using the sanitary napkin 1, there is a low possibility that the test strip 51 itself is contaminated with menstrual blood, the test strip 51 can be removed hygienically, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the test strip 51.

[0052] In the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, the dispensing section 41 is located on a side sheet 23 made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. This makes it less likely for menstrual blood to leak from the dispensing section 41 even if menstrual blood reaches the dispensing section 41 when using the sanitary napkin 1. In the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, the dispensing section 41 is located on the outside of a pair of leak-proof walls 27. This makes it less likely for menstrual blood to reach the dispensing section 41 when using the sanitary napkin 1, and makes it less likely for menstrual blood to leak from the dispensing section 41.

[0053] In the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, the examination strip 51 is fixed to the absorbent material 9 by a water-soluble adhesive portion 61. This allows the examination strip 51 to be fixed to the area in contact with the excretory opening before menstrual blood reaches the sanitary napkin 1, and after menstrual blood reaches the examination strip 51, the adhesive force of the water-soluble adhesive portion 61 is weakened by the menstrual blood, making it easier to remove the examination strip 51 from the absorbent material. In the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, the examination strip 51 absorbs menstrual blood. This allows the menstrual blood absorbed by the sanitary napkin 1 to be easily analyzed by a non-invasive test.

[0054] In the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, the examination strip 51 is fixed to the absorbent body 9 such that the first direction D1 is parallel to the width direction W. This makes it less likely for the wearer to feel discomfort and allows the length of the examination strip 51 to be shortened.

[0055] [Second Embodiment] Figures 7 to 9 are diagrams illustrating an absorbent article, specifically a sanitary napkin 1, according to another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "second embodiment"). Specifically, Figures 7 and 8 are diagrams of the skin-facing side and non-skin-facing side of the sanitary napkin 1, respectively. Figure 9 is a diagram of the first surface 55a side of the inspection strip 51. Note that the sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment will be described mainly in terms of the differences from the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment, and parts that are the same as the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment may be omitted from the description.

[0056] The sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction T that are perpendicular to each other. The sanitary napkin 1 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 3 having a skin-contacting surface 5a and a non-skin-contacting surface 5b, a second sheet 7 adjacent to the non-skin-contacting surface 5b side of the top sheet 3, an absorbent 9 positioned on the non-skin side of the second sheet 7, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 11 positioned on the non-skin side of the absorbent 9, an adhesive portion 13 positioned on the non-skin side of the back sheet 11 and for fixing to clothing, and a pair of side sheets 23 positioned on both outer sides in the width direction W. The adhesive portion 13 is divided into a main body adhesive portion 15, a side flap adhesive portion 17, and a hip flap adhesive portion 21. The side flap adhesive portion 17 is divided into a right side flap adhesive portion 19a and a left side flap adhesive portion 19b.

[0057] The sanitary napkin 1 is equipped with a pair of side flap portions 31, specifically a right side flap portion 33a located on the right side of the wearer and a left side flap portion 33b located on the left side of the wearer. These side flap portions 31 are positioned on both outer sides in the width direction W of the area that comes into contact with the excretory opening (not shown) and are folded and fixed to the outer surface of the clothing. Each pair of side flap portions 31 consists of a side sheet 23, a back sheet 11, and an adhesive portion 17 for the side flap portion. Specifically, the right side flap portion 33a consists of a side sheet 23, a back sheet 11, and an adhesive portion 19a for the right side flap portion. The left side flap portion 33b consists of a side sheet 23, a back sheet 11, and an adhesive portion 19b for the left side flap portion.

[0058] The sanitary napkin 1 includes a test strip 51, which is a test material that holds menstrual blood, between the second sheet 7 and the absorbent material 9. The test strip 51 has a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 that are perpendicular to each other, with the first direction D1 being the longer direction of the test strip 51. The test strip 51 includes a translucent colored base sheet 53 having a first surface 55a and a second surface 55b, and a filter paper 57, which is a bodily fluid component retaining sheet, attached to the center (not indicated by a reference numeral) of the first surface 55a and in the first direction D1 of the base sheet 53. The filter paper 57 is configured to allow long-term storage of DNA in menstrual blood. Both ends (not indicated by a reference numeral) of the base sheet 53 constitute gripping parts 59 for the wearer of the sanitary napkin 1 to grasp.

[0059] The inspection strip 51 is positioned such that its first direction D1 is parallel to the width direction W, and the filter paper 57 is positioned in the area that contacts the excretion opening, overlapping with the right side flap portion 33a, the absorbent body 9, and the left side flap portion 33b in the thickness direction T. The inspection strip 51 is positioned so that its first surface 55a faces the skin side. The second surface 55b of the base sheet 53 of the inspection strip 51 is bonded to the absorbent body 9 by a water-soluble adhesive portion 61 made of water-soluble adhesive, but the first surface 55a of the base sheet 53 and the filter paper 57 are not bonded to the second sheet 7.

[0060] Each of the right side flap portion 33a and the left side flap portion 33b is provided with an unopened removal portion 41 for removing the examination strip 51 from the sanitary napkin 1. The removal portion 41 is composed of a fragile line 43 extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction L, and the fragile line 43 is formed on both the side sheet 23 and the back sheet 11.

[0061] In the second embodiment, the sanitary napkin 1 is provided with an outlet 41 on both of the pair of side flap portions 31, namely the right side flap portion 33a and the left side flap portion 33b. This makes it easier to remove the examination strip 51 from the outlet 41 on the sanitary napkin 1, regardless of the dominant hand. Furthermore, even if one flap portion, for example, the right side flap portion 33a, is deformed by the adhesive portion 19a of the right side flap portion due to movement while wearing the sanitary napkin 1, making it difficult to remove the examination strip 51 from the outlet 41 provided on the right side flap portion 33a, the examination strip 51 can still be removed from the outlet 41 provided on the other flap portion, for example, the left side flap portion 33b, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the examination strip 51. Furthermore, even if menstrual blood adheres to one of the flap sections, for example, the right side flap section 33a, making it difficult to remove the test strip 51 from the removal section 41 provided on the right side flap section 33a, the test strip 51 can still be removed from the removal section 41 provided on the left side flap section 33b, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the test strip 51.

[0062] [Third Embodiment] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an absorbent article, specifically a sanitary napkin 1, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "Third Embodiment"). Specifically, Figure 10 is a view of the skin-facing side of the sanitary napkin 1. Figure 11 is a partially enlarged perspective view of the right side flap portion 33a. Note that the sanitary napkin 1 according to the Third Embodiment will be described mainly in terms of its differences from the sanitary napkin 1 according to the First Embodiment, and parts that are the same as the sanitary napkin 1 according to the First Embodiment may be omitted from the description.

[0063] The sanitary napkin 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment in that the right side flap portion 33a is provided with a pair of tabs 45 as an outlet portion 41, instead of a fragile line 43. Each of the pair of tabs 45 is positioned on the right side flap portion 33a, adjacent to the side sheet 23 and the back sheet 11 in the thickness direction. Specifically, one of the pair of tabs 45 is positioned adjacent to the round seal portion 37 of the side sheet 23 and on the outside in the width direction of the round seal portion 37, while the other of the pair of tabs 45 is positioned adjacent to the round seal portion 37 of the back sheet 11 and on the outside in the width direction of the round seal portion 37.

[0064] When a sanitary napkin 1 absorbs menstrual blood and is replaced with a new one, the adhesive portion 19a of the right side flap portion 33a is peeled away from the clothing, and the fold of the right side flap portion 33a is returned to its original position. Next, by pulling apart the pair of tabs 45 so that they are separated in the thickness direction T, the seal of the round seal portion 37 is removed, and the test strip 51 in which the filter paper 57 has absorbed menstrual blood can be taken out from between the side sheet 23 and the back sheet 11. The test strip 51 in which the filter paper 57 has absorbed menstrual blood 63 can be placed in a leak-proof package (not shown) and sent to a testing laboratory for analysis.

[0065] Furthermore, in the sanitary napkin 1 according to the third embodiment, the opening formed by opening the dispensing section 41 tends to be wider. As a result, when removing the inspection strip 51 from the opening formed by opening the dispensing section 41, the inspection strip 51 can be removed smoothly, and the inspection strip 51 is less likely to be pulled into the opening, causing menstrual blood to be removed and the removed menstrual blood to contaminate the surrounding area, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the inspection strip 51.

[0066] The sanitary napkin 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the sanitary napkin 1 according to the first embodiment in that a non-water-soluble adhesive portion 71 made of hot-melt adhesive is used instead of a water-soluble adhesive portion 61. The non-water-soluble adhesive portion 71 adheres the second sheet 7 and the absorbent material 9 to the sanitary napkin 1 so as to surround the inspection strip 51 in the planar direction including the longitudinal direction L and the width direction W. The non-water-soluble adhesive portion 71 does not adhere to the inspection strip 51.

[0067] Because the sanitary napkin 1 has a water-insoluble adhesive portion 71, the position of the examination strip 51 is less likely to shift before and during use of the sanitary napkin 1.

[0068] [Fourth Embodiment] Figures 12 to 14 illustrate an absorbent article, specifically a tape-type disposable diaper 101, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "fourth embodiment"). Specifically, Figure 12 is a view of the skin-facing side of the disposable diaper 101. Figure 13 is a view of the first surface 55a side of the first inspection strip 107. Figure 14 is a view of the first surface 55a side of the second inspection strip 121.

[0069] The disposable diaper 101 comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet 3, a liquid-impermeable back sheet 11, an absorbent 9 positioned between the top sheet 3 and the back sheet 11, and a pair of side sheets 23 positioned on both outer sides in the width direction W. The pair of side sheets 23 are made of a hydrophobic nonwoven fabric and are equipped with elastic members 25 positioned in the longitudinal direction, forming a pair of leak-proof walls 27. The disposable diaper 101 further comprises a tape fastener 103 and an elastic member 105.

[0070] In its unfolded state, the disposable diaper 101 has a longitudinal direction L, a width direction W, and a thickness direction (not shown) that are perpendicular to each other. The disposable diaper 101 has a width direction centerline WC extending parallel to the width direction W at the center of the longitudinal direction L. In its unfolded state, the disposable diaper has a front waist area FW, a rear waist area RW, and a crotch area CR between the front waist area FW and the rear waist area RW.

[0071] The disposable diaper 101 is equipped with a first inspection strip 107 as an inspection body at a position that overlaps with the widthwise center line WC in the thickness direction. The first inspection strip 107 is positioned between the top sheet 3 and the absorbent material 9 or back sheet 11 in the thickness direction. The first inspection strip 107 has a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 that are orthogonal to each other, with the first direction D1 being the longer direction of the first inspection strip 107. The first inspection strip 107 comprises a first base sheet 109 having a translucent color and having a first surface 55a and a second surface 55b, and a first filter paper 111 as a body fluid component retaining sheet attached to the first surface 55a and the center (not indicated by a reference numeral) of the first base sheet 109 in the first direction D1. The first filter paper 111 is configured to allow for long-term storage of excrement. Both ends (not indicated by reference numerals) of the first base sheet 109 constitute a first gripping portion 113 for the user of the disposable diaper 101 (for example, a caregiver) to grasp.

[0072] The first inspection strip 107 is positioned such that its first direction D1 is parallel to the width direction W, and the first filter paper 111 overlaps the width direction centerline WC with the thickness direction. The first inspection strip 107 is positioned so that its first surface 55a faces the skin side. The second surface 55b of the first base sheet 109 of the first inspection strip 107 is bonded to the back sheet 11 with a water-soluble adhesive (not shown), but the first surface 55a of the first base sheet 109 and the first filter paper 111 are not bonded to the top sheet 3 and the side sheet 23. Furthermore, on both outer sides of the first inspection strip 107 in the width direction W, the side sheet 23 and the back sheet 11 are not joined with adhesive in order to remove the first inspection strip 107. However, on both outer sides in the width direction W of the pair of first dispensing sections 115, which will be described later, the side sheets 23 and the back sheet 11 are joined together with adhesive to prevent foreign objects from entering the inside of the disposable diaper 101.

[0073] The disposable diaper 101 is provided with a pair of unopened first removal sections 115 for removing the first inspection strip 107 from the disposable diaper 101, specifically in the crotch area CR, at a position overlapping the widthwise centerline WC with the thicknesswise centerline. The pair of first removal sections 115 are located on both outer sides of the first inspection strip 107 in the widthwise direction W. Each of the pair of first removal sections 115 is composed of a fragile line 43 that extends along the longitudinal direction L and is formed to project inward in the widthwise direction W, and the fragile lines 43 constituting each of the pair of first removal sections 115 are formed on both the side sheet 23 and the back sheet 11.

[0074] The disposable diaper 101 includes a second inspection strip 121 as an inspection body in the rear waist area RW, specifically between two tape fasteners 103. The second inspection strip 121 is positioned between the top sheet 3 and the back sheet 11 in the thickness direction. The second inspection strip 121 has a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 that are orthogonal to each other, with the first direction D1 being the longer direction of the second inspection strip 121. The second inspection strip 121 comprises a second translucent colored base sheet 123 having a first surface 55a and a second surface 55b, and a second filter paper 125 as a body fluid component retaining sheet, which is attached to the center (not indicated by a reference numeral) of the first surface 55a and in the first direction D1 of the second base sheet 123. The second filter paper 125 is configured to allow for long-term storage of components that sweat may contain. Both ends (not indicated by reference numerals) of the second base sheet 123 constitute a second gripping portion 127 for the user of the disposable diaper 101 (for example, a caregiver) to grasp.

[0075] The second inspection strip 121 is positioned so that its first direction D1 is parallel to the width direction W. The second inspection strip 121 is positioned so that its first surface 55a faces the skin. The second surface 55b of the second base sheet 123 of the second inspection strip 121 is bonded to the back sheet 11 by a water-soluble adhesive (not shown), but the first surface 55a of the second base sheet 123 and the second filter paper 125 are not bonded to the top sheet 3 and the side sheet 23. Furthermore, on both outer sides in the width direction W of the second inspection strip 121, the side sheet 23 and the back sheet 11 are not joined with adhesive in order to remove the second inspection strip 121. However, on both outer sides in the width direction W of the pair of second removal sections 129, which will be described later, the side sheet 23 and the back sheet 11 are joined with adhesive in order to prevent foreign matter from entering the inside of the disposable diaper 101.

[0076] The disposable diaper 101 includes a pair of unopened second removal sections 129 in the rear waist area RW, specifically between two tape fasteners 103, for removing the second inspection strip 121 from the disposable diaper 101. The pair of second removal sections 129 are located on both outer sides of the second inspection strip 121 in the width direction W. Each of the pair of second removal sections 129 is composed of a fragile line 43 extending parallel to the longitudinal direction L, and the fragile lines constituting each of the pair of second removal sections 129 are formed in both the side sheet 23 and the back sheet 11.

[0077] The specific instructions for using disposable diaper 101 are as follows: The user (for example, a caregiver) puts the disposable diaper 101 on the wearer according to the normal instructions. After the wearer has finished putting on the disposable diaper 101, the user removes the used disposable diaper 101 from the wearer and unfolds the disposable diaper 101 with the skin-side facing inward.

[0078] The user can cut the weak line 43 that constitutes the first removal section 115 that is less soiled with excrement from the pair of first removal sections 115, remove the first removal section 117 (including the side sheet 23 and back sheet 11) defined by the weak line 43, and remove the first inspection strip 107 in which the first filter paper 111 has absorbed excrement from the opening formed in the first removal section 117. The first inspection strip 107 in which the first filter paper 111 has absorbed excrement can be placed in a leak-proof packaging (not shown) and sent to a testing laboratory for analysis.

[0079] Furthermore, the user can cut off the weak line 43 that constitutes the less soiled second dispensing section 129 of the pair of second dispensing sections 129, remove the second dispensing section 131 (including the tape fastener 103, side sheet 23, and back sheet 11) defined by the weak line 43, and remove the second inspection strip 121, in which the second filter paper 125 has absorbed sweat, from the opening formed in the second dispensing section 131. The second inspection strip 121, in which the second filter paper 125 has absorbed sweat, can be placed in a leak-proof packaging (not shown) and sent to a testing laboratory for analysis. Note that the effects of the disposable diaper 101 according to the fourth embodiment are the same as those of the sanitary napkin 1 according to the second embodiment, so a description is omitted.

[0080] [Fifth Embodiment] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate an absorbent article, specifically a sanitary tampon 151, according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as the "Fifth Embodiment"). Specifically, Figure 15 is a side view of the sanitary tampon 151. Figure 16 is a view of the first surface 55a of the examination strip 51.

[0081] The menstrual tampon 151 has a longitudinal direction L and a width direction W. The menstrual tampon 151 comprises an absorbent body 153 and a string portion 155 connected to the absorbent body 153. The applicator of the menstrual tampon 151 is not shown or described.

[0082] The absorbent body 153 includes a test strip 157 inside it, which serves as a test object. The test strip 157 has a first direction D1 and a second direction D2 that are perpendicular to each other, with the first direction D1 being the longer direction of the test strip 157. The test strip 157 comprises a translucent colored base sheet 159 having a first surface 55a and a second surface 55b, and a filter paper 161, which serves as a body fluid component retaining sheet, attached to one end (not indicated by a reference numeral) of the base sheet 159 on the first surface 55a and in the first direction D1. The filter paper 161 is configured to allow long-term storage of DNA in menstrual blood. The other end (not indicated by a reference numeral) of the base sheet 159 constitutes a gripping portion 163 for the wearer of the sanitary tampon 151 to grasp.

[0083] The test strip 157 is positioned so that its first direction D1 is parallel to the width direction W. The test strip 51 is not attached to the absorbent 9 with adhesive. The sanitary tampon 151 has an unopened removal section 165 on the absorbent 153 for removing the test strip 157 from the absorbent 153. The removal section 41 is made up of a fragile wire 43 that encircles the absorbent 153 in the width direction W.

[0084] The specific method for using the menstrual tampon 151 is as follows: The wearer uses the menstrual tampon 151 in the usual manner, removes the used menstrual tampon 151 from the vagina, and separates the absorbent body 9 at the fragile line 43 that constitutes the removal part 165 into a distal part 167 far from the string part 155 and a proximal part 169 close to the string part 155. Next, the distal part 167 is grasped with one hand, and the gripping part 163 of the remaining test strip 157 with the other hand, and the test strip 157, whose filter paper 161 has absorbed menstrual blood, can be pulled out from the distal part 167. With the menstrual tampon 151, menstrual blood is less likely to leak from the removal part during use, foreign objects are less likely to enter from the removal part, and foreign objects are less likely to adhere to the test strip 157.

[0085] The absorbent articles relating to this disclosure are not particularly limited and include, for example, diapers (e.g., disposable diapers, e.g., adult disposable diapers, baby disposable diapers), urine pads, incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, panty liners, pull-up style sanitary napkins, tampons, absorbent shorts, breast pads, pet sheets, cat litter, bed sheets, pressure ulcer pads, etc.

[0086] In this disclosure, absorbent articles worn by the wearer include diapers (e.g., disposable diapers, e.g., adult disposable diapers, baby disposable diapers), urine pads, incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, panty liners, panty-type sanitary napkins, tampons, absorbent shorts, breast pads, pressure ulcer pads, etc., with diapers (e.g., disposable diapers, e.g., adult disposable diapers, baby disposable diapers), urine pads, incontinence pads, sanitary napkins, panty liners, panty-type sanitary napkins, absorbent shorts, etc.) being preferred.

[0087] The absorbent article described above may have longitudinal, widthwise, and thicknesswise directions that are perpendicular to each other. In this specification, when the terms longitudinal, widthwise, and / or thicknesswise are used, they refer to directions within the absorbent article. The absorbent article may have a longitudinal centerline extending parallel to the longitudinal direction at the center of the widthwise direction, and a widthwise centerline extending parallel to the widthwise direction at the center of the longitudinal direction.

[0088] The absorbent article described above generally comprises a liquid-permeable top sheet, a liquid-impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent material placed between the top sheet and the back sheet. The absorbent material may also comprise an absorbent core and a core wrap covering the absorbent core.

[0089] The absorbent article described above may further comprise, as constituent materials of the absorbent article, a diffusion sheet (second sheet) disposed between a liquid-permeable sheet and an absorbent core (absorbent), a diffusion sheet (third sheet) disposed between the absorbent core (absorbent) and a liquid-impermeable sheet, etc. The absorbent article may further comprise side sheets disposed on both outer sides in the width direction. The side sheets are generally made of hydrophobic nonwoven fabric. The absorbent article may further comprise a pair of leak-proof walls. Each of the pair of leak-proof walls may be made of the aforementioned side sheets and an elastic member. In this specification, when an object is located outside (both outer sides) in the width direction compared to a comparison object, it means that the object is relatively far from the longitudinal centerline of the comparison object.

[0090] The absorbent article described above comprises a test specimen that holds bodily fluids. The test specimen may have a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other, and may also have a first direction, a second direction and a thickness direction that are perpendicular to each other. The first direction is the long direction of the test specimen.

[0091] The bodily fluids mentioned above are not particularly limited as long as they are fluids discharged from the animal's body, and examples include menstrual blood, blood (e.g., plasma, blood cells), vaginal discharge, breast milk, urine, nasal mucus, saliva, sweat, exudate, semen, etc. The bodily fluids mentioned above are preferably menstrual blood or vaginal discharge. This allows for easy analysis of menstrual blood, which is difficult to collect from humans in hospitals, etc., due to timing issues, and even if it can be collected, often causes physical and mental distress to the patient. Examples of animals mentioned above include mammals (e.g., humans, cats, dogs, cows, horses, pigs, etc.), birds, reptiles, etc.

[0092] The above-mentioned test material is not particularly limited as long as it retains the components necessary for testing in bodily fluids and can be used for testing; commercially available test materials can be used. The above-mentioned test material can be a known test material for testing bodily fluids, and is preferably a test material for testing gynecological cancers such as cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer; abnormalities related to female-specific diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POI), menopausal disorders, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, decreased bone density, and osteoporosis; iron deficiency anemia; and iron metabolism disorders related to ferritin levels. This allows for easy testing of female-specific diseases.

[0093] The above tests are known to be performed using bodily fluids, and preferably include gynecological cancers such as cervical cancer, ovarian cancer, and uterine cancer; abnormalities related to female-specific diseases such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), premature ovarian failure (POI), menopausal disorders, gestational hypertension, gestational diabetes, menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea, decreased bone density, and osteoporosis; iron deficiency anemia; and iron metabolism disorders related to ferritin levels. This allows for easy screening of female-specific diseases.

[0094] The above-mentioned test specimen may be a test strip comprising a body fluid component-holding sheet that holds components necessary for testing in body fluids, and a base sheet that supports the body fluid component-holding sheet. The above-mentioned test strip may have any shape, and may be rectangular, square, or circular (e.g., elliptical, circular).

[0095] Examples of the bodily fluid component retention sheets mentioned above include filter paper. When cutting the filter paper from a filter paper sheet, it is preferable to form a weakening line on the filter paper sheet to facilitate easy cutting. This makes it possible to form filter paper more easily and economically compared to cutting filter paper from a filter paper sheet using a disposable, sterile hole punch. Furthermore, when using a non-disposable hole punch, there is a risk of contamination with samples from other people, requiring a cleaning step to wash the hole punch after use. Compared to that, this method also allows for the formation of filter paper more easily and economically.

[0096] The material of the base sheet described above is not particularly limited, and examples include thermoplastic resins such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyester, polyamide, silicone elastomer, polystyrene elastomer, tetrafluoroethylene-hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP), and aluminum foil. The sheet described above can be a single-layer sheet or a multi-layer sheet. If the sheet described above is a multi-layer sheet, for example, it is preferable that the multi-layer sheet comprises two surface layers and an intermediate layer between them, with the two surface layers being composed of the thermoplastic resin layers and the intermediate layer being composed of an aluminum foil layer or an aluminum vapor-deposited layer. This makes the multi-layer sheet excellent in terms of oxygen barrier properties, water vapor barrier properties, light shielding properties, etc., and suppresses the deterioration of the components of bodily fluids.

[0097] The material of the base sheet described above may include fabrics such as nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, and knitted fabrics. This allows the absorbent article to economically collect bodily fluids through the test subject in a manner that is less likely to cause discomfort to the wearer. Examples of nonwoven fabrics include spunbond nonwoven fabrics, SMS nonwoven fabrics (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond nonwoven fabrics), air-through nonwoven fabrics, point-bond nonwoven fabrics, meltblown nonwoven fabrics, spunlace nonwoven fabrics, and airlaid nonwoven fabrics. From the viewpoint of excellent permeability to bodily fluids, breathability, and flexibility, spunbond nonwoven fabrics, SMS nonwoven fabrics, and air-through nonwoven fabrics are preferred.

[0098] The color of the base sheet is not particularly limited and can be transparent, translucent, opaque, etc. One side of the body fluid component retaining sheet may be fixed to the base sheet. Alternatively, both sides of the body fluid component retaining sheet may be fixed to the base sheet; that is, the body fluid component retaining sheet may be sandwiched between two base sheet portions. This makes it difficult for the body fluid component retaining sheet to peel off the base sheet. The two base sheet portions may consist of one folded base sheet or two folded base sheets.

[0099] When the above-mentioned body fluid component retaining sheet is fixed to the above-mentioned base sheet by adhesive bonding, it is preferable that the base sheet and / or the adhesive portion be breathable so that moisture from the body fluid does not remain in the adhesive portion.

[0100] The inspection object may or may not be fixed to the absorbent article. It is preferable that the inspection object be fixed to the absorbent article. This makes it less likely for the inspection object to shift from the desired position when the absorbent article is used. If the inspection object is fixed to the absorbent article, it can be fixed directly or indirectly to the absorbent article by an adhesive joint. Examples of such adhesive joints include water-soluble adhesive joints and non-water-soluble adhesive joints.

[0101] When the above-mentioned test specimen is directly fixed to the above-mentioned absorbent article, it is preferable that the test specimen is directly fixed to the absorbent article by a water-soluble adhesive. This allows the test specimen to be fixed to a desired location (for example, the area in contact with the excretory opening) before the body fluid reaches the absorbent article, and after the body fluid reaches the test specimen, the adhesive force of the water-soluble adhesive is weakened by the body fluid, making it easier to remove the test specimen from the absorbent article.

[0102] When the inspection body is indirectly fixed to the absorbent article, it is preferable that the absorbent article comprises two materials arranged adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, the inspection body is positioned between the two materials in the thickness direction, and the absorbent article has an adhesive portion that bonds the two materials together so as to surround the inspection body in the planar direction of the absorbent article. This makes it less likely for the inspection body to shift position before and during use of the absorbent article.

[0103] The above-mentioned test specimen may further include a solid-liquid separation layer. This makes it easier to remove solid components from body fluids and test the liquid components within them. Examples of the solid-liquid separation layer include a fabric layer (e.g., a nonwoven fabric layer, a woven fabric layer, a knitted fabric layer, etc.). By placing the fabric layer on top of the body fluid component-retaining sheet, solid components in the body fluids can be removed. The solid-liquid separation layer may also include a filter that suppresses the permeation of specific components in the body fluids. Examples of these specific components include blood, blood cell components in the blood (e.g., red blood cells, white blood cells, and / or platelets), etc.

[0104] For example, red blood cells can inhibit the reaction with PCR reagents when performing PCR testing using blood, thus hindering accurate DNA / RNA extraction. Furthermore, because red blood cells contain hemoglobin, they can affect the color and concentration of the sample, potentially hindering accurate analysis. Therefore, by equipping the above-mentioned test specimen with a filter that suppresses the permeability of red blood cells as a solid-liquid separation layer, more accurate testing can be performed using the test specimen. Examples of filters that suppress the permeability of red blood cells include the Cytiva MF1 filter manufactured by Global Life Science Technologies Japan Co., Ltd.

[0105] Examples of the strips used for the above-mentioned tests include dried blood spot (DBS) cards, which are commercially available, for example, as NucleoCard from Takara Bio Inc.

[0106] The above-mentioned test specimen may be a test member having a display section that changes color based on bodily fluids, as disclosed in WO2021 / 132724. Preferably, the test member has a contact section for contacting bodily fluids to cause the display section to change color, and more preferably, it has a display moving section that moves components contained in the bodily fluids from the contact section to the display section. Preferably, the display moving section is positioned between the display section and the contact section. This allows the wearer or user (e.g., caregiver) to directly obtain the test results without having to bring the test specimen directly to or send it to a testing laboratory.

[0107] Examples of items that the above-mentioned testing components should investigate include health-related issues (pH, iron deficiency anemia, renal function, myocardial infarction, inflammation / infection, nutritional status assessment, etc.), pregnancy-related issues (menstrual cycle prediction, ovulation prediction, etc.), and mental health-related issues (depressive tendencies, medication, etc.).

[0108] The substances detected by the above-mentioned testing device can be selected from the group consisting of, for example, urinary waste products, white blood cells, proteins, glucose, ketone bodies, urobilinogen, bilirubin, urinary occult blood, nitrites, steroids, peptides, aromatic compounds, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone), BUN (urea nitrogen), AlB (albumin), LPS (lipopolysaccharide), hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin), LH (luteinizing hormone), U-ALB, CRP (C-reactive protein), myoglobin, CK-MB, troponin I, troponin T, hemoglobin, streptopropyl alcohol (SPR), HBs antibody, HIV antibody, TP antibody, rotavirus, influenza virus, adenovirus, DNA, O-157, cocaine, marijuana, and morphine.

[0109] Test specimens containing bodily fluids can be brought directly to the testing laboratory, or they can be packaged in leak-proof packaging to prevent leakage of bodily fluids, and then packaged in transport packaging for the leak-proof packaging before being sent to the testing laboratory. Alternatively, if there is no concern about leakage of bodily fluids from the test specimen, the test specimen can be packaged in transport packaging for the test specimen before being sent to the testing laboratory.

[0110] The above-mentioned leak-proof packaging can be made of a rigid material, such as metal or plastic, or a flexible material, such as a sheet (e.g., film). The above-mentioned leak-proof packaging may be equipped with a mounting section for placing an object to be inspected. Furthermore, the above-mentioned leak-proof packaging may be further equipped with a deterioration inhibitor, such as an antioxidant or desiccant, to prevent deterioration of the bodily fluid. It is preferable that the mounting section and the deterioration inhibitor be spaced apart. This is to prevent the deterioration inhibitor from affecting the bodily fluid. In order to space out the above-mentioned mounting section and the deterioration inhibitor, for example, the compartment of the mounting section and the compartment of the deterioration inhibitor can be physically separated. Examples of members that can be physically separated include a member having a breathable through-hole, for example, a breathable grid-like member.

[0111] The absorbent article relating to this disclosure is equipped with an unopened removal section for removing the test specimen, and the removal section is configured so that the test specimen can be removed by opening the removal section. As a result, the absorbent article is less likely to leak bodily fluids from the removal section during use, less likely to allow foreign matter to enter the removal section, thus preventing foreign matter from adhering to the test specimen, and providing a superior user experience.

[0112] The above-mentioned removal section is not particularly limited as long as it allows the inspection object to be removed by opening the removal section, and examples include a fragile wire, a pair of tabs, and an opening tape (tear tape).

[0113] The weak line described above is not particularly limited as long as the portion constituting the weak line has lower tensile strength compared to its surroundings. Examples include intermittently arranged through or non-through cuts along the weak line, continuously arranged non-through cuts along the weak line, fused portions formed intermittently or continuously along the weak line when the material constituting the weak line includes thermoplastic fibers, and embossed portions formed continuously or intermittently along the weak line. The embossed portion can be formed, for example, by ultrasonic vibration.

[0114] When the weak line is formed from the notch, it is preferable that the notch is not through. This makes it less likely for bodily fluids to leak from the outlet during use, less likely for foreign matter to enter from the outlet, and less likely for foreign matter to adhere to the inspection object. When the weak line is a through notch, it is preferable that the through notch is composed of a plurality of notches intermittently arranged along the weak line, and the length of the plurality of notches is preferably 0.3 mm or more, more preferably 0.5 mm or more, preferably 3.0 mm or less, and more preferably 1.0 mm or less, from the viewpoint of making it less likely for bodily fluids to leak from the outlet during use, less likely for foreign matter to enter from the outlet, and less likely for foreign matter to adhere to the inspection object.

[0115] The weak line described above may be formed on all the materials constituting the absorbent article (excluding the inspection object) that overlap with the removal portion in the thickness direction, or it may be formed on only some of the materials constituting the absorbent article that overlap with the removal portion in the thickness direction, as long as the inspection object can be removed from the absorbent article. When the weak line is formed on all the materials constituting the absorbent article (excluding the inspection object) that overlap with the removal portion in the thickness direction, the opening formed in the removal portion becomes larger, making it easier to remove the inspection object from the removal portion. When the weak line is formed only on some of the materials constituting the absorbent article that overlap with the removal portion in the thickness direction, the absorbent article is not cut at the removal portion and no broken portion is formed, eliminating the need to dispose of the cut and broken portion separately, and the absorbent article can be disposed of as a whole.

[0116] The aforementioned weak line may, for example, extend along the longitudinal direction, protrude toward the longitudinal centerline, protrude in a curve toward the longitudinal centerline, protrude away from the longitudinal centerline, and protrude in a curve away from the longitudinal centerline.

[0117] Examples of the pair of tabs mentioned above include types that separate the absorbent article in the thickness direction, types that separate the absorbent article in the longitudinal direction, and types that separate the absorbent article in the width direction. Preferably, the pair of tabs are placed on two materials constituting the absorbent article that are arranged adjacent to each other in the thickness direction, and the inspection object can be removed from between the two materials by separating the pair of tabs in the thickness direction of the absorbent article. This makes it easier to widen the opening formed when the removal section is opened. As a result, when removing the inspection object from the opening formed when the removal section is opened, the inspection object can be removed smoothly, and it is less likely that the inspection object will be pulled into the opening and bodily fluids will be removed, causing contamination of the surrounding area by the removed bodily fluids, and it is also less likely that foreign matter will adhere to the inspection object. In areas where the two materials overlap with the inspection object in the thickness direction, it is preferable that the inspection object is sandwiched between the two materials and that they are arranged adjacent to each other in the thickness direction.

[0118] If the pair of tabs described above are arranged on three or more materials constituting the absorbent article that are adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, the removal unit may be configured such that the inspection object can be removed from between the two materials by pulling the pair of tabs apart in the thickness direction.

[0119] The absorbent article according to this disclosure may be provided with a pair of flap portions having adhesive portions for securing the absorbent article to clothing. In this case, it is preferable that the removal portion is located on at least one of the pair of flap portions. This makes it less likely for bodily fluids to leak from the removal portion when the removal portion is opened due to force being applied to the absorbent article during use. Furthermore, with the absorbent article, when the removal portion is opened after use to remove the test specimen, the possibility of the test specimen itself being contaminated with bodily fluids is low, allowing for hygienic removal of the test specimen, and making it less likely for foreign matter to adhere to the test specimen.

[0120] Examples of the pair of flap sections mentioned above include a pair of side flap sections and a pair of hip flap sections. The pair of side flap sections are positioned on both outer sides of the area that contacts the excretory opening, and the adhesive portion of the flap section may be an adhesive portion for fixing to the outer surface of the garment. The pair of hip flap sections are positioned on the rear side of the absorbent article, and the adhesive portion of the flap section may be an adhesive portion for fixing to the inner surface of the garment.

[0121] When the above-mentioned dispensing portion is located on at least one of the pair of flap portions, and the dispensing portion is the weak line, the dispensing portion may or may not be located so as to overlap with the adhesive portion of the flap portion in the thickness direction. When the above-mentioned dispensing portion is located on at least one of the pair of flap portions, and the dispensing portion is the weak line, it is preferable that the dispensing portion is located so as to overlap with the adhesive portion of the flap portion in the thickness direction. This makes it more difficult for the dispensing portion to open when force is applied to the absorbent article during use, and makes it less likely for bodily fluids to leak from the dispensing portion. From this viewpoint, it is preferable that the weak line is formed in the material (e.g., back sheet) of the absorbent article on which the adhesive portion of the flap portion is located.

[0122] The pair of flap portions described above may be configured to be fixed to the garment from the outside, or from the inside. It is preferable that the pair of flap portions be configured to be fixed to the garment from the outside. This makes it less likely for bodily fluids to leak from the dispensing portion when the dispensing portion is opened if force is applied to the absorbent article during use. Furthermore, when the dispensing portion is opened and the test specimen is removed after the absorbent article has been used, the possibility of the test specimen itself being contaminated with bodily fluids is low, allowing for hygienic removal of the test specimen, and making it less likely for foreign matter to adhere to the test specimen. An example of such a pair of flap portions is the pair of side flap portions described above.

[0123] The above-mentioned removal section may be located on both of the pair of flap sections. This makes it easier to remove the test object from the removal section of the absorbent article, regardless of the dominant hand. Furthermore, even if one flap section is deformed by the adhesive portion of the flap section due to movement while wearing the absorbent article, making it difficult to remove the test object from the removal section of that flap section, the test object can still be removed from the removal section of the other flap section, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the test object. Moreover, even if bodily fluids adhere to one flap section, making it difficult to remove the test object from the removal section of that flap section, the test object can still be removed from the removal section of the other flap section, and foreign matter is less likely to adhere to the test object.

[0124] If the absorbent article relating to this disclosure includes a hydrophobic sheet, the dispensing portion may or may not be located on the hydrophobic sheet. It is preferable that the dispensing portion be located on the hydrophobic sheet. This makes it less likely for bodily fluids to leak from the dispensing portion even if bodily fluids reach it when the absorbent article is used.

[0125] Examples of hydrophobic sheets include fabrics (e.g., nonwoven fabrics, woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, etc.) and films. Examples of fabrics include those containing hydrophobic fibers, heat-fusible fibers, and hydrophilic fibers treated with water-repellent agents. Examples of hydrophobic fibers include those commonly used in the art, such as synthetic fibers. Examples of synthetic fibers include those containing a single component, such as single fibers, and those containing multiple components, such as composite fibers.

[0126] Examples of the above components include polyolefin polymers, such as polyethylene and polypropylene; polyester polymers, such as terephthalate polymers, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polybutylene terephthalate, and polypentylene terephthalate; polyamide polymers, such as nylon 6 and nylon 6,6; acrylic polymers; polyacrylonitrile polymers; and modified versions thereof. The hydrophobic fibers may be treated with a lipophilic agent, for example, those with a lipophilic agent kneaded into them or coated with a lipophilic agent.

[0127] The above-mentioned heat-fusible fibers can be any fiber used as a heat-fusible fiber in the art, specifically, any fiber containing a low-melting-point thermoplastic resin and a high-melting-point thermoplastic resin, and it is preferable that the heat-fusible fibers contain a low-melting-point thermoplastic resin, such as polyethylene resin or low-melting-point polypropylene, on at least the surface in order to fuse the heat-fusible fibers together. Examples of the above-mentioned heat-fusible fibers include: single-component polyethylene resin fibers; single-component polypropylene resin fibers; core-sheath type composite synthetic fibers in which the core is polyethylene terephthalate resin and the sheath is polyethylene resin; core-sheath type composite synthetic fibers in which the core is polypropylene resin and the sheath is polyethylene resin; core-sheath type composite synthetic fibers in which the core is high-melting-point polypropylene resin and the sheath is low-melting-point polypropylene resin; side-by-side type composite synthetic fibers made of polyethylene terephthalate resin and polyethylene resin; side-by-side type composite synthetic fibers made of polypropylene resin and polyethylene resin, etc. The above-mentioned heat-fusible fibers may also be treated with a lipophilizing agent, for example, those in which a lipophilizing agent is kneaded into them or coated with a lipophilizing agent.

[0128] If the absorbent article according to this disclosure is equipped with a pair of leak-proof walls, the dispensing portion may be located inside the pair of leak-proof walls or outside the pair of leak-proof walls. It is preferable that the dispensing portion be located inside the pair of leak-proof walls. This makes it less likely for bodily fluids to leak from the dispensing portion even if bodily fluids reach the dispensing portion when the absorbent article is used.

[0129] If the absorbent article is one that is worn by a person, the test specimen may be positioned on the absorbent article such that its first direction extends along the width direction, or it may be positioned on the absorbent article such that its first direction extends along the longitudinal direction. It is preferable that the test specimen be positioned on the absorbent article such that its first direction extends along the width direction. This reduces the likelihood of the wearer feeling discomfort and allows for a shorter test specimen.

[0130] In this specification, the direction along the longitudinal direction means less than ±45° from the longitudinal direction. The direction along the longitudinal direction is preferably ±30° or less, more preferably ±20° or less, even more preferably ±10° or less, even more preferably ±5° or less, and even more preferably parallel to the longitudinal direction. In this specification, the direction along the width direction means less than ±45° from the width direction. The direction along the width direction is preferably ±30° or less, more preferably ±20° or less, even more preferably ±10° or less, even more preferably ±5° or less, and even more preferably parallel to the width direction.

[0131] In a plan view of the absorbent article, the inspection body has an area ratio of preferably 1.0% or more, more preferably 2.0% or more, and even more preferably 3.5% or more relative to the absorbent article. Furthermore, in a plan view of the absorbent article, the inspection body has an area ratio of preferably 25.0% or less, more preferably 15.0% or less, and even more preferably 4.5% or less relative to the absorbent article. This makes it less likely for the wearer to feel discomfort when wearing the absorbent article. In addition, if the base material of the inspection body is fabric, it becomes less likely for the absorbent article to leak through the inspection body, and the inspection body does not hinder the breathability of the absorbent article. In this specification, a plan view of the absorbent article means the absorbent article as observed from the thickness direction.

[0132] 1 Sanitary napkin 3 Top sheet 7 Second sheet 9 Absorbent core 11 Back sheet 13 Adhesive part 15 Main body adhesive part 17 Side flap adhesive part 21 Hip flap adhesive part 23 Side sheet 25 Elastic member 27 Leak-proof wall 31 Side flap part 35 Hip flap part 37 Round seal part 39 Embossed part 41 Dispensing part 43 Weakness line 45 Tab 51 Inspection strip 53 Base sheet 57 Filter paper 59 Gripping part 61 Water-soluble adhesive part 63 Menstrual blood 71 Non-water-soluble adhesive part L Longitudinal direction W Width direction T Thickness direction D1 First direction D2 Second direction

Claims

1. An absorbent article comprising a test specimen that holds bodily fluids, wherein the absorbent article comprises an unopened removal section for removing the test specimen, and the removal section is configured such that the test specimen can be removed by opening the removal section.

2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the extraction portion is provided with a fragile wire.

3. The absorbent article according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the absorbent article comprises two materials arranged adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, the removal section comprises a pair of tabs arranged on the two materials, and the removal section is configured such that the inspected object can be removed from between the two materials by pulling the pair of tabs apart in the thickness direction.

4. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the absorbent article comprises a pair of flap portions having adhesive portions for securing the absorbent article to clothing, and the removal portion is located on at least one of the pair of flap portions.

5. The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the pair of flap portions are configured to be fixed to the garment from the outer surface of the garment.

6. The absorbent article according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the dispensing portion is located on both of the pair of flap portions.

7. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the absorbent article comprises a hydrophobic sheet, and the dispensing portion is located on the hydrophobic sheet.

8. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the absorbent article comprises a pair of leak-proof walls, and the dispensing portion is located outside the pair of leak-proof walls.

9. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the absorbent article comprises two materials arranged adjacent to each other in the thickness direction of the absorbent article, the inspection body is arranged between the two materials in the thickness direction, and the absorbent article comprises an adhesive portion that adheres the two materials together so as to surround the inspection body in the planar direction of the absorbent article.

10. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the inspection object is fixed to the absorbent article by a water-soluble adhesive portion made of a water-soluble adhesive.

11. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the inspection specimen further comprises a solid-liquid separation layer.

12. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the bodily fluid is menstrual blood or vaginal discharge.

13. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the inspection body includes a fabric as a base sheet.

14. The absorbent article is an absorbent article to be worn by a wearer, having a longitudinal direction and a width direction that are perpendicular to each other, the inspection body has a first direction and a second direction that are perpendicular to each other, the first direction being the longitudinal direction of the inspection body, and the inspection body is arranged on the absorbent article such that the first direction extends along the width direction, the absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The absorbent article according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, in a plan view of the absorbent article, the inspection body has an area ratio of 1.0 to 25.0% of the absorbent article.

Images