JP2000146777A - Method and device for specimen sampling, container for sampling specimen, specimen measuring method and device, and container for measuring specimen - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce pain and/or fear and to securely sample a specimen by bringing the tip of a projecting part into contact with a subject while vibrating at least the tip with a specific amplitude and frequency. SOLUTION: An exchange body 5 is placed on an exchange body-fitting part 8 from above for fitting. By turning on a switch equipped on a body 7 while a subject 99 is pressed against an exchange body side part 4 after fitting, an AC voltage is applied to a piezoelectric vibrator 6 for driving. Up/down vibration excited by the vibrator 6 is propagated to an elastic bottom 3, thus vibrating a projecting object 1 up and down. The tip part of the projecting object 1 is repeatedly loaded into or unloaded from the subject 99 due to the up/down vibration, a hole with a specific depth is drilled at the specimen 99, and blood starts to be sampled. Blood is guided from the tip part of the projecting object 1 to a liquid storage part 2 for storage due to capacity phenomenon. When a specific length of time passes after the vibrator 6 starts driving, the drive of the vibrator 6 is stopped automatically and the sampling of blood is completed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

The present invention relates to a sample collection method, a sample collection apparatus, a sample collection container, and a sample collection method for collecting a sample in the living body by inserting the tip of a projection into the sample. The present invention relates to a sample measurement method, a sample measurement device, and a sample measurement container for collecting a sample in the subject and measuring the concentration of a specific component in the sample by inserting a tip of a protrusion into the sample. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional sample collecting method and a sample measuring method will be described.

A sample measuring device shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 has been put to practical use as a device capable of easily quantifying a specific component in a sample (sample) such as blood without diluting or stirring the sample. . This is Tokuhei 6-5833
No. 8 uses the biosensor described in JP-A No. 8 and is practically used for measuring blood sugar.

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing a conventional sample measuring device (blood glucose measuring device), and FIG. 29 is a plan view and a sectional view showing a measuring electrode portion used in the device. 29A is a plan view and FIG. 29B is a plan view.
It is sectional drawing of the AA 'cross section of (a).

[0005] The sample measuring apparatus shown in FIG.
1. It comprises a detachable measurement electrode unit 102 inserted and mounted in an electrode insertion opening 104 provided in the apparatus main body 101, and a display unit 103 for displaying a blood glucose level measurement result.

As shown in FIG. 29, a space portion 108 is formed in the measurement electrode portion 102 by interposing a spacer 107 having a notch at a tip portion between a substrate 105 and a cover 106. ing. Space 108
A pair of electrodes for measurement 109, 110
Are formed, and these are wirings 113 and 11 respectively.
4 are connected to leads 111 and 112 provided at the end of the measurement electrode unit 102. Electrode pair 109, 1
A reaction layer 115 is formed so as to cover 10. The reaction layer 115 is formed by drying glucose oxidase which reacts with glucose in blood. In the present apparatus, when blood enters the space 108, it is dissolved in blood and the above reaction occurs. It has become. The substrate 105, the cover 106, and the spacer 107 are substantially transparent, so that it is possible to visually check whether or not the space 108 is sufficiently filled with blood. Further, the substrate 105, the cover 106, and the spacer 1
07 have protrusions 116 at the same position in the same shape. The projections 116 are for preventing the measurement electrode unit 102 from being mounted upside down when being inserted and mounted in the electrode insertion opening 104. The shape of the insertion space in the electrode insertion hole 104 also corresponds to the protrusion 116 as shown in FIG. 28, so that when the electrode is inserted into the electrode insertion hole 104 upside down, the protrusion 116 is caught on the way. As a result, the measurement electrode unit 102 cannot be inserted all the way.

Next, a procedure for measuring a blood glucose level using the present sample measuring apparatus will be described. First, a through hole or a wound is formed in the skin such as a fingertip, and blood flows out therefrom. When the tip of the measurement electrode section 102 is brought into contact with the spouted blood in a state of being inserted and mounted in the apparatus main body 101, blood is sucked into the space 108 by capillary action. The reaction layer 115 dissolves in the sucked blood, and the reaction layer 11
Five glucose oxidases react with glucose in the blood. By this reaction, electrons proportional to the glucose concentration are generated, and a current value generated by applying a voltage to the electrode pairs 109 and 110 is measured by the apparatus main body 101. Since this current value corresponds to the concentration of glucose, the apparatus main body 101 converts the current value into the concentration of glucose in blood using this correspondence, and displays it on the display unit 103.

[0008] In order to create through holes or wounds in the skin,
A normal needle, a knife, or the like may be used, but a puncture device equipped with a retractable needle is used to reduce the pain and fear of the subject as much as possible. FIG. 30 is a schematic sectional view showing the configuration of a conventional puncture device. In FIG. 30, a lancet 202 having a puncture needle 201 attached to the center of the distal end is housed in a lancet holder 203, and is connected to the tail of the lancet holder 203 via an extension spring 204. Lancet holder 20
A hole 206 for the puncture needle 201 is formed in the distal end portion 205 of the third.

Before the puncturing operation, the retracting spring 204
Is held in a compressed state by a holding means (not shown). At this time, the lancet 202 is at a position where the puncture needle 201 is contained in the lancet holder 203 as shown in FIG. . When the tip 205 is brought into close contact with the part of the subject (for example, the side of the fingertip) to be punctured and the gripping means is released, the spring 204 for extension and retraction extends and the puncture needle 201 is moved from the hole 206 to the lancet holder. Push out 203. Thereby, the puncture needle 201
Punctures the part of the subject that is in close contact with the distal end 205. After the extension / retraction spring 204 is fully extended, or after the distal end of the lancet 202 contacts the distal end 205 of the lancet holder 203 and the extension of the extension / retraction spring 204 is suppressed, the extension / retraction spring 204 contracts. start. As a result, the puncture needle 201 comes out of the site of the subject and returns into the lancet holder 203. Spring 2
Since 04 is a so-called hard spring, the vibration due to expansion and contraction is immediately attenuated, and the puncture needle 201 fits in the lancet holder 203 without piercing the subject again.

The above operation is performed, and the dimensions of the puncture needle 201, the lancet 202 and the lancet holder 203, and the dimensions of the retracting spring 204 are set such that the punctured hole has a depth sufficient to collect blood. And a spring constant and the like. In the case of collecting blood as blood from the side of the fingertip of the human body, for example, the depth of the hole is
Although blood can be sufficiently collected if it is several hundred μm, the average hole depth is 1.2 to 2 in consideration of variations in the movement of the spring for retraction and individual differences such as the hardness of the skin of the fingertip. .3 mm.

By performing the puncturing operation as described above, the time during which the puncture needle 201 is inserted into the subject can be minimized, so that the pain given to the subject can be reduced and the needle itself can be exposed. By not doing so, the fear given to the subject can be reduced.

[0012]

When the sample measuring apparatus shown in FIG. 28 is used, as described above, it is necessary to previously form through holes or scratches on the subject by another means. There are problems such as generation of fear due to the visual observation of the blood itself, and blood coagulation that occurs when there is a large time difference between the outflow of blood and the contact of the blood with the measurement electrode portion. Further, in the case where the puncture device as shown in FIG. 30 is not used, there are problems that the amount of blood flowing out of the through hole or the wound is not sufficient, and that an excessive amount of blood flows out.

[0013] The pain and fear caused by the formation of a through hole or a wound, even when the above-described puncture device is used, requires that the depth of the puncture hole be somewhat increased. The instantaneous pain associated with the puncture operation is not different from that of a normal needle. In addition, although the fear is slightly alleviated because the needle is not directly visible, the fear of feeling the instantaneous pain is not reduced. Further, when the puncture device shown in FIG. 30 is used, an impulsive sound is generated with the rapid extension of the retracting spring 204 caused by the release of the gripping means, and the impulsive sound further increases the fear image. There are cases.

According to the present invention, there is provided the above-described conventional sample collection method,
In consideration of the problems of a sample collection device, a sample measurement method, and a sample measurement device, a sample collection method, a sample collection device, and a container for sample collection that can reduce pain and / or fear given to a subject and reliably collect a sample, It is another object of the present invention to provide a sample measurement method, a sample measurement device, and a sample measurement container capable of reducing pain and / or fear of a subject and reliably collecting and measuring a sample.

[0015]

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first present invention (corresponding to the first aspect of the present invention).
By inserting the tip of the protrusion into the subject,
In a sample collection method for collecting a sample in the subject,
A specimen collection method, wherein the specimen is brought into contact with the subject while at least the tip of the projection is vibrated at a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined frequency.

According to a second aspect of the present invention (corresponding to the second aspect of the present invention), a tip is inserted into a subject,
A protrusion for collecting a sample in the subject, a liquid storage portion for storing the sample collected by the protrusion, and at least a tip of the protrusion, at a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined frequency, vibrated and / or Vibration means for rotating,
A sample collection device, wherein a tip of the projection comes into contact with the subject while being vibrated by the vibration means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention (corresponding to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention), a protrusion that allows a sample in the subject to spring from the subject by inserting the tip into the subject. A liquid storage part for storing the specimen spouted by the protrusion, and a tip of the protrusion, inserted into the subject,
And a protrusion moving means for extracting after insertion.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to the invention according to claim 18), a sample in the subject is collected by inserting the tip into the subject, or the inside of the subject is collected. A specimen collection container, comprising: a projection that causes the specimen to spring out from the subject; and a liquid storage unit that stores the specimen that has been collected by the projection or that has emerged by the projection. .

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to the twentieth aspect of the present invention), the specimen in the subject is collected by inserting the tip of the projection into the subject. In the sample measurement method for measuring the concentration of a specific component in the sample, the sample is collected by contacting the sample while vibrating the tip of the protrusion at a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined frequency. This is a sample measurement method.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to the twenty-first aspect of the present invention), there is provided a sample collecting apparatus according to the present invention, and a measurement for measuring the concentration of a specific component in the sample stored in the storage section. And a sample measuring device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to the twenty-ninth aspect of the present invention), the sample collection container of the present invention and the sample storage container are previously stored in the liquid storage section. A sample measurement container comprising: a specific substance used for measuring the concentration of the specific component by reacting with the specific component in the sample stored in a liquid part.

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is an overall plan view of a sample collecting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a partial cross section showing the configuration of the sample collecting apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram (a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. 1). The sample collection device according to the present embodiment is a device used when collecting blood as a sample according to the present invention for a human body (for example, a side of a fingertip) as a subject according to the present invention.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, a reservoir 2 for storing the collected blood is formed by a projection 1 having an elastic bottom 3 installed near the center as a bottom and being surrounded by an exchanger side 4. Have been. Projection 1, liquid reservoir 2, elastic bottom 3
The exchange body 5 integrally formed with the exchange body side part 4 is detachable from the apparatus main body 7, and is fitted into an exchange body mounting part 8 having a concave part having a shape similar to the planar shape thereof, whereby the apparatus is replaced. It is attached to the main body 7. A piezoelectric vibrator 6 is provided below the position of the elastic bottom 3 in the vicinity of the center of the exchanger mounting portion 8 to excite vibration in the vertical direction (arrow in FIG. 2) by applying an AC voltage. Yes,
The upper end thereof comes into contact with the elastic bottom 3 when the exchanger 5 is mounted. FIG. 2 shows a state at the time of collecting blood from the subject 99 (the side of the fingertip of the human body).

In FIG. 2 and a cross-sectional view corresponding to FIG. 2 of a modified example of the present embodiment described later, the apparatus main body 7 is a cross-section. It shall be.

The shapes of the exchange body 5 and the exchange body mounting portion 8 are asymmetric, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 so that the exchange body 5 is not erroneously mounted upside down.

The elastic bottom 3 is made of a material having a higher degree of elasticity than the exchange side 4, and the elastic bottom 3 is vertically moved by the piezoelectric vibrator 6 while the exchange side 4 is receiving a downward pressure from the subject 99. When the vibration in the direction is given, the exchange side 4 does not move, and the elastic bottom 3 vibrates up and down together with the projection 1.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal sectional view showing the shape of the projection 1. As shown in FIG. 3A or 3B, in order to guide the blood in the subject from the tip of the projection 1 to the liquid storage section 2 by capillary action, the projection 1 is provided with a groove-shaped guiding path 9. Or, it has a projecting guideway 10. In addition, the protrusion 1
The inside is not limited to a horizontal cross section as shown in FIG. 3 and may be a guideway, such as a syringe needle. Further, the projection 1 is shown in a conical shape in FIG. 2, but is not limited thereto, and may have a shape like an injection needle, for example.

In the present embodiment, the protrusions 1,
The exchanger 5 in which the liquid storage part 2, the elastic bottom 3, and the exchanger side part 4 are integrally formed corresponds to the sample collection container of the present invention.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the replacement body 5 is mounted on the replacement body mounting portion 8 by placing it from above. After mounting, the subject 99 (the side of the fingertip of the human body) is pressed against the exchange body side 4,
The switch (not shown) provided in the device main body 7 is
By setting N, the piezoelectric vibrator 6 is driven by applying an AC voltage. The vertical vibration excited by the piezoelectric vibrator 6 is
Propagation to the elastic bottom 3 causes the protrusion 1 to vibrate up and down. Due to this vertical vibration, the tip of the projection 1 is repeatedly inserted into and removed from the subject 99, reaches a position where the subject 99 can be punctured with a hole of a predetermined depth and blood such as a capillary can be collected. And start collecting blood. The blood is guided from the distal end of the projection 1 to the liquid storage section 2 by capillary action via the groove-shaped guide path 9 or the projection-shaped guide path 10, and is stored in the liquid storage section 2
It is stored in. When a predetermined time elapses after the piezoelectric vibrator 6 starts driving, the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 6 automatically stops, and the blood collection ends. The predetermined time is set so that a required amount of blood can be collected. Instead of stopping automatically, the vibration may be stopped by manually turning off the switch.

In this embodiment, since the piezoelectric vibrator 6 is used as the vibrating means, the piezoelectric vibrator 6 returns to the state before the driving when the driving is stopped. Therefore, the distal end of the projection 1 is outside the subject 99, and therefore, no pain is caused by the distal end remaining in the subject 99.

The minimum depth of the hole required to collect a sample differs depending on the site of the subject and the type of the sample (as described above, blood is collected as a sample from the side of a fingertip of a human body). In this case, several tens to several hundreds μm), and as described above, a deeper hole is punctured in the conventional method (1.2 to 2.3 mm in the puncture device in FIG. 30). However, in the present embodiment, a hole having a desired depth is reliably punctured by repeatedly inserting the distal end of the projection 1. Therefore, the hole to be punctured in the subject can be of a minimum depth, so that the pain and the fear associated with the puncturing operation given to the subject are reduced.

Further, by appropriately selecting a combination of the depth of the hole pierced by the tip of the projection 1 and the frequency of the vertical vibration thereof, it is possible to prevent the subject from substantially sensing pain. . For example, when blood is collected from the side of the fingertip of the human body as a specimen, the depth of the hole is about 100 μm and the frequency is 100 Hz or more. It has been confirmed by experiment that it can be collected at a time.

In this embodiment, it has been described that the piezoelectric vibrator 6 is driven by applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric vibrator 6 by turning on a switch (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 7. , As in the modification shown in FIG.
A pressure sensor 11 corresponding to the object detecting means of the present invention is provided, and the pressure sensor 11 detects a pressure caused by pressing the object 99 against the exchanger body side 4 and outputs a sensing signal,
An AC voltage may be applied to the piezoelectric vibrator 6 according to the sensing signal. The mounting position of the pressure-sensitive sensor 11 is shown in FIG.
The position is not limited to the position described above, but may be any as long as it can detect that the subject 99 is on the exchanger body side 4. Further, the subject detecting means of the present invention is not limited to a pressure-sensitive sensor, but may be a contact sensor or the like. In short, any device that can detect the presence of the subject may be used.

As shown in FIG. 5, in order to prevent the entire exchanging body 5 from rising when the piezoelectric vibrator is driven when the subject 99 is not pressed against the exchanging body side portion 4, as shown in FIG. The body side portion 4 may have the flange portion 12, and the device main body 7 may have the pressing portion 13. in this case,
Since the exchanger 5 is mounted by being inserted into the exchanger mounting portion 8 from the side, the plane shape of the exchanger 5 and the insertion space of the exchanger mounting portion 8 do not hinder each other when the exchanger 5 is inserted from the side. You need to do something like this. For example,
Both have a rectangular shape or the like. When both are rectangular, since the plane shape of the exchange body 5 is not an asymmetric shape as shown in FIG. 1, the exchange body 5 may be erroneously mounted upside down. Changing the color of the front and back of the exchanger 5 is exemplified.

In the present embodiment, the vibrating means of the present invention is described as vibrating the origin using a piezoelectric vibrator. However, the present invention is not limited to this. May be a child. Alternatively, a vertical vibration may be applied to the elastic bottom 3 by a mechanism using a motor and a crankshaft. In this case, when the driving is stopped, it is necessary to control so that the driving is stopped in a state where the tip of the protrusion is not inserted into the subject.

The sample collection container according to the present embodiment is disposable or needs to be washed each time a sample is collected. Therefore, the container is removed from the apparatus main body 7 except when the sample is collected. At this time, in order to protect the projection 1, a cover 18 made of paper, plastic, or the like may be attached and removed only when necessary, as in the configuration of the modification shown in FIG.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is different from the above-described first embodiment in that the vibrating means of the present invention vibrates only the elastic bottom 3 of the exchanger 5 in the first embodiment, so that the protrusion of the present invention is obtained. In contrast, the present embodiment is related to the fact that the projection of the present invention is vibrated by vibrating the entire main part of the exchanger 25. Therefore, in the present embodiment, components that are not particularly described are assumed to be the same as those in the first embodiment, and the components having the same names as those in the first embodiment will be the same as those in the first embodiment unless otherwise described. It has the same function as the embodiment. Unless otherwise stated, each modification described in the first embodiment is applied to the present embodiment by performing the same modification.

FIG. 6 is an overall plan view of a sample collecting apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7 is a partial cross section showing the configuration of the sample collecting apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram (cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ in FIG. 6).

In FIGS. 6 and 7, a liquid storage portion 22 for storing the collected blood is formed by a projection 21 being surrounded by a bottom portion 23 installed near the center and a side portion 24 of the exchanger. I have. Exchanger 2 in which projection 21, liquid storage 22, bottom 23 and exchanger side 24 are integrally formed
Numeral 5 is attached by being inserted from the side surface of the apparatus main body 27 into the exchange unit attaching portion 28, and is detachable. The exchange body 25 has an asymmetrical portion 30 as shown in FIG. 6 so as not to be erroneously mounted upside down, and the shape of the insertion space of the exchange body attachment portion 28 is also asymmetrical as shown in FIG. It has a shape corresponding to the part 30. By applying an AC voltage to the lower side of the position of the main part of the exchange body 25 (the part centering on the protrusion 21 except for the end used for insertion / extraction to the apparatus main body 27), the vertical direction ( A piezoelectric vibrator 26 for exciting the vibration (arrow in FIG. 7) is provided, and the upper surface of the piezoelectric vibrator 26 is
At the time of mounting, the main part is contacted.
The position of the protrusion 21 on the upper surface of the device main body 27 is
An opening 29 is formed so as to be exposed. FIG. 7 shows a state when blood is collected from the subject 99 (the side of the fingertip of the human body). When the piezoelectric vibrator 26 is not driven, as shown in FIG. 7, the members are arranged such that the projection 21 does not puncture at least the subject 99.

In FIG. 7, although the apparatus main body 27 is a cross section, hatching and the like are omitted for convenience of illustration of the apparatus main body 27.

It should be noted that, unlike the elastic bottom 3 in the first embodiment, the bottom portion 23 is not limited to a material having high elasticity, but may be made of a rigid material that vibrates together with the exchange body side portion 24. .

The parts other than the main part of the exchange body 25 are made of a piezoelectric vibrator 2 by taking measures such as using a lightweight material.
6 so that the vibration excited in the main part of the exchanger 25 is not hindered.

In this embodiment, the projection 2
1. The exchanger 25 in which the liquid storage part 22, the bottom part 23, and the exchanger side part 24 are integrally formed corresponds to the sample collection container of the present invention.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the exchange body 25 is mounted by inserting it into the exchange body mounting portion 28 from the side. After mounting, subject 9
9 (the side of the fingertip of the human body) into the opening 29
When a switch (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 27 is turned on in a state of being pressed to the vicinity, or as described in the modification of the first embodiment, An AC voltage is automatically applied to the piezoelectric vibrator 26 so that the piezoelectric vibrator 26 is driven by a detecting means (for example, a pressure-sensitive sensor). The vertical vibration excited by the piezoelectric vibrator 26 is caused by the exchange body 25.
And vibrates the entire exchange body 25 up and down. Thereby, the protrusion 21 also vibrates up and down. Due to this vertical vibration, the distal end of the protrusion 21 is repeatedly put into and taken out of the subject 99, reaches a position where the subject 99 can puncture a hole of a predetermined depth and collect blood such as a capillary blood vessel. And start collecting blood. The blood is guided from the tip of the projection 21 to the liquid storage 22 by capillary action and is stored in the liquid storage 22 via the groove-shaped guideway 9 or the protrusion-shaped guideway 10 shown in FIG. When a predetermined time elapses after the piezoelectric vibrator 26 starts driving, the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 26 automatically stops, and the blood collection ends.

Also in the present embodiment, the tip of the projection 21 is placed on the subject 99 for the same reason as in the first embodiment.
There is no pain sensation due to remaining inside. Also, the first
For the same reason as in the first embodiment, the pain associated with the puncturing operation given to the subject and the fear associated therewith are reduced.

In the present embodiment, the piezoelectric vibrator 26 has been described as being configured to contact the entire surface of the main part of the exchange body 25 when driven, but the present invention is not limited to this. What is necessary is just to vibrate the whole body 25 up and down.

Also in the present embodiment, the pressure-sensitive sensor 11 corresponding to the subject detecting means of the present invention is replaced with, for example, a device main body 27 according to a modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. In the vicinity of the opening 29 on the upper surface, the pressure sensor 11 may sense the pressure of the subject 99 and output a sensing signal, and an AC voltage may be applied to the piezoelectric vibrator 26 according to the sensing signal. Furthermore, the mounting position of the pressure-sensitive sensor 11 is not limited to the vicinity of the opening 29 on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 27, but may be a sensor capable of detecting that the subject 99 is mounted near the opening 29 on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 27. I just need. Further, the subject detecting means of the present invention is not limited to a pressure-sensitive sensor, but may be a contact sensor or the like. In short, any device that can detect the presence of the subject may be used.

Also, as in the first embodiment, the sample collection container in this embodiment needs to be disposable or needs to be washed each time a sample is collected. Has been removed from At this time, in order to protect the projection 21, a guard 19 made of plastic or the like may be attached and removed only when necessary, as in the configuration of the modification shown in FIG.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is different from the above-described second embodiment in that the present embodiment includes the moving means of the present invention. Therefore, in this embodiment, unless otherwise specified,
The same components as those of the first and second embodiments have the same functions as those of the first and second embodiments unless otherwise specified. Have Unless otherwise stated, the modifications described in the first and second embodiments are also applied to the present embodiment by performing similar modifications.

FIGS. 8 and 9 are partial cross-sectional views showing the configuration of a sample collecting apparatus according to the third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a state during non-driving, and FIG. 9 shows a state during driving. The configuration of the entire plane of the sample collection device according to the present embodiment conforms to the configuration of the entire plane of the sample collection device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG.

In FIGS. 8 and 9, the liquid storage section 42 for storing the collected sample is formed by the projection 41 being surrounded by the bottom 43 provided near the center and the exchanger side 44. I have. Exchanger 4 in which projection 41, liquid reservoir 42, bottom 43, and exchanger side 44 are integrally formed
Numeral 5 is mounted on the piezoelectric vibrator 46 by being inserted from the side surface of the apparatus main body 47, and is detachable. Further, the exchange body 45 has the same asymmetrical portion 30 shown in FIG. 6 as in the second embodiment so as not to be erroneously mounted upside down. It is assumed that the shape of the insertion space of the body mounting portion 28 is also the same. By applying an AC voltage to the lower side of the position of the main part of the exchange body 45 (the part centering on the protrusion 41 except the end used for insertion / extraction to the apparatus main body 47), the vertical direction ( A piezoelectric vibrator 46 for exciting the vibration (arrow in FIG. 9) is provided.
The upper surface portion contacts the main portion when the exchange body 45 is mounted. Projection 41 on the upper surface of device main body 47
An opening 49 formed to expose the projection 41 is formed at the position. The piezoelectric vibrator 46 and the mounted exchange body 45 are mounted on a dish-like base 50,
The gantry 50 is suspended by a spring 51 on the ceiling wall of the apparatus main body 47. Further, magnetic members 53 are fixed at several places on the peripheral edge of the gantry 50 so as to face several electromagnets 52 fixed to the lower surface of the ceiling wall of the apparatus main body 47.

8 and 9, the apparatus main body 47
Is a cross section, but oblique lines and the like are omitted in the illustration of the apparatus main body 47 for convenience.

When the apparatus is not driven, as shown in FIG. 8, the electromagnet 52 is not operated, and no magnetic force acts between the electromagnet 52 and the magnetic body 53. It is pressed against the bottom of the apparatus main body 47 by the extension force. Since the position of the tip of the projection 41 at this time is below the opening 49, even if the subject 99 is placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 47 as shown in FIG. No contact with surface.

When the present apparatus is driven, the electromagnet 52 operates as shown in FIG.
And the base 50 is lifted by the magnetic force. At this time, the tip of the projection 41 has a position where the highest position of the vertical vibration corresponds to the depth of the hole to be punctured.

In this embodiment, the protrusion 4
1. The exchanger 45 in which the liquid storage part 42, the bottom part 43, and the exchanger side part 44 are integrally formed corresponds to the sample collection container of the present invention. Note that this exchange body 45 is
The guard 19 made of plastic or the like may be attached and removed only when necessary, as in the configuration of the modification shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the replacement body 45 is mounted on the piezoelectric vibrator 46 by inserting it from the side. By turning on a switch (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 47 while the subject 99 (side of the fingertip of the human body) is pressed against the vicinity of the opening 49 on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 47, or As described in the modified example of the first embodiment, the subject detecting means (for example, a pressure-sensitive sensor) of the present invention automatically drives the piezoelectric vibrator 46 by applying an AC voltage thereto. At the same time, the electromagnet 52 operates to lift the gantry 50. The vertical vibration excited by the piezoelectric vibrator 46 is caused by the exchange body 45.
And vibrates the entire exchange body 45 up and down. Thereby, the protrusion 41 also vibrates up and down. Due to this vertical vibration, the distal end of the projection 41 is repeatedly inserted into and removed from the subject 99, reaches a position where the subject 99 can be punctured with a hole of a predetermined depth and blood such as a capillary can be collected. And start collecting blood. The blood is guided from the tip end of the projection 41 to the liquid storage section 42 by capillary action via the groove-shaped guide path 9 or the protrusion-shaped guide path 10 shown in FIG. When a predetermined time elapses after the piezoelectric vibrator 46 starts driving, the electromagnet 52 automatically stops operating, and the gantry 50 returns to the non-driving position. After that, the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 46 is automatically stopped, and the blood collection is completed.

Also in this embodiment, the first and second
For the same reason as in the embodiment, no pain is caused due to the tip of the projection 21 remaining in the subject 99.
Further, for the same reason as in the first and second embodiments,
The pain associated with the puncture operation given to the subject and the fear associated therewith are reduced. In the present embodiment,
When the subject 99 is placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 47, the fear given to the subject is further reduced because the subject 99 is below the opening 49. Further, in the present embodiment, the fear can be further reduced by covering the opening 49 with a cover when it is not driven so that the opening 49 cannot be seen from the subject side. The cover may be a permanent openable / closable type, or may be a replaceable paper cover such that the projection 41 penetrates the paper cover and pierces the subject when driven. Further, by installing a cushioning material on the surface of the electromagnet 52 or the magnetic body 53 facing the magnetic body 53 or the electromagnet 52 to reduce the sound generated by the contact with the magnetic body 53 when the electromagnet 52 is operated, the fear can be further increased. Feeling can be reduced. In the present embodiment, the moving means of the present invention has been described as a combination of a spring, an electromagnet, and a magnetic material.However, the moving means is not limited to this. May be returned to the non-driven position by gravity due to gravity. Further, the gantry may be moved up and down using a mechanism such as a rack-and-pinion or jack-up. In short, the moving means of the present invention only needs to move the tip of the projection of the present invention from the initial position to the vicinity of the surface of the subject at the time of sample collection and return to the initial position after the sample collection is completed.

In the present embodiment, the vibration means of the present invention turns on a switch provided in the apparatus main body.
Or automatically when the object detecting means of the present invention detects the object, and is driven simultaneously with the start of the operation of the moving means of the present invention, and a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the driving. Then, it has been described that the operation of the moving means of the present invention automatically stops after the operation of the moving means is stopped.However, the present invention is not limited to this. Before starting, and if the tip of the projection comes back to a position where it does not contact the surface of the subject, or after that, the driving is stopped if the tip of the protrusion returns to the initial position by the moving means of the present invention. Good.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is different from the above-described third embodiment in the point of the vibration means of the present invention. Therefore, in the present embodiment, components that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first to third embodiments, and constituent members having the same names as those in the first to third embodiments are particularly described. Unless the first
To have functions similar to those of the third embodiment. Unless otherwise stated, the modifications described in the first to third embodiments are also applied to the present embodiment by performing similar modifications.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are partial cross-sectional views showing the configuration of a sample collection device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows a state at the time of non-driving, and FIG.
This shows the state at the time of driving. The configuration of the entire plane of the sample collection device according to the present embodiment conforms to the configuration of the entire plane of the sample collection device according to the second embodiment shown in FIG.

In FIGS. 10 and 11, the piezoelectric vibrator 66 receives the projection 6 by applying an AC voltage.
1 excites vibration in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction (arrow in FIG. 11). Further, the tip of the protrusion 61 is at a position where it does not contact the subject 99 when the apparatus is not driven,
When the present apparatus is driven, the electromagnet 72 is configured to come to a position where the subject 99 is punctured.

FIG. 12 is a front view and a sectional view showing the shape of the projection 61. FIG. 12A is a front view,
FIG. 12B shows a cross section taken along the line CC ′. As shown in FIG. 12, the projection 61 has a flat plate shape,
Indicates that the blade length direction is the vibration direction (arrow in FIG. 12A)
The cutting edge is machined so as to form an arc along the blade length direction. Thereby, sharpness in the vibration direction is increased, and the pain given to the subject at the time of puncturing is reduced. Further, the projection 61 has a capillary 75 for guiding blood in the subject from the tip 74 to the liquid reservoir 2 by capillary action. Note that the projection 61 is formed as shown in FIG.
The shape is not limited to the above, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, a capillary 75 is provided inside, and the tip is cut so that the vibration direction and the cut surface substantially match. Is also good. In FIG. 13, FIG.
FIG. 13B is a front view of a modified example of the protrusion 61, and FIG.
Is a side view thereof. Further, the projection 61 may have a conical shape as shown in FIG.

Structures other than those described above are the same as those of the third embodiment shown in FIGS.

When the apparatus is not driven, as shown in FIG. 10, the electromagnet 72 is not operated, and no magnetic force acts between the electromagnet 72 and the magnetic body 73. It is pressed against the bottom of the apparatus main body 67 by the extension force. At this time, since the position of the tip of the projection 61 is below the opening 69, as shown in FIG.
Even if 9 is placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 67, the tip of the projection 61 does not contact the surface of the subject 99.

When the apparatus is driven, as shown in FIG. 11, the electromagnet 72 operates, and the electromagnet 72 and the magnetic material 7 are moved.
Since the magnetic force acts between the frame 3 and the base 3, the gantry 50 is lifted by the magnetic force. At this time, the tip of the projection 61 is at a position corresponding to the depth of the hole to be punctured.

In FIGS. 11 and 12, the apparatus main body 67 is a cross section, but the illustration of the apparatus main body 67 is omitted for the sake of convenience.

In this embodiment, the protrusion 6
1. The exchange body 65 in which the liquid storage part 62, the bottom part 63, and the exchange body side part 64 are integrally formed corresponds to the sample collection container of the present invention. Note that this exchange body 65 is
The guard 19 made of plastic or the like may be attached and removed only when necessary, as in the configuration of the modification shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the exchange body 65 is mounted on the piezoelectric vibrator 66 by inserting it from the side. By turning on a switch (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 67 while the subject 99 (the side of the fingertip of the human body) is pressed against the vicinity of the opening 69 on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 67, or As described in the modification of the first embodiment, the subject detecting means (for example, a pressure-sensitive sensor) of the present invention automatically drives the piezoelectric vibrator 66 by applying an AC voltage. At the same time, the electromagnet 72 operates to lift the gantry 70. Vibration in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction excited by the piezoelectric vibrator 66 (arrow in FIG. 11) causes the entire exchange body 65 to vibrate in the same direction. Thus, the protrusion 61 also vibrates in the same direction. With this vibration, the tip of the protrusion 61
The subject 99 is punctured with a hole of a predetermined depth, reaches a position where blood can be collected, such as a capillary, and starts collecting blood. The blood flows from the tip of the projection 61 to the liquid reservoir 6 through the capillary 75 shown in FIG.
2 and is stored in the liquid storage part 62. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the piezoelectric vibrator 66 started driving,
The electromagnet 72 automatically stops operating, and the gantry 70 returns to the non-driven position. Thereafter, the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 66 is automatically stopped, and the collection of blood is completed.

In the present embodiment, the first and second
For the same reason as in the embodiment, no pain is caused due to the tip of the projection 21 remaining in the subject 99.
Further, sharpness in the vibration direction is increased, and the pain given to the subject at the time of puncturing is reduced. Also, in the present embodiment, for the same reason as in the third embodiment, the subject 99
When is placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 67, since it is below the opening 69, the fear given to the subject is further reduced.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 14 is an overall plan view of a sample measuring apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 15 is a partial cross section showing the configuration of the sample measuring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a diagram (cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. 14). The sample measurement apparatus according to the present embodiment collects blood as a sample of the present invention and measures the concentration of glucose as a specific component of the present invention for a human body (for example, a fingertip side) as a subject of the present invention. It is a device used in this case.
Note that, in the present embodiment, the configuration related to the sample collection device of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the sample collection device in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, parts that are not particularly described are the same as those in the first embodiment, and those components that are assigned the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment are unless otherwise specified. Have the same functions as those of the first embodiment. Unless otherwise stated, similar modifications can be made to each of the modifications applicable to the first embodiment.
It is assumed that the present embodiment is applied.

In FIGS. 14 and 15, electrode pairs 15 and 16 are formed on the elastic bottom 3 so as to surround the projection 1, and these are sent to an analysis unit (not shown) in the apparatus main body 7. It is connected. A reaction layer 17 is formed so as to cover the electrode pairs 15 and 16. This reaction layer 17
It is obtained by drying glucose oxidase which reacts with glucose in blood.
When blood enters, it melts into the blood and the above reaction occurs. Projection 1, liquid storage 2, elastic bottom 3, exchanger side 4, electrode pair 15, 16 and reaction layer 1
The interchangeable body 5 integrally formed with the detachable body 7 is detachable from the apparatus main body 7, and is fitted into an interchangeable body mounting portion 8 having a concave portion having a shape similar to its planar shape.
It is mounted on the device body 7. The aforementioned electrode pair 15, 1
The connection between the analysis unit 6 and the analysis unit 6 is configured such that the connection is made in accordance with the detachment at the time of attachment and without the piezoelectric vibrator 6 vibrating. Further, the device main body 7 is provided with a display unit 14 for displaying the measurement results. In addition,
FIG. 14 shows a state at the time of collecting blood from the subject 99 (the side of the fingertip of the human body).

Structures other than those described above are the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS.

In FIG. 15, although the apparatus main body 7 is a cross section, hatching and the like are omitted in the illustration of the apparatus main body 7 for convenience. In FIG. 14, the illustration of the reaction layer 17 is omitted.

In the present embodiment, the projections 1,
Liquid storage part 2, elastic bottom 3, exchange body side part 4, electrode pair 15, 16
The exchanger 5 in which the reaction layer 17 is integrally formed corresponds to the sample measuring container of the present invention. Note that, as shown in FIG. 23, the exchange body 5 is configured as follows.
A cover 18 made of paper, plastic, or the like may be attached and removed only when necessary.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the replacement body 5 is mounted on the replacement body mounting portion 8 by placing it from above. After mounting, the subject 99 (the side of the fingertip of the human body) is pressed against the exchange body side 4,
The switch (not shown) provided in the device main body 7 is
N, or automatically applying an AC voltage to the piezoelectric vibrator 6 by the subject detecting means (for example, a pressure-sensitive sensor) of the present invention as described in the modification of the first embodiment. And drive. The vertical vibration excited by the piezoelectric vibrator 6 propagates to the elastic bottom 3 and causes the protrusion 1 to vibrate vertically. Due to this vertical vibration, the tip of the projection 1 is repeatedly inserted into and removed from the subject 99, reaches a position where the subject 99 can be punctured with a hole of a predetermined depth and blood such as a capillary can be collected. And start collecting blood. Blood is
Through the groove-shaped guideway 9 or the protruded guideway 10 shown in FIG.
And is stored in the liquid storage unit 2. When a predetermined time elapses after the piezoelectric vibrator 6 starts driving, the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 6 automatically stops, and the blood collection ends. The predetermined time is set so that a required amount of blood can be collected. Without stopping automatically,
The vibration may be stopped by manually turning off the switch.

When blood is stored in the liquid reservoir 2, the reaction layer 17 begins to dissolve in the stored blood, and the glucose oxidase in the reaction layer 17 reacts with glucose in the blood. This reaction generates electrons proportional to the glucose concentration. When the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 6 is stopped and the blood collection is completed, a voltage is applied from the apparatus main body 7 to the electrode pairs 15 and 16. The current value generated by this is applied to the device body 7.
It is measured by the analysis unit inside. Since this current value corresponds to the concentration of glucose, the analysis unit converts the current value into the concentration of glucose in blood using this correspondence, and displays it on the display unit 14.

In the present embodiment, for the same reason as in the first embodiment, no pain is caused by the tip of the projection 1 remaining in the subject 99. Further, for the same reason as in the first embodiment, the pain associated with the puncturing operation given to the subject and the fear associated therewith are reduced.

Further, since blood collection and measurement are performed by the same device, it is not necessary for the subject to look at the blood itself, so that fear can be suppressed. In addition, since there is almost no time difference from the outflow of blood to the contact of the blood with the electrode for measurement, problems such as blood coagulation can be avoided.

Although the description has been made assuming that the electrode pairs 15 and 16 are arranged so as to surround the projection 1, the present invention is not limited to this, and other arrangements may be adopted. Any arrangement can be used as long as the current value generated by the applied voltage can be measured.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 16 is an overall plan view of a sample measuring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 17 is a partial cross section showing the configuration of the sample measuring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 17 is a diagram (cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ of FIG. 16). The sample measurement apparatus according to the present embodiment collects blood as a sample of the present invention and measures the concentration of glucose as a specific component of the present invention for a human body (for example, a fingertip side) as a subject of the present invention. It is a device used in this case.
Note that, in the present embodiment, the configuration relating to the sample collection device of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the sample collection device in the second embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, components that are not particularly described are assumed to be the same as those in the second embodiment, and the components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the second embodiment are described unless otherwise specified. Have the same functions as those of the second embodiment. Unless otherwise stated, similar modifications can be made to each of the modifications applicable to the second embodiment.
It is assumed that the present embodiment is applied.

In FIGS. 16 and 17, electrode pairs 32 and 33 are formed on the bottom 23 so as to surround the projection 21 and are connected to an analysis unit (not shown) in the apparatus main body 27. Have been. A reaction layer 34 is formed so as to cover the electrode pairs 32 and 33. This reaction layer 34
Is a product obtained by drying glucose oxidase which reacts with glucose in blood. In the present device, when blood enters the reservoir 22, the blood is dissolved in the blood and the above reaction occurs. I have. The exchanging body 25 integrally formed with the projection 21, the liquid storage part 22, the bottom part 23, the exchanging body side part 24, the electrode pairs 32 and 33, and the reaction layer 34 is inserted into the exchanging body mounting part 28 from the side of the apparatus main body 27. It is attached by being done and is removable.
The connection between the electrode pairs 32 and 33 and the analysis unit is also configured to be connected in accordance with the detachment at the time of attachment and without the piezoelectric vibrator 26 vibrating.
In addition, the device main body 27 has a display unit 3 for displaying the measurement result.
1 is provided. FIG. 17 shows a state when blood is collected from the subject 99 (the side of the fingertip of the human body).

Structures other than those described above are the same as those of the second embodiment shown in FIGS.

In FIG. 17, although the apparatus main body 27 is a cross section, for the sake of convenience, diagonal lines and the like are omitted in the illustration of the apparatus main body 27. Also, in FIG.
The illustration of the reaction layer 34 is omitted.

In this embodiment, the protrusion 2
1, liquid storage part 22, bottom part 23, exchanger side part 24, electrode pair 3
Exchanger 2 in which 2, 33 and reaction layer 34 are integrally formed
Reference numeral 5 corresponds to the sample measurement container of the present invention.
The replacement body 25 may be provided with a guard 19 made of plastic or the like and removed only when necessary, as in the configuration of the modification shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the exchange body 25 is mounted by being inserted into the exchange body mounting portion 28 from the side. After mounting, subject 9
9 (the side of the fingertip of the human body) into the opening 29
When a switch (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 27 is turned on in a state of being pressed to the vicinity, or as described in the modification of the first embodiment, An AC voltage is automatically applied to the piezoelectric vibrator 26 so that the piezoelectric vibrator 26 is driven by a detecting means (for example, a pressure sensor). The vertical vibration excited by the piezoelectric vibrator 26 is caused by the exchange body 25.
And vibrates the entire exchange body 25 up and down. Thereby, the protrusion 21 also vibrates up and down. Due to this vertical vibration, the distal end of the protrusion 21 is repeatedly put into and taken out of the subject 99, reaches a position where the subject 99 can puncture a hole of a predetermined depth and collect blood such as a capillary blood vessel. And start collecting blood. The blood is guided from the tip of the projection 21 to the liquid storage 22 by capillary action and is stored in the liquid storage 22 via the groove-shaped guideway 9 or the protrusion-shaped guideway 10 shown in FIG. When a predetermined time elapses after the piezoelectric vibrator 26 starts driving, the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 26 automatically stops, and the blood collection ends.

When blood is stored in the liquid reservoir 22, the reaction layer 34 dissolves in the stored blood, and glucose oxidase in the reaction layer 34 reacts with glucose in the blood. This reaction generates electrons proportional to the glucose concentration. When the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 26 is stopped and the blood collection is completed, a voltage is applied from the apparatus main body 27 to the electrode pairs 32 and 33. The resulting current value is measured by the analysis unit in the device main body 27. Since this current value corresponds to the concentration of glucose, the analysis unit converts the current value into the concentration of glucose in blood using this correspondence, and displays it on the display unit 31.

Also in the present embodiment, the tip of the projection 21 is placed on the subject 99 for the same reason as in the first embodiment.
There is no pain sensation due to remaining inside. Also, the first
For the same reason as in the first embodiment, the pain associated with the puncturing operation given to the subject and the fear associated therewith are reduced.

Further, for the same reason as in the fifth embodiment, the fear of the subject looking at the blood itself can be suppressed, and problems such as blood coagulation can be avoided.

(Seventh Embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 18 and 19 are partial sectional views showing the structure of a sample measuring apparatus according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 shows a state at the time of non-driving, and FIG.
This shows the state at the time of driving. The configuration of the entire plane of the sample measurement apparatus according to the present embodiment conforms to the configuration of the entire plane of the sample measurement apparatus according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. The sample measurement device according to the present embodiment targets a human body (for example, the side of a fingertip) as a subject of the present invention, and collects blood as a sample of the present invention.
It is an apparatus used when measuring the concentration of glucose as a specific component of the present invention. Note that, in the present embodiment, the configuration relating to the sample collection device of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the sample collection device in the third embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, components that are not particularly described are the same as those in the third embodiment, and components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the third embodiment are described unless otherwise specified. Have the same functions as those of the third embodiment. Unless otherwise stated, each modification applicable to the third embodiment is applied to the present embodiment by performing the same modification.

In FIGS. 18 and 19, electrode pairs 54 and 55 are formed on the bottom 43 so as to surround the projection 41, and these are connected to an analysis unit (not shown) in the apparatus main body 47. Have been. A reaction layer 56 is formed so as to cover the electrode pairs 54 and 55. This reaction layer 56
Is obtained by drying glucose oxidase that reacts with glucose in blood. In this device, when blood enters the reservoir 42, it is dissolved in blood and the above reaction occurs. I have. The exchanging body 45 in which the projection 41, the liquid storage part 42, the bottom part 43, the exchanging body side part 44, the electrode pairs 54 and 55, and the reaction layer 56 are integrated is inserted into the exchanging body 45 from the side surface of the apparatus main body 47. It is mounted on the child 46 and is removable.
The connection between the pair of electrodes 54 and 55 and the analysis unit is also configured to be connected in accordance with the detachment at the time of attachment and in a state where the piezoelectric vibrator 46 does not vibrate.
Further, the device main body 47 is provided with a display unit (similar to the display unit 31 in FIG. 16) for displaying the measurement results.

The structure other than that described above is the same as that of the third embodiment shown in FIGS.

In FIGS. 18 and 19, the apparatus main body 47 is a cross section, but for the sake of convenience, hatching and the like are omitted in the illustration of the apparatus main body 47.

In this embodiment, the projection 4
1, liquid storage part 42, bottom part 43, exchanger body side part 44, electrode pair 5
Exchanger 4 in which 4, 55 and reaction layer 56 are integrally formed
Reference numeral 5 corresponds to the sample measurement container of the present invention.
The replacement body 45 may be provided with a guard 19 made of plastic or the like and removed only when necessary, as in the configuration of the modification shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the exchange body 45 is mounted on the piezoelectric vibrator 46 by inserting it from the side. By turning on a switch (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 47 while the subject 99 (side of the fingertip of the human body) is pressed against the vicinity of the opening 49 on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 47, or As described in the modified example of the first embodiment, the subject detecting means (for example, a pressure-sensitive sensor) of the present invention automatically drives the piezoelectric vibrator 46 by applying an AC voltage thereto. At the same time, the electromagnet 52 operates to lift the gantry 50. The vertical vibration excited by the piezoelectric vibrator 46 is caused by the exchange body 45.
And vibrates the entire exchange body 45 up and down. Thereby, the protrusion 41 also vibrates up and down. Due to this vertical vibration, the distal end of the projection 41 is repeatedly inserted into and removed from the subject 99, reaches a position where the subject 99 can be punctured with a hole of a predetermined depth and blood such as a capillary can be collected. And start collecting blood. The blood is guided from the tip end of the projection 41 to the liquid storage section 42 by capillary action via the groove-shaped guide path 9 or the protrusion-shaped guide path 10 shown in FIG. When a predetermined time elapses after the piezoelectric vibrator 46 starts driving, the electromagnet 52 automatically stops operating, and the gantry 50 returns to the non-driving position. After that, the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 46 is automatically stopped, and the blood collection is completed.

When blood is stored in the liquid reservoir 42, the reaction layer 56 dissolves in the stored blood, and the glucose oxidase in the reaction layer 56 reacts with glucose in the blood. This reaction generates electrons proportional to the glucose concentration. When the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 46 is stopped and the blood collection is completed, a voltage is applied to the electrode pairs 54 and 55 from the apparatus main body 47. The resulting current value is measured by the analysis unit in the device main body 47. Since this current value corresponds to the concentration of glucose, the analysis unit converts the current value into the concentration of glucose in blood using this correspondence, and displays it on the display unit.

Also in the present embodiment, the tip of the projection 21 is placed on the subject 99 for the same reason as in the first embodiment.
There is no pain sensation due to remaining inside. Also, the first
For the same reason as in the first embodiment, the pain associated with the puncturing operation given to the subject and the fear associated therewith are reduced.
Further, in the present embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, when the subject 99 is placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 47, since the subject 99 is located below the opening 49, the fear given to the subject is further reduced. .

Further, for the same reason as in the fifth embodiment, the fear of the subject looking at the blood itself can be suppressed, and problems such as blood coagulation can be avoided.

(Eighth Embodiment) Next, an eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 20 and 21 are partial sectional views showing the structure of a sample measuring apparatus according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 20 shows a state at the time of non-driving, and FIG.
This shows the state at the time of driving. The configuration of the entire plane of the sample measurement apparatus according to the present embodiment conforms to the configuration of the entire plane of the sample measurement apparatus according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. The sample measurement device according to the present embodiment targets a human body (for example, the side of a fingertip) as a subject of the present invention, and collects blood as a sample of the present invention.
It is an apparatus used when measuring the concentration of glucose as a specific component of the present invention. Note that, in the present embodiment, the configuration related to the sample collection device of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the sample collection device in the fourth embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, components that are not particularly described are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and the components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the fourth embodiment are unless otherwise specified. , Have the same functions as those of the fourth embodiment. Unless otherwise stated, each modification that can be applied in the fourth embodiment is applied to the present embodiment by performing the same modification.

20 and 21, electrode pairs 74 and 75 are formed on the bottom 63 so as to surround the projection 61, and these are connected to an analysis unit (not shown) in the apparatus main body 67. Have been. A reaction layer 76 is formed so as to cover the electrode pairs 74 and 75. This reaction layer 76
Is a product obtained by drying glucose oxidase which reacts with glucose in blood. In the present device, when blood enters the reservoir 62, it is dissolved in blood and the above reaction occurs. I have. The exchanging body 65 in which the protrusion 61, the liquid storage section 62, the bottom 63, the exchanging body side 64, the electrode pairs 74 and 75, and the reaction layer 76 are integrated is inserted into the exchanging body 65 from the side surface of the apparatus main body 67. It is mounted on the child 66 and is removable.
The connection between the electrode pairs 74 and 75 and the analysis unit is also configured to be connected in accordance with the removal at the time of attachment and without the piezoelectric vibrator 66 vibrating.
In addition, the device main body 67 is provided with a display unit (similar to the display unit 31 in FIG. 16) for displaying the measurement results.

Configurations other than those described above are shown in FIGS.
This is the same as the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.

In FIGS. 20 and 21, the apparatus main body 67 is a cross-section, but the illustration of the apparatus main body 67 is omitted for the sake of convenience.

In this embodiment, the protrusion 6
1, liquid storage part 62, bottom part 63, exchanger side part 64, electrode pair 7
Exchanger 6 in which 4, 75 and reaction layer 76 are integrally formed
Reference numeral 5 corresponds to the sample measurement container of the present invention.
The replacement body 65 may be provided with a guard 19 made of plastic or the like and removed only when necessary, as in the configuration of the modification shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the exchange body 65 is mounted on the piezoelectric vibrator 66 by inserting it from the side. By turning on a switch (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 67 while the subject 99 (the side of the fingertip of the human body) is pressed against the vicinity of the opening 69 on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 67, or As described in the modification of the first embodiment, the subject detecting means (for example, a pressure-sensitive sensor) of the present invention automatically drives the piezoelectric vibrator 66 by applying an AC voltage. At the same time, the electromagnet 72 operates to lift the gantry 70. The vibration (arrow in FIG. 21) in the direction perpendicular to the insertion direction excited by the piezoelectric vibrator 66 causes the entire exchange body 65 to vibrate in the same direction. Thus, the protrusion 61 also vibrates in the same direction. With this vibration, the tip of the protrusion 61
The subject 99 is punctured with a hole of a predetermined depth, reaches a position where blood can be collected, such as a capillary, and starts collecting blood. The blood flows from the tip of the projection 61 to the liquid reservoir 6 through the capillary 75 shown in FIG.
2 and is stored in the liquid storage part 62. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the piezoelectric vibrator 66 started driving,
The electromagnet 72 automatically stops operating, and the gantry 70 returns to the non-driven position. Thereafter, the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 66 is automatically stopped, and the collection of blood is completed.

When blood is stored in the liquid reservoir 62, the reaction layer 76 dissolves in the stored blood, and glucose oxidase in the reaction layer 76 reacts with glucose in the blood. This reaction generates electrons proportional to the glucose concentration. When the driving of the piezoelectric vibrator 66 is stopped and the blood collection is completed, a voltage is applied to the electrode pairs 74 and 75 from the apparatus main body 67. The resulting current value is measured by the analysis unit in the device main body 67. Since this current value corresponds to the concentration of glucose, the analysis unit converts the current value into the concentration of glucose in blood using this correspondence, and displays it on the display unit.

Also in the present embodiment, the tip of the projection 61 is attached to the subject 99 for the same reason as in the first embodiment.
There is no pain sensation due to remaining inside. Also, the fourth
For the same reason as in the embodiment, the sharpness in the vibration direction is increased, and the pain given to the subject at the time of puncturing is reduced.
Further, in the present embodiment, similar to the fourth embodiment, when the subject 99 is placed on the upper surface of the apparatus main body 67, since the subject 99 is below the opening 69, the fear given to the subject is further reduced. .

Further, for the same reason as in the fifth embodiment, the fear of the subject looking at the blood itself can be suppressed, and problems such as blood coagulation can be avoided.

In the above-described fifth to eighth embodiments, the concentration of the specific component of the present invention is determined based on the value of the current generated by reacting the specific component of the present invention with the specific substance. The measurement has been described by exemplifying measurement of glucose concentration in blood. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other specific component that generates an electric current by reacting with a specific substance may be used.

(Ninth Embodiment) Next, a ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described.
An embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is different from the above-described sixth embodiment only in that the sample measurement device in the present embodiment relates to measuring the concentration of methamphetamine in blood as a specific component of the present invention, Otherwise, it is the same as the sixth embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, components that are not particularly described are the same as those in the sixth embodiment, and components denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the sixth embodiment are unless otherwise specified. , Have the same functions as in the sixth embodiment. Unless otherwise stated, the modifications described in the sixth embodiment are applied to the present embodiment by performing similar modifications.

FIG. 22 is a partial sectional view showing the structure of the sample measuring device according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the entire plane of the sample measurement apparatus according to the present embodiment conforms to the configuration of the entire plane of the sample measurement apparatus according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG.

The structure of the sample measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment shown in FIG. 22 is different from the structure of the sample measuring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. , 33 and the reaction layer 34, a reaction layer 35 is formed, and a light receiving section 36 and an irradiation section 37 are provided on the ceiling wall of the apparatus main body 27.

The reaction layer 35 is formed by forming a fluorescent dye and an anti-methamphetamine antibody in a powder form. When dissolved in water, the reaction layer 35 reacts to form a fluorescent dye-anti-methamphetamine antibody substance having a high fluorescence intensity. Generate However, in the presence of methamphetamine, the anti-methamphetamine antibody reacts with methamphetamine to produce methamphetamine-
It produces a substance called anti-methamphetamine antibody. Therefore, the fluorescence intensity changes according to the concentration of methamphetamine in the blood stored in the liquid reservoir 42. In this apparatus, a predetermined wavelength (for example, 640 nm) is emitted from the irradiation unit 37.
By irradiating the reaction product with a light beam, the fluorescence of a predetermined wavelength (for example, 660 nm) is excited in the reaction product, and the intensity of the fluorescence is measured by the analysis unit via the light receiving unit 36, and this is measured in the blood. Is converted to the methamphetamine concentration and displayed on the display unit.

The light receiving section 36 and the irradiating section 37 are arranged so that the light receiving section 36 can receive the fluorescence without being affected by the reflected light and transmitted light of the light beam irradiated by the irradiating section 37. .

In this embodiment, the protrusion 2
1. The exchanger 25 in which the liquid storage part 22, the bottom part 23, the exchanger side part 24, and the reaction layer 35 are integrally formed corresponds to the sample measurement container of the present invention. In addition, this exchange body 2
5, a guard 19 made of plastic or the like may be attached and removed only when necessary, as in the configuration of the modification shown in FIG.

Also in the present embodiment, the tip of the projection 21 is placed on the subject 99 for the same reason as in the first embodiment.
There is no pain sensation due to remaining inside. Also, the first
For the same reason as in the first embodiment, the pain associated with the puncturing operation given to the subject and the fear associated therewith are reduced.

Further, for the same reason as in the first embodiment, the fear of the subject looking at the blood itself can be suppressed, and problems such as blood coagulation can be avoided.

The sample measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment differs from the structure of the sample measuring apparatus according to the sixth embodiment in that electrode pairs 32 and 33 and reaction layer 34 are replaced with the same.
Although the reaction layer 35 is formed and the light receiving section 36 is installed on the ceiling wall of the apparatus main body 27, the configuration of the sample measurement apparatus according to the fifth / sixth / seventh embodiment has been described. , The electrode pairs 15, 16/54, 55/7
The components corresponding to the reaction layer 35 are formed in place of the reaction layers 4 and 75 and the reaction layers 17/56/76.
A device corresponding to the light receiving unit 36 may be provided at / 47/67. However, the light receiving section and / or
Alternatively, when there is a member disposed between the irradiation unit and the reactant, it is necessary that the member be capable of transmitting light.

In the present embodiment, the measurement of the methamphetamine concentration in blood is described as an example of measuring the concentration of the specific component of the present invention based on the value of the fluorescence intensity of the reactant of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other specific component may be used as long as the reactant has a fluorescence intensity. Further, when a specific substance whose transmittance or reflectance of the reactant of the present invention to light having a specific wavelength changes according to the concentration of the specific component of the present invention is used, as in the modification shown in FIG. , An irradiating section 37 and a light receiving section 38 or a light receiving section 39 to measure the concentration of the specific component based on the intensity of the transmitted light or the reflected light received by the light receiving section. At this time, it is necessary that the members arranged on the optical path can transmit light.

(Tenth Embodiment) Next, a tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. This embodiment is different from the above-described first embodiment in that the sample collecting apparatus according to the first embodiment includes the vibration unit according to the present invention, whereas the sample collecting apparatus according to the present embodiment includes the vibration unit according to the present invention. Is related to the provision of the projection moving means of the present invention. Therefore, in the present embodiment, components that are not particularly described are assumed to be the same as those in the first embodiment, and the components having the same names as those in the first embodiment will be the same as those in the first embodiment unless otherwise described. It has the same function as the embodiment. Unless otherwise stated, the modifications described in the first embodiment are also described.
The same modification is applied to the present embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a partial sectional view showing the structure of the sample collecting apparatus according to the tenth embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the entire plane of the sample collection apparatus according to the present embodiment conforms to the configuration of the entire plane of the sample collection apparatus according to the first embodiment shown in FIG.

In FIG. 25, a liquid storage portion 82 for storing collected blood is surrounded by an elastic bottom 83 provided with a projection 81 near the center and a side portion 84 of the exchanger.
Is formed. Projection 81, liquid reservoir 82, elastic bottom 83
And an exchange body 85 in which an exchange body side portion 84 is integrally formed.
Are detachable from the apparatus main body 87, and have a replacement mounting portion 88 having a concave portion having a shape similar to its planar shape.
It is mounted on the apparatus main body 87 by being fitted into the main body. Further, as in the first embodiment, the shapes of the exchange body 85 and the exchange body mounting portion 88 are, for example, asymmetrical as shown in FIG. 1 so that the exchange body 85 is not erroneously mounted upside down. . Below the position of the elastic bottom 83 near the center of the exchange body mounting portion 88, a contact portion 89, and an extension spring 86 with both ends connected to the device main body 87 and the contact portion 89, respectively, are arranged. Have been. The contact portion 89 and the retracting spring 86 correspond to the protrusion moving means of the present invention, and the contact portion 89 is in contact with the elastic bottom 83 as the retracting spring 86 expands and contracts. Thus, the tip of the projection 81 is inserted into the subject 99 via the elastic bottom 83, and is withdrawn after insertion. Note that FIG.
It shows a state at the time of collecting blood from (the side of the fingertip of the human body).

In FIG. 25, although the apparatus main body 87 is a cross section, hatching and the like are omitted from the illustration of the apparatus main body 87 for convenience.

The elastic bottom 83 is made of a material having a higher degree of elasticity than the exchange body side portion 84. The contact portion 89 is formed when the exchange body side portion 84 receives a downward pressure from the subject 99.
And the retracting spring 86 is moved upward by the retracting spring 86.
When the extension force of 6 is given, the exchange body side portion 84 does not move, and the elastic bottom 83 moves upward together with the projection 81,
When the extension tension of the retracting spring 86 is released, it returns to the initial position.

In the present embodiment, the projection 8
1. The exchange unit 85 in which the liquid storage unit 82, the elastic bottom 83, and the exchange unit side unit 84 are integrally formed corresponds to the sample collection container of the present invention. Note that this exchange body 85 is
As in the configuration of the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG.
A cover 18 made of paper, plastic, or the like may be attached and removed only when necessary.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the replacement body 85 is mounted on the replacement body mounting portion 88 by placing the replacement body 85 from above. Immediately after mounting, the retracting spring 86 is gripped in a compressed state by gripping means (not shown).
Are located as shown in FIG. In a state where the subject 99 (the side of the fingertip of the human body) is pressed against the exchange body side 84,
By turning on a switch (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 87, the gripping means is released, the spring 86 for extension and retraction is extended, and the contact portion 89 contacts the elastic bottom 83. In this state, the tip of the projection 81 is inserted into the subject 99. After the extension / retraction spring 86 is fully extended, or after the extension of the extension / retraction spring 86 is suppressed by the elastic bottom 83, the extension / retraction spring 86 starts to contract. Thereby, the protrusion 81
Comes out of the subject 99 and returns to the original position. The blood collected by inserting the tip of the protrusion 81 into the subject 99 is, for example, passed through the groove-shaped guideway 9 or the protrusion-shaped guideway 10 shown in FIG. From the storage unit 82 to the liquid storage unit 82.
Stored in 2. In the present embodiment, since a series of operations from puncture to specimen collection are performed in a state where a part of the specimen is pressed against the exchanger side 84, the specimen visually observes the blood itself until the specimen collection is completed. Since it does not happen, the fear caused by that can be reduced.
In addition, since there is almost no time difference from blood discharge to collection, problems such as blood coagulation can be avoided, and a sample can be collected reliably.

In this embodiment, according to the modification of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the pressure-sensitive sensor 11 corresponding to the subject detecting means of the present invention is replaced with, for example, the apparatus main body 27. In the vicinity of the opening 29 on the upper surface, the pressure sensor 11 senses the pressure of the subject 99 and outputs a sensing signal, and the gripping means is released in accordance with the sensing signal, and the spring 86 extends. It may be. Further, the mounting position of the pressure-sensitive sensor 11 is not limited to the position shown in FIG. 4, but may be any as long as it can detect that the subject 99 is on the exchanger body side portion 84. Further, the subject detecting means of the present invention is not limited to a pressure-sensitive sensor, but may be a contact sensor or the like. In short, any device that can detect the presence of the subject may be used.

The sample collecting apparatus according to the present embodiment differs from the sample collecting apparatus according to the first embodiment in that:
Although it has been described that the projection moving means of the present invention is provided instead of the vibration means of the present invention,
In the sample collection device according to the fourth embodiment or a modification thereof described in each of the embodiments, the sample collection device may include the protrusion moving unit of the present invention instead of the vibration unit of the present invention.

(Eleventh Embodiment) Next, an eleventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 26 is a partial sectional view showing the configuration of the sample measuring apparatus according to the eleventh embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the entire plane of the sample measurement device according to the present embodiment conforms to the configuration of the entire plane of the sample measurement device according to the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. The sample measurement apparatus according to the present embodiment collects blood as a sample of the present invention and measures the concentration of glucose as a specific component of the present invention for a human body (for example, a fingertip side) as a subject of the present invention. It is a device used in this case.
In this embodiment, the configuration relating to the sample collection device of the present invention is the same as the configuration of the sample collection device according to the tenth embodiment. Further, the sample measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment has a configuration in which the projection moving means of the present invention is provided instead of the vibration means of the present invention in the sample measuring apparatus of the fifth embodiment. Therefore,
In the present embodiment, components that are not particularly described are the same as those in the fifth and tenth embodiments.
Constituent members having the same reference numerals as in the zeroth embodiment have the same functions as those in the fifth and tenth embodiments unless otherwise specified. In addition, the fifth and tenth
For each modification that can be applied in the embodiment,
Unless otherwise stated, the same modification is applied to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 26, electrode pairs 90 and 91 are formed on the elastic bottom 83 so as to surround the projection 81, and these are connected to an analysis unit (not shown) in the apparatus main body 87. I have. A reaction layer 92 is formed so as to cover the electrode pairs 90 and 91. The reaction layer 92 is formed by drying glucose oxidase which reacts with glucose in blood. In the present apparatus, when blood enters the reservoir 82, it is dissolved in blood and the above reaction occurs. It has become. An exchange body 85 in which the projection 81, the liquid storage portion 82, the elastic bottom 83, the exchange body side portion 84, the electrode pairs 90 and 91, and the reaction layer 92 are integrally formed is detachable from the apparatus main body 87. It is mounted on the apparatus main body 87 by being fitted into an exchange body mounting portion 88 having a concave portion having a shape similar to a planar shape. The connection between the electrode pairs 90 and 91 and the analysis unit is also configured such that the connection is made in accordance with the detachment at the time of attachment and in a state where the spring 86 is not driven. Further, the device main body 87 is provided with a display unit (similar to the display unit 14 in FIG. 14) for displaying the measurement results. In addition, FIG.
This shows a state at the time of collecting blood from the subject 99 (the side of the fingertip of the human body).

Structures other than those described above are the same as those of the tenth embodiment shown in FIG.

In FIG. 26, the apparatus main body 87 is a cross section, but for the sake of convenience, diagonal lines and the like are omitted in the illustration of the apparatus main body 87.

In the present embodiment, the projection 8
1. An exchange body 85 in which a liquid storage portion 82, an elastic bottom 83, an exchange body side portion 84, an electrode pair 90, 91, and a reaction layer 92 are integrally formed corresponds to the sample measurement container of the present invention. The replacement body 85 may be provided with a cover 18 made of paper, plastic, or the like and removed only when necessary, as in the configuration of the modification shown in FIG.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the replacement body 85 is mounted on the replacement body mounting portion 88 by placing the replacement body 85 from above. Immediately after mounting, the retracting spring 86 is gripped in a compressed state by gripping means (not shown).
Are located as shown in FIG. In a state where the subject 99 (the side of the fingertip of the human body) is pressed against the exchange body side 84,
By turning on a switch (not shown) provided in the apparatus main body 87, the gripping means is released, the spring 86 for extension and retraction is extended, and the contact portion 89 contacts the elastic bottom 83. In this state, the tip of the projection 81 is inserted into the subject 99. After the extension / retraction spring 86 is fully extended, or after the extension of the extension / retraction spring 86 is suppressed by the elastic bottom 83, the extension / retraction spring 86 starts to contract. Thereby, the protrusion 81
Comes out of the subject 99 and returns to the original position. The blood collected by inserting the tip of the protrusion 81 into the subject 99 is, for example, passed through the groove-shaped guideway 9 or the protrusion-shaped guideway 10 shown in FIG. From the storage unit 82 to the liquid storage unit 82.
Stored in 2.

When blood is stored in the liquid reservoir 82, the reaction layer 92 dissolves in the stored blood, and glucose oxidase in the reaction layer 92 reacts with glucose in the blood. This reaction generates electrons proportional to the glucose concentration. When the blood collection is completed, a voltage is applied from the apparatus main body 87 to the electrode pairs 90 and 91. The resulting current value is measured by the analysis unit in the apparatus main body 87. Since this current value corresponds to the concentration of glucose, the analysis unit converts the current value into the concentration of glucose in blood using this correspondence, and displays it on the display unit.

In the present embodiment, for the same reason as in the tenth embodiment, a series of operations from puncturing to specimen collection are performed with a part of the subject pressed against the exchanger side 84. In addition, since the subject does not see the blood itself until the sample collection is completed, the fear of the blood can be reduced. In addition, since there is almost no time difference from blood discharge to collection, problems such as blood coagulation can be avoided, and a sample can be collected reliably.

Further, for the same reason as in the fifth embodiment, since the collection and measurement of blood are performed by the same device, there is no need for the subject to visually check the blood itself.
The fear caused thereby can be suppressed. In addition, since there is almost no time difference from the outflow of blood to the contact of the blood with the electrode for measurement, problems such as blood coagulation can be avoided.

The sample measuring apparatus according to the present embodiment is different from the sample measuring apparatus according to the fifth embodiment in that
Although the configuration has been described in which the projection moving means of the present invention is provided instead of the vibration means of the present invention, the sixth to the sixth embodiments are described.
In the sample collection device according to the ninth embodiment or a modification thereof described in each embodiment, the sample collection device may include the protrusion moving unit of the present invention instead of the vibration unit of the present invention.

In the above-described fifth to ninth and eleventh embodiments, the measuring means of the present invention is based on the value of the current generated by reacting the specific component of the present invention with the specific substance. Or as a method for measuring the concentration of the specific component of the present invention based on the value of the fluorescence intensity of the reactant of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may measure the concentration. In short, what is necessary is just to measure the concentration of the specific component in the specimen stored in the liquid storage unit.

Further, the sample measuring apparatuses in the above-described fifth to ninth and eleventh embodiments have been described as including the display means of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the display means, Recording means for recording the measurement result may be provided.

In the first to eleventh embodiments described above, the subject and the sample of the present invention will be described by taking as an example the case where blood is collected as a sample from the side of the fingertip of the human body as the subject. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the subject may be each part of a human body, each part of another living thing, or each part other than a living thing having a sample inside. The specimen may be any liquid as long as it is in these specimens. Depending on the subject and the sample,
A predetermined amplitude and a predetermined frequency at which the protrusion of the present invention is repeatedly inserted into and removed from the subject may be adjusted.

In the fifth to eighth and eleventh embodiments, the concentration of the specific component of the present invention is determined based on the value of the current generated by reacting the specific component of the present invention with the specific substance. Although the measurement of glucose concentration in blood has been described as an example of measuring, the present invention is not limited to this, and any other specific component may be used as long as a current is generated by reacting with a specific substance. .

In the above-described first to eleventh embodiments, the sample collection container and the sample measurement container of the present invention have a flat plate-shaped main body having projections protruding from the main surface thereof. Although described as an example, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 27, a configuration may be adopted in which the container body 95 is formed in a card shape and the protrusions 96 are arranged at the ends. In this case, the liquid storage section and the like are a card-shaped container body 95.
Built in. In the case of using a container as shown in FIG. 27, the vibration means of the present invention or the projection moving means of the present invention needs to be configured to vibrate or move the projection 96 in the direction of the arrow in the figure. As shown in FIG. 27, a guard 97 made of plastic or the like may be attached and removed only when necessary.

Further, in the first to eleventh embodiments described above, the description has been given mainly of the sample collecting apparatus and the sample measuring apparatus of the present invention. To the ninth embodiment.

[0160]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention according to claim 1 can provide a sample collecting method which can reduce pain and fear to a living body and can collect a sample without fail. In addition, the present invention according to claims 2 to 17 can provide a sample collecting apparatus capable of reducing pain and / or fear given to a living body and reliably collecting a sample. In addition, the present invention according to claims 18 and 19 can provide a sample collection container that can reduce pain and / or fear to a living body and can reliably collect a sample.

Further, according to the present invention, the pain and fear of the subject can be reduced, and the sample can be collected without fail.
A sample measurement method capable of measurement can be provided. Further, the present invention according to claims 21 to 28 can reduce the pain and / or fear given to the subject, and reliably collect the sample,
A sample measurement device capable of measurement can be provided. Further, the present invention according to claims 29 to 32 can provide a sample measurement container that can reduce pain and / or fear given to a living body and can reliably collect a sample.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall plan view of a sample collection device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. 1) illustrating the configuration of the sample collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a shape of a protrusion of the sample collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a modification of the sample collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a modified example of the sample collection device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an overall plan view of a sample collection device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ in FIG. 6) illustrating the configuration of the sample collection device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sample collection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sample collection device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sample collection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sample collection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are a front view and a cross-sectional view illustrating a shape example of a protrusion of a sample collection device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a front view and a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the shape of the protrusion of the sample collection device according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an overall plan view of a sample measurement device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. 14) illustrating the configuration of the sample measurement device according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is an overall plan view of a sample measurement device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a partial cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the line BB ′ in FIG. 16) illustrating the configuration of the sample measurement device according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sample measurement device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sample measurement device according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sample measurement device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sample measurement device according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sample measurement device according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a modified example of the sample collection container according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a modified example of the sample collection container according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sample collection device according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a sample measurement device according to an eleventh embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the sample collection container or the sample measurement container in the first to eleventh embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 28 is a plan view showing a conventional sample measurement device (blood sugar measurement device).

FIG. 29 is a plan view showing a measurement electrode unit used in a conventional sample measurement device (blood glucose measurement device).

FIG. 30 is a schematic sectional view showing the configuration of a conventional puncture device.

[Explanation of symbols]

1, 21, 41, 61, 81, 96 Projection 2, 22, 42, 62, 82 Liquid storage part 3, 83 Elastic bottom 4, 24, 44, 64, 84 Exchanger side part 5, 25, 45, 65, 85 Exchanger 6, 26, 46, 66 Piezoelectric vibrator 7, 27, 47, 67, 87 Apparatus main body 8, 28, 88 Exchanger mount 9 Groove guideway 10 Projection guideway 11 Pressure sensitive sensor 12 Flange 13 Holding section 14, 31 Display section 15, 16, 32, 33, 54, 55, 74, 75, 9
0, 91 Electrode pair 17, 34, 35, 56, 76, 92 Reaction layer 18 Cover 19, 97 Guard 23, 43, 63 Bottom 29, 49, 69 Opening 30 Asymmetrical section 36 Light receiving section 37 Irradiating section 50, 70 Mount 51 , 71 Magnetic body 52, 72 Electromagnet 53, 73 Spring 86 Retraction spring 89 Contact part 95 Container main body 99 Subject 101 Device main body 102 Measurement electrode part 103 Display part 104 Electrode insertion port 105 Substrate 106 Cover 107 Spacer 108 Space Part 109, 110 Electrode pair 111, 112 Lead 113, 114 Wiring 115 Reaction layer 116 Projection 201 Puncturing needle 202 Lancet 203 Lancet holder 204 Retraction spring 205 Tip of lancet holder 206 Hole for puncture needle

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) G01N 27/00 G01N 27/00 (72) Inventor Hiroshi Nakayama 1006 Kazuma Kadoma, Kadoma City, Osaka Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Company F term (reference) 2G060 AA07 AA20 AC10 AD06 AE17 AE40 AF03 AG03 HE03 KA10 4C038 KK10 KL01 KM00 KX02 KY00 TA02 UE03 UE10

Claims (32)

[Claims] 1. A sample collection method for collecting a sample in a subject by inserting a tip of the protrusion into the subject, wherein at least a tip of the protrusion is vibrated at a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined frequency. And / or rotating and bringing the subject into contact with the subject. 2. A protrusion for collecting a sample in the subject by inserting the tip into the subject, a liquid reservoir for storing the sample collected by the protrusion, and at least the protrusion Vibrating means for vibrating and / or rotating the tip of the projection with a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined frequency, wherein the tip of the projection comes into contact with the subject while being vibrated by the vibration means. Sample collection device. 3. The vibrating means includes: a tip of the protrusion;
The sample collection device according to claim 2, wherein the sample collection device is vibrated in the insertion direction and / or vibrated in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, and / or rotated about the insertion direction as a rotation axis. 4. The sample collection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the projection has a guide path for guiding the sample from the tip to the liquid storage part by capillary action. 5. When the vibrating means vibrates the tip of the projection in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, the tip of the projection has a vibration direction in a blade length direction and extends along the blade length direction. The sample collecting apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cutting edge is machined so as to form an arc. 6. The sample collection apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the vibration unit automatically stops after a predetermined time has elapsed from the start of driving. 7. The sample collection apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the vibration unit stops in a state where a tip of the protrusion is not inserted into the subject. 8. An object detection device for detecting the presence of the object, wherein the vibration unit starts driving on condition that the object is detected by the object detection unit. The sample collection device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein 9. A moving means for moving a tip of the protrusion from an initial position to a position near the surface of the subject at the time of sample collection and returning the tip to the initial position after sample collection is completed. 6. The sample collection device according to any one of 5. 10. The projection means, which starts driving before the tip of the projection moved by the movement means comes into contact with the surface of the subject, and returns to the initial position by the movement means. 10. The sample collection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the driving is stopped at the same time as or after the tip of the sample comes into contact with the surface of the subject. 11. A subject detecting means for detecting the presence of the subject, provided that the subject is detected by the subject detecting means, the moving means includes a tip of the protrusion. The sample collection apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the movement is started. 12. The sample collection device according to claim 2, wherein the vibration unit vibrates the protrusion using a piezoelectric vibrator. 13. A projection for causing a sample in the subject to spring out of the subject by inserting the tip into the subject, a liquid reservoir for storing the sample welled out by the projection, and A specimen collecting apparatus, comprising: a projection moving means for inserting a tip of the projection into the subject, and extracting the projection after the insertion. 14. An object detecting device for detecting the presence of the object, provided that the object is detected by the object detecting means, 14. The sample collection device according to claim 13, wherein insertion of the tip into the subject is started. 15. The sample collection device according to claim 8, wherein the object detection unit is a pressure-sensitive sensor. 16. The sample collection device according to claim 2, wherein the projection and the liquid storage portion are integrally formed and can be detached from the device main body. 17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein said integrally formed projections and said liquid storage section are asymmetric so that said projections and said liquid storage section are not attached to said apparatus body in a front-back or upside-down manner. A sample collection device according to claim 1. 18. A projection that causes a tip to be inserted into a subject to collect a sample in the subject, or that causes a sample in the subject to spring out of the subject, A reservoir for storing the sample collected or spurted out by the protrusions. 19. The sample collection container according to claim 18, wherein the shape of the container body is asymmetric. 20. A sample measurement method for collecting a sample in the subject by inserting a tip of the protrusion into the subject, and measuring a concentration of a specific component in the collected sample. A method of measuring the specimen by contacting the specimen while vibrating and / or rotating the tip of the projection at an amplitude and a predetermined frequency. 21. A sample collecting apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising: a measuring unit configured to measure a concentration of a specific component in the sample stored in the liquid storage unit. Sample measurement device. 22. The sample measuring apparatus according to claim 21, further comprising display means for displaying a measurement result of the concentration of the specific component by the measuring means. 23. The sample measuring apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said display means displays the completion of the measurement. 24. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the measuring means measures the concentration of the specific component based on a value of a current generated by reacting the specific component with a specific substance. 24. The sample measurement device according to any one of items 23 to 23. 25. The measuring means has an electrode part provided in the liquid storage part, and the electrode part is integrally formed with at least the protrusion and the liquid storage part, and is detachable from the apparatus main body. 25. The sample measuring device according to claim 24, wherein 26. The apparatus according to claim 21, wherein the measuring means measures the concentration of the specific component based on a value of a fluorescence intensity of a reaction product of the specific component and the specific substance. The sample measurement device according to any one of the above. 27. The measurement means, comprising: an irradiating unit that irradiates the reactant with a light beam of a predetermined wavelength to excite the reactant with fluorescence; and a light receiving unit that receives the fluorescence. 27. The sample measurement apparatus according to claim 26, wherein a member disposed between a light receiving unit and / or the irradiation unit and the reactant is capable of transmitting light. 28. The storage medium according to claim 24, wherein the specific substance is stored in the storage portion in advance, and the specific component and the specific substance react in the storage portion.
The sample measurement device according to any one of the above. 29. The sample collection container according to claim 18 or 19, and a specific component in the sample stored in the storage portion of the sample collection container in advance and stored in the storage portion. And a specific substance used for measuring the concentration of the specific component by reacting with the sample. 30. The specific substance generates an electric current by reacting with the specific component, and has an electrode part for measuring the electric current in the liquid storage part. 30. The sample measurement container according to 29. 31. The sample measuring container according to claim 29, wherein the specific substance generates fluorescence by reacting with the specific component. 32. A light transmission unit for transmitting light radiated from the outside to the liquid storage unit to the liquid storage unit and / or transmitting fluorescent light generated from the liquid storage unit to the outside. 32. The sample measurement container according to claim 31, wherein