JPH09266889A - Body fluid analyzer - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily and quickly analyze body fluids by needling a finger, taking out body fluids by pressing the finger by a cuff, determining a measured value by converting necessary information into an electric signal from the obtained body fluids, and displaying it on a display unit. SOLUTION: A body fluid analyzer 1 has a rectangular casing 11, and a fastening part 2, a needling part 3, a display unit 4 and a needling switch 53 are arranged in its casing 11. The fastening part 2 is formed in a cylindrical shape so that a finger can be inserted into it, and a cuff 21 to press the finger is arranged inside the fastening part 2. When the needling switch 53 is turned on, a solenoid is driven, and a needling edge 71 projects from a base body 7 through an arm member. The projected needling edge 71 returns to a former position by the action of a leaf spring 74 after wounding the skin of a fingertip. Squeezed-out body fluids contact with an electrode, and information on the body fluids is sent to a computer as an electric signal, and operation is started. A measured value is determined, and is displayed on a display unit.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a body fluid analyzer capable of analyzing a substance to be detected contained in body fluid such as blood glucose level and measuring heart rate and / or blood pressure, and particularly The present invention relates to a body fluid analyzer capable of automatically and continuously performing the above process.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, when measuring a blood glucose level or the like, a puncture device (lancet) is used to scratch a finger, upper arm, abdomen, buttocks or the like, and blood drops are squeezed out from the wound and taken out from the packaging material. This is done by attaching the blood droplets to the electrodes attached to the sensor.

However, it is very troublesome to squeeze out the necessary amount of blood drop for measurement, and if the puncture device and the sensor are separated, the operation required by the measurer to perform a series of steps. However, there is a problem that the measurement is complicated. Further, these devices have no means for measuring the heart rate and the blood pressure value, and the other devices have to measure the heart rate and the blood pressure value.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a convenient body fluid analyzer capable of automatically and continuously performing a series of steps required for measuring heart rate and / or blood pressure and analyzing body fluid. Is to provide.

[0005]

As a result of earnest research in view of the above problems, the inventors of the present invention have found that the puncturing means, a compression band (cuff) for ejecting body fluid from a punctured finger and its pressurizing means, and the pressure of the cuff. Sensor, a means to determine the heart rate and blood pressure value from the signal from the sensor, a means to convert information about the bodily fluid that has exuded into an electrical signal, a means to determine the measurement value by the electrical signal, the determined heart rate・ Measurement by storing a display device that displays blood pressure and measured values related to body fluid in one device and controlling it with a computer
The inventors have found that a series of steps required for analysis can be automatically and continuously performed, and heart rate and blood pressure values can be measured and bodily fluids can be easily and quickly analyzed, and the present invention has been completed.

That is, according to the present invention, puncturing means for puncturing a finger, a compression band (cuff) for compressing the finger, pressurizing means for supplying air to the cuff, and air for the cuff are exhausted. Exhaust means, a sensor for detecting the pressure of the cuff,
A means for determining a heart rate and / or a blood pressure value by a signal from the sensor; a means for converting information about the body fluid discharged from the finger into an electric signal; a means for determining a measured value for the body fluid by the electric signal; A body fluid analyzer having a display for displaying the determined heart rate and / or blood pressure value and the measured value relating to body fluid.

[0007]

Operation: Puncture means for puncturing a finger, cuff for compressing the finger, pressurizing means for supplying air to the cuff, exhaust means for exhausting air from the cuff, and pressure detection for the cuff Sensor, a means for determining a heart rate and / or a blood pressure value based on a signal from the sensor, a means for converting information about body fluid discharged from a finger into an electric signal, and a means for determining a measured value by the electric signal. According to the body fluid analyzer of the present invention having the indicator for displaying the determined measurement value, the finger is squeezed by the cuff, and the cuff pressure detected by the sensor and the pressure fluctuation (pulse wave) detected by the sensor while exhausting at a slow speed. After determining the heart rate and / or blood pressure value and showing it on the display,
Puncture a finger, press the finger with a cuff that pressurizes it to release body fluid, and after discharging, loosen the cuff by exhausting and release the finger, and convert the necessary information from the obtained body fluid into an electrical signal Since the measured value can be determined and displayed on the display, the series of steps required for measurement and analysis can be performed automatically and continuously, and the measurement of heart rate and / or blood pressure and the analysis of body fluid can be performed. Can be performed simply and quickly.

[0008]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, the body fluid in the present invention refers to a liquid that can be discharged from a living body by puncturing, such as blood or intercellular exudate.

A perspective view of a body fluid analyzer according to an example of the present invention is shown in FIG. The body fluid analyzer 1 has a rectangular casing 11, and the casing 11 has a tightening portion 2, a puncturing portion 3, an indicator 4, a main switch 51, a start switch 52, and a puncturing switch. 53 and are provided.

The tightening portion 2 has a cylindrical shape so that a finger can be inserted therein. A cuff (compression band) 21 for pressing a finger is provided inside the tightening portion 2. This cuff 21
The finger can be pressed and released by utilizing the injection and exhaust of air by a cuff drive device (not shown). The cuff driving device includes a sensor (pressure sensor) that detects the pressure of the cuff 21, a solenoid valve, a pump, and a leak valve, and these communicate with the cuff 21 through a rubber tube. The cuff driving device is controlled by a computer (not shown) provided inside the body fluid analyzer 1.

The puncture section 3 has a sleeve 6 and a plate-like base 7 housed in the sleeve 6 as shown in FIG. A puncture blade 71 is provided on one side of the base body 7 so as to be able to move forward and backward (see FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b)), and an electrode tip 72 is installed on the other side. Electrode leads 73a and 73b are connected to the terminal portion of the electrode chip 72.
Are provided (see FIG. 3 (c)). Further, leaf springs 74 are installed on both sides of the front side of the base body 7, and the protruding puncture blade
The 71 can be retracted to its initial position. A perspective view of the base 7 and the puncture blade 71 seen from the rear is shown in FIG. 3 (d).

The puncture blade 71 is provided in consideration of hygiene safety.
It is preferable to use one made of stainless steel,
Commercially available, such as Blo from Feather Safety Razor
od Lancets can be used. Electrode tip 72
An enzyme ink (not shown) is applied to one of the electrodes of the above. Various types of enzyme inks can be selected according to the substance to be detected in the body fluid. For example, when measuring a blood glucose level, an ink composition containing glucose oxidase or the like can be used.

Substrate 7 having piercing blade 71 and electrode tip 72
If the sleeve 6 accommodating the above is made into a cartridge type that can be detached from the body fluid analyzer 1, they can be disposable, which is very advantageous in hygiene.

The puncture blade 71 is advanced by driving a puncture blade driving device (a solenoid in this embodiment) 9 (see FIG. 2) via the arm member 8. The solenoid 9 is driven by turning on the puncture switch 53. The forward end of the puncturing blade 71 protrudes from the base 7 and reaches a position ahead of the electrode tip 72. The amount of protrusion of the puncture blade 71 from the electrode tip 72 can be set such that the finger can be punctured and drained while the finger is mounted on the body fluid analyzer 1, and the discharged body fluid contacts the electrode tip 72. What is necessary is to set so that it may be obtained. The protruding puncture blade 71 is retracted to the initial position by the action of the leaf spring 74 provided on the base 7. In this embodiment, the solenoid is used as a method for driving the puncture blade. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the puncture blade can be driven by various methods.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the body fluid analyzer. In this body fluid analyzer, the cuff
Numeral 21 communicates with a pressure sensor, an electromagnetic valve, a pump, and a leak valve by a rubber tube, and these constitute an air pressure system. The operation of each member in the body fluid analyzer is controlled by a computer. The computer has a function of turning on / off the solenoid valve, the leak valve and the pump, a function of capturing a signal detected by the pressure sensor, and a signal from the pressure sensor to calculate a heart rate and / or a blood pressure value (maximum blood pressure value). And a minimum blood pressure value), a function of operating a solenoid, a function of capturing an electric signal from an electrode, a function of calculating an electric signal to determine a measurement value relating to body fluid, and a determined heart rate and / or Alternatively, it has a function of outputting a blood pressure value and a measurement value concerning body fluid to a display.

This computer is initialized by turning on the main switch 51, and drives the pump by turning on the start switch 52. Information on the pressure of the cuff 21 detected by the pressure sensor is taken in, or the pump is turned off after a lapse of a predetermined time since the pump was turned on, and the leak valve is opened. The signal from the pressure sensor at this time is taken in, the heart rate and / or the blood pressure value is determined, and the determined value is output to the display 4. Also, the puncture switch 53
Is turned on to drive the solenoid 9, and the pump is driven after a predetermined time. A command to turn off the pump and open the solenoid valve and the leak valve when the pressure of the cuff 21 detected by the pressure sensor or the information that the body fluid has come into contact with the electrode is acquired, or when a predetermined time has elapsed since the pump was turned on. Give out. The electric signal from the electrode is also taken in by the computer, and the measured value of the body fluid determined by the computer is output to the display 4.

Note that this circuit is merely an example. For example, when the blood pressure value is not measured and only the heart rate is measured and the body fluid is analyzed, the leak valve may be omitted. The main switch 51 may be provided with the function of the start switch 52 without providing the start switch 52.
Without providing 53, the heart rate / blood pressure value may be displayed on the display unit 4 and then programmed to automatically drive the solenoid 9 and the pump.

An example of the detailed operation of the body fluid analyzer in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. The present embodiment is an example of the case where both the heart rate and the blood pressure value are measured. Before starting the measurement, the measurer inserts his finger into the cuff. The finger may be any finger and may be a finger on either the left or right hand. When the main switch is turned on, the system is initialized, such as clearing the memory in the computer.

Next, the measurer turns on the start switch. When the start switch is turned on, the pump is driven (step 1) and the cuff is inflated so that the heart rate and blood pressure can be measured. To judge when turning off the pump,
There are two ways. First, when the apparent blood pressure reaches a predetermined value (p) due to the pressure of the cuff, for example, the determination is YES (FIG. 5: step 2). The apparent blood pressure is a transient blood pressure value displayed by the pressure sensor in the process of pressing the finger with the cuff, and is different from the blood pressure value to be measured. That is, an apparent blood pressure that directly reflects the cuff pressure can be detected by the pressure sensor. The value of p is preferably about 180 mmHg,
If you have hypertension, you may pressurize up to 220 mmHg. Secondly, if a predetermined time (T) has elapsed since the pump was turned on, the determination is YES (FIG. 6: step 2 ′). The value of T is preferably about 1 to 20 seconds, most preferably about 8 seconds.

When the pump is turned off (step 3), the leak valve is opened and the slow speed exhaust is started (step 4). During this time, the signal obtained from the pressure sensor is taken into the computer (step 5), and the heart rate and blood pressure value (maximum blood pressure value and minimum blood pressure value) are calculated and determined (step 6).
The heart rate can be determined by detecting the pressure fluctuation (pulse wave) generated in the cuff with a pressure sensor and measuring the number of times of pressure fluctuation in a predetermined time. In addition, the systolic blood pressure value detects that a pressure fluctuation (pulse wave) has occurred in the cuff by the pressure sensor after the start of the slow speed exhaust,
It can be determined by detecting the pressure of the cuff at that time, and the minimum blood pressure value can be determined by detecting the disappearance of the pulse wave by the pressure sensor and detecting the pressure of the cuff at that time. You can After the heart rate and the blood pressure value are determined, those values are displayed on the display (step 7). When the minimum blood pressure value is determined, the leak valve is closed and the slow speed exhaust is stopped (step 8).

Next, the measurer turns on the puncture switch. When the puncture switch is turned on, the solenoid is driven and the puncture blade projects from the base body via the arm member (step 9). The protruding puncture blade returns to its original position by the action of the leaf spring after injuring the skin of the fingertip.

In the present embodiment, the cuff is pressurized in the previous step (steps 1 to 3), and since the finger is kept pressed at the minimum blood pressure value after the slow speed exhaustion, the finger is stabilized and secured. It can be punctured with a proper depth. However, even in this case, if the fixation of the finger is insufficient, the steps similar to steps 1 to 3 may be provided again to press the cuff to fix the finger. When such a pressurizing step is provided, it is preferable to pressurize so that the apparent blood pressure value, which reflects the pressure of the cuff, is about 180 mmHg.

After the puncture blade is projected, the pump is driven (step 10) to pressurize the cuff. The cuff squeezes a finger and squeezes body fluids from the damaged skin. There are three methods for determining when turning off the pump. First, the apparent blood pressure is a predetermined value (P) due to the pressure of the cuff, for example.
When it reaches, the judgment is YES (Fig. 5: Step 1
1). The value of P is preferably 120 mmHg or more, and about 180 mmHg can obtain the most appropriate amount of liquid. According to the first method, the upper limit of the cuff pressure can be determined regardless of the thickness of the measurer's finger, and the body fluid can be squeezed out without giving the measurer an excessive feeling of pressure.

Second, if a predetermined time (T ') has elapsed after the pump was turned on, the determination is YES (FIG. 7: step 11'). The value of T ′ is preferably about 5 to 60 seconds, and about 20 seconds can obtain the most suitable amount of exudation. Thirdly, if the squeezed body fluid comes into contact with the electrodes, the judgment Y
ES (FIG. 8: Step 11 ″). According to the third method, a necessary and sufficient amount of body fluid can be secured, and unnecessary pressure on the finger is prevented.

When the driving of the pump is stopped according to the judgment by any one of the above first to third methods (FIG. 5: step
12) Immediately open the solenoid valve and the leak valve, and quickly exhaust the air in the cuff (step 13). Although only one valve may be opened, the air in the cuff can be quickly exhausted by using the electromagnetic valve and the leak valve together, and the finger of the measurer can be released from the compressed state.

The squeezed body fluid comes into contact with the electrodes on the electrode tip, information about the body fluid is sent to the computer as an electric signal, and calculation is started (step 14). When t time has elapsed from the start of the calculation (step 15), the calculation ends (step 16). Since a certain time is required for the measured value to stabilize, the value of t greatly depends on the performance of the electrode, but generally requires about 5 to 60 seconds. When the measured value is determined by calculation by the computer, the measured value is displayed on the display (step 17).

The operation of the body fluid analyzer in the case of measuring both the heart rate and the blood pressure value has been described above, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, only one of the heart rate and the blood pressure value is measured. Alternatively, after the main switch is turned on, the puncture switch is turned on immediately and only the body fluid may be analyzed. In the measurement of the heart rate / blood pressure value and the analysis of the body fluid, it is preferable to measure the heart rate / blood pressure value first. This is because if the body fluid is analyzed first, the body fluid may leak from the punctured site when the heart rate and blood pressure are measured.

When only measuring the blood pressure value and analyzing the body fluid without measuring the heart rate, the flow charts similar to those in FIGS. 5 to 8 may be followed, but the blood pressure value is not measured and the heart rate is measured. When only the analysis of blood and body fluid is performed, it is desirable to perform the analysis according to the flowcharts shown in FIGS.
This will be described below.

The measurer inserts his / her finger in the cuff, turns on the main switch, and then turns on the start switch. When the start switch is turned on, the pump is driven (step 1) and the cuff is inflated to the extent that the heart rate can be measured. There are two methods for determining when turning off the pump.
First, when the apparent blood pressure reaches a predetermined value (p) due to the pressure of the cuff, for example, the determination is YES (FIG. 9:
Step 2). The value of p is preferably about 50 to 280 mmHg, and more preferably about 100 to 180 mmHg. Secondly, if a predetermined time (T) has elapsed since the pump was turned on, the determination is YES (FIG. 10: step 2 ′). The value of T is 1
About 20 seconds is desirable, and about 8 seconds is most desirable.

When the pump is turned off (step 3),
The pulse wave data detected by the pressure sensor is loaded into the computer (step 4), and the heart rate is calculated / determined (step 5). The heart rate can be determined by detecting it with a pressure sensor and measuring the number of pressure fluctuations in a predetermined time, but the measurement time is preferably about 5 to 60 seconds, and particularly about 10 to 30 seconds. desirable. In this flow, since the slow exhaustion step is not required, the body fluid analyzer may not have the leak valve in this case. After the heart rate is determined, those values are displayed on the display (step 6). After that, the body fluid is analyzed, but after the puncturing step, it can be performed according to the same flowcharts as in FIGS. 5 and 7 to 8.

According to the body fluid analyzer of the present invention described above, a series of operation steps can be reduced, and the examination of heart rate, blood pressure value and body fluid can be completed very easily. Further, the device is a puncturing means, a pressurizing means, a means for determining a heart rate / blood pressure value, a means for converting information about body fluid into an electric signal, a means for determining a measured value for body fluid, and a heart rate / blood pressure value and body fluid. Since it is equipped with all the indicators for displaying the measured values regarding, the general user does not need any skill, and can be used easily and quickly. Further, in the body fluid analyzer of the present invention, by changing the type of the enzyme ink used, not only the blood sugar level but also various substances in the body fluid can be analyzed.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the drawings, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention.
For example, the device may be applied not only to the finger but also to the wrist, the arm and the like. It is also possible to install a voice guide for the blind and to change the system to a series of systems until listening to the measurement results with a single switch.

[0033]

According to the apparatus of the present invention, a series of steps required for measurement can be automatically and continuously carried out, and measurement of heart rate and / or blood pressure and analysis of body fluid can be carried out easily and quickly. It can be carried out.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a body fluid analyzer of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a sleeve, a base, a puncture blade, and a puncture blade driving device (solenoid) in the body fluid analyzer of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a base, a puncture blade, and an electrode tip in the body fluid analyzer of the present invention. (a) is a view seen from the puncture blade side, (b) is a view showing a state where the puncture blade is protruding, (c) is a view seen from the electrode tip installation side, and (d) is a rear view. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration of the body fluid analyzer of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the body fluid analyzer of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of step 2 in the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another example of step 11 in the flowchart of FIG.

8 is a diagram showing another example of step 11 in the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing another example of the operation of the body fluid analyzer of the present invention.

10 is a diagram showing another example of step 2 in the flowchart of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Body fluid analyzer 11 ... Casing 2 ... Tightening part 21 ... Cuff 3 ... Puncture part 4 ... Indicator 51 ... Main switch 52 ... Start switch 53 ... Puncture switch 6 ... Sleeve 7 ... Base 71 ... Puncture blade 72 ... Electrode tip 73a , 73b ... Electrode lead 74 ... Leaf spring 8 ... Arm member 9 ... Solenoid

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A puncture means for puncturing a finger, a compression band for compressing the finger, a pressurizing means for supplying air to the compression band, an exhaust means for exhausting air from the compression band, and A sensor for detecting the pressure of the compression band, a means for determining the heart rate based on the signal from the sensor, a means for converting information about the body fluid discharged from the finger into an electric signal, and a measurement value for the body fluid by the electric signal A body fluid analyzer having means for determining and a display for displaying measured values regarding the determined heart rate and body fluid. 2. A puncturing means for puncturing a finger, a compression band for compressing the finger, a pressurizing means for supplying air to the compression band, an exhaust means for exhausting air from the compression band, and A sensor for detecting the pressure of the compression band, a means for determining a blood pressure value by a signal from the sensor, a means for converting information about body fluid discharged from a finger into an electric signal, and a measured value for body fluid by the electric signal. A body fluid analyzer having a means for determining and a display for displaying the determined blood pressure value and measured value relating to body fluid. 3. A puncture means for puncturing a finger, a compression band for compressing the finger, a pressurizing means for supplying air to the compression band, an exhaust means for exhausting air from the compression band, and A sensor for detecting the pressure of the compression band, a means for determining a heart rate and a blood pressure value by a signal from the sensor, a means for converting information about body fluid discharged from a finger into an electric signal,
A body fluid analyzer comprising: a means for determining a measurement value for body fluid based on the electrical signal; and a display for displaying the determined heart rate, blood pressure value, and measurement value for body fluid.