JP2003185666A - Measuring apparatus for liquid sample - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent dirt from entering an apparatus body from a specimen, and to improve maintenance and sanitary conditions in the apparatus body. <P>SOLUTION: A removable cover 18 is inserted and fixed to an apparatus body 4 in advance, and an immune chromatography specimen 1 where a liquid sample is added is inserted into an insertion section 19 of the cover for measurement. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a liquid sample measuring apparatus for measuring immunochromatographic test strips and the like, and more particularly to a liquid sample measuring apparatus capable of improving maintenance and hygiene of the apparatus body. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art A conventional apparatus for measuring immunochromatographic test strips will be described below. FIG. 5 (a) is a schematic view of a conventional apparatus for measuring immunochromatographic test strips, and FIG. 5 (b) is a diagram for explaining the measurement principle of a conventional apparatus for measuring immunochromatographic test strips. is there.

In FIG. 5 (a), an immunochromatographic test strip 101 utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction is provided with a supply section 102 for adding a liquid sample, and an analysis target contained in the liquid sample flowing due to permeation of the liquid sample. The detection unit 1 includes a detection unit 103 for binding and immobilizing a labeling reagent having a substance that specifically binds to an object.
The concentration of the analyte in the liquid sample can be determined by measuring the amount of the labeling reagent immobilized on 03. The immunochromatographic test strip 101 to which the liquid sample has been added is inserted into the insertion portion of the device body 104, and the lid 105 of the device body is closed, and then the concentration of the analyte is measured. The measurement result is displayed on the display screen of the device main body 104,
The immunochromatographic test strip 101 for which the measurement has been completed is taken out from the apparatus main body 104 and discarded.

The inside of the apparatus main body 104 has a schematic structure shown in FIG. Immunochromatographic test strip 1
The detection light of No. 01 is irradiated with the measurement light, and the irradiated light is scattered by the labeling reagent immobilized on the detection light 103.
Light receiving element 106 for detecting light transmitted through this scattered state
It is measured by the detection means of either a or the light receiving element 106b which detects the reflected light. Then, since the amount of the labeling reagent can be known from this scattering state, the concentration of the analyte in the liquid sample can be obtained. An apparatus for measuring such a conventional immunochromatographic test strip is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-104228.

[0005]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional liquid sample measuring device, since the immunochromatographic test strip is directly attached to the device main body for measurement, it is attached to the immunochromatographic test strip. In some cases, the liquid sample thus made contaminates the apparatus body. Also, since the device body is equipped with optical components, dirt on the liquid sample may adhere to the optical parts and cause erroneous measurement, and if the liquid sample is urine or blood, the adhered dirt may cause May give off a strange odor. Therefore, in the conventional device, the body was wiped off after the measurement was completed, but it is very troublesome to clean the optical parts so as not to damage the optical parts, and it is difficult to completely clean it. There was a problem.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a measuring apparatus for a liquid sample, which can improve the maintenance and hygiene of the apparatus body.

[0007]

In order to solve this problem, the liquid sample measuring device according to claim 1 of the present invention comprises:
A liquid having a test strip insertion part into which a test strip added with a liquid sample is inserted, the test strip is processed by an optical or electrical means, and the concentration of a detection substance contained in the liquid sample is measured. In the sample measuring device, the test piece insertion part includes a housing part that carries the test piece so as to be separated from the measuring device body, and the housing part is detachable from the measuring device body. It is characterized by that.

A liquid sample measuring device according to a second aspect of the present invention is the liquid sample measuring device according to the first aspect, wherein the casing is made of a water-repellent or antibacterial-treated material. It is characterized by being configured.

A liquid sample measuring device according to a third aspect of the present invention is the liquid sample measuring device according to the first aspect, characterized in that the housing portion is provided with a handle. is there.

A liquid sample measuring device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the liquid sample measuring device according to the first aspect, wherein the housing portion is a light for measuring the concentration of the detection substance. It is characterized in that it has a light-transmitting portion for passing through.

A liquid sample measuring device according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the liquid sample measuring device according to the fourth aspect, wherein the light-transmitting portion is made of a resin provided in the housing portion. It is characterized by being a transparent window made of glass.

The liquid sample measuring device according to claim 6 of the present invention is the liquid sample measuring device according to claim 4, wherein it is confirmed that the test piece is inserted into the casing. It is characterized by being equipped with a confirmation window.

A liquid sample measuring device according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the liquid sample measuring device according to the first aspect, characterized in that the housing portion has a recess on the inner bottom surface thereof. It is what

A liquid sample measuring device according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the liquid sample measuring device according to the seventh aspect, characterized in that the recess is provided with an absorbent for absorbing the liquid. It is a thing.

A liquid sample measuring device according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the liquid sample measuring device according to the eighth aspect, wherein the absorbent is taken out of the recess and replaced with a new absorbent. It is characterized by being possible.

[0016]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. (Embodiment 1) Hereinafter, a liquid sample measuring device corresponding to the invention described in claims 1 to 5 of the present invention will be described as Embodiment 1 with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an optical part of an apparatus for measuring an immunochromatographic test strip according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, an immunochromatographic test strip (hereinafter referred to as a test strip) 1 is a supply unit 2 to which a liquid sample is added, and an analyte contained in the flowing liquid sample due to permeation of the liquid sample. The detection unit 3 is configured to bind and immobilize a labeling reagent having a substance that specifically binds to the labeling reagent. Further, 7 is a semiconductor laser serving as a light source, 8 is a collimating lens for converting the beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 7 into a parallel beam, 9 is a polarization beam splitter for polarizing the beam passing through the opening 10, and 11 is a reference beam 12 First photodiode for monitoring light, 13
Is the test piece 1 that reflects the beam that has passed through the polarization beam splitter 9.
It is a cylindrical lens that leads to. Reference numeral 14 is a second photodiode that receives scattered light 15 from the test piece 1.

The operation of the liquid sample measuring device configured as described above will be described. In FIG. 1, the beam emitted from the semiconductor laser 7 is a collimating lens 8
A parallel beam is obtained via. The wavelength of the semiconductor laser 7 is 6
Use 35 nm. This wavelength condition is such that a sufficient difference in absorbance between the gold colloid of the labeling reagent and the blood (erythrocyte) of the sample can be obtained, and the absorbance sensitivity of the gold colloid can be sufficiently obtained. It was decided based on the reasons such as being present. Then, the parallel beam obtained by the collimating lens 8 is reflected by the opening 10
It is incident on the polarization beam splitter 9 via (φ3 mm). The polarization beam splitter 9 is used to effectively use the light by utilizing the polarization characteristics of the laser. The beam reflected (split) by the polarization beam splitter 9 is received by the first photodiode 11 as reference light 12. On the other hand, the beam transmitted through the polarization beam splitter 9 is incident on the cylindrical lens 13. The test piece 1 is irradiated with a beam from the cylindrical lens 13 at a position of about 30 mm, and the beam is imaged only in a direction orthogonal to the width of the test piece 1. Embodiment 1
The test piece 1 shown in (1) has a length of 50 mm and a width of about 5 mm. Therefore, the irradiation beam in the first embodiment has a long side of 3 m in consideration of the mounting error of the test piece 1.
It is an elliptical beam 16 having m and a short side of 0.4 mm. The elliptical beam 16 is more than five times more efficient in light utilization when it is configured by using the cylindrical lens 13 than when it is configured by the opening 10. Then, the scattered light 15 from the test piece 1 is received by the second photodiode 14. The second photodiode 14 is tilted at about 45 ° with respect to the direction perpendicular to the surface of the test piece 1, and the distance from the sample is 30 m.
It is arranged at the position of m. The light receiving area of the second photodiode 14 is 10 × 10 mm, and the scattered light 15 of about 1/1000 of the emission power of the semiconductor laser 7 is received.

In this way, the output of the first photodiode 11 that receives the reference light 12 and the output of the second photodiode 14 that receives the scattered light 15 are respectively L.
After og conversion, these differences are output as an absorbance signal. Further, a calibration curve of the absorbance signal of the detection unit 3 of the test piece 1 and the sample concentration to be measured is obtained in advance, the absorbance signal of the detection unit 3 is detected, and the concentration of the sample to be measured is obtained from this calibration curve. be able to. Also, the elliptical beam 16
Thus, it is possible to mitigate the effect of uneven coloring in the width direction of the test piece 1. However, if the long side of the test piece 1 is 5 mm or more, the elliptical beam 16 may easily protrude from the test piece 1 and cause an error, so be careful. Further, on the short side of the test piece 1, the width of the immobilized labeling reagent is 1 mm, so that the sensitivity of the absorbance is poor when the width is 1 mm or more, and when the beam is completely imaged, the effect of uneven coloring is exerted. It is also necessary to be careful that the value becomes large and causes an error.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the liquid sample measuring device according to the first embodiment. 2A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the measuring device, and FIG. 2B is a view showing a cross section of the cover 18 of the measuring device in the test piece insertion direction.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 4 is an apparatus main body for inserting the test piece 1 to which the liquid sample is added and measuring the sample concentration of the object to be measured by the measuring means shown in FIG. Reference numeral 17 denotes an insertion portion (test piece insertion portion) of the apparatus body into which the test piece 1 is inserted. 18 is an insertion portion 1 into which the test piece 1 is inserted.
9, the test piece 1 is included, and the insertion portion 17 of the apparatus main body is included.
It is a cover (housing part) to be inserted into, and is subjected to water repellent treatment and antibacterial treatment. Reference numeral 20 denotes a handle which is attached to the outer peripheral portion of the insertion portion 19 of the cover and facilitates attachment and detachment when the cover 18 is inserted into the apparatus body 4. 21 is the test piece 1
Is contained in the cover 18, the detection unit 3 of the test piece 1
The detection hole (light-transmitting portion) is provided on the upper side, and is made of, for example, a transparent resin or glass component. This detection hole 2
By transmitting the light for measurement through 1
The measurement is taken. In addition, about the other structure, the same part as FIG.

From FIG. 2A, in order to place the test piece 1 in the measuring state, the detecting portion 3 of the test piece 1 and the detecting hole 21 of the cover 18 are provided.
The test piece 1 is inserted into the cover 18 in the direction in which the and are in contact with each other, and the cover 18 is inserted into the insertion portion 17 of the apparatus body. And
As shown in FIG. 2B, the semiconductor laser emitted from the optical section of the apparatus body 4 irradiates the detection section 3 through the detection hole 21 and irradiates the detection section 3, and the reflected light is measured to measure the object to be measured. Measure the concentration.

As described above, according to the liquid sample measuring device of the first embodiment, since the test piece 1 is inserted from the device body 4 into the removable cover 18, the measurement is performed. When adding a liquid sample to the test piece 1,
If the liquid sample is accidentally attached to a portion other than the supply unit 2, the attached liquid sample only stains the inside of the cover 18 and does not stain the optical unit of the apparatus body 4. That is, it is possible to easily maintain the device and to improve the sanitary condition without contaminating the device body.

Further, since the cover 18 is made of water-repellent or antibacterial-treated material, it can be washed with water and bacteria are less likely to propagate, so that the sanitary condition of the apparatus main body can be improved.

Further, since the cover 20 is provided with the handle 20, the cover can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body without touching dirt adhering to the cover. Also, the cover 18
Since the detection hole 21 for passing the light for reading the concentration of the detection substance is provided in the device, the measurement can be performed by the light through the detection hole 21, and the maintenance of the device can be easily performed without contaminating the device body. You can Further, since the detection hole 21 is made of a transparent window made of resin or glass, the device can be easily maintained without polluting the device body.

In the first embodiment, the case of detecting using light has been described, but a test piece in the case of detecting using an electric signal of an enzyme sensor, etc.
Similarly, the cover 18 can be used to make measurements.

(Embodiment 2) Next, claim 6 of the present invention
A liquid sample measuring device corresponding to the invention described in 1. will be described as a second embodiment with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross section of the cover 18 included in the measuring device according to the second embodiment in the test piece insertion direction.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 22 denotes the test piece 1 and the cover 1
8 is a confirmation window for confirming that it has been inserted in No. 8. 23
Is a detection sensor provided on the main body of the measuring device, and detects the presence or absence of the test piece 1 through the confirmation window 22. In addition, about the other structure, the same part as FIG.

As described above, according to the liquid sample measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment, the confirmation window 22 for confirming that the test piece 1 is inserted into the cover 18 is provided, so that the measurement can be performed. The presence / absence of the test piece 1 can be easily discriminated by the detection sensor provided in the apparatus main body, and erroneous measurement can be prevented without the test piece 1.

(Embodiment 3) Next, claim 7 of the present invention
The liquid sample measuring device corresponding to the invention described in any one of 9 to 9 will be described as a third embodiment with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section of the cover 18 included in the measuring device according to the third embodiment in the test piece insertion direction.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 24 is a recess provided on the inner bottom surface of the cover 18. 25 is provided in the recess 24,
It is an absorbent that absorbs excess liquid sample. In addition, about the other structure, the same part as FIG. 2 is attached | subjected the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description.

When a liquid sample is added to the test piece 1, if the amount of the liquid sample attached is large, the excess liquid sample may overflow from the cover 18, so that the excess sample is accumulated in the recess 24. To do. Further, when the cover 18 is taken out from the apparatus main body 4, the dirt accumulated in the recess 24 is
Since there is a possibility that it overflows and adheres to the hand, an absorbent 25 is provided in the recess 24 to absorb the excess sample. The absorbent 25 can be removed from the recess 24 and replaced with a new absorbent 25. When dirt is accumulated, the absorbent 25 is removed from the recess 24 and replaced with a new absorbent, The cover 18 is reused.

As described above, according to the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the third embodiment, since the concave portion 24 is provided inside the cover 18, even when the liquid sample attached to the test piece 1 overflows, the apparatus body The equipment can be easily maintained without polluting the equipment.

Since the recess 24 is provided with the absorbent 25, even if the liquid sample attached to the test piece 1 overflows, the overflowing liquid sample can be quickly absorbed.

Further, since the absorbent 25 is replaceable, the cover 18 does not have to be disposable, and the cost for maintenance of the apparatus main body can be reduced.

[0036]

As described above, according to the liquid sample measuring apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention, the liquid sample measuring device has the test piece insertion portion into which the test piece containing the liquid sample is inserted. In a liquid sample measuring device for measuring the concentration of a detection substance contained in the liquid sample, wherein the test piece inserting section separates the test piece from the measuring device body. Since the housing part is provided so as to be carried, and the housing part is detachable from the measuring device body, the device body can be easily maintained without being contaminated. In addition, the hygiene condition can be improved.

Further, according to the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the second aspect of the present invention, in the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the first aspect, the casing is water-repellent or antibacterial-treated. Since it is made of a material, it can be washed with water and bacteria are less likely to propagate, so that the sanitary condition of the apparatus main body can be improved.

Further, according to the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the third aspect of the present invention, in the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the first aspect, since the casing is provided with a handle, The housing can be attached to and detached from the apparatus main body without touching the dirt attached to the housing.

Further, according to the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the first aspect, the casing portion measures the concentration of the detection substance. Since the light-transmitting part for transmitting the light is provided, the measurement can be performed by the light through the opening, and the device body can be easily maintained without polluting the device body.

Further, according to the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the fourth aspect, the light-transmitting portion is made of resin provided on the housing portion. Since it is made of a transparent window made of glass or glass, the maintenance of the device can be facilitated without polluting the device body.

According to the liquid sample measuring device of the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid sample measuring device of the fourth aspect, the test piece is inserted into the casing. Since the confirmation window for confirming is provided, it is possible to easily determine the presence or absence of the test piece and prevent erroneous measurement in the absence of the test piece.

Further, according to the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the seventh aspect of the present invention, in the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the first aspect, the casing has a recess on the inner bottom surface thereof. Therefore, even if the liquid sample attached to the test piece overflows, the apparatus body is not contaminated and the apparatus can be easily maintained.

According to the liquid sample measuring device of the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the liquid sample measuring device of the seventh aspect, the concave portion is provided with an absorbent for absorbing the liquid. Even when the liquid sample attached to the test piece overflows, the overflowed liquid sample can quickly absorb water.

According to a ninth aspect of the liquid sample measuring apparatus of the present invention, in the liquid sample measuring apparatus according to the eighth aspect, the absorbent is taken out from the recess and a new absorbent is obtained. Since it can be exchanged with the above, the main body of the apparatus can be easily maintained at low cost without disposing the housing unit for each measurement.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining an optical part of an apparatus for measuring an immunochromatographic test strip according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the liquid sample measuring device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view showing a cross section in a test piece insertion direction of a cover included in the measuring apparatus according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a view showing a cross section in a test piece insertion direction of a cover included in the measuring device according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for measuring a conventional immunochromatographic test strip.

[Explanation of symbols]

1,101 Immunochromatographic test strip 2,102 Supply section 3,103 Detector 4,104 Device body 7 Semiconductor laser 8 Collimating lens 9 Polarizing beam splitter 10 openings 11 First photodiode 12 Reference light 13 Cylindrical lens 14 Second photodiode 15 scattered light 16 elliptical beam 17 Device body insertion section 18 cover 19 Cover insertion part 20 handle 21 Detection hole 22 Confirmation window 23 Detection sensor 24 recess 25 absorbent 105 lid 106 light receiving element

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A test piece insertion part into which a test piece to which a liquid sample is added is inserted, wherein the test piece is processed by an optical or electrical means to detect a detection substance contained in the liquid sample. In the liquid sample measuring device for measuring the concentration, the test piece insertion part includes a housing part that carries the test piece so as to be separated from the measuring device body, and the housing part is the measuring device body. A device for measuring a liquid sample, characterized in that it is removable from the. 2. The liquid sample measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the casing is made of a material that is water-repellent or antibacterial treated. 3. The liquid sample measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the casing has a handle. 4. The liquid sample measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the housing portion includes a light-transmitting portion that allows light for measuring the concentration of the detection substance to pass therethrough. Sample measuring device. 5. The liquid sample measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the light-transmitting portion is a transparent window made of resin or glass provided in the housing portion. Measuring device. 6. The liquid sample measuring device according to claim 4, wherein the housing portion is provided with a confirmation window for confirming that the test piece is inserted. apparatus. 7. The liquid sample measuring device according to claim 1, wherein the casing has a recess on the inner bottom surface thereof. 8. The liquid sample measuring device according to claim 7, wherein the concave portion is provided with an absorbent that absorbs the liquid. 9. The liquid sample measuring device according to claim 8, wherein the absorbent can be taken out of the recess and replaced with a new absorbent.