JP2019168467A - Cartridge for electrical measurement, electrical measurement device, and electrical measurement method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a cartridge for electrical measurement which has structure suitable for encapsulating a reagent used to measure electric characteristics of a sample and which enables accuracy of measurement to be improved.SOLUTION: A cartridge 1 for electrical measurement comprises a container 11 comprising an opening 111 and a sample holding part 112, an encapsulating part 12 to hermetically seal at least a portion of the sample holding part 112, and an electrode 13 fixed to the sample holding part 112. The encapsulating part 12 separates the hermetically sealed portion of the sample holding part 112 from the electrode 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present technology relates to an electrical measurement cartridge for measuring electrical characteristics of a sample. More specifically, an electrical measurement cartridge that has a structure suitable for enclosing a reagent used for measuring the electrical characteristics of a sample and that can improve measurement accuracy, and an electrical device that uses the electrical measurement cartridge. The present invention relates to an electrical measurement device and an electrical measurement method.

  Measuring the electrical characteristics of a sample and determining the physical properties of the sample from the measurement results or determining the type of cells or the like contained in the sample are performed (for example, see Patent Document 1). The measured electrical characteristics include complex dielectric constant and its frequency dispersion (dielectric spectrum). The complex permittivity and its frequency dispersion are generally calculated by measuring the complex capacitance or complex impedance between the electrodes using a solution holder or the like having an electrode for applying a voltage to the solution.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for acquiring information related to blood coagulation from the dielectric constant of blood. “A pair of electrodes and an alternating voltage with respect to the pair of electrodes at predetermined time intervals”. Applying means for applying, measuring means for measuring the dielectric constant of blood disposed between the pair of electrodes, and blood measured at the time interval after the anticoagulant action acting on the blood is released A blood coagulation system analyzer having analysis means for analyzing the degree of action of the blood coagulation system using a dielectric constant is described.

  When measuring the electrical characteristics of the sample, as a container for accommodating the sample, for example, in Patent Document 3, an insulating material is formed in a cylindrical body, and the openings are opened from both ends to the interior. The sample can be held in a region constituted by the surface of the electrode to be inserted and the inner empty surface, and the inner space is confined between the two electrodes facing each other in the region. A sample cartridge for measuring electrical characteristics of a sample provided with a portion is disclosed.

By the way, the reagent used when measuring the electrical characteristics of a sample is generally enclosed in a container in the form of an ampoule or lid.
Ampoule-type containers are costly for capital investment and the like because they need to be closed when enclosing the reagent. Moreover, since the user has to cut a specific portion of the container at the time of opening, there is a problem that it takes time.
On the other hand, there are two types of lid-type containers, screw type or snap-in type. The screw-type container has a problem in that the cost burden at the time of manufacture is large and it takes time and effort to open the container. Further, the snap-in type container has a problem that the reagent scatters when opened.

  In addition to the containers described above, a combination of a simple cylindrical container and lid (for example, Eppendorf tube) causes the reagent in the container to scatter during transportation, and the reagent remains on the container wall surface, reducing the measurement accuracy. There was a problem that occurred.

  Furthermore, the reagent enclosed in these containers must be dispensed for each cartridge for measurement after opening, when measuring the electrical characteristics of the sample. At that time, there is a problem that dust in the air is mixed in the measurement cartridge.

JP 2009-042141 A JP 2010-181400 A JP 2012-052906 A

  As described above, the conventional form of the container is problematic in that it is not convenient when opened or transported. In addition, when measuring the electrical characteristics of a sample, if it is attempted to measure using a reagent enclosed in a conventional container, a decrease in measurement accuracy has been a problem because the measurement process becomes complicated. .

  Therefore, the main object of the present technology is to provide an electrical measurement cartridge that has a structure suitable for enclosing a reagent used for measuring the electrical characteristics of a sample and that can improve the measurement accuracy.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present invention have devised the positional relationship between the portion in which the reagent is sealed and the electrode as a result of intensive studies on the structure of the cartridge used when measuring the electrical characteristics of the sample. As a result, the present invention has been successfully solved and the present technology has been completed.

That is, in the present technology, first, a container having an opening and a sample holder,
A sealing portion for sealing at least a part of the sample holding portion;
An electrode fixed to the sample holder,
The sealing portion provides a cartridge for electrical measurement that interrupts the sealed portion of the sample holding portion and the electrode.
The electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology can be designed such that at least a part of the inner wall of the container has a gradient that extends from the bottom of the container toward the opening.
Moreover, it can also be designed so that at least a part of the outer wall of the sealing portion has a gradient extending from the bottom of the sealing portion toward the top of the sealing portion.
Furthermore, the electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology can be designed such that the sealing portion receives stress in the seal release direction from the container.
The structure for receiving stress is not particularly limited. For example, at least a part of the inner wall of the container and at least a part of the outer wall of the sealing part are inclined to spread from the bottom toward the opening. Have
The gradient of the outer wall of the sealing part can be designed to be equal to or greater than the gradient of the inner wall of the container.
The electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology may include a fixing mechanism that fixes the container and the sealing portion when the sealing portion seals at least a part of the sample holding portion.
The fixing mechanism can be further designed so that it cannot be re-fixed after the fixing is released.
Although the fixing mechanism is not particularly limited, for example, a notch provided in the container,
Fitting into the notch, and a claw provided in the sealing part;
Can be configured.
Furthermore, the claw can be designed to be flexible. It can also be designed to be deformed or excised into a state in which it cannot be re-fixed at the time of unlocking.
The sealing portion of the electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology has a through-hole that opens when the sample holding portion is not sealed, and closes at least a part of the sample holding portion when sealed. Can be provided.
Resin can be used for the container and the sealing portion of the electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology. Although it does not specifically limit as said resin, For example, 1 or more types of resin chosen from a polypropylene, a polystyrene, an acryl, and a polysulfone can be mentioned.
Furthermore, the electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology can enclose a reagent in a sealed portion of the sample holder. Although it does not specifically limit as said reagent, For example, a liquid reagent can be mentioned.
Although it does not specifically limit as a sample which can be measured using the cartridge for electrical measurements which concerns on this technique, For example, a biological sample can be mentioned.

The cartridge for electrical measurement according to the present technology can be distributed as a kit for electrical measurement in a set with a sample introduction member for introducing the sample into the container.
Specifically, in the present technology, a container having an opening and a sample holding unit;
A sealing portion for sealing at least a part of the sample holding portion;
An electrode fixed to the sample holder,
The sealing part is an electrical measurement cartridge for interrupting the sealed part of the sample holding part and the electrode;
A sample introduction member for introducing the sample into the container;
An electrical measurement kit is provided.

Moreover, the electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology can be suitably used as a part of the electrical measurement device.
Specifically, a container having an opening and a sample holder,
A sealing portion for sealing at least a part of the sample holding portion;
An electrode fixed to the sample holder,
The sealing part is an electrical measurement cartridge for interrupting the sealed part of the sample holding part and the electrode;
A cartridge insertion part for inserting the electric measurement cartridge;
An application unit for applying a voltage to the electrode;
A measurement unit for measuring the electrical characteristics of the sample;
An electrical measurement device comprising at least
Furthermore, the electrical measurement apparatus can include a seal release mechanism that releases a sealed state of at least a part of the sample holding unit.

  Furthermore, the electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology can be suitably used in an electrical measurement method for measuring electrical specification of the sample.

  Since the cartridge for electrical measurement according to the present technology has a structure in which at least a part of the sample holder is sealed, it is suitable for enclosing a reagent used for measuring electrical characteristics of the sample. In addition, since the portion enclosing the reagent and the electrode are interrupted, the measurement accuracy can be improved. In addition, the effect described here is not necessarily limited, and may be any effect described in the present technology.

A is an end surface schematic diagram schematically showing the first embodiment of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, and B is an end surface schematic diagram in a state where a sealing portion is removed from A. FIG. A is an end surface schematic diagram schematically showing a second embodiment of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, B is an end view taken along line LL ′ of A, and C is an M- It is an M 'arrow end view. It is an end surface mimetic diagram showing typically a 3rd embodiment of cartridge 1 for electrical measurement concerning this art. A is an end surface schematic diagram schematically showing a fourth embodiment of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, and B is an end surface schematic diagram in a state where a sealing portion is removed from A. FIG. Further, C is an end view taken along the arrow L-L 'of A, and D is an end view taken along the arrow M-M' of A. It is an end surface mimetic diagram showing typically a 5th embodiment of cartridge 1 for electrical measurement concerning this art. It is an end surface mimetic diagram showing typically a 6th embodiment of cartridge 1 for electrical measurement concerning this art. A is an end surface schematic diagram schematically showing a seventh embodiment of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, and B and C are enlarged views of a broken line portion of A. FIG. It is an end face mimetic diagram showing typically the 8th embodiment of cartridge 1 for electrical measurement concerning this art. It is an end surface mimetic diagram showing typically a 9th embodiment of cartridge 1 for electrical measurement concerning this art. A is a schematic diagram schematically showing a tenth embodiment of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, B is an end view as viewed from the L side of A, and C is A of FIG. It is an end view seen from the arrow when viewed from the M side. It is a mimetic diagram showing typically a 1st embodiment of electrical measuring device 10 concerning this art. It is an end surface mimetic diagram showing typically the detailed example of cartridge insertion part 3 of eleventh embodiment of cartridge 1 for electric measurement concerning this art and electric measuring device 10 concerning this art. A is an end face schematic diagram schematically showing an example of a moment when the sealing state of the sample holder 112 is released by the release pin 61 in the electrical measurement cartridge 1 (the twelfth embodiment) according to the present technology. B is an end face schematic diagram schematically showing an example immediately after being released by the release pin 61. C is an end face schematic view schematically showing the electrical measurement cartridge 1 (a twelfth embodiment) viewed from a direction orthogonal to the cross-sectional view of A. FIG. A is an end face schematically showing an example different from FIG. 13 at the moment when the sealing state of the sample holder 112 is released by the release pin 61 in the electrical measurement cartridge 1 (11th embodiment) according to the present technology. It is a schematic diagram. B is an end face schematic view schematically showing an example different from FIG. 13 immediately after being released by the release pin 61. It is a mimetic diagram showing typically a 1st embodiment of kit K for electrical measurement concerning this art.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments for carrying out the present technology will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, embodiment described below shows an example of typical embodiment of this technique, and, thereby, the scope of this technique is not interpreted narrowly. The description will be given in the following order.
1. Electrical measurement cartridge 1
(1) Container 11
(A) Opening 111
(B) Sample holder 112
(2) Sealing part 12
(3) Electrode 13
(4) Fixing mechanism 2
(A) Notch 21
(B) Claw 22
(5) Sample S
(6) Reagent R
(7) Others Electrical measuring device 10
(1) Cartridge insertion part 3
(2) Application unit 4
(3) Measuring unit 5
(4) Seal release mechanism 6
(5) Others Electrical measurement kit K
(1) Sample introduction member 8
4). Electrical measurement method

1. Electrical measurement cartridge 1
FIG. 1A is an end schematic view schematically showing a first embodiment of an electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology. The electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology is a cartridge used for holding a sample when measuring the electrical characteristics of the sample. The electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology is roughly provided with at least a container 11, a sealing portion 12, and an electrode 13. Moreover, you may provide the fixing mechanism 2 etc. so that it may mention later as needed. Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail. In each drawing, for the sake of explanation, the sample S and / or the reagent R are illustrated, but the sample S and / or the reagent R are not always included in the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology. Absent.

(1) Container 11
In the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, the container 11 can introduce and hold the sample S and / or the reagent R. The container 11 according to the present technology includes at least an opening 111 and a sample holder 112.

  In the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, the form of the container 11 is not particularly limited, and can be freely designed according to the type of the sample S or the reagent R, the measurement method, the measurement device to be used, and the like. For example, a cylinder, a polygonal cylinder with a polygonal cross section (triangle, square or more), a cone, a polygonal cone with a polygonal cross section (triangle, square or more), or a combination of these The form etc. are mentioned.

  In the present technology, in particular, it is preferable to select a form in the container 11 such that at least a portion where the electrode 13 is disposed is planar. As a more specific example, for example, as in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 2, a form in which a cylindrical body and a rectangular cylindrical body having a square cross section are combined. In general, the electrodes used for measuring the electrical characteristics are often flat or plate-shaped. In the container 11 according to the present technology, when the cylindrical form is selected, the planar or plate-like electrode 13 is attached to the curved portion, so that the manufacturing process becomes very complicated. In addition, when a planar or plate-like electrode 13 is attached to a curved portion of the container 11, there is a high possibility that a step will be formed at the connection portion between the container 11 and the electrode 13, and as will be described later, when measuring electrical characteristics. In addition, the measurement efficiency may decrease. Therefore, simplification of the manufacturing process and improvement of measurement efficiency can be realized by selecting a configuration in which at least a portion where the electrode 13 is arranged in the container 11 is planar.

  Further, the container 11 according to the present technology has a slope that spreads from the container bottom 113 toward the opening 111 on at least a part of the inner wall side as in the third embodiment shown in FIG. 3 as necessary. It may be. Although the angle of the gradient is not particularly limited, as will be described later, when the container 11 is formed using a resin, it is preferable to have an angle of 1 degree or more.

(A) Opening 111
The opening 111 is a part into which the sample S and / or the reagent R to be measured can be introduced.

(B) Sample holder 112
The sample holder 112 is a part where the sample S and / or reagent R to be measured can be held.
The sample S is measured in various electrical characteristics while being held by the sample holder 112.
Moreover, the sample holding part 112 according to the present technology is characterized in that at least a part is sealed by the sealing part 12 and the electrode 13 is fixed, as will be described later.

  A specific method for introducing the sample S and / or the reagent R into the sample holding unit 112 is not particularly limited, and the sample S and / or the reagent R can be introduced by any method depending on the form of the container 11.

  When introducing the sample S, for example, there is a method in which the sealing portion 12 is removed from the electrical measurement cartridge 1 and the state shown in B of FIG. 1 is introduced into the sample holding portion 112 using a pipette or the like. Can be mentioned. When introducing the sample S, it is possible to introduce the reagent R, or the sample S may be introduced into a state where the reagent R is sealed in the sample holding unit 112 in advance.

  In the case of introducing the reagent R, for example, there is a method of removing the sealing portion 12 from the electrical measurement cartridge 1 and introducing the reagent R into the sample holding portion 112 using a pipette after the state shown in FIG. Can be mentioned. In this case, once removed, the sealing portion 12 can be refitted with the container 11 and the reagent R can be sealed in the sealed portion of the sample holding portion 112. Further, in the state shown in FIG. 1A where the sealing portion 12 exists, the injection needle is pierced from the outer wall of the sample holding portion 112, the reagent R is injected, and the penetration portion of the injection needle is greased or the like. For example, a method of introducing the reagent R by plugging with the above is mentioned. In this case, the sealing portion 12 remains in a state of being fitted with the container 11.

  As described above, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology can enclose the reagent R in the sealed portion of the sample holder 112. Therefore, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 can be transported and stored in a state in which the reagent R is previously sealed in the sample holder 112 of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology.

  When measuring electrical characteristics, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology holds the sample S in the sample holder 112 and the sealing portion 12 is removed (see FIG. 1). B).

(2) Sealing part 12
In the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, the sealing portion 12 is designed to seal at least a part of the sample holding portion 112 and to interrupt the sealing portion and the electrode 13. It is characterized by.

  The electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology starts measurement after removing the sealing portion 12 before starting the electrical characteristic measurement. Therefore, it is possible to avoid dust and the like in the air that cause a decrease in measurement accuracy from adhering to the electrode 13 and mixing into the sample holding unit 112. Further, since the sample holding unit 112 and the electrode 13 are interrupted by the sealing unit 12, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology is stored in a state in which the reagent R is previously sealed in the sample holding unit 112, for example. When transported, the reagent R can be prevented from scattering to the inner wall near the opening 111 of the container and the electrode 13. Therefore, it is possible to maintain an effective reagent amount for the sample S when measuring the electrical characteristics. In addition, for example, when the reagent R is a liquid, there is a possibility that a chemical reaction with the electrode 13 occurs or the electrode 13 is corroded by adhering to the electrode 13, but for the electrical measurement according to the present technology. In the cartridge 1, since the sample holding unit 112 and the electrode 13 are interrupted by the sealing unit 12, chemical reaction and corrosion of the electrode 13 due to adhesion of the liquid reagent R to the electrode 13 can be prevented. Further, for example, in the electrode 13 part, the reaction (for example, blood coagulation reaction, etc.) of the sample S (for example, a biological sample such as a blood sample) may easily proceed due to the influence of metal ions. It is possible to reduce measurement errors and the like due to the non-uniform reaction proceeding with the liquid reagent R and the freeze-dried reagent R.

  In the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, the form of the sealing portion 12 is not particularly limited, and can be freely designed according to the type of the sample S or the reagent R, the measurement method, the measurement device to be used, and the like. For example, a cylinder, a polygonal cylinder with a polygonal cross section (triangle, square or more), a cone, a polygonal cone with a polygonal cross section (triangle, square or more), or a combination of these The form etc. are mentioned. As a more specific example, for example, a combination of two cylindrical bodies and a rectangular cylindrical body having a square cross section, such as the fourth embodiment shown in FIG.

  For example, in the case of the form shown in the first embodiment of FIG. 1 or the second embodiment of FIG. 2, the sealing portion 12 is initially set against the inner wall of the container 11 when inserted into the container 11. The inner volume is reduced while sliding and the like, and finally, the exposed portion of the electrode 13 fixed to the sample holding unit 112 is covered and the limit point is reached. This limit point can be freely designed according to the degree of fitting between the container 11 and the sealing portion 12.

  Furthermore, the sealing part 12 has a gradient that spreads from the sealing part bottom part 121 toward the sealing part upper part 122 on at least a part on the outer wall side as in the fifth embodiment shown in FIG. You may have. Although the angle of the gradient is not particularly limited, as will be described later, when the sealing portion 12 is formed using a resin, it is preferable to have an angle of 1 degree or more.

  In addition, the sealing portion 12 may be designed to receive stress from the container 11 in the sealing release direction. The structure for receiving the stress is not particularly limited. For example, at least a part of the inner wall of the container 11 and at least a part of the outer wall of the sealing portion 12 as in the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. In addition, there is a structure in which a gradient extending from the bottom toward the opening 111 is formed, and the gradient of the outer wall of the sealing portion 12 is designed to be equal to or greater than the gradient of the inner wall of the container 11. By designing the gradient of the outer wall of the sealing portion 12 to be equal to or greater than the gradient of the inner wall of the container 11, the sealing portion 12 receives stress from the container 11 in the sealing release direction. As a result, the sealing portion 12 can be easily detached from the container 11 at the time of electrical measurement.

  Although the material used for the container 11 and the sealing part 12 constituting the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology is not particularly limited, in the present technology, the container 11 and the sealing part 12 can be formed using a resin. .

  The type of resin that can be used in the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology is not particularly limited, and one or more resins that can be used for holding a sample can be freely selected and used. it can. For example, hydrophobic and insulating polymers and copolymers such as polypropylene, polymethyl methacrylate, polystyrene, acrylic, polysulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene, and blend polymers may be used. In the present technology, it is particularly preferable to form the container 11 and the sealing portion 12 with at least one resin selected from polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylic, and polysulfone. Since these resins have a property of low coagulation activity with respect to blood, they can be suitably used, for example, for measurement of biological samples containing blood.

  FIG. 7A is a schematic end face view schematically showing a seventh embodiment of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology. The sealing unit 12 according to the present technology is opened when the sample holding unit 112 is not sealed as shown in the seventh embodiment (see FIG. 7B), and at least a part of the sample holding unit 112 is sealed. May be provided with a through-hole 123 that closes (see C in FIG. 7). More specifically, the through-hole 123 is open in a state where the sealing portion 12 is separated from the container 11, and gradually closes by an external force as the sealing portion 12 is inserted into the container 11. When the sealing part 12 finally reaches the limit point, it is configured to be completely closed.

  By providing the through hole 123, when the sealing portion 12 is inserted into the container 11, the through hole 123 becomes a passage for air sealed in the sealed portion of the sample holding portion 112. Therefore, the resistance due to air pressure when the sealing portion 12 slides on the container 11 decreases. As a result, it becomes easy to insert the sealing portion 12 into the container 11, thereby improving user convenience.

  Although not shown, the shape of the sealing portion bottom 121 can be formed in a convex shape toward the sealing portion upper portion 122. By making the form of the sealing part bottom part 121 convex, the sealing part bottom part 121 becomes easy to bend. As a result, it becomes easy to insert the sealing portion 12 into the container 11, thereby improving user convenience.

  Furthermore, the sealing part 12 which concerns on this technique can also provide the packing 124 as shown to 8th Embodiment of FIG. By providing the packing 124, when the sealing portion 12 slides on the container 11, the contact area between the outer wall of the sealing portion 12 and the inner wall of the container 11 is reduced, and friction is reduced. As a result, it becomes easy to insert the sealing portion 12 into the container 11, thereby improving user convenience.

  The sealing portion 12 and the packing 124 may be formed using different materials. When different materials are used, the packing 124 and the sealing portion 12 can be integrally formed by a method such as two-color molding.

  The material used for the packing 124 is not particularly limited, but in the present technology, it is preferable to use a material having elasticity. Examples of the material having elasticity include acrylic elastomers, urethane elastomers, fluorine elastomers, styrene elastomers, epoxy elastomers, natural rubber, and the like, in addition to silicone elastomers such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). By using an elastic material for the packing 124, a sealed state of the sample holder 112 is easily formed.

(3) Electrode 13
In the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, the electrode 13 is fixed to the sample holder 112 in advance. The electrode 13 according to the present technology is used to contact the sample S at the time of electrical measurement and apply a necessary voltage to the sample S.

  In the present technology, a method for fixing the electrode 13 to the sample holding unit 112 is not particularly limited, but the sample holding unit 112 and the electrode 13 are integrally formed in a state where a part of the electrode 13 is embedded in the sample holding unit 112. The method is preferred. By integrally molding the sample holding unit 112 and the electrode 13, adverse effects on the sample S or the reagent R held by the sample holding unit 112 can be eliminated.

  For example, when the electrode 13 is fixed to the sample holding unit 112 using an adhesive, the properties of the sample S or the reagent R may be adversely affected depending on the type of adhesive used. For example, when measuring the electrical characteristics of blood as the sample S, depending on the type of adhesive used, blood coagulation activity is promoted, which adversely affects the target measurement. However, by fixing the sample holding part 112 and the electrode 13, that is, by fixing the sample holding part 112 and the electrode 13 without using a fixing material such as an adhesive, fixing the adhesive or the like. The adverse effect of the material on the sample S or the reagent R can be eliminated. As a result, improvement in measurement accuracy at the time of electrical measurement is realized.

  Even if a fixing material that has little influence on the sample S or the reagent R is used, the manufacturing process of the cartridge for storing the sample increases the number of bonding steps using the fixing material, resulting in poor productivity. There is a problem. However, by adopting a method in which the sample holding part 112 and the electrode 13 are integrally formed, it is not necessary to separately provide an adhesion process in addition to the forming process of the sample holding part 112. As a result, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 can be easily manufactured, and the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology can be produced at low cost and in large quantities.

  In addition, there is a method of measuring electrical characteristics in a state where an electrode is inserted from the outside into a cartridge containing a sample. However, this method has a problem that a measurement error occurs due to a difference in the amount of the electrode inserted into the sample. However, in the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, the electrode 13 is fixed to the sample holder 112 in advance, and measurement errors due to the difference in the amount of the electrode inserted into the sample can be eliminated. As a result, the measurement accuracy during electrical measurement can be improved.

  In addition, since the electrode 13 is fixed to the sample holder 112 in advance, it is not necessary to install a relative positioning mechanism between the electrode and the cartridge containing the sample on the apparatus side, and the structure on the apparatus side is simplified. be able to. As a result, it is possible to contribute to realization of downsizing of the apparatus, simplification of the manufacturing process, and reduction in price of the apparatus.

  A specific method for integrally forming the sample holding unit 112 and the electrode 13 is not particularly limited, and a free method can be used. For example, when the resin forming the container 11 is solidified from a molten state, the container 11 and the electrode 13 can be integrally formed by arranging the electrode 13 at a predetermined position. As a more specific method, for example, the electrode 11 and the electrode 13 are integrated by so-called insert molding, in which the electrode 13 is inserted into a mold and resin is injected around the electrode 13 to integrate the electrode 13 and the resin. It is also possible to integrally mold.

  Thus, when the container 11 is formed, the manufacturing process can be simplified by fixing the electrode 13 at the same time. As a result, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology can be produced at low cost and in large quantities.

  The electrode 13 is made of an electrically conductive material. In the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, the type of the electrically conductive material used for the electrode 13 is not particularly limited, and one or more materials that can be applied to the electrical measurement of the sample S can be freely selected. Can be used. For example, titanium, aluminum, stainless steel, platinum, gold, copper, graphite and the like can be mentioned. In the present technology, it is particularly preferable to form the electrode 13 using an electrically conductive material containing titanium. Titanium has a property of low coagulation activity with respect to blood, and therefore can be suitably used for, for example, measurement of a biological sample containing blood.

  Further, in the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, the number of the electrodes 13 can be freely designed according to a target electrical measurement method or the like. For example, when measuring the dielectric constant or impedance of the sample S, a pair of electrodes 13 or more can be provided.

  Further, the arrangement and form of the electrode 13 are not particularly limited, and can be freely designed according to the form of the sample holding unit 112, the target electrical measurement method, and the like as long as a necessary voltage can be applied to the sample S. However, in the present technology, in order to improve the measurement efficiency, in particular, as shown in the sixth embodiment in FIG. 6, the connection portion between the sample holder 112 and the electrode 13 is planarly connected to the sample. It is preferable to contact S. For example, as shown in the fourth embodiment of FIG. 4, if there is a step on the inner wall of the sample holder 112, bubbles or the like may remain on the step (see B in FIG. 4, broken line X). This is because the reagent concentration may be uneven in the stepped portion, which may adversely affect the measured value. Therefore, as in the sixth embodiment, by integrally forming the connecting portion between the sample holding portion 112 and the electrode 13 so as to be smooth, adverse effects due to bubbles and sample concentration unevenness are eliminated, and electrical characteristic measurement is performed. Measurement accuracy can be improved.

  In addition, when providing a pair or more of electrodes 13, when measuring the electrical property of the sample S, it is preferable to arrange | position each electrode 13 in parallel. However, for example, in consideration of releasability when performing insert molding, etc., as shown in the sixth embodiment in FIG. 6, each electrode 13 is arranged with a tilt of several degrees. Is also possible.

  In addition, although very rare, due to the difference in strain between the resin and the electrically conductive material, depending on the storage conditions such as the temperature and the measurement conditions, the sample S or reagent may be removed from the boundary between the sample holding unit 112 and the electrode 13. R may leak out. Therefore, in the electrode 13 according to the present technology, as in the seventh embodiment shown in FIG. 7A, a bent portion is provided by bending a part of the structure of the portion fixed to the sample holder 112. 6 can be reliably prevented from leaking out from the boundary between the sample holder 112 and the electrode 13.

  Further, since the electrode 13 includes the bent portion as described above, the sample holding unit 112 and the electrode 13 are more firmly fixed, and the sturdy electrical measurement cartridge 1 can be formed.

  Furthermore, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology may have a configuration in which no resin is provided in the cartridge outer portions of the pair of electrodes 13 as in the seventh embodiment illustrated in FIG. With such a configuration, for example, when the sample holder 112 is molded, the electrode 13 is positioned and fixed by using a magnetic means such as a magnet, so that the electrode 13 is attached to the electrical measurement cartridge 1. It can be positioned at a desired position. The means for fixing the electrode 13 from the outside of the cartridge is not limited to the magnetic means as described above, and any means can be used as long as it can fix the electrode 13 from the outside of the cartridge.

  In this way, electrical measurement in which the electrode 13 is accurately positioned at a desired position is achieved by causing at least a part of the electrode 13 to function as a holding portion for disposing the electrode 13 at a predetermined position of the sample holding portion 112 during integral molding. The cartridge 1 can be easily manufactured.

  In addition, since the electrode 13 is held when the sample holding portion 112 is molded, it is possible to prevent the electrode 13 from being deformed during the integral molding.

(4) Fixing mechanism 2
The electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology may further include a fixing mechanism 2. In the present technology, the fixing mechanism 2 is specifically a mechanism that fixes the container 11 and the sealing portion 12 when the sealing portion 12 seals at least a part of the sample holding portion 112. The fixing mechanism 2 is not particularly limited. For example, as in the ninth embodiment shown in FIG. 9, the fixing mechanism 2 is fitted into the notch portion 21 provided in the container 11, the notch portion 21, and the sealing portion 12. And claw 22 provided in the. The electrical measurement cartridge 1 has the fixing mechanism 2, thereby preventing the sealing portion 12 from being detached from the container 11. As a result, the sealed state of the sample holding part 112 and the sealing part 12 can be stably maintained.

  The fixing mechanism 2 can also be designed so that it cannot be re-fixed after the fixing is released. Since the electric measurement cartridge 1 once opened cannot be re-fixed after the fixation is released, it becomes impossible to fit the container 11 and the sealing portion 12 again. As a result, the opening history of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 can be confirmed. For example, in the case where the electrical measurement cartridge 1 is circulated in a state where the reagent R is sealed, the quality can be guaranteed.

(A) Notch 21
The electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology is characterized in that the notch portion 21 is provided in the container 11 and has a structure that can be fitted to the claw 22. Although the form of the notch part 21 is not specifically limited, For example, the hole provided in the container 11, a groove | channel, etc. are mentioned. More specifically, for example, a hole provided so as to penetrate from the inner side wall of the container 11 to the outer side wall may be mentioned.

(B) Claw 22
In the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, the claw 22 is provided in the sealing portion 12 and has a structure that can be fitted to the notch portion 21. Although the form of the nail | claw 22 is not specifically limited, For example, the protrusion etc. which were provided in the sealing part 12 are mentioned.

  The claw 22 can be designed to have flexibility. For example, there is a method of forming the claw 22 with a flexible material such as resin. Since the claw 22 has flexibility, it can be easily fitted to the notch portion 21 and, as a result, convenience for the user is improved.

  FIG. 10A is a schematic view schematically showing a tenth embodiment of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, B is an end view as viewed from an arrow when viewed from the L side of A, and C is It is an arrow end view when it sees from the M side of, A. In the tenth embodiment, the claw 22 is designed so as not to be in direct contact with the outer wall of the sealing portion 12, so that the claw 22 gives play to the outer wall of the sealing portion 12. Yes. In this way, the claw 22 is configured to have play with respect to the outer wall of the sealing portion 12, so that the ease of fitting with the notch 21 and the BR can be improved.

  In the tenth embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the electrode 13 and the fixing mechanism 2 are disposed on different side surfaces of the container 11. In this way, by disposing the electrode 13 and the fixing mechanism 2 on different side surfaces of the container 11, the sealing of the electrode 13 is released when the cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion 3 of the electrical measuring device 10 described later. Contact to the mechanism 6 (see FIG. 13 described later) can be prevented.

  The claw 22 may be designed so that it can be deformed or cut so that it cannot be re-fixed when the fixing mechanism 2 is released. The mechanism for deforming or cutting the claw 22 is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of melting the claw 22 by chemical means using heat or the like, a method of cutting the claw 22 by physical means, and the like. . When the claw 22 is deformed or cut off, it becomes impossible to fit the claw 22 and the notch portion 21 again. Therefore, it becomes impossible to fit the container 11 and the sealing portion 12, and the quality of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 can be guaranteed.

  In the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, a resin can be used for the notch portion 21 and the claw 22 as well as the container 11 and the sealing portion 12. In addition, since it is the same as that of the above about the kind of resin, description is omitted here.

(5) Sample S
The sample S that can be measured by the present technology is not particularly limited and can be freely selected. For example, a biological sample etc. are mentioned. More specifically, there can be mentioned biological samples containing blood components such as whole blood, plasma, or their dilutions and / or drug additives.

(6) Reagent R
In the present technology, the reagent R that can be held in the sample holding unit 112 is not particularly limited, and can be freely selected. For example, gaseous, solid, and liquid reagents can be used.

  The electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology is particularly suitable for enclosing a liquid reagent. Since the electrical measurement cartridge 1 can enclose the reagent R in the sealed portion of the sample holder 112, it is useful for a liquid reagent that has a particularly high scattering property during transportation. Further, in the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, since the sample holding unit 112 and the electrode 13 are interrupted by the sealing unit 12, the liquid reagent R is placed inside the vicinity of the opening 111 of the container 11. It is possible to prevent scattering to the wall and the electrode 13. Therefore, when measuring the electrical characteristics, it is possible to maintain an effective amount of reagent for the sample S and reduce measurement errors due to the reagent R remaining on the electrode 13.

  Specific examples of the liquid reagent include an anticoagulant and a coagulation initiator when a biological sample containing a blood component is a measurement target.

  It is also possible to carry and store the electrical measurement cartridge 1 in a state where the reagent R is sealed in advance in the sample holding portion 112 of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology. In this case, the measurement can be started immediately only by opening the electrical measurement cartridge 1 immediately before measuring the electrical characteristics and introducing the sample S to be measured into the sample holder 112. Therefore, it is possible to avoid dust and the like in the air that causes a decrease in measurement accuracy from entering the sample holder 112. As a result, improvement in measurement accuracy is realized. Furthermore, since the number of work steps until the start of measurement is reduced, complication of the measurement step can be prevented and user convenience can be improved.

  The electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology can be stored by a method such as refrigeration, freezing, and lyophilization in a state in which the reagent R is sealed, depending on the type of reagent used as the reagent R.

(7) Others As described above, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology can be produced at low cost and in large quantities. Utilizing this feature, for example, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology can be made disposable. By making the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology disposable, it is possible to save troubles such as cleaning of the cartridge and increase the efficiency of measurement. Further, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of measurement error due to another sample S remaining in the container, and the measurement accuracy can be improved.

2. Electrical measuring device 10
FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the first embodiment of the electrical measurement apparatus 10 according to the present technology. In the present embodiment, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the sixth embodiment described above is used. The electrical measurement device 10 according to the present technology is roughly divided into at least the electrical measurement cartridge 1, the cartridge insertion unit 3, the application unit 4, and the measurement unit 5 described above. Further, as will be described later, a seal release mechanism 6 for releasing the sealed state of at least a part of the sample holding unit 112, a mechanism for positioning the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology, and the like as necessary. You may have. Hereinafter, each part will be described in detail. Note that the electrical measurement cartridge 1 is the same as described above, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

(1) Cartridge insertion part 3
FIG. 12 is an end face schematic diagram schematically showing a detailed example of the eleventh embodiment of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology and the cartridge insertion portion 3 of the electrical measurement device 10 according to the present technology. The cartridge 1 for electrical measurement according to the present technology is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion 3 according to the present technology. The cartridge insertion portion 3 can be freely designed according to the form of the electrical measurement cartridge 1.

  Moreover, the cartridge insertion part 3 may be provided with the temperature control mechanism. Specifically, the temperature adjustment mechanism is a mechanism that makes it possible to keep the temperature of the sample S and / or the reagent R held in the sample holding unit 112 constant. More specifically, for example, by forming the cartridge insertion portion 3 from a material that can be kept warm, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology is inserted into the electrical measurement device 10 and the sample S and / or Alternatively, it may be designed such that the temperature of the reagent R is constant.

(2) Application unit 4
In the application unit 4, a voltage is applied to the electrode 13 of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology. The application unit 4 applies a voltage to the electrode 13 of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 with the time when an instruction to start measurement is received or the time when the power of the electrical measurement device 10 is turned on as the start time. More specifically, the application unit 4 applies an alternating voltage having a predetermined frequency to the electrode 13 at every set measurement interval. Note that the voltage applied by the application unit 4 can be a DC voltage according to the electrical characteristics to be measured.

(3) Measuring unit 5
The measurement unit 5 measures the electrical characteristics of the sample S held in the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology. Specifically, the complex dielectric constant (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “dielectric constant”) and its frequency are defined as the start time when a command to start measurement is received or when the power of the electrical measurement device 10 is turned on. Measure electrical properties such as dispersion. More specifically, for example, when the dielectric constant is measured, the measuring unit 5 measures the current or impedance between the electrodes 13 of the electrical measurement cartridge 1 at a predetermined period, and derives the dielectric constant from the measured value. To do. In order to derive the dielectric constant, a known function or relational expression indicating the relationship between current or impedance and dielectric constant can be used.

(4) Seal release mechanism 6
The electrical measurement device 10 according to the present technology may further include a seal release mechanism 6. In the present technology, the seal release mechanism 6 is a mechanism that specifically releases the sealed state of at least a part of the sample holding unit 112. The sealing release mechanism 6 is not particularly limited. For example, in the case where the electrical measurement cartridge 1 includes the fixing mechanism 2, chemical means using heat or physical means is used. It can be embodied by releasing the fixation between the container 11 and the sealing portion 12 by the fixing mechanism 2.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in the eleventh embodiment of FIG. 12, when the electrical measurement cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion 3, a release pin 61 is installed on the electrical measurement device 10 side. The method of putting is mentioned.

  The specific example which cancels fixation of the container 11 and the sealing part 12 by the fixing mechanism 2 using the cancellation | release pin 61 is demonstrated. For example, when the electrical measurement cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion 3, as shown in FIG. 13, the release pin 61 is installed at a position where it comes into contact with the claw 22 provided in the sealing portion 12. . In this state, when the electrical measurement cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion 3 and the claw 22 provided on the sealing portion 12 comes into contact with the release pin 61, the claw 22 is pushed by the release pin 61 to be deformed. As the claw 22 is deformed, the fitting between the sealing portion 12 and the cutout portion 21 provided in the container 11 is released, and as shown in FIG. Stress is generated in the direction of the arrow inside. As a result, only the sealing portion 12 moves in the detaching direction, and at the same time that the electrical measurement cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion 3, only the sealing portion 12 can be smoothly removed from the container 11. Become. FIG. 13C is an end face schematic view schematically showing the electrical measurement cartridge 1 (a twelfth embodiment) viewed from a direction orthogonal to the cross-sectional view of A. In the present embodiment, the electrode 13 and the fixing mechanism 2 are placed on different side surfaces of the container 11 in the same manner as in the tenth embodiment described above, from the viewpoint of preventing deformation / breakage due to contact of the electrode 13 with the release pin 61. It is arranged.

  As another release example, for example, when the electrical measurement cartridge 1 is inserted into the cartridge insertion portion 3, an external force is applied to the release pin 61 from the direction of the double arrow in the figure as shown in FIG. By being added, the claw 22 provided in the sealing portion 12 is pushed by the release pin 61 and deformed. By the deformation of the claw 22, the fitting between the sealing portion 12 and the notch portion 21 provided in the container 11 is released, and as shown in FIG. Stress is generated in the direction of the arrow inside. As a result, only the sealing part 12 moves in the detaching direction, and only the sealing part 12 can be smoothly detached from the container 11.

  The risk that the electrical measuring device 10 according to the present technology includes the seal release mechanism 6 may cause an unnecessary impact on the electrical measuring cartridge 1 or apply an extra external force to the container 11 or the sealing portion 12. Decreases. If only the sealing part 12 can be removed smoothly by the sealing release mechanism 6, when the reagent R is held in the sample holding part 112, it is possible to prevent the reagent R from being scattered on the cartridge wall surface or the like. it can. As a result, the convenience of the user and the improvement of measurement accuracy are realized.

(5) Others Further, the electrical measurement device 10 may include a positioning mechanism for the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology. By accurately setting the position of the electrical measurement cartridge 1, the contact position between the electrode 13 and the application unit 4 is also accurate, and the convenience of the user and the improvement of measurement accuracy are realized. For example, although not shown, a method of designing a pin that positions the electrical measurement cartridge 1 in the height direction with respect to the electrical measurement device 10 may be used.

  Furthermore, the electrical measuring apparatus 10 can also include a positioning mechanism 7 for the release pin 61 as in the eleventh embodiment shown in FIG. By providing the positioning mechanism 7 of the release pin 61, when the electrical measuring cartridge 1 is provided with the fixing mechanism 2, the sealing mechanism is sealed depending on the form of the fixing mechanism 2 and the flexibility of the material used. The stop release mechanism 6 can be operated more accurately. As a result, user convenience and measurement accuracy are improved. More specifically, for example, a pair of positioning blocks 71 and a positioning pin 72 are installed between the pair of positioning blocks 71 on the opposite side of the release pin 61 that contacts the electrical measurement cartridge 1, and the positioning block For example, a method may be used in which the release pin 61 is positioned by appropriately moving the 71 and the positioning pin 72.

  In addition, the electrical measurement apparatus 10 may include an analysis unit that receives the electrical characteristic data of the sample S derived from the measurement unit 5 and determines physical properties of the sample S. In the electrical measurement apparatus 10 according to the present technology, the analysis unit is not essential. For example, the electrical characteristic data measured by the measurement unit 5 can be used to perform analysis using an external computer or the like. Specifically, the analysis unit is provided with the electrical characteristic data of the sample S derived from the measurement unit 5 at each measurement interval, and the analysis unit receives the electrical characteristic data provided from the measurement unit 5. Then, the physical property determination of the sample S is started. Further, the analysis unit notifies the result of physical property determination of the sample S and / or dielectric constant data. This notification can be performed, for example, by graphing and displaying on a monitor or printing on a predetermined medium.

3. Electrical measurement kit K
FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram schematically illustrating the first embodiment of the electrical measurement kit K according to the present technology. In the present embodiment, the electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the tenth embodiment described above is used. The electrical measurement kit K according to the present technology roughly includes at least the electrical measurement cartridge 1 and the sample introduction member 8 described above. Note that the electrical measurement cartridge 1 is the same as described above, and a description thereof will be omitted here.

(1) Sample introduction member 8
The sample introduction member 8 is a member for introducing the sample S into the container 11. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, a pipette tip 81 or the like can be used. For example, the sample S can be introduced by providing the above-described electrical measuring apparatus 10 with a suction mechanism (for example, a pipetter) and attaching the chip 81 to the suction mechanism.

  The sample introduction member 8 is not limited to the pipette-shaped chip 81 illustrated in FIG. It may be adopted. For example, in addition to the pipette tip, an injection needle can be used.

  The sample introduction member 8 can be made disposable like the electrical measurement cartridge 1. By disposing the sample introduction member 8 in a disposable manner, it is possible to save troubles such as cleaning of an instrument used for sample introduction, and to improve measurement efficiency. In addition, it is possible to prevent occurrence of measurement errors due to another sample S remaining in the instrument used for sample introduction, and it is possible to improve measurement accuracy.

4). Electrical Measurement Method The electrical measurement cartridge 1 according to the present technology can be suitably used for measuring electrical characteristics of the sample S. The electrical characteristics that can be measured by the electrical measurement method according to the present technology are not particularly limited, and can be freely measured according to the type of the sample S to be measured, the physical properties to be analyzed, and the like. For example, dielectric constant, impedance, etc. can be measured.

  If the electrical measurement method according to the present technology is used, for example, when the measurement target is blood, the blood coagulation state and the blood sedimentation state can be analyzed from measured values of dielectric constant and impedance. More specifically, for example, a parameter indicating each characteristic is extracted from a plurality of measured values of dielectric constant and / or impedance received during the analysis period, and this parameter and the increase in blood coagulation ability and the progress of the blood precipitation process are extracted. Based on a comparison with a reference value that defines a reference, it is possible to analyze a blood coagulation state and a blood sedimentation state.

In addition, this technique can also take the following structures.
(1) a container having an opening and a sample holder;
A sealing portion for sealing at least a part of the sample holding portion;
An electrode fixed to the sample holder,
The sealing unit is an electrical measurement cartridge that interrupts the sealed portion of the sample holding unit and the electrode.
(2) The cartridge for electrical measurement according to (1), wherein the container has a gradient extending from at the bottom of the container toward the opening on at least a part of the inner wall.
(3) The cartridge for electrical measurement according to (1) or (2), wherein the sealing portion has a gradient extending from at least a portion of the outer wall toward the top of the sealing portion.
(4) The electrical measurement cartridge according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the sealing portion receives stress in a sealing release direction from the container.
(5) At least a part of the inner wall of the container and at least a part of the outer wall of the sealing part have a gradient that spreads from the bottom toward the opening,
The cartridge for electrical measurement according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein the gradient of the outer wall of the sealing portion is equal to or greater than the gradient of the inner wall of the container.
(6) The sealing unit according to any one of (1) to (5), including a fixing mechanism that fixes the container and the sealing unit when the sealing unit seals at least a part of the sample holding unit. Cartridge for electrical measurement.
(7) The electrical measurement cartridge according to (6), wherein the fixing mechanism cannot be re-fixed after the fixing is released.
(8) The fixing mechanism includes:
A notch provided in the container;
Fitting into the notch, and a claw provided in the sealing part;
The cartridge for electrical measurement according to (6) or (7).
(9) The electrical measurement cartridge according to (8), wherein the claw has flexibility.
(10) The electrical measurement cartridge according to (8) or (9), wherein the claw is deformed or cut into a state in which it cannot be re-fixed when the fixing is released.
(11) The sealing portion is provided with a through hole that is open when the sample holding portion is not sealed and at least a part of the sample holding portion is closed when sealed. The cartridge for electrical measurement according to any one of 10).
(12) The electrical measurement cartridge according to any one of (1) to (11), wherein the container and the sealing portion are made of resin.
(13) The electrical measurement cartridge according to (12), wherein the resin is one or more resins selected from polypropylene, polystyrene, acrylic, and polysulfone.
(14) The electrical measurement cartridge according to any one of (1) to (13), wherein the sample holding unit includes a reagent sealed in a sealed portion.
(15) The electrical measurement cartridge according to (14), wherein the reagent is in a liquid form.
(16) The electrical measurement cartridge according to any one of (1) to (15), wherein the sample is a biological sample.
(17) The electrical measurement cartridge according to (16), wherein the biological sample contains a blood component.
(18) a container having an opening and a sample holder;
A sealing portion for sealing at least a part of the sample holding portion;
An electrode fixed to the sample holder,
The sealing part is an electrical measurement cartridge for interrupting the sealed part of the sample holding part and the electrode;
A cartridge insertion part for inserting the electric measurement cartridge;
An application unit for applying a voltage to the electrode;
A measurement unit for measuring the electrical characteristics of the sample;
An electrical measuring device comprising at least.
(19) The electrical measurement apparatus according to (18), further including a seal release mechanism that releases a sealed state of at least a part of the sample holding unit.
(20) a container having an opening and a sample holder;
A sealing portion for sealing at least a part of the sample holding portion;
An electrode fixed to the sample holder,
The sealing part is an electrical measurement cartridge for interrupting the sealed part of the sample holding part and the electrode;
A sample introduction member for introducing the sample into the container;
A kit for electrical measurement.
(21) a container having an opening and a sample holder;
A sealing portion for sealing at least a part of the sample holding portion;
An electrode fixed to the sample holder,
When at least a part of the sample holding part is sealed by the sealing part, the sample is used by using the electrical measurement cartridge in which the sealing part of the sample holding part and the electrode are interrupted by the sealing part. Electrical measurement method for measuring electrical characteristics of

1: Electrical measurement cartridge 11: Container 111: Opening part 112: Sample holding part 113: Container bottom part 12: Sealing part 121: Sealing part bottom part 122: Sealing part upper part 123: Through hole 124: Packing 13: Electrode 2: Fixing mechanism 21: Notch 22: Claw S: Sample R: Reagent 10: Electrical measuring device 3: Cartridge insertion unit 4: Application unit 5: Measurement unit 6: Seal release mechanism 61: Release pin 7: Release Pin 61 positioning mechanism 71: positioning block 72: positioning pin K: electrical measurement kit 8: sample introduction member 81: pipette tip 81

That is, in the present technology, first, a container having an opening and a sample holder,
A sealing portion for sealing at least a part of the sample holding portion;
An electrode fixed to the sample holder,
The sealing part interrupts the sealed part of the sample holding part and the electrode ,
The sealing unit provides electrical measuring cartridge Ru stressed in the unsealing direction from the container.
The electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology can be designed such that at least a part of the inner wall of the container has a gradient that extends from the bottom of the container toward the opening.
Moreover, it can also be designed so that at least a part of the outer wall of the sealing portion has a gradient extending from the bottom of the sealing portion toward the top of the sealing portion .
Although not structure for to receive the stress is limited, for example, at least part of and outside wall of the sealing portion of the inner wall of the container, it extends toward the bottom to the opening Has a gradient,
The gradient of the outer wall of the sealing part can be designed to be equal to or greater than the gradient of the inner wall of the container.
The electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology may include a fixing mechanism that fixes the container and the sealing portion when the sealing portion seals at least a part of the sample holding portion.
The fixing mechanism can be further designed so that it cannot be re-fixed after the fixing is released.
Although the fixing mechanism is not particularly limited, for example, a notch provided in the container,
Fitting into the notch, and a claw provided in the sealing part;
Can be configured.
Furthermore, the claw can be designed to be flexible. It can also be designed to be deformed or excised into a state in which it cannot be re-fixed at the time of unlocking.
The sealing portion of the electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology has a through-hole that opens when the sample holding portion is not sealed, and closes at least a part of the sample holding portion when sealed. Can be provided.
Resin can be used for the container and the sealing portion of the electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology. Although it does not specifically limit as said resin, For example, 1 or more types of resin chosen from a polypropylene, a polystyrene, an acryl, and a polysulfone can be mentioned.
Furthermore, the electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology can enclose a reagent in a sealed portion of the sample holder. Although it does not specifically limit as said reagent, For example, a liquid reagent can be mentioned.
Although it does not specifically limit as a sample which can be measured using the cartridge for electrical measurements which concerns on this technique, For example, a biological sample can be mentioned.

The cartridge for electrical measurement according to the present technology can be distributed as a kit for electrical measurement in a set with a sample introduction member for introducing the sample into the container.
Specifically, in the present technology, a container having an opening and a sample holding unit;
A sealing portion for sealing at least a part of the sample holding portion;
An electrode fixed to the sample holder,
The sealing part interrupts the sealed part of the sample holding part and the electrode ,
The sealing unit includes a electrical measuring cartridge Ru stressed in the unsealing direction from said container,
A sample introduction member for introducing the sample into the container;
An electrical measurement kit is provided.

Moreover, the electrical measurement cartridge according to the present technology can be suitably used as a part of the electrical measurement device.
Specifically, a container having an opening and a sample holder,
A sealing portion for sealing at least a part of the sample holding portion;
An electrode fixed to the sample holder,
The sealing part interrupts the sealed part of the sample holding part and the electrode ,
The sealing unit includes a electrical measuring cartridge Ru stressed in the unsealing direction from said container,
A cartridge insertion part for inserting the electric measurement cartridge;
An application unit for applying a voltage to the electrode;
A measurement unit for measuring the electrical characteristics of the sample;
An electrical measurement device comprising at least
Furthermore, the electrical measurement apparatus can include a seal release mechanism that releases a sealed state of at least a part of the sample holding unit.

Claims (1)

A container having an opening and a sample holder;
A sealing portion for sealing at least a part of the sample holding portion;
An electrode fixed to the sample holder,
The sealing unit is an electrical measurement cartridge that interrupts the sealed portion of the sample holding unit and the electrode.