JP3728225B2 - Dispensing instrument - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a dispensing device for dispensing a part of a liquid sample stored in a test tube to another test tube, and is suitable for dispensing blood collected by vacuum blood collection, for example. It relates to a dispensing device used.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, after collecting a liquid sample into, for example, a test tube, a laboratory instrument such as a pipette and various dispensing devices are used to dispense the liquid sample.
[0003]
However, depending on the liquid sample, a pipette or a normal dispensing device may not be used. That is, a pipette or a normal dispensing device cannot be used for a liquid sample that adversely affects the human body or the environment. For example, a blood sample may be infected with a microorganism such as a virus. Therefore, when a normal pipette or a dispensing device is used, a handler may be infected.
[0004]
Moreover, in the method characterized by stimulating the collected blood with a certain amount of LPS, as in the case of the cell function measurement described in Japanese Patent Application No. 10-509586, for example, a blood sample in a state where LPS is blocked Need to be dispensed. That is, when a normal pipette or dispensing device is used, LPS in the outside air is mixed and accurate diagnosis cannot be performed.
[0005]
Therefore, when handling a liquid sample that may adversely affect the human body or the environment as described above, or a liquid sample that may cause a chemical or physical change due to contact with the outside air, It is necessary to dispense the sample without contact with the outside. Conventionally, when this type of liquid sample is dispensed, a method of transferring from a closed container in which the liquid sample is stored to another container using a syringe has been used.
[0006]
However, in the method using a syringe, the operation of moving a part of the liquid sample to another container is complicated, and the sample may sag from the needle tip of the syringe, possibly causing infection. In addition, it is difficult to move a part of the liquid sample to another container by an accurate amount.
[0007]
On the other hand, JP 2000-300544 A discloses a dispensing device that solves such a problem. FIG. 5 shows the dispensing device described in this prior art. Here, the liquid sample 26 is transferred from the first test tube 27 in which the inside is the first pressure to the second test tube 29 in which the second pressure is lower than the first pressure. It is moved using the pressure difference between the first and second pressures. The dispensing device includes a needle tube 23 having needle tips 23 a and 23 b at both ends, a holding member 24 fixed in the middle of the needle tube 23 in the length direction, and a cylindrical holder 21. A partition wall 21a is formed at the center in the length direction of the cylindrical holder 21, and the needle tube 23 is fixed to the partition wall 21a.
[0008]
A dispensing device having the same structure as described above is also disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-262497.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the dispensing instrument described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-300544, when the needle tube 23 is mounted on the holder 21, the finger touches the needle tip of the needle tube 23, and the user is injured or infected with an infectious disease. There was a fear. Further, since the holder 21 made of a synthetic resin and the like and the needle tube 23 made of a metal are disposed, these must be separated and discarded. Therefore, in a clinical site where a large number of dispensing devices are used, complicated work is required for disposal. In addition, the needle 23 has to be removed from the holder 21 at the time of separation and disposal, and there is a risk that the fingers may be injured or may be infected with an infectious disease.
[0010]
An object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing device that eliminates the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art, further improves safety during use and disposal, and can be easily discarded.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention provides a second pressure lower than the first pressure from the first test tube in which the liquid sample is stored and the inside is set to the first pressure and is closed by the stopper. Dispensing used in a dispensing method in which a part of a liquid sample is moved to a second test tube closed by a stopper using the pressure difference between the first pressure and the second pressure. A first holder having an opening at the rear end, from which the first test tube is inserted from the plug body side, and an opening at the rear end, from which the second test tube And a second holder inserted from the plug body side, and first and second needle tubes extending rearward in each holder are formed from the front ends of the first and second holders, respectively. The first needle tube of the first holder is configured to pass through the plug of the first test tube, and the first holder tube of the second holder The first and second holders are configured such that the first needle tube and the second needle tube are in fluid-tight communication with each other. Are connected to each other on the front end side, and the first and second holders and the first and second needle tubes are made of synthetic resin.
[0012]
In a specific aspect of the dispensing device according to the present invention, a recess is formed at the front end of the first holder, a flow path of the first needle tube is opened in the recess, and the second needle tube is connected. And the protrusion part which has the flow path which reaches the front-end | tip is formed in the front end of the 2nd holder, and the said protrusion part is inserted in the said recessed part.
[0013]
In still another specific aspect of the present invention, the protrusion is press-fitted into the recess.
In still another specific aspect of the present invention, a male screw is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion, a female screw meshing with the male screw is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion, and the protruding portion is formed in the concave portion. It is screwed.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a dispensing device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an appearance thereof.
[0015]
The dispensing device 1 has first and second holders 2 and 3. The first and second holders 2 and 3 have a cylindrical shape, and have openings 2a and 3a at the rear ends, respectively. Flange portions 2b and 3b are formed around the openings 2a and 3a.
[0016]
The openings 2a and 3a correspond to portions where first and second test tubes to be described later are inserted. The side where the openings 2a and 3a are open is the rear end, and the opposite ends 2c and 3c are the front end side.
[0017]
First and second needle tubes 4 and 5 are formed in the holders 2 and 3 so as to extend rearward from the end portions 2c and 3c of the holders 2 and 3, respectively. The needle tubes 4 and 5 have a shape like a hollow needle, and flow paths 4a and 5a are formed inside. The flow paths 4a and 5a are opened on the needle tips 4b and 5b side of the needle tubes 4 and 5, respectively. The needle tips 4b and 5b are sharpened so as to be able to penetrate the plugs of the first and second test tubes.
[0018]
In the first holder 2, a recess 2d that is recessed backward from the end face of the end 2c is formed. The concave portion 2d has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is dimensioned so that a substantially cylindrical later-described protrusion 3d can be press-fitted. The flow path 4a of the needle tube 4 described above is open on the bottom surface of the recess 2d.
[0019]
In the second holder 3, a protruding portion 3d protruding from the end 3c to the front end side is formed, and a flow path 3e extending in the protruding direction is formed in the protruding portion 3d. . The flow path 3e communicates with the flow path 5a in the needle tube 5 and opens at the tip of the protruding portion 3d.
[0020]
In the present embodiment, the needle tubes 4 and 5 are integrally formed of the first and second holders 2 and 3 and the synthetic resin, respectively.
The first and second holders 2 and 3 are coupled to each other at the front end side by press-fitting the protrusion 3d into the recess 2d. The flow path 5a inside the needle tube 5 communicates with the flow path 4a of the needle tube 4 via the flow path 3e of the protrusion 3d.
[0021]
In addition, although the holders 2 and 3 are comprised by the synthetic resin molded product as mentioned above, appropriate synthetic resins, such as a polypropylene, can be used as such a synthetic resin. Preferably, the first and second holders 2 and 3 are made of a transparent synthetic resin, so that a situation in a test tube to be described later can be visually recognized from the outside.
[0022]
Next, referring to FIG. 3, a method of dispensing a liquid sample from the first test tube to the second test tube with the contact with the outside air blocked using the dispensing device 1 described above. explain. First, as shown in FIG. 3, a first test tube 7 in which a liquid sample 6 is stored is prepared. The first test tube 7 is closed by a plug 8. The inside of the 1st test tube 7 closed with the stopper 8 is made into the 1st pressure. Although it will not specifically limit if this 1st pressure is higher than the 2nd pressure mentioned later, Usually, it is set to atmospheric pressure.
[0023]
The method for preparing the first test tube 7 containing the liquid sample 6 is not particularly limited. That is, a vacuum blood collection tube or the like is prepared as the first test tube, and a blood collection needle that penetrates the liquid sample 6 such as blood through the plug body 8 in a state where the plug body 8 is attached to the first test tube 7. The liquid sample 6 may be accommodated in the test tube 7 by suction. Alternatively, the liquid sample 6 may be accommodated in the first test tube 7 and then closed by the stopper 8.
[0024]
However, a method of storing the liquid sample 6 by vacuum suction, such as a vacuum blood collection tube, is preferably used. That is, in the method of injecting the liquid sample 6 by vacuum suction into the structure in which the stopper 8 is attached to the first test tube 7, the first liquid sample 6 is stored in a state where it is shut off from the outside air. Can do.
[0025]
On the other hand, a second test tube 9 shown in FIG. 3 is prepared. The pressure in the second test tube 9 is a pressure in the first test tube 7, that is, a second pressure lower than the first pressure. The second test tube 9 is closed by a stopper 10. The magnitude of the second pressure is determined according to the amount by which a part of the liquid sample 6 is moved using the pressure difference from the first pressure.
[0026]
Next, the first test tube 7 is inserted into the first holder 2 of the dispensing device 1 shown in FIG. 1, and the plug body 8 is penetrated by the needle tube 4. Simultaneously or immediately after, the second test tube 9 is inserted into the second holder 3, and the plug 10 is penetrated by the needle tube 5. As a result, the first test tube 7 and the second test tube 9 are communicated with each other by the needle tubes 4 and 5 of the dispensing instrument 1. Therefore, the liquid sample 6 flows into the second test tube 9 due to the difference in pressure between the first pressure in the first test tube 7 and the second test tube 9.
[0027]
The amount of movement of the liquid sample 6 depends on the pressure difference between the first and second pressures. Therefore, by setting the magnitude of the second pressure according to the amount by which the liquid sample 6 is moved, a desired amount of the liquid sample 6 is transferred from the first test tube 7 to the second test tube 9. Can be moved to.
[0028]
In the dispensing operation, the first and second test tubes 7 and 9 which are closed-type containers and the dispensing device 1 for fluidly communicating the first and second test tubes 7 and 9 are provided. Since it is used, the liquid sample 6 does not come into contact with the outside air.
[0029]
Therefore, since the liquid sample 6 can be dispensed in a state of being cut off from the outside air, when the blood sample 6 is used as a liquid sample 6 or there is a risk of infection, poisonous substances that adversely affect the human body or the environment, etc. Even if it is used, dispensing work can be performed safely without causing the operator to be infected or contaminated.
[0030]
In addition, as described above, since the needle tubes 4 and 5 are integrally formed of the holders 2 and 3 and the synthetic resin, the operation of fixing the needle tubes to the holder is not required, and the holders 2 and 3 are used immediately. Can do. In addition, since everything is made of synthetic resin material, it can be immediately discarded as plastic waste. Further, since no disassembling work is required at the time of disposal, there is no fear that fingers will be damaged by the needle tips 4b and 5b or blood infection will occur at the time of disposal.
[0031]
In addition, it does not specifically limit about the material which comprises the said 1st, 2nd test tubes 7 and 9, The appropriate material used for normal blood collection tubes and test tubes, such as glass and a synthetic resin, can be used. In addition, as a material constituting the plug bodies 8, 10, an appropriate elastic material made of an elastomer or the like can be used.
[0032]
The length of the needle tube 4 needs to be selected so that the needle tip 4b is not finally exposed from the liquid surface of the liquid sample 6 in the dispensing operation shown in FIG. That is, even after the liquid sample 6 is moved from the first test tube 7 to the second test tube 9, the needle tube 4 is such that the tip 4 b of the needle tube 4 is located below the liquid level of the liquid sample 6. It is necessary to select a length of 4.
[0033]
In the above embodiment, the needle tubes 4 and 5 are fluid-tightly communicated and the holders 2 and 3 are connected by press-fitting the protrusion 3d into the recess 2d. However, other structures may be used. . For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a male screw 3f may be formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protrusion 3d, and a female screw 2f that meshes with the male screw 3f may be formed on the inner peripheral surface of the recess 2d. In this case, the protrusion 3d and the recess 2d are screwed to connect the holders 2 and 3. That is, by screwing the protrusion 3d of the second holder 3 into the recess 2d of the first holder 2, both the holders 2 and 3 are connected, and the flow paths 4a and 5a of the needle tubes 4 and 5 are liquid-tight. Communicated with
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
In the dispensing device according to the present invention, the first and second holders are connected to each other at the front end so that the first needle tube of the first holder and the second needle tube of the second holder are in fluid-tight communication. Since the first test tube closed by a plug is inserted into the first holder and the plug is passed through the plug by the first needle tube. , By inserting a second test tube whose inside is a second pressure lower than the first pressure and closed by the plug body into the second holder, and penetrating the plug body by the second needle tube, The liquid sample is moved from the first test tube to the second test tube by the pressure difference between the first and second pressures. In this case, the moving amount of the liquid sample is adjusted by the pressure difference between the first and second pressures.
[0035]
Accordingly, a part of the liquid sample can be easily and accurately moved from the first test tube to the second test tube in a state where the outside air and the liquid sample are blocked. Therefore, it is possible to dispense liquid samples safely and with high accuracy.
[0036]
In addition, in the dispensing device of the present invention, the first and second needle tubes are formed integrally with the first and second holders, and the whole is made of synthetic resin. A troublesome operation such as attaching to the holder can be omitted, and therefore, there is no fear that the operator may be injured or infected with the needle tip. Further, after use, the entire dispensing device can be easily discarded as plastic waste. Moreover, since no disassembling work is required at the time of disposal, there is no fear of hand injury or infection due to a needle tube.
[0037]
Therefore, by using the dispensing instrument according to the present invention, not only can a liquid sample be dispensed safely and with high accuracy, but also the operation from use to disposal can be simplified. Safety at the time of disposal can be improved.
[0038]
When a recess is formed at the tip of the first holder and a protrusion is formed on the second holder, the protrusions of the first and second holders are inserted by inserting the protrusion into the recess. The flow paths of the first and second needle tubes are communicated.
[0039]
Further, the structure in which the needle tube of the first holder and the needle tube of the second holder are in fluid-tight communication is not particularly limited, but the structure in which the protruding portion is press-fitted into the recess requires a complicated structure. In addition, the first and second needle tubes can be communicated in a liquid-tight manner.
[0040]
Further, when a male screw is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the protruding portion and a female screw engaging with the male screw is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the concave portion, the protruding portion of the second holder is used as the concave portion of the first holder. By simply screwing, the first needle tube and the second needle tube can be connected in a liquid-tight manner, and the first and second holders can be securely fixed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a dispensing instrument according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the dispensing device of the embodiment shown in FIG.
3 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining a dispensing method using the dispensing device of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1; FIG.
FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway cross-sectional view for explaining another example of a connection structure between the protrusion of the first holder and the recess of the second holder.
FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view for explaining a conventional dispensing device.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Dispensing instrument 2, 3 ... 1st, 2nd holder 2a, 3a ... Opening 2c, 3c ... Tip 2d ... Recess 2f ... Female screw 3d ... Protruding part 3e ... Channel 3f ... Male screw 4, 5 ... 1st, 1st Second needle tubes 4a, 5a ... channels 4b, 5b ... needle tip 6 ... liquid sample 7 ... first test tube 8 ... plug 9 ... second test tube 10 ... plug

Claims (3)

A liquid sample is housed, and the first pressure is set to a second pressure lower than the first pressure from the first test tube that is closed by the plug body with the first pressure. A dispensing instrument used in a dispensing method for moving a part of a liquid sample to a closed second test tube using a pressure difference between a first pressure and a second pressure. ,
A first holder having an opening at the rear end, through which the first test tube is inserted from the plug body side;
A second holder having an opening at the rear end and a second test tube inserted from the opening from the plug body side;
First and second needle tubes extending backward in the respective holders are formed from the front ends of the first and second holders, respectively, and the first needle tube of the first holder is the first test tube. The second needle tube of the second holder is configured to pass through the plug of the second test tube, and
The first and second holders are coupled to each other on the front end side so that the first needle tube and the second needle tube are in fluid-tight communication with each other. , The second needle tube is made of synthetic resin ,
A recess is formed at the front end of the first holder, a flow path of the first needle tube is opened in the recess, and the protrusion having a flow path leading to the distal end of the second needle tube A dispensing instrument formed at the front end of the second holder, wherein the protrusion is inserted into the recess . The dispensing device according to claim 1 , wherein the protrusion is press-fitted into the recess . The external thread of the said protrusion part is formed in the outer peripheral surface, The internal thread which meshes with the said external thread is formed in the internal peripheral surface of the said recessed part, The said protrusion part is screwed by the said recessed part. Dispensing equipment.

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