JP3890068B2 - Sample collection container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a specimen collection container used for separating plasma or serum from blood and examining components in the plasma or serum, and more particularly, the separated plasma or serum has leaked from red blood cells. The present invention relates to a sample collection container that can reliably prevent contamination by components and can easily take out separated plasma or serum.

  Conventionally, centrifugation has been used to remove blood cell components from blood and obtain plasma or serum necessary for clinical examination. However, in the centrifugal separation method, operations such as the coagulation process and the process of transferring the supernatant plasma or serum after the separation are complicated. Moreover, it took time to obtain the test result, and a large and expensive centrifuge was required.

  In order to solve this problem, various instruments have been proposed that can remove blood cell components from blood and obtain plasma or serum necessary for clinical examination without using a centrifuge.

  Patent Document 1 below discloses an example of a blood test container that makes it possible to separate plasma or serum from collected blood and to take out the separated plasma or serum. With reference to FIG. 12, the blood test container disclosed in Patent Document 1 will be described.

  As shown in a longitudinal sectional view in FIG. 12, the blood test container 101 is an airtight container having an outer tube 102, a cylindrical member 103, and a plug 104, and the inside is decompressed. A cylindrical member 103 is inserted into the outer tube 102. The outer tube 102 is a bottomed tubular container, and the outer tube 102 has an opening 102a at the upper end.

  On the other hand, the cylindrical member 103 has an opening 103a at its upper end. A filter 105 is accommodated in the lower part of the cylindrical member 103. The filter 105 includes a filter member 106 and a blood cell stop film 107 disposed below the filter member 106. The filter member 106 is made of a filter material that moves plasma or serum faster than blood cell components. The blood cell stop film 107 is provided for capturing blood cells and preventing the blood cells from being mixed into the separated plasma or serum.

  A protruding portion 103 b protruding downward is formed at the lower end of the cylindrical member 103. A plasma or serum channel 108 is provided in the protrusion 103b. The plasma or serum channel 108 is provided so as to face the lower surface of the blood cell stop film 107 and to extend downward in the protrusion 103b. The plasma or serum separated by the filter member 106 flows down from the plasma or serum channel 108 to the lower plasma or serum storage unit 109. The space above the filter member 105 constitutes the blood storage part 110.

  The plug 104 includes a grip portion 104a, a large diameter portion 104b, and a small diameter portion 104c. The large diameter portion 104b has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 104c. The small diameter portion 104 c is press-fitted into the opening 103 a of the cylindrical member 103, and the large diameter portion 104 b is press-fitted into the opening 102 a of the outer tube 102.

  When the blood test container 101 is used, blood is collected in the blood storage unit 110 by a pressure difference between the inside and outside by inserting a blood collection needle through the plug 104. The collected blood is filtered by the filter 105. As described above, in the filter member 106, plasma or serum moves downward faster than the blood cell component. Then, plasma or serum passes through the blood cell stop membrane 107 and reaches the plasma or serum channel 108. Thereafter, the plasma or serum flows down to the plasma or serum storage unit 109. On the other hand, blood cells are captured by the blood cell stop film 107. When the blood cell stop film 107 is blocked by blood cells, the filtration is stopped.

After the plasma or serum is separated, the plug 104 that is press-fitted into the opening 102 a of the outer tube 102 is removed together with the tubular member 103. In this way, the separated plasma or serum can be removed.
JP 2004-325412 A

  In the blood test container 101 described in Patent Document 1, blood cells are captured by the blood cell stop film 107, the blood cell stop film 107 is blocked, and filtration stops. However, when the filter is left for a long time after the filtration is finished, the red blood cells captured by the blood cell stop film 107 may be destroyed, and the components in the red blood cells may leak. The leaked erythrocyte component is temporarily stored in the plasma or serum flow path 108, but a part thereof flows down to the plasma or serum storage unit 109, and there is a possibility that the erythrocyte component is mixed into the plasma or serum.

  Furthermore, when taking out the separated plasma or serum, the plug 104 must be removed from the outer tube 102 together with the tubular member 103. When the plug 104 is removed from the outer tube 102 together with the tubular member 103, vibration tends to be applied to the tubular member 103. For this reason, the red blood cells captured by the blood cell stop film 107 are destroyed, the components in the red blood cells leak, and the components in the red blood cells tend to be mixed into plasma or serum. In addition, when vibration is applied to the cylindrical member 103, there is a possibility that the components in the red blood cells stored in the plasma or serum flow path 108 may flow down to the plasma or serum storage unit 109.

  Further, when blood remains in the blood storage unit 110, when the tubular member 103 is removed, filtration is resumed by vibration or the like at that time, and plasma or serum flows down from the removed tubular member 103. There was a thing.

  Furthermore, in order to remove the plug 104 from the outer tube 102, an inspection engineer or the like has to be removed manually. When the plug 104 is manually removed from the outer tube 102, plasma or serum flows down to the hands and arms of the laboratory technician, and the laboratory technician may be infected with pathogens in the blood.

  The object of the present invention is to allow blood to be separated into a blood cell component and plasma or serum in a short time in view of the current state of the prior art described above, and the separated plasma or serum is contaminated by components leaked from red blood cells. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sample collection container that can reliably prevent the removal of the plasma or serum without being infected with a pathogen.

  A sample collection container according to the present invention is a sample collection container used for separating plasma or serum from blood and examining components in the plasma or serum, and has a first opening on one end side, A cylindrical container body having a second opening on the other end side, a first plug fitted in the first opening, and a second plug fitted in the second opening And a cylindrical container body has a first internal space in which blood is collected on the first opening side, and a second inside in which plasma or serum separated from the blood is stored on the second opening side And a blood separation filter that is disposed between the first and second internal spaces and separates blood collected in the first internal space into blood cell components and plasma or serum. It is characterized by providing.

  In a specific aspect of the present invention, a specimen collection container is disposed between a blood separation filter and the second internal space, and stops blood cells to prevent passage of blood cell components separated by the blood separation filter A filter is further provided.

  In another specific aspect of the present invention, the specimen collection container is disposed between the blood separation filter and the second internal space, and swells when contacted with plasma or serum separated by the blood separation filter. And a flow path closing member for closing the flow path.

  In still another specific aspect of the present invention, the flow path blocking member is disposed between the blood cell stop filter and the second internal space.

  In still another specific aspect of the specimen collection container according to the present invention, the outer surface of the second stopper is covered with a cover that prevents the second stopper from being pierced by a blood collection needle or a syringe. Yes.

  In another specific aspect of the sample collection container according to the present invention, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical container body is tapered toward the flow path closing member side.

  In the sample collection container according to the present invention, the cylindrical container body has a first opening on one end side and a second opening on the other end side. The blood collected in the first internal space is separated into a blood cell component and plasma or serum between the first internal space on the first opening side and the second internal space on the second opening side. Therefore, when separating blood, the blood separation filter uses the difference in moving speed between blood cell components and plasma or serum to separate blood into blood cell components and plasma or serum. Can be separated.

  After blood is separated into a blood cell component and plasma or serum and the plasma or serum is accommodated in the second internal space, for example, a blood collection needle is attached to, for example, the second stopper fitted in the second opening. Plasma or serum contained in the second internal space can be easily taken out by piercing through a syringe or a syringe or by removing the second stopper fitted in the second opening.

  By removing the plasma or serum by inserting a blood collection needle or syringe into the second plug, for example, it becomes difficult for the laboratory technician to contact the plasma or serum, etc., and the laboratory technician is infected with the pathogen in the blood. Can be prevented.

  When the sample collection container is further provided with a blood cell stop filter that is disposed between the blood separation filter and the second internal space and prevents passage of blood cells separated by the blood separation filter, At the time of separation, the blood cell stop filter reliably prevents the passage of blood cells, and it is possible to more reliably prevent the mixing of red blood cells and white blood cells into plasma or serum.

  The sample collection container is disposed between the blood separation filter and the second internal space, and swells when contacted with the plasma or serum separated by the blood separation filter to block the channel. In the case where the member is further provided, after the separated plasma or serum is accommodated in the second internal space, the flow path is closed by swelling of the flow path closing member due to contact with plasma or serum.

  Therefore, when the blood cell component reaches the flow path closing member later than plasma or serum due to the above moving speed difference, the flow path is closed, so that the plasma or serum stored in the second internal space It is possible to prevent blood cells from being mixed. Furthermore, even when the blood components are left for a long time after separation and the components in red blood cells leak, the flow path is blocked, so that the components in red blood cells can be prevented from being mixed into plasma or serum.

  When taking out the plasma or serum contained in the second internal space after separating the blood, the sample collection container is arranged so that the first opening is on the lower side and the second opening is on the upper side. After that, the second plug body may be removed from the second opening. In the present invention, since the flow path is closed by the flow path closing member, the plasma or serum stored in the second internal space does not reach the blood separation filter or the first internal space. Therefore, since plasma or serum is difficult to come into contact with blood cells or erythrocyte components, contamination of plasma or serum can be prevented. Therefore, uncontaminated plasma or serum can be easily and reliably removed from the second opening. In addition, it is possible to more reliably prevent laboratory technicians and the like from being infected with pathogens in the blood due to contact with the separated plasma or serum.

  When the flow path blocking member is disposed between the blood cell stop filter and the second internal space, the flow path between the blood cell stop filter and the second internal space is blocked, Even when the sample collection container is arranged so that the first opening is on the lower side and the second opening is on the upper side when taking out the plasma or serum contained in the internal space, the plasma or serum is placed on the blood cell stop filter. There will never be. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the red blood cells and white blood cells captured by the blood cell stop filter from being mixed into the plasma or serum.

  If the outer surface of the second plug is covered with a cover that prevents the second plug from being pierced by the blood collection needle or syringe, the blood collection needle or The syringe can be pierced to prevent blood from being collected in the second internal space.

  When the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical container body is tapered toward the flow path closing member, the amount of plasma or serum stored in the second internal space is small. Since the liquid level becomes high and the liquid level becomes close to the second opening, it becomes possible to take out plasma or serum more easily.

  Details of the present invention will be described below.

(Tubular container body)
The cylindrical container main body used for the sample collecting container according to the present invention has a first opening on one end side and a second opening on the other end side which is the opposite end. The shape of the cylindrical container body is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a rectangular tube shape and a cylindrical shape.

  The material of the cylindrical container body is not particularly limited as long as it has air impermeability. Examples of the material of the container body include synthetic resins such as polyethylene terephthalate. When the container body is made of a synthetic resin, the air non-permeation performance may be improved by depositing metal, silicon, or the like on the surface.

  The size and shape of the container body are not particularly limited, but considering the rack compatibility of general clinical laboratory equipment, for example, a size up to an outer diameter of 16 mm × a length of 100 mm and a substantially cylindrical shape can be mentioned.

(First plug)
The first stopper is not particularly limited as long as it is made of a material that is impermeable to air and can be pierced by a blood collection needle or a syringe. Examples of the material constituting the first plug body include elastic bodies such as natural rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, and thermoplastic elastomer.

(Second plug)
The second plug is not particularly limited as long as it is made of a material having air impermeability. Examples of the material constituting the second plug body include elastic bodies such as natural rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer.

  It is preferable that the outer surface of the second plug is covered with a cover made of, for example, metal, synthetic resin, or the like. When a cover that is not pierced by the blood collection needle or syringe is provided, the blood collection needle or syringe is accidentally pierced by the second stopper and blood is prevented from being collected in the second internal space. be able to. Although it does not specifically limit as a raw material which comprises a cover, For example, a polypropylene, polyethylene, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polycarbonate etc. are mentioned.

(Blood separation filter)
Examples of the blood separation filter used in the present invention include a collection of ultrafine fibers, a foam or sintered body having continuous bubbles, a hollow fiber membrane, a porous membrane, porous particles, a plurality of grooves and / or pores. However, the present invention is not limited to the above examples as long as blood can be substantially separated into blood cells and plasma or serum. In addition, the blood cell component may be separated by being captured inside the filter, or may be separated by a difference in moving speed between the blood cell component and plasma or serum component.

  The blood separation filter can be divided into an asymmetric filter and a symmetric filter. Here, the asymmetric filter is a general term for a filter having a structure in which the pore diameter decreases from the blood inflow side to the outflow side. Other blood separation filters are collectively referred to as symmetrical filters.

  Among these blood separation filters, as a symmetric filter, the average pore diameter is preferably in the range of 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. More preferably, it is the range of 2 micrometers or more and 8 micrometers or less. This is because if the average pore size is smaller than 1 μm, red blood cells may be hemolyzed, and if it is larger than 10 μm, separation of blood cells from plasma or serum will be remarkably deteriorated.

  Moreover, it is preferable that an average pore diameter is 0.01 micrometer or more and 10 micrometers or less as an asymmetric filter among blood separation filters. More preferably, it is 0.1 μm or more and 6 μm or less. If the average pore size is smaller than 0.01 μm, blood cell components may become clogged and cannot be separated or hemolyze, and if the average pore size is larger than 10 μm, separation of blood cells from plasma or serum will be extremely poor. is there.

  In the case where the liquid separation filter is composed of an aggregate of ultrafine fibers, it is preferable that the fiber bodies having an average fiber diameter in the range of 0.5 to 3.0 μm are accumulated. When the average fiber diameter is smaller than 0.5 μm, hemolysis is likely to occur when blood is separated. When the average fiber diameter is larger than 3.0 μm, it is necessary to form a blood separation filter at a high density in order to separate blood cells from plasma or serum, and the amount of fibers used increases and the cost increases. In order to further enhance the blood separation effect, the average fiber diameter is more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 μm.

The average density of the blood separation filter when placed in the container body is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 g / cm ³ . When the average density is lower than 0.1 g / cm ³ , blood separation may not be performed effectively, and the amount of plasma or serum obtained may be reduced. When the average density is higher than 0.5 g / cm ³ , the load on erythrocytes becomes large and hemolysis is likely to occur. In order to separate blood more efficiently, the average density is preferably in the range of 0.15 to 0.40 g / cm ³ .

  It is possible to use a combination of the symmetric filter and the asymmetric filter as the blood separation filter.

  The blood separation filter may have a property of adsorbing blood components. In this case, the blood separation filter may be subjected to a surface treatment in order to suppress or control the adsorption of components in the blood. The surface treatment agent is not particularly limited, but is a polyether-based or silicone-based lubricant, a hydrophilic polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinylpyrrolidone, a natural hydrophilic polymer, or a polymer surfactant. Etc. The surface of the blood separation filter may be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment by chemical treatment with an oxidizing agent, plasma treatment, or the like. Conversely, water repellent treatment may be performed as in hydrophobic silicone and fluorine-based surface treatment agents.

(Blood cell stop filter)
In the present invention, it is preferable that a blood cell stop filter capable of preventing passage of red blood cells is disposed between the blood separation filter and the second internal space.

  The blood cell stop filter only needs to have a property of preventing passage of red blood cells, and the material thereof is not particularly limited. Examples of materials having such properties include polyvinylidene difluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, glass fiber, borosilicate, vinyl chloride, silver, and the like. Can be mentioned.

  When the blood cell stop filter is configured using a porous substance, plasma or serum can pass through. The porous substance constituting the blood cell stopping filter is not particularly limited as long as it has a pore diameter within a range that can prevent passage of red blood cells. In order to prevent passage of red blood cells, the pore diameter is preferably 1 μm or less. If the pore size is small, clogging may occur due to protein components in the blood. Therefore, the pore size is preferably 0.01 μm or more. In order to effectively prevent passage of red blood cells, the pore diameter is more preferably in the range of 0.05 μm or more and 1 μm or less.

  In order to increase the flow rate of filtration, the surface of the blood cell stop filter may be subjected to a hydrophilic treatment. Examples of the hydrophilic treatment method include plasma treatment and coating with a hydrophilic polymer, but are not limited to these methods, and other methods may be used.

(Flow path blocking member)
In the present invention, it is preferable that a flow path closing member that swells when contacted with plasma or serum is disposed in the flow path. The flow path blocking member is preferably disposed between the blood separation filter and the second internal space, and more preferably disposed between the blood stop filter and the second internal space.

  The material of the channel closing member used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but a resin having a hydrophilic functional group in the molecular skeleton and capable of absorbing the same amount or more of water with respect to its own weight is preferable. . Specific examples of the material of the channel closing member include polyacrylic acid alkali metal salt-based resins or copolymers thereof and cross-linked products thereof, polyacrylamide-based resins or copolymers thereof and cross-linked products thereof, poly N-vinyl. Acetamide resins or copolymers thereof and their cross-linked products, silicon resins or copolymers thereof and cross-linked products thereof, polyvinyl ether resins and copolymers thereof and cross-linked products thereof, polyalkylene oxide resins or co-polymers thereof Examples thereof include polymers and cross-linked products thereof, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or copolymers thereof, and cross-linked products thereof.

  As the channel closing member, a powdered or granular material may be used, or a film or sheet shaped material may be used. When the channel closing member is formed into a sheet shape, it is easy to install in the channel. As the flow path closing member, a paste, slurry, solution or the like may be used, and this may be added and dried.

  The channel closing member swells itself by being contacted with plasma or serum, and closes the channel. Therefore, the required amount of the flow path closing member varies depending on the flow path volume to be closed, the swelling rate and the swelling speed of the flow path closing member. Therefore, the optimum amount of the channel closing member is calculated from the channel volume to be closed, the swelling rate and the swelling speed of the channel closing member.

  The channel volume to be closed is set in a range where moisture in the blood is absorbed and the collected amount of the sample does not decrease. When the volume of the flow path is increased, the amount of the flow path blocking member for blocking is increased, so that the amount of collected sample may be reduced.

Therefore, the closed channel volume is preferably in the range of 0.005 to 1.0 cm ³ . The volume of the channel closing member is preferably in the range of 5 to 95% with respect to the channel volume to be closed. If the volume of the flow path blocking member is less than 5% of the flow path volume to be blocked, the time until the flow path is closed becomes longer, so that components leaked from the red blood cells may be mixed into the separated plasma or serum. There is. If the volume of the flow path closing member is larger than 95% of the volume of the flow path to be closed, the flow path may be closed before all the plasma or serum is recovered, and the efficiency of collecting plasma or serum decreases. There is a fear.

(Sample collection container)
In the present invention, it is preferable to secure the airtightness in the container main body by the first and second air-impermeable plugs to obtain a vacuum sample collection container.

  The pressure in the specimen collection container is preferably in the range of 10 to 90 kPa, more preferably 30 to 80 kPa, in order to exert a driving force for blood filtration and prevent destruction of red blood cells due to a load on blood cell components. Range. If the pressure is higher than 90 kPa, it may take a long time to separate the blood. If the pressure is lower than 10 kPa, the red blood cells are destroyed and the components in the red blood cells are liable to leak.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be clarified by describing specific embodiments of the present invention.

  A sample collection container according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  A sample collection container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front view in FIG. 1 and a front sectional view in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sample collection container 1 has a cylindrical container body 2 having a first opening 2a on one end side and a second opening 2b on the other end side. The other end side of the container body 2 has a shape tapered to an inverted frustoconical shape, and the opening diameter of the first opening 2a is smaller than the opening diameter of the second opening 2b. 1 and 2, the sample collection container 1 is shown so that the first opening 2a is on the lower side and the second opening 2b is on the upper side.

  A first plug 3 is fitted in the first opening 2a so as to hermetically seal the inside. The first plug 3 has a large diameter portion 3a and a small diameter portion 3b. The large diameter portion 3a has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 3b. In order to facilitate piercing with a blood collection needle or a syringe, an inverted frustoconical recess 3c is provided at the center of the outer surface of the first stopper. The small diameter portion 3b is press-fitted into the first opening 2a, and the first opening 2a is hermetically sealed by the first plug body 3.

  On the other hand, the second stopper 4 is detachably fitted in the second opening 2b. The second plug 4 has a large diameter part 4a and a small diameter part 4b. The large diameter portion 4a has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 4b. The large diameter portion 4 a has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the container body 2. The small diameter portion 4b is press-fitted into the second opening 2b, and the second opening 2b is hermetically sealed by the second plug body 4. Note that the pressure in the sample collection container 1 is reduced.

  In order to prevent the second plug body 4 from being pierced by a blood collection needle or a syringe, the outer surface of the second plug body 4 is covered with a cover 5. In the present embodiment, the entire outer surface of the large diameter portion 4 a is covered with the cover 5. The cover 5 extends further downward from the outer peripheral side surface of the large diameter portion 4a, and the lower end 5a of the cover 5 reaches the outer peripheral side surface of the second opening 2b. An annular projection 5 b is formed on the inner peripheral side surface of the cover 5. The inner diameter of the cover 5 is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 4a, but the inner diameter of the annular protrusion 5b is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 4b. That is, the front end surface 5c of the annular protrusion 5b is in contact with the outer peripheral side surface of the small diameter portion 4b, and the side surface 5d of the annular protrusion 5b is in contact with the step portion 4c between the large diameter portion 4a and the small diameter portion 4b. ing. On the other hand, a plurality of steps 5e are formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the cover 5 so that the cover 5 can be easily removed together with the second plug 4 so that it can be easily grasped.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the container body 2, the first internal space A1 in which blood is collected is disposed on the first opening 2a side, and is separated from the blood on the second opening 2b side. A second internal space A2 for accommodating plasma or serum is disposed. As will be described in detail later, the first internal space A1 is a part from which blood is collected, and the second internal space A2 is a part from which separated plasma or serum is stored and taken out.

  A blood separation filter 6 for separating blood collected in the first internal space A1 into blood cell components and plasma or serum is disposed between the first and second internal spaces A1 and A2. Between the blood separation filter 6 and the second internal space A2, a disc-shaped flow path blocking member 7 made of a resin that swells when contacted with plasma or serum separated by the blood separation filter 6 is disposed. ing. In the initial state, that is, before swelling, a hole 7a is formed in the center of the channel closing member 7 so as to secure a channel through which plasma or serum flows.

  In the present embodiment, an annular protrusion 2c is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 2 between the flow path closing member 7 and the second internal space A2. The annular protrusion 2c forms an opening 2d surrounded by the annular protrusion 2c, and constitutes a hollow flow path. The hole 7a of the flow path closing member 7 described above is connected to the opening 2d. A taper 2e is attached to the annular protrusion 2c on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 2 toward the flow path closing member 7 side.

  Between the blood separation filter 6 and the flow path blocking member 7, a disk-shaped blood cell stop filter 8 that prevents passage of blood cells separated by the blood separation filter 6 is disposed. The blood cell stop filter 8 is in contact with the blood separation filter 6 and is spaced apart from the flow path blocking member 7 by a certain distance.

  A method of using the specimen collection container 1 according to the above-described embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  3 shows a state immediately after blood is collected in the sample collection container 1, FIG. 4 shows a state in the middle of separation of blood collected in the sample collection container 1, and FIG. 5 shows separated plasma or serum. The state when the sample is taken out from the sample collection container 1 is shown in a front sectional view.

  3 and 4 show the sample collection container 1 in a state where the state shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when collecting and separating blood, the sample collection container 1 is arranged so that the first opening 2 a is on the upper side and the second opening 2 b is on the lower side.

  As shown in FIG. 3, a blood collection needle 11 is inserted into the first stopper 2a in order to introduce blood into the first internal space. When blood is introduced from the blood collection needle 11 into the first internal space A1, the blood reaches the blood separation filter 6 due to a pressure difference between inside and outside. After the blood is introduced, the blood collection needle is removed.

  When blood is collected, vacuum blood collection may be performed using a holder, or the blood may be once collected in a syringe and the syringe may be inserted into the first stopper 3. After collecting the blood, the blood collection needle is preferably removed as described above, but it may be inserted into the first plug 3.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the blood supplied to the first internal space A1 passes through the blood separation filter 6. In the blood separation filter 6, when blood passes, plasma or serum moves faster than blood cell components. The plasma or serum that has moved relatively quickly reaches the blood cell stop filter 8 first and passes through the blood cell stop filter 8. Then, plasma or serum passes through the hole 7a of the flow path closing member 7, flows down from the hollow flow path of the opening 2d of the container body 2, and is stored in the second internal space A2.

  Blood cells that have moved at a lower speed than plasma or serum do not pass through the blood cell stop filter 8 even if they reach the blood cell stop filter 8. Accordingly, blood cells are not mixed into the plasma or serum stored in the second internal space.

  Further, the flow path closing member 7 gradually swells when it comes into contact with plasma or serum, and closes the flow path after the plasma or serum to be stored has passed. More specifically, after the plasma or serum that has moved relatively quickly in the blood separation filter 6 passes through the flow path portion where the flow path closing member 7 is disposed, the flow path closing member 7 swells. That is, the hole 7a of the flow path closing member 7 is closed, and the flow path closing member 7 closes the flow path.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when taking out the plasma or serum stored in the second internal space A2, the sample collection container is arranged so that the first opening 2a is on the lower side and the second opening 2b is on the upper side. 1 is preferably inverted upside down. In the present invention, since the flow path is closed by the flow path closing member 7, the sample collection container 1 can be turned upside down, and the plasma or serum stored in the second internal space A2 is removed from the blood separation filter. 6 and the first internal space A1. That is, the separated plasma or serum is prevented from coming into contact with blood cells or erythrocyte components and contaminating the plasma or serum.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when taking out the separated plasma or serum, the second stopper 4 press-fitted into the second opening 2b is removed. Thereafter, plasma or serum can be sucked into the container from the second opening 2b using a pipette or the like and used for clinical examination. Alternatively, plasma or serum can be taken directly from the nozzle of the testing device.

  In the present invention, the inner peripheral surface of the container main body 2 is tapered 2e, and the liquid level of plasma or serum is brought close to the second opening 2b, so that plasma or serum can be taken out more easily. Is possible.

  A sample collection container according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front view in FIG. 6 and a front sectional view in FIG.

  The sample collection container 21 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is the same as the sample collection container described above except that the shape of the first opening and the shape of the first stopper provided in the first opening are different. 1 is configured. In the following description of the sample collection container 21, the same configuration as the sample collection container 1 is denoted by the same reference numeral, and the description thereof is omitted.

  The sample collection container 21 has a cylindrical container body 22 having a first opening 22a on one end side and a second opening 22b on the other end side. In the present embodiment, the first opening 22a and the second opening 22b have the same opening diameter. An annular protrusion 22 c is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 22 between the flow path closing member 7 and the second internal space A2. The annular protrusion 22c forms an opening 22d surrounded by the annular protrusion 22c, and constitutes a hollow flow path. A taper 22e is attached to the annular protrusion 22c on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 22 toward the flow path closing member 7 side.

  A first plug body 23 is fitted in the first opening 22a so as to hermetically seal the inside. The first plug body 23 has a large diameter portion 23a and a small diameter portion 23b. The large diameter portion 23a has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 23b. The large diameter portion 23a has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the container body. In order to facilitate piercing with a blood collection needle or a syringe, a hemispherical recess 23 c is provided at the center of the outer surface of the first stopper 23. The small diameter portion 23b is press-fitted into the first opening 22a, and the first opening 22a is hermetically sealed by the first plug body 23.

  On the other hand, the second opening 22b is hermetically sealed using the second plug 4 whose outer surface is covered by the cover 5, and the inside of the sample collection container 21 is decompressed.

  The outer surface of the first plug body 23 is covered with a cover 24. In the present embodiment, the cover 24 is provided with a hole 24a in the concave portion 23c of the first plug 23 so that the first plug 23 is pierced by a blood collection needle or syringe.

  The cover 24 extends further upward from the outer peripheral side surface of the large-diameter portion 23a, and the upper end 24b of the cover 24 reaches the outer peripheral side surface of the first opening 22a. An annular protrusion 24 c is formed on the inner peripheral side surface of the cover 24. The inner diameter of the cover 24 is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 23a, but the inner diameter of the annular protrusion 24c is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 23b. That is, the front end surface 24d of the annular protrusion 24c is in contact with the outer peripheral side surface of the small diameter portion 23b, and the side surface 24e of the annular protrusion 24c is in contact with the step portion 23c between the large diameter portion 23a and the small diameter portion 23b. ing. On the other hand, a plurality of steps 24f are formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the cover 24 so that the cover 24 can be easily removed together with the first plug 23 so that it can be easily gripped.

  As in the present embodiment, when the first plug 22 having the above shape and having the outer surface covered by the cover 24 is fitted into the first opening 22a. This makes it easy to insert / remove the blood collection needle into / from the first stopper 23 while holding the container body 22 and the cover 24 with fingers. Further, it is easy to remove the cover 24 together with the first plug body 23. For example, when excessive blood is introduced into the first internal space A1, excessive blood is taken out from the first opening 22a. Can do. Furthermore, after separating the blood, it is easy to erect the sample collection container 21 so that the first opening 22a is on the lower side and the second opening 22b is on the upper side.

  A specimen collection container according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front view in FIG. 8 and a front sectional view in FIG.

  The sample collection container 31 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is configured in the same manner as the sample collection container 1 described above, except that the shape of the second stopper fitted in the second opening is different. Yes.

  A second plug 32 is fitted into the second opening 2b so as to hermetically seal the inside. The second plug 32 has a large diameter portion 32a having a truncated cone shape and a small diameter portion 32b. The large diameter portion 32a has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 32b. The large diameter portion 32a has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the container body. In order to facilitate piercing with a blood collection needle or syringe, a recess 32c is provided at the center of the outer surface of the second stopper 32, and a recess 32d is provided at the center of the inner surface of the second stopper 32. Is provided. The small diameter portion 32b is press-fitted into the second opening 2b, and the second opening 2b is hermetically sealed by the second plug body 32.

  When the second stopper 32 is configured to be pierced by a blood collection needle or syringe as in the present embodiment, the blood is separated and then accommodated in the second internal space A2. Plasma or serum can be collected using a blood collection needle or syringe. Therefore, since it is not necessary to remove the second plug 32 when taking out the plasma or serum, it is possible to prevent the plasma or serum from overflowing from the second opening 2b.

  A specimen collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention is shown in front sectional views in FIGS. 10 and 11, respectively.

  The sample collection container 41 shown in FIG. 10 and the sample collection container 51 shown in FIG. 11 are configured in the same manner as the sample collection container 1 described above except that the arrangement part or material of the flow path closing member is different.

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the sample collection container 41, the flow path closing member 42 is composed of a mixture of a resin that swells when contacted with plasma or serum and a thermoplastic resin. A hole 42a is formed in the center of the channel closing member 42 so as to secure a channel through which plasma or serum flows in the initial state, that is, before swelling. As long as it can swell when contacted with plasma or serum and close the channel, as in this embodiment, the channel closing member is made of resin and heat that swell when contacted with plasma or serum. You may be comprised with the mixture with a plastic resin.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the sample collection container 51 has a cylindrical container body 52 having a first opening 52a on one end side and a second opening 52b on the other end side. An annular protrusion 52 c is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 52. The tip portion of the annular protrusion 52c is made of a resin molded body that swells when it comes into contact with plasma or serum, and constitutes a flow path closing member 52d. That is, the opening 52e surrounded by the flow path closing member 52d constitutes a hollow flow path. The annular protrusion 52c on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 52 has a taper 52f toward the flow path closing member 52d.

  As in this embodiment, as long as it can swell when contacted with plasma or serum and can serve to block the flow path, a portion of the container body is made of resin that swells when contacted with plasma or serum. You may be comprised by the flow-path obstruction | occlusion member which consists of a molded object.

The front view which shows the sample collection container which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The front sectional view showing the sample collection container concerning one embodiment of the present invention. The front sectional view showing the state immediately after collecting blood in the sample collection container concerning one embodiment of the present invention. The front sectional view showing the state of the middle stage where the blood collected in the sample collection container concerning one embodiment of the present invention is separated. The front sectional view showing the state at the time of taking out the separated blood color or serum from the sample collection container concerning one embodiment of the present invention. The front view which shows the sample collection container which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. The front sectional view showing the sample collection container concerning other embodiments of the present invention. The front view which shows the sample collection container which concerns on another embodiment of this invention. The front sectional view showing the sample collection container concerning another embodiment of the present invention. The front sectional view showing the sample collection container concerning another embodiment of the present invention. The front sectional view showing the sample collection container concerning another embodiment of the present invention. Front sectional drawing which shows an example of the conventional sample collection container.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sample collection container 2 ... Container main body 2a, 2b ... 1st, 2nd opening 2c ... Annular protrusion 2d ... Opening part 2e ... Taper 3 ... 1st stopper 3a ... Large diameter part 3b ... Small diameter part 3c ... Concave portion 4 ... second plug 4a ... large diameter portion 4b ... small diameter portion 4c ... step portion 5 ... cover 5a ... lower end 5b ... annular protrusion 5c ... tip surface 5d ... side surface 5e ... step 6 ... blood separation filter 7 ... flow Road blocking member 7a ... hole 8 ... blood cell stop filter 11 ... blood collection needle 21 ... sample collection container 22 ... container body 22a, 22b ... first and second openings 22c ... annular protrusion 22d ... opening 22e ... taper 23 ... first 1 plug 23a ... large diameter portion 23b ... small diameter portion 23c ... concave 24 ... cover 24a ... hole 24b ... upper end 24c ... annular projection 24d ... tip surface 24e ... side surface 24f ... step 31 ... sample collection container 32 ... second Plug body 32a ... Large Portion 32b ... Small diameter portion 32c, 32d ... Recess 41 ... Sample collection container 42 ... Channel block member 42a ... Hole 51 ... Sample collection container 52 ... Container body 52a, 52b ... First and second openings 52c ... Annular projection 52d ... channel closing member 52e ... opening 52f ... taper A1, A2 ... first and second internal spaces

Claims (6)

A specimen collection container used for separating plasma or serum from blood and examining components in the plasma or serum,
A cylindrical container body having a first opening on one end side and a second opening on the other end side, a first stopper fitted in the first opening, and the second A second plug fitted in the opening,
The cylindrical container body includes a first internal space in which blood is collected on the first opening side, and a second internal side in which plasma or serum separated from blood is stored on the second opening side. With space,
A blood separation filter disposed between the first and second internal spaces, for separating blood sampled in the first internal space into a blood cell component and plasma or serum; Specimen collection container.   The specimen collection according to claim 1, further comprising a blood cell stop filter that is disposed between the blood separation filter and the second internal space and prevents passage of blood cell components separated by the blood separation filter. container.   A flow path closing member that is disposed between the blood separation filter and the second internal space and swells when contacted with plasma or serum separated by the blood separation filter and closes the flow path; The specimen collection container according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising:   The specimen collection container according to claim 3, wherein the flow path blocking member is disposed between the blood cell stop filter and the second internal space.   The outer surface of the second plug body is covered with a cover that prevents the second plug body from being pierced by a blood collection needle or a syringe. Sample collection container. The specimen collection container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical container body is tapered toward the flow path closing member side.

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