JP4924923B2 - Sensor cartridge - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sensor cartridge, for example, a sensor cartridge that measures and analyzes a chemical substance using a reagent contained in a hollow reaction part of a chip body.

Conventionally, for example, a sensor cartridge that detects the concentration of glucose in blood is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the glucose sensor described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, a glucose sensor 100 that is a biosensor has a counter electrode 101 and a working electrode 102. The counter electrode 101 has a hollow needle shape half cut in the length direction, and a tip portion 103 thereof is obliquely cut into an injection needle shape so as to be easily punctured. The cut surfaces that have been cut are generally coated with insulating layers 104 and 104 'that also serve as adhesive layers, such as epoxy resin adhesives, silicone adhesives, or glass. The insulating layers 104 and 104' The working electrode 102 is attached via The working electrode 102 is a flat plate member on which glucose oxidase (GOD) is immobilized, and is adhered to the counter electrode 101 with the surface on which the GOD is immobilized facing inward.
Therefore, blood is collected by puncturing the subject 103 with the tip 103 of the needle-shaped counter electrode 101, and the reaction between the collected blood and the immobilized GOD 105 is detected by the working electrode 102 to determine glucose.

In addition, a biosensor in which a sensor cartridge and a lancet are integrated is disclosed (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
9A is a perspective view of the sensor described in Patent Document 2, and FIG. 9B is an exploded perspective view of the sensor. As shown in FIG. 9, the lancet-integrated sensor 110 includes a chip body 111, a lancet 113, and a protective cover 115. The chip body 111 has a cover 111a and a substrate 111b that can be opened and closed, and an internal space 112 is formed on the inner surface of the cover 111a. The internal space 112 has a shape that can accommodate the lancet 113 in a movable manner.

  The needle 114 provided at the tip of the lancet 113 can be projected and retracted from an opening 112 a formed at the front end of the internal space 112 of the chip body 111 as the lancet 113 moves. The shape of the internal space 111a is curved so that the width thereof is slightly narrower than that of the lancet 113 at the end where the protrusion 113a is located, and the lancet 113 is locked to the chip body 111 by mutual pressing force and frictional force. It is like that. The protective cover 115 has a tube portion 115 a into which the needle 114 is inserted, and the tube portion 115 a can be accommodated inside the chip body 111 as the needle 114 moves. Therefore, in a state before use, the protective cover 115 is put on the needle 114 to protect the needle 114 and prevent the user from being accidentally injured. Note that the substrate 111b is provided with a pair of electrode terminals 116 so that the substrate 111b can be electrically connected to a measuring apparatus (not shown).

In use, the protective cover 115 is removed and the lancet 113 is pushed to cause the needle 114 to protrude from the tip body 111. After puncturing the subject in this state, the needle 114 is housed inside the chip body 111, the opening 112a provided at the front end of the chip body 111 is brought close to the puncture port, and the outflowed blood is collected.
JP-A-2-120655 International Publication No. 02/056769 Pamphlet

However, in the glucose sensor 100 described in Patent Document 1, since the needle-like counter electrode 101 and the working electrode 102 are bonded to each other, the diameter of the puncture needle is approximately the same as the width of the glucose sensor 100 and increases. For this reason, there is a problem in that the amount of blood collected increases, pain during puncture increases, and the burden on the user increases.
In addition, the lancet-integrated sensor 110 described in Patent Document 2 has a structure that absorbs blood flowing out from the puncture port from the opening 112a, but the structure is complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and the object thereof is to easily collect even a very small amount of sample, reducing the amount of sample necessary for measurement, and reducing the burden on the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor cartridge capable of reducing the above.

In order to achieve the above-described object, a sensor cartridge as a first feature according to the present invention includes a chip body in which a puncture device is fixed to one end, and a sample collection port for collecting a sample in the puncture device. And a detection unit provided with a detection electrode, which can be moved closer to and away from each other via a mechanism for extending and contracting the chip body and the detection unit. And the detection electrode is electrically connected to the connection electrode provided on the chip body.
In the present invention, a needle, a lancet needle, a cannula and the like are referred to as a puncture device.

In the sensor cartridge configured as described above, when the chip main body is pressed against the specimen, the detection unit connected to be able to approach and separate is retracted via a mechanism for expanding and contracting the chip main body, and the puncture device projects. Therefore, the specimen can be punctured. At this time, the sample flowing out from the puncture port is collected from the sample collection port provided at a position close to the puncture port in the detection unit, so even a small amount of sample can be reliably collected, reducing the burden on the user. can do. In addition, since the reaction detected by the detection electrode is transmitted to the connection electrode of the chip body, analysis / measurement can be easily performed by connecting the connection electrode of the chip body to the measuring instrument.
In the present invention, the puncture port refers to a puncture portion for a specimen of a puncture device. Also, that the sample collection port is provided at a position close to the puncture port means that the sample from the puncture port is formed so that it can be contacted when the sample is in a hemispherical shape or the like due to surface tension. say.

  The sensor cartridge according to the second feature of the present invention is the sensor cartridge according to the first feature of the present invention, wherein the detection portion protrudes from the tip of the needle when not pressed, When a pressing force is applied to the part, the needle can protrude from the tip of the detection part.

  In the sensor cartridge configured as described above, the puncture instrument is covered with the detection unit when the detection unit is not pressed, so that the needle can be protected and the user can be prevented from being damaged.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the sensor cartridge according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the mechanism for expanding and contracting includes an electrode guide, and the electrode guide includes the chip body. It exists in and is connected to both the detection electrode and the connection electrode.

  In the sensor cartridge configured as described above, when the detection unit is pressed against the specimen, the detection unit moves along the electrode guide, so that the puncture device protrudes and can be punctured. In addition, since the reaction at the detection electrode of the sample collected from the sample collection port is transmitted to the connection electrode of the chip body via the conduction mechanism and the electrode guide, the connection electrode of the chip body should be connected to the measuring instrument. This makes it easier to analyze and measure.

  The sensor cartridge according to the fourth feature of the present invention is the sensor cartridge according to the first or second feature of the present invention, wherein the mechanism for expanding and contracting is a spring made of a conductor, It is to be electrically connected to the connection electrode.

  In the sensor cartridge configured as described above, the spring is compressed when the detection unit is pressed against the specimen, so that the puncture device protrudes and can be punctured. In addition, since the reaction at the detection electrode of the sample collected from the sample collection port is transmitted to the connection electrode of the chip body via a spring made of a conductor, by connecting the connection electrode of the chip body to the measuring instrument Analysis and measurement can be performed easily.

  The sensor cartridge according to the fifth feature of the present invention is the sensor cartridge according to the first or second feature of the present invention, wherein the mechanism for expanding and contracting is a bellows shape, and the detection electrode and the connection electrode The object is to have a flexible cord that is electrically connected to the electrode.

  In the sensor cartridge configured as described above, the bellows shape is compressed when the detection unit is pressed against the sample, so that the puncture device protrudes and can be punctured. In addition, since the reaction at the detection electrode of the sample collected from the sample collection port is transmitted to the connection electrode of the chip body via the flexible cord, it is easy to connect the connection electrode of the chip body to the measuring instrument. Analysis and measurement can be performed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sensor measuring instrument connected to the sensor cartridge according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention and a detection electrode of the sensor cartridge. And a measuring instrument for obtaining information on the obtained sample.

  In the sensor measuring instrument configured as described above, when the chip body is pressed against the specimen, the detection unit connected so as to be able to approach and separate is retracted via a mechanism for expanding and contracting the chip body, and the puncture device projects. Therefore, the specimen can be punctured. At this time, the sample flowing out from the puncture port is collected from the sample collection port provided in the detection unit, and the reaction detected by the detection electrode is transmitted to the connection electrode of the chip body. By connecting to the measuring instrument, analysis and measurement can be easily performed.

  In addition, when using a sensor measuring instrument to which a sensor cartridge having a detecting unit and a puncture device is attached on one end side, the sensor measuring unit using method is the seventh feature of the present invention. , The puncture device is moved relative to the detection unit and protruded from the tip of the detection unit to puncture the sample, and then the puncture device is retracted from the sample and puncture is performed. The sample is discharged from the mouth, and the sample flowing out from the sample collection port is collected in a state where the detection unit having the sample collection port in a position close to the puncture port is in contact with the sample, and the sample is taken in the measuring instrument. It is to analyze and measure through the measurement unit.

  As described above, in the method of using the sensor measuring instrument of the present invention, from the beginning of the puncture operation by the operation of the sensor measuring instrument, the detection unit is maintained in contact with the sample, and the sample sampling port formed in the detection unit The sample can be flowed out to a position very close to the sensor, and a small amount of sample can be collected and analyzed and measured without moving the sensor measuring instrument. It is not necessary, and an extremely simple operation / use method can be provided.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blood sugar level sensor cartridge, wherein the sensor cartridge according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present invention measures a blood sugar level in blood. According to the blood glucose level sensor cartridge of the present invention, even a very small amount of blood can be reliably collected, the burden on the user can be reduced, and the reaction detected by the detection electrode is connected to the connection electrode of the chip body. Therefore, analysis / measurement can be easily performed by connecting the connection electrode of the chip body to the measuring instrument.

  According to the present invention, since the chip body and the detection unit are connected so as to be able to approach and separate via the mechanism for expanding and contracting, when the chip body is pressed against the specimen, the chip body and the detecting unit are moved toward and away from each other via the mechanism for expanding and contracting the chip body. The detection part connected so that it can be retracted and the puncture device protrudes, and the specimen can be punctured. At this time, the sample flowing out from the puncture port is collected from the sample collection port provided at a position close to the puncture port in the detection unit, so even a very small amount of sample can be reliably collected, reducing the burden on the user. can do. In addition, since the reaction detected by the detection electrode is transmitted to the connection electrode of the chip body, the effect that analysis / measurement can be easily performed by connecting the connection electrode of the chip body to the measuring device is obtained. .

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
1A is a front view of the sensor cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view seen from the side, FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view at the position AA, FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the sensor measuring instrument of the present invention, and FIGS. 3A to 3D are explanatory diagrams showing a sample collecting operation using the sensor measuring instrument according to the first embodiment of the present invention. is there.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the sensor cartridge 10A according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a tip body 11 in which a puncture device 12 is fixed to one end 11a, and a puncture device 12. A sample collection port 24 for collecting blood B, which is a sample that has flowed out from the punctured puncture port, is provided at a position close to the puncture port, and has a detection unit 20A provided with detection electrodes 25a and 25b. The chip body 11 and the detection unit 20A are connected to each other via a mechanism 30A for expanding and contracting, and the detection electrodes 25a and 25b are connected to the connection electrodes 13a and 13b provided on the chip body 11. And continuity.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A to 1C, a puncture device 12 is fixed to one end 11 a of the chip body 11. The chip body 11 is provided with a pair of connection electrodes 13a and 13b, and is electrically connected to the rail-shaped electrode guides 32a and 32b via the conduction mechanisms 8a and 8b. The conduction mechanisms 8a and 8b are not particularly limited as long as they are conductive materials. The connection electrodes 13a and 13b are exposed at least at the rear end portion 11b of the chip body 11.

  Electrode guides 32a and 32b as a mechanism 30A for expanding and contracting are attached to the lower surface of the detection unit 20A, and the detection unit 20A can move up and down along these electrode guides 32a and 32b.

  As shown in FIG. 1, when a pressing force such as pressing the tip 20a of the detection unit 20A against the sample M does not act, the detection unit 20A protrudes from the tip 12a of the puncture device 12; The puncture device 12 is protected and the user is not damaged. Further, as shown in FIG. 3B, when a pressing force (upward force in FIG. 1) is applied to the detection unit 20A, the puncture device 12 can protrude from the tip of the detection unit 20A. .

  As shown in FIGS. 1B and 1C, the detector 20A includes two substrates 21a and 21b facing each other and a spacer layer 22 sandwiched between the two substrates 21a and 21b. is doing. On the surface of at least one of the two substrates 21a and 21b on the spacer layer 22 side, detection electrodes 25a and 25b are provided in parallel at a predetermined interval, and electrode guides 32a and 32b are separately provided. Is conducting. Therefore, the detection electrodes 25a and 25b are individually conducted to the connection electrodes 13a and 13b of the chip body 11 via the electrode guides 32a and 32b and the conduction mechanisms 8a and 8b.

Further, a hollow reaction is carried out obliquely upward by the two substrates 21a, 21b and the spacer layer 22 from the tip near the puncture device 12 at the tip 20a of the detector 20A to the tip of the two detection electrodes 25a, 25b. A portion 23 is formed. Sample collection for introducing blood B (see FIG. 3C) as a sample collected by puncturing the puncture instrument 12 into the specimen M (see FIG. 3) at the tip of the hollow reaction unit 23 into the hollow reaction unit 23 A mouth 24 is provided. As shown in FIG. 3C, the sample collection port 24 is formed so as to be in a position where the sample B coming out from the puncture port can be contacted when in a hemispherical state due to surface tension. The distance between the sample collection port 24 and the center of the puncture port can be set to about 1 mm to 3 mm, for example.
As a result, a small amount of blood B flowing out from the puncture port can be reliably collected after puncture.

  That is, the hollow reaction part 23 is formed by the substrates 21a and 21b and the detection electrodes 25a and 25b on both upper and lower surfaces, and a rectangular space is formed with the spacer layer 22 cut into a predetermined shape as a side wall. For this reason, in the hollow reaction part 23, the detection electrodes 25a and 25b are exposed, and for example, an enzyme and a mediator are fixed immediately above or in the vicinity of the detection electrodes 25a and 25b in the hollow reaction part 23 in the blood B. A reagent 26 that reacts with glucose to generate an electric current is provided. Therefore, the hollow reaction part 23 becomes a part where the blood B collected and collected from the sample collection port 24 undergoes a biochemical reaction with the reagent 26.

  As the material of the substrates 21a and 21b and the spacer layer 22, an insulating material film is selected. As the insulating material, ceramics, glass, paper, biodegradable material (for example, polylactic acid microorganism-producing polyester), poly, etc. Examples thereof include thermoplastic resins such as vinyl chloride, polypropylene, polystyrene, polycarbonate, acrylic resin, polybutylene terephthalate and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), thermosetting resins such as epoxy resins, and plastic materials such as UV curable resins. A plastic material such as polyethylene terephthalate is preferable because of its mechanical strength, flexibility, and ease of chip fabrication and processing. Representative PET resins include Melinex and Tetron (trade names, manufactured by Teijin DuPont Films, Inc.), Lumirror (trade names, manufactured by Toray Industries, Inc.), and the like.

  In the present invention, the puncture device 12 used is preferably biodegradable.

Next, a sensor measuring instrument according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 2 shows a configuration of a sensor measuring instrument 40A using the above-described sensor cartridge 10A.
As shown in FIG. 2, the sensor measuring instrument 40A includes the sensor cartridge 10A described above and a measuring instrument 41 that is connected to the detection electrodes 25a and 25b of the sensor cartridge 10A and obtains information on blood B collected. is doing. Note that the configuration of the sensor cartridge 10A is as described above, and parts that are the same as the sensor cartridge 10A described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here.

  The measuring instrument 41 includes a power source 42, a control device 43, a terminal insertion unit 44, and a display unit 45, which are connected to each other. The rear end portion 11b of the chip body 11 of the sensor cartridge 10A is inserted and fixed to the terminal insertion portion 44, and the connection electrodes 13a and 13b exposed at the rear end portion 11b of the chip body 11 are electrically connected. Connected. The sensor measuring device 40A is small in size, for example, a handy type that allows a sample to be held with one hand.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3D, the usage method will be described by taking as an example a case where the blood glucose level is measured using the sensor measuring device 40 </ b> A.
First, as shown in FIG. 2, the rear end portion 11b of the chip body 11 of the sensor cartridge 10A is inserted and fixed in the terminal insertion portion 44 of the measuring instrument 41, and the connection electrodes 13a and 13b are electrically connected. . The power source 42 of the sensor measuring device 40A is turned on and it is confirmed whether or not it is normally activated.
As shown in FIG. 3A, after holding the sensor measuring instrument 40A and pressing the protective cap 36 against the sample M to make the puncture site congested, the tip of the detection unit 20A attached to the tip 11a of the sensor cartridge 10A 20a is brought into contact with the blood collection location of the specimen M.

Next, the sensor cartridge 10A is pressed against the sample M as shown in FIG. Accordingly, the detection unit 20A moves relatively upward along the electrode guides 32a and 32b of the chip body 11, so that the puncture instrument 12 protrudes from the tip 20a of the detection unit 20A and punctures the specimen M.
As shown in FIG. 3C, when the sensor cartridge 10A is slightly lifted, the puncture device 12 is removed from the sample M, and the blood B flows out from the puncture port. At this time, the detection unit 20 </ b> A moves relatively downward due to the weight and continues to contact the sample M.
As shown in FIG. 3D, since the sample collection port 24 provided in the detection unit 20A is opened in the vicinity of the puncture port, a small amount of blood B flowing out from the puncture port is reliably collected. be able to. For this reason, it is possible to use even the sample M whose visual acuity is reduced, and it is possible to measure with a small amount of blood, so that the burden on the sample at the time of blood collection can be reduced.

  When a predetermined amount of blood is collected, the sensor measuring device 40A is separated from the sample M. The collected blood B is introduced into the hollow reaction part 23 by its surface tension and capillary action, and reacts with the reagent 26. The detection electrodes 25a and 25b detect the current generated by the reaction and the like, and are transmitted to the measuring instrument 41 through the conduction mechanisms 8a and 8b, the electrode guides 32a and 32b, and the connection electrodes 13a and 13b. A calibration curve data table is stored in the control device 43, and the blood sugar level is calculated based on the measured current value (charge value). When the calculation is completed, the measurement result is displayed on the display unit 45. For example, the blood glucose level can be expressed as a numerical value. Finally, the sensor cartridge 10A is removed from the measuring instrument 41.

  In consideration of the blood sampling burden of the specimen, the volume of the hollow reaction part 23 is preferably 1 μL (microliter) or less, and particularly preferably 300 nL (nanoliter) or less. With such a minute hollow reaction part 23, a sufficient blood volume of the specimen can be collected even if the diameter of the needle 12 is small. Preferably, the diameter is 1000 μm or less.

Examples of the reagent 26 include enzymes such as glucose oxidase (GOD), glucose dehydrogenase (GDH), cholesterol oxidase, uricase, and electron acceptors.
For example, in the case of a glucose biosensor chip that measures the amount of glucose in blood, this portion includes a glucose oxidase layer, a glucose oxidase-electron acceptor (mediator) mixture layer, a glucose oxidase-albumin mixture layer, or a glucose oxidase-electron. A receptor-albumin mixture layer or the like is formed. These layers may be formed using enzymes other than glucose oxidase, such as glucose dehydrogenase. Moreover, you may include a buffering agent, hydrophilic polymer, etc. as an additive in a chemical | medical agent.

  As described above, according to the sensor cartridge 10A and the sensor measuring instrument 40A described above, when the chip main body 11 is pressed against the sample M, the detection unit 20A connected to and separated from the chip main body 11 via the mechanism 30A is provided. Since the puncture instrument 12 protrudes backward, the specimen M can be punctured. At this time, the blood B flowing out from the puncture port is collected from the sample collection port 24 provided at a position close to the puncture port in the detection unit 20A, so that even a very small amount of blood B can be reliably collected. Further, the reaction between the blood B and the reagent 26 in the hollow reaction part 23 is detected by the detection electrodes 25a and 25b, and the connection electrodes 13a and 13b of the chip body 11 via the conduction mechanisms 8a and 8b and the electrode guides 32a and 32b. Therefore, it is possible to easily perform analysis and measurement by connecting the connection electrodes 13a and 13b of the chip body 11 to the measuring instrument 41.

Next, a sensor cartridge according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part which is common in the sensor cartridge 10A concerning 1st Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.
FIG. 4 is a front view of a sensor cartridge according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and FIGS. 5A to 5D are illustrations showing a sample collecting operation using the sensor measuring instrument according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the sensor cartridge 10B according to the second embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism 30B for expanding and contracting is springs 33a and 33b made of a conductor, and the detection electrodes 25a and 25b and the connection electrodes 13a and 13b are electrically connected. Therefore, one end of each of the springs 33a and 33b is connected to the detection electrodes 25a and 25b, and the other end is connected to the connection electrodes 13a and 13b.
In addition, you may provide the press part 27 similar to the detection part 20B on the opposite side to the detection part 20B with respect to the puncture instrument 12. FIG. Although it is not necessary to provide what is necessary for collection of the blood B in this press part 27, it is supported by the spring 33 similarly to the detection part 20B.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 5A to 5D, the usage method will be described by taking as an example a case where a blood glucose level is measured using the sensor measuring device 40 </ b> B (see FIG. 2).
First, as shown in FIG. 2, the rear end portion 11 b of the chip body 11 of the sensor cartridge 10 </ b> B is inserted into the terminal insertion portion 44 of the measuring instrument 41 to be fixed and electrically connected. The power source 42 of the sensor measuring device 40B is turned on and it is confirmed whether it is normally activated.
As shown in FIG. 5A, after holding the sensor measuring instrument 40B and pressing the protective cap 36 against the sample M to make the puncture site congested, the tip of the detection unit 20B attached to the tip 11a of the sensor cartridge 10B 20a is brought into contact with the blood collection location of the specimen M.

Next, the sensor cartridge 10B is pressed against the sample M as shown in FIG. As a result, the spring springs 33 a and 33 b are contracted, and the detection unit 20 </ b> B is raised relative to the chip body 11. As a result, the puncture device 12 protrudes from the tip 20a of the detection unit 20B and punctures the sample M.
As shown in FIG. 5C, when the sensor cartridge 10B is lifted up slightly, the detection unit 20B moves relatively downward by the weight and continues to contact the sample M. At this time, since the sample collection port 24 provided in the detection unit 20B is opened in the vicinity of the puncture port, a very small amount of blood B flowing out from the puncture port can be reliably collected. For this reason, it is possible to use even the sample M whose visual acuity is reduced, and it is possible to measure with a small amount of blood, so that the burden on the sample at the time of blood collection can be reduced.

  When a predetermined amount of blood is collected, the sensor measuring device 40B is separated from the sample M. The collected blood B is introduced into the hollow reaction part 23 by its surface tension and capillary action, and reacts with the reagent 26. The detection electrodes 25a and 25b detect a current or the like generated by the reaction and are transmitted to the measuring instrument 41 via the springs 33a and 33b and the connection electrodes 13a and 13b. A calibration curve data table is stored in the control device 43, and the blood sugar level is calculated based on the measured current value (charge value). When the calculation is completed, the measurement result is displayed on the display unit 45. For example, the blood glucose level can be expressed as a numerical value. Finally, the sensor cartridge 10B is removed from the measuring instrument 41.

  As described above, according to the sensor cartridge 10B and the sensor measuring instrument 40B described above, when the sensor cartridge 10B is pressed against the sample M, the detection unit 20B connected to the chip main body 11 via the mechanism 30B for expanding and contracting is detachably connected. Since the puncture instrument 12 protrudes backward, the specimen M can be punctured. At this time, the blood B flowing out from the puncture port is collected from the sample collection port 24 provided at a position close to the puncture port in the detection unit 20B, so that even a very small amount of blood B can be reliably collected. Further, the reaction between the blood B and the reagent 26 in the hollow reaction part 23 is detected by the detection electrodes 25a and 25b and transmitted to the connection electrodes 13a and 13b of the chip body 11 via the springs 33a and 33b. By connecting the eleven connecting electrodes 13a and 13b to the measuring instrument 41, analysis and measurement can be easily performed.

Next, a sensor cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the site | part which is common in the sensor cartridge 10A concerning 1st Embodiment, or the sensor cartridge 10B concerning 2nd Embodiment, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.
FIG. 6A is a front view of a sensor cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX in FIG. FIGS. 7A to 7D are explanatory views showing a sample collecting operation using the sensor measuring instrument according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, in the sensor cartridge 10C according to the third embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism 30C for expanding and contracting is configured by two bellows shapes 34 having a rectangular cross section. ing. The bellows shape 34 on one side (the left side in the figure) has flex cords 35a and 35b for electrically connecting the detection electrodes 25a and 25b of the detection unit 20C and the connection electrodes 13a and 13b of the chip body 11. Yes. Therefore, one end of each of the flexible cords 35a and 35b is connected to the detection electrodes 25a and 25b, and the other end is connected to the connection electrodes 13a and 13b.
In addition, you may provide the press part 27 similar to the detection part 20C on the opposite side to the detection part 20C with respect to the puncture instrument 12. FIG. Although it is not necessary to provide what is necessary for collection of the blood B in this press part 27, it is supported by the other bellows shape 34 similarly to the detection part 20C.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7D, a method of using the sensor measuring device 40C (see FIG. 3) as an example will be described.
First, as shown in FIG. 2 shown in the first embodiment, the rear end portion 11b of the chip body 11 of the sensor cartridge 10C is inserted into the terminal insertion portion 44 of the measuring instrument 41 to be fixed and electrically connected. . The power source 42 of the sensor measuring instrument 40C is turned on and it is confirmed whether it is normally activated.
As shown in FIG. 7A, after holding the sensor measuring instrument 40C and pressing the protective cap 36 against the sample M to make the puncture site congested, the tip of the detection unit 20C attached to the tip 11a of the sensor cartridge 10C 20a is brought into contact with the blood collection location of the specimen M.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, the sensor cartridge 10C is pressed against the sample M. Thereby, the bellows shape 34 is contracted, and the detection unit 20 </ b> C is raised relative to the chip body 11. Thereby, the puncture device 12 protrudes from the tip 20a of the detection unit 20C and punctures the sample M.
As shown in FIG. 7C, when the sensor cartridge 10C is slightly lifted, the detection unit 20C moves relatively downward due to its weight and continues to contact the sample M. At this time, since the sample collection port 24 provided in the detection unit 20C is opened in the vicinity of the puncture port, a very small amount of blood B flowing out from the puncture port can be reliably collected. For this reason, it is possible to use even the sample M whose visual acuity is reduced, and it is possible to measure with a small amount of blood, so that the burden on the sample at the time of blood collection can be reduced.

  When a predetermined amount of blood is collected, the sensor measuring device 40C is separated from the sample M. The collected blood B is introduced into the hollow reaction part 23 by its surface tension and capillary action, and reacts with the reagent 26. The detection electrodes 25a and 25b detect the current generated by the reaction and the like, and are transmitted to the measuring instrument 41 through the flex cords 35a and 35b and the connection electrodes 13a and 13b. A calibration curve data table is stored in the control device 43, and the blood sugar level is calculated based on the measured current value (charge value). When the calculation is completed, the measurement result is displayed on the display unit 45. For example, the blood glucose level can be expressed as a numerical value. Finally, the sensor cartridge 10C is removed from the measuring instrument 41.

  As described above, according to the sensor cartridge 10C and the sensor measuring instrument 40C described above, when the sensor cartridge 10C is pressed against the sample M, the detection unit 20C connected to and separated from the chip body 11 via the mechanism 30C for expanding and contracting is provided. Since the puncture instrument 12 protrudes backward, the specimen M can be punctured. At this time, blood B flowing out from the puncture port is collected from the sample collection port 24 provided at a position close to the puncture port in the detection unit 20C, so that even a very small amount of blood B can be reliably collected. Further, the reaction between the blood B and the reagent 26 in the hollow reaction part 23 is detected by the detection electrodes 25a and 25b and transmitted to the connection electrodes 13a and 13b of the chip body 11 via the flex cords 35a and 35b. By connecting the connection electrodes 13a and 13b of the main body 11 to the measuring device 41, analysis and measurement can be easily performed.

  The sensor cartridge of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications and improvements can be made.

  As described above, the sensor cartridge according to the present invention is detachably connected via the mechanism for expanding and contracting the chip body and the detection unit. Therefore, when the chip body is pressed against the sample, the chip body is expanded and contracted. Through this mechanism, the detection unit connected so as to be able to approach and separate is retracted and the puncture device protrudes, so that the specimen can be punctured. At this time, the sample flowing out from the puncture port is collected from the sample collection port provided in the detection unit, and the reaction detected by the detection electrode is transmitted to the connection electrode of the chip body. A sensor that measures and analyzes chemical substances using the reagent contained in the hollow reaction part of the chip, with the effect that it can be easily analyzed and measured by connecting to the measuring instrument. It is useful as a cartridge or the like.

FIG. 2A is a front view of the sensor cartridge according to the first embodiment of the present invention. (B) is sectional drawing seen from the side. (C) is sectional drawing of the AA position in (A). It is a block diagram which shows embodiment concerning the sensor measuring device of this invention. (A)-(D) are explanatory drawings which show sample collection operation | movement by the sensor measuring device at the time of using the sensor cartridge concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a front view of the sensor cartridge concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A)-(D) are explanatory drawings which show sample collection operation | movement by the sensor measuring device at the time of using the sensor cartridge concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. (A) is a front view of a sensor cartridge according to a third embodiment of the present invention. (B) is sectional drawing of the XX position in (A). (A)-(D) are explanatory drawings which show sample collection operation | movement by the sensor measuring device at the time of using the sensor cartridge concerning 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a disassembled perspective view which shows the conventional sensor cartridge. (A) is a perspective view showing a conventional sensor cartridge. (B) is an exploded perspective view showing a conventional sensor cartridge.

Explanation of symbols

8a, 8b Conduction mechanism 10A, 10B, 10C Sensor cartridge 11 Chip body 11a One end 12 Puncture device 12a Tip 13a, 13b Connection electrode 20A, 20B, 20C Detection unit 24 Sample sampling port 25a, 25b Detection electrode 30A, 30B , 30C Mechanism for expanding and contracting 32a, 32b Electrode guide 33a, 33b Spring 34 Bellows shape 35a, 35b Flex code 40A, 40B, 40C Sensor measuring instrument 41 Measuring instrument B Blood (sample)

Claims (7)

A tip body in which a puncture device is fixed to one end, a sample collection port for collecting a sample is provided so as to be close to a puncture port formed by the puncture device, and a detection electrode is provided And having a detection unit,
The chip body and the detection unit are connected to each other through a mechanism for expanding and contracting, and the detection electrode is electrically connected to a connection electrode provided in the chip body. Sensor cartridge.   The detection unit has a tip that protrudes from the tip of the needle when not pressed, and the needle can protrude from the tip of the detection unit when a pressing force is applied to the detection unit. The sensor cartridge according to claim 1. The mechanism for expanding and contracting has an electrode guide,
The sensor cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the electrode guide is provided in the chip body and is electrically connected to both the detection electrode and the connection electrode.   3. The sensor cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism for expanding and contracting is a spring made of a conductor, and conducts the detection electrode and the connection electrode. 4.   3. The sensor cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the mechanism for expanding and contracting has a bellows shape and has a flexible cord that conducts the detection electrode and the connection electrode. 4.   6. A sensor measuring instrument comprising: the sensor cartridge according to claim 1; and a measuring unit that obtains information of a sample collected by connecting to a detection electrode of the sensor cartridge. A blood glucose level sensor cartridge, wherein the sensor cartridge according to claim 1 measures a blood glucose level in blood.

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