JP6846388B2 - Measurement cartridge and liquid feeding method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a measuring cartridge and a liquid feeding method for separating a liquid component from a sample by centrifugation and using it for measurement.

Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which a sample is analyzed using a disk-shaped bioanalytical device.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 20 (a), the blood 402 injected into the blood reservoir 401 is separated through the blood flow path 403 by the centrifugal force generated by the rotation of the bioanalytical device 400. Transferred to 404. The inside of the blood separation unit 404 is divided into a plasma storage unit 406 and a blood cell storage unit 407 by a blood separation wall 405. Further, on the blood separation wall 405, a plasma collection capillary tube 408 and a ventilation flow path 409 are formed so as to connect the plasma storage unit 406 and the blood cell storage unit 407. As shown in FIG. 20B, the blood 402 transferred to the blood separation unit 404 is further separated into a plasma component 410 and a blood cell component 411 by centrifugal force. Then, by decelerating or stopping the rotation of the bioanalytical device 400, the separated plasma component 410 is transferred to the plasma measuring unit 412 through the siphon flow path 412a by capillary force. After that, the plasma component 410 is transferred to the reagent reaction unit 413 by centrifugal force and subjected to analysis.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010/0240142

An object of the present invention is to provide a measurement cartridge and a liquid feeding method capable of increasing the quantitativeness of plasma components when transferring the plasma components separated by centrifugation and improving the measurement accuracy of plasma components. And.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a measuring cartridge (10, 200, 320) that is rotatably mounted on a measuring device (100) about a rotating shaft (20, 103). The measurement cartridge (10, 200, 320) according to this embodiment utilizes the centrifugal force generated by rotating the measurement cartridge (10, 200, 320) to contain blood cell components contained in the blood sample (70, 280). A separation chamber (30, 210) for separating (71, 281) and a plasma component (72, 282), a storage chamber (40, 241) for containing the plasma component (72, 282), and a separation chamber (40, 241). The first flow path (51, 221) extending in the direction from the rotation axis (20, 103) from 30, 210) and the end of the first flow path (51, 221) opposite to the separation chamber (30, 210). A second flow path (52, 222) extending from the portion in a direction away from the rotation axis (20, 103) and connecting to the accommodating chamber (40, 241), a first flow path (51, 221), and a second flow. An air introduction path (65, 207) capable of introducing air into the second flow path (52, 222) from the connection position (50a, 220a) with the path (52, 222) is provided, and the air introduction path (207) is provided. ) Extends from the air hole (206) in a direction away from the rotation axis (20, 103) and is connected to the connection position (220a) via a narrowed portion in a plan view.

According to the measurement cartridge according to this aspect, when the measurement cartridge is rotated while the first flow path and the second flow path are filled with plasma components, air enters the second flow path from the air introduction path, and the air enters the second flow path. The plasma components filled in the first channel and the second channel are divided at the connection position. As a result, the plasma component in the first flow path is returned to the separation chamber by centrifugal force, and the plasma component in the second flow path is moved to the accommodating chamber by centrifugal force. Therefore, the plasma component that moves to the containment chamber becomes the plasma component that fills the second flow path, so that the quantitativeness of the plasma component that moves to the containment chamber is improved.

In the measurement cartridge (10, 200, 320) according to this embodiment, the second flow path (52, 222) contains the plasma component (72, 282) separated in the separation chamber (30, 210) by capillary action. The plasma components (72, 282) quantified by introducing air into the second flow path (52, 222) from the connection positions (50a, 220a) by centrifugal force are stored in the storage chamber (40, 241). ) Can be configured to transfer.

In the measurement cartridge (10, 200, 320) according to this embodiment, the movement of the plasma component (72, 282) due to the capillary phenomenon is stopped on the accommodation chamber (40, 241) side of the second flow path (52, 222). A valve (208c) for the purpose may be provided.

The measurement cartridge (10, 200, 320) according to this embodiment has a disposal chamber (234) for discarding the plasma component (72, 282), a separation chamber (30, 210), and a disposal chamber (234). The plasma components (72, 282) remaining in the separation chamber (30, 210) after being connected and moved from the separation chamber (30, 210) to the containment chamber (40, 241). It may be configured to include another flow path (233) that moves from the separation chambers (30, 210) to the disposal chamber (234) according to siphon principles.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a liquid feeding method. The liquid feeding method according to this embodiment is a separation chamber (30, 210) included in a measuring cartridge (10, 200, 320) rotatably mounted on a measuring device (100) about a rotating shaft (20, 103). ), The blood sample (70, 280) is separated into the blood cell component (71, 281) and the plasma component (72, 282) by utilizing the centrifugal force due to the rotation around the rotation axis (20, 103) (S102). ), The plasma component (72, 282) separated in the separation chamber (30, 210) is connected to the separation chamber (30, 210) and the storage chamber (40, 241) by the capillary phenomenon (50, 200). ) (S103), and air is introduced into the flow path (50, 200) through the narrowed portion in the plan view of the air introduction path (207) extending from the air hole (206) in the direction away from the rotation axis. The plasma components (72, 282) quantified by the introduction are transferred to the containment chamber (40 , 241) by centrifugal force (S104).

According to the liquid feeding method according to this aspect, the same effect as that of the first aspect is obtained.

In the liquid feeding method according to this embodiment, the movement of the plasma component (72, 282) due to the capillary phenomenon is stopped on the accommodation chamber (40, 241) side of the flow path (50, 200) (S103).

In the liquid feeding method according to this embodiment, the plasma component (72, 282) remaining in the separation chamber (30, 210) after the plasma component (72, 282) is moved from the separation chamber (30, 210) to the storage chamber (40, 241). 72, 282) is moved from the separation chamber (30, 210) to the disposal chamber (234) by the siphon principle (S104).

According to the present invention, when the plasma component separated by centrifugation is transferred, the quantitativeness of the plasma component can be increased, and the measurement accuracy of the plasma component can be improved.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a configuration of a measurement cartridge according to the first embodiment. 2A and 2B are diagrams for explaining a procedure for separating the solid component and the liquid component contained in the sample according to the first embodiment and storing the liquid component in the storage chamber. 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining a procedure for separating the solid component and the liquid component contained in the sample according to the first embodiment and storing the liquid component in the storage chamber. 4 (a) and 4 (b) are schematic views showing the configuration of the measurement cartridge according to the modified example of the first embodiment. FIG. 5A is a schematic view showing the configuration of the measurement cartridge according to the second embodiment. 5 (b) and 5 (c) are schematic views showing the configuration of the measurement cartridge according to the modified example of the second embodiment. FIG. 6A is a schematic view showing the configuration of the measurement cartridge according to the third embodiment. 6 (b) and 6 (c) are schematic views showing the configuration of the measurement cartridge according to the modified example of the third embodiment. FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing the configuration of the measuring device according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment. FIG. 7B is a schematic view showing the configuration of the measurement cartridge according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment. FIG. 8 is an enlarged view schematically showing a part of the configuration of the measurement cartridge according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment. FIG. 9A is a schematic view showing a cross section of C1-C2 according to a specific configuration example of the second embodiment. 9 (b) and 9 (c) are schematic views showing a cross section of C1-C2 according to a modified example of the specific configuration example of the second embodiment. FIG. 10A is an enlarged view schematically showing the configuration of the valve according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment. 10 (b) to 10 (d) are diagrams for explaining that the valve according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment suppresses the infiltration of the liquid component into the accommodating chamber due to the capillary phenomenon. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration when the main body portion according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment is viewed from diagonally above, and a diagram showing a configuration when the lid portion is viewed from diagonally below. FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a cross section of the measuring device when cut in a plane parallel to the YZ plane passing through the rotation axis according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment when viewed from the side. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a measuring device according to a specific configuration example of the second embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the measuring device according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment. FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing in detail the process of separating the sample according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment and transferring the liquid component to the storage chamber. FIG. 16A is a schematic view showing a state in which a sample is stored in the sample storage unit according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment. FIG. 16B is a schematic view showing a state in which the sample in the sample storage unit according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment is transferred to the separation chamber. FIG. 17A is a schematic view showing a state in which the sample in the separation chamber according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment is separated into a solid component and a liquid component by centrifugal force. FIG. 17B is a schematic view showing a state in which the liquid component in the separation chamber according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment is transferred to the flow path. FIG. 18A is a schematic view showing a state in which the liquid component in the second flow path according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment is being transferred to the accommodating chamber. FIG. 18B is a schematic view showing a state in which the transfer of the liquid component according to the specific configuration example of the second embodiment is completed. FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a configuration when the support member and the measurement cartridge according to the fourth embodiment are viewed from above. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram for explaining a configuration related to the related technology.

<Embodiment 1>
As shown in FIG. 1, the measurement cartridge 10 is a measurement cartridge for separating a liquid component from a sample by centrifugation and using the liquid component for measurement. The measurement cartridge 10 is a replaceable component that summarizes the functions required for separating the liquid component from the sample by centrifugation. The measuring cartridge 10 is attached to the measuring device so as to be rotatable around a rotating shaft 20 included in the measuring device, and the sample housed therein is configured to be separable into a solid component and a liquid component by centrifugal force. The measuring device rotates the rotating shaft 20 to rotate the mounted measurement cartridge 10 around the rotating shaft 20.

In Embodiment 1, the sample is a blood sample of whole blood collected from a subject. The liquid component is a plasma component contained in a whole blood blood sample. The solid component is a blood cell component contained in a whole blood blood sample. The sample is not limited to a whole blood sample, and may be a sample collected from a subject. The liquid component is not limited to the plasma component, and may be any liquid component contained in the sample collected from the subject. The solid component is not limited to the blood cell component, and may be any solid component contained in the sample collected from the subject.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the measurement cartridge 10 mounted on the measuring device when viewed vertically downward. In FIG. 1, the XYZ axes are orthogonal to each other. The positive direction of the X-axis indicates the rear, the positive direction of the Y-axis indicates the left direction, and the positive direction of the Z-axis indicates the vertical downward direction. In the drawings below, the XYZ axes are the same as the XYZ axes in FIG. Further, hereinafter, the radial direction of the circle centered on the rotation shaft 20 is simply referred to as "diameter direction". The circumferential direction of the circle centered on the rotation axis 20, that is, the rotation direction around the rotation axis 20, is simply referred to as the "rotation direction". Of the rotation directions, the counterclockwise direction when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis is the T1 direction, and the clockwise direction when viewed in the positive direction of the Z axis is the T2 direction.

As shown in FIG. 1, the measurement cartridge 10 is composed of a plate-shaped and disk-shaped substrate 10a. Each part in the measurement cartridge 10 is formed by adhering a recess formed on the substrate 10a and a film (not shown) covering the substrate 10a. The measurement cartridge 10 is not limited to a plate shape and may include a protrusion or the like, and may be not limited to a disk shape but may have another shape such as a rectangular shape. The substrate 10a is provided with a hole 10b that penetrates the substrate 10a at the center of the substrate 10a. The measuring cartridge 10 is installed in the measuring device so that the center of the hole 10b coincides with the rotation axis 20 of the measuring device.

The measurement cartridge 10 includes a separation chamber 30, an accommodating chamber 40, a flow path 50, a sample inlet 61, a sample accommodating portion 62, a flow path 63, a hole 64, an air introduction path 65, and a flow path. 66 and.

The sample inlet 61 is provided inside the sample container 62 in the radial direction, and opens the inside of the sample container 62 in the radial direction to the outside of the measurement cartridge 10. The sample storage unit 62 stores the sample input from the sample input port 61. The flow path 63 is provided on the outer side in the radial direction of the sample accommodating portion 62, and connects the sample accommodating portion 62 and the separation chamber 30.

The separation chamber 30 has a first storage unit 31 and a second storage unit 32 arranged in a direction away from the rotation shaft 20 with respect to the first storage unit 31. The second storage unit 32 is connected to the first storage unit 31. The first storage unit 31 extends in the direction toward the rotation shaft 20, and the second storage unit 32 extends in the rotation direction. The width L2 in the rotation direction of the second storage unit 32 is larger than the width L1 in the rotation direction of the first storage unit 31. The first storage unit 31 is arranged at a position biased in the T2 direction with respect to the second storage unit 32 in the rotation direction.

The first storage unit 31 includes inner walls 31a and 31b. The inner walls 31a and 31b are portions of the first storage portion 31 located on the opposite side of the rotation shaft 20 from the end portion of the first storage portion 31 located on the rotation shaft 20 side. The inner wall 31a is located on the T1 direction side of the first storage unit 31, and the inner wall 31b is located on the T2 direction side of the first storage unit 31. In a plan view, the inner walls 31a and 31b extend in the radial direction. The inner wall 31b is connected to the inner wall of the second storage portion 32 on the T2 direction side in the same plane. The flow path 63 is connected to the inner wall 31b. The second storage unit 32 includes an inner wall 32a connected to the first storage unit 31. The inner wall 32a is located at the end of the second storage unit 32 on the rotation shaft 20 side, and is located on the T1 direction side of the first storage unit 31. In a plan view, the inner wall 32a extends in the direction of rotation. The flow path 50 is connected to the inner wall 32a.

The flow path 50 connects the separation chamber 30 and the accommodation chamber 40. The flow path 50 extends from the separation chamber 30 toward the rotation shaft 20. Specifically, the flow path 51 of the flow path 50 connected to the separation chamber 30, which will be described later, extends in the direction toward the rotation shaft 20. The flow path 51 shown in FIG. 1 extends in the direction toward the rotating shaft 20, but the flow path 51 may extend in the direction toward the rotating shaft 20, and does not necessarily extend exactly toward the rotating shaft 20. It does not have to be extended. That is, the flow path 51 does not necessarily have to extend in the radial direction. Further, the flow path 50 does not necessarily have to extend in the direction toward the rotation axis 20 over the entire length, and extends in the direction toward the rotation axis 20 at least within a range in which the sample can infiltrate before centrifugation. Just do it.

The flow path 50 includes a flow path 51 and a flow path 52. The flow path 51 extends linearly from the separation chamber 30 toward the rotation shaft 20. The flow path 52 extends linearly from the end of the flow path 51 on the opposite side of the separation chamber 30 in a direction away from the rotation shaft 20. The end of the flow path 51 on the T2 direction side is connected to the separation chamber 30, and the end of the flow path 52 on the T1 direction side is connected to the accommodation chamber 40. The end of the flow path 51 on the opposite side of the separation chamber 30 and the end of the flow path 52 on the opposite side of the accommodating chamber 40 are connected to each other at the connection position 50a. Further, the flow path 50 is configured such that the liquid component separated in the separation chamber 30 moves from the separation chamber 30 toward the accommodation chamber 40 through the flow path 50 by a capillary phenomenon. Therefore, the inner diameter of the flow path 50 is set so small that the liquid component can move due to the capillary phenomenon.

The hole 64 is provided inside the air introduction path 65 in the radial direction, and opens the inside of the air introduction path 65 in the radial direction to the outside of the measurement cartridge 10. The air introduction path 65 is connected to the connection position 50a of the flow path 50, and introduces air into the flow path 50 at the connection position 50a. Specifically, the air introduction path 65 introduces air into the flow path 51 from the connection position 50a and introduces air into the flow path 52 from the connection position 50a. The accommodating chamber 40 is a chamber for accommodating the liquid component separated by the separation chamber 30. The flow path 66 is connected to the accommodation chamber 40. The liquid component transferred to the accommodating chamber 40 via the flow path 50 is transferred to another accommodating chamber via the flow path 66, and the measurement regarding the liquid component is performed in the other accommodating chamber.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 2A to 3B, a procedure for separating the solid component 71 and the liquid component 72 contained in the sample 70 and accommodating the liquid component 72 in the storage chamber 40 will be described. To do.

The operator inserts the sample 70 into the sample input port 61 in advance, and stores the sample 70 in the sample storage unit 62. The operator attaches the measuring cartridge 10 to the measuring device and starts the operation by the measuring device. The measuring device rotates the measuring cartridge 10 around the rotation shaft 20, and transfers the sample 70 housed in the sample accommodating portion 62 to the separation chamber 30 via the flow path 63 by centrifugal force. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2A, the interface between the sample 70 and the air layer in the separation chamber 30 is positioned radially inward from the position where the flow path 51 is connected to the inner wall 32a of the separation chamber 30. Be done. As a result, the sample 70 penetrates into the vicinity of the end of the flow path 51 on the separation chamber 30 side.

Subsequently, the measuring device rotates the measuring cartridge 10 around the rotation shaft 20 from the state of FIG. 2A, and applies the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the sample 70 housed in the separation chamber 30 around the rotation shaft 20. It is used to separate the solid component 71 and the liquid component 72. As a result, as shown in FIG. 2B, the solid component 71 moves radially outward and the liquid component 72 moves radially inward in the separation chamber 30. Here, since the flow path 50 extends from the separation chamber 30 toward the rotation shaft 20, the solid component 71 that has entered the flow path 50 from the separation chamber 30 before centrifugation as shown in FIG. 2A. Moves from the flow path 50 to the separation chamber 30 due to the centrifugal force during centrifugation. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the solid component 71 from remaining in the flow path 50 after centrifugation.

Further, since the flow path 51 is connected to the inner wall 32a, the flow path 51 can be extended in the radial direction from the inner wall 32a. As shown in FIG. 1, the flow path 51 of the first embodiment extends radially from the inner wall 32a. As a result, the solid component 71 that has entered the flow path 51 from the separation chamber 30 before centrifugation and has accumulated in the flow path 51 is more smoothly moved to the first storage unit 31 by the centrifugal force at the time of centrifugation. Can be done. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the solid component 71 from remaining in the flow path 50 after centrifugation.

Subsequently, the measuring device waits for a predetermined time from the state of FIG. 2B without rotating the measuring cartridge 10. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3A, the liquid component 72 in the separation chamber 30 infiltrates into the flow path 50 due to the capillary phenomenon, and the inside of the flow path 50 is filled with the liquid component 72. Here, as described above, since the length of the first storage unit 31 is shorter than the length of the second storage unit 32 in the rotation direction, the liquid component 72 and the air layer appearing in the first storage unit 31 after centrifugation The interface of the above is largely separated from the second storage portion 32 on the rotation shaft 20 side. Therefore, the distance between this interface and the liquid layer of the solid component 71 after centrifugation can be widened, and the flow path 50 can be connected at a position away from the liquid layer of the solid component 71. Specifically, as in the first embodiment, the flow path 50 can be connected to the inner wall 32a of the second storage unit 32. As a result, it is possible to prevent the solid component 71 after centrifugation from being involved in the flow generated by the capillary phenomenon.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the solid component 71 from remaining in the flow path 50 after centrifugation, and to prevent the solid component 71 after centrifugation from being caught in the flow path 50. As a result, it is possible to prevent the solid component 71 from being mixed into the liquid component 72 that moves in the flow path 50 from the separation chamber 30 to the accommodation chamber 40 due to the capillary phenomenon. Therefore, it is possible to improve the measurement accuracy for the liquid component 72 performed in the subsequent stage of the accommodating chamber 40.

Subsequently, the measuring device rotates the measuring cartridge 10 around the rotation shaft 20 from the state shown in FIG. 3A. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, centrifugal force is applied to the liquid component 72 in the flow path 50, and the liquid component 72 in the flow path 51 is returned to the separation chamber 30 by the centrifugal force and flows. The liquid component 72 in the passage 52 is moved to the accommodating chamber 40 by centrifugal force. At this time, air enters the flow path 50 from the air introduction path 65, the liquid component 72 filled in the flow path 50 is divided at the connection position 50a from the inside of the flow path 50, and the liquid component 72 is smoothly moved. In other words, the flow path 50 introduces air into the flow path 50 from the connection position 50a, transfers the filled liquid component 72 between the connection position 50a to the separation chamber 30, and transfers the filled liquid component 72 to the separation chamber 30, and the connection position. The liquid component 72 filled between 50a and the containment chamber 40 is transferred to the containment chamber 40. Since the liquid component 72 moving to the accommodating chamber 40 becomes the liquid component 72 filled in the flow path 52, the quantification of the liquid component 72 moving to the accommodating chamber 40 is improved. That is, the amount of the liquid component 72 required for measurement can be transferred to the accommodating chamber 40 in just proportion.

As shown in FIG. 1, the first storage unit 31 of the first embodiment is arranged at a position biased in the T2 direction with respect to the second storage unit 32 in the rotation direction. However, not limited to this, the first storage unit 31 may be arranged near the central position of the second storage unit 32 as shown in FIG. 4A in the rotation direction, and is shown in FIG. 4B. As described above, it may be arranged at a position biased in the T1 direction with respect to the second storage unit 32.

When the first storage unit 31 is arranged as shown in FIG. 4A, the second storage unit 32 is located on the T2 direction side of the first storage unit 31 in addition to the inner wall 32a, and is the first storage unit. An inner wall 32b connected to 31 is provided. In a plan view, the inner wall 32b extends in the direction of rotation. When the first storage unit 31 is arranged as shown in FIG. 4 (b), the second storage unit 32 includes only the inner wall 32b of the inner walls 32a and 32b as compared with FIG. 4 (a). In this case, the inner wall 31a of the first storage portion 31 is connected to the inner wall of the second storage portion 32 on the T1 direction side in the same plane. The flow path 50 is connected to the inner wall 31a.

The flow path 50 is not limited to being connected to the inner wall 32a as shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A, and rotates more than the end of the second storage portion 32 located on the opposite side of the rotation shaft 20. It may be connected to the portion of the second storage portion 32 located on the shaft 20 side. Specifically, the flow path 50 may be connected to the inner wall 32b in FIGS. 4 (a) and 4 (b), and in FIGS. 1 and 4 (a) and 4 (b), the T1 direction of the second storage unit 32. It may be connected to the inner wall on the side or the T2 direction side.

Further, the flow path 50 is not limited to being connected to the inner wall 31a as shown in FIG. 4B, and the flow path 50 is relative to the rotating shaft 20 rather than the end of the first storage portion 31 located on the rotating shaft 20 side. It may be connected to the portion of the first storage portion 31 located on the opposite side. Specifically, the flow path 50 may be connected to the inner wall 31a in FIGS. 1 and 4 (a), or may be connected to the inner wall 31b in FIGS. 1 and 4 (a) and 4 (b).

The flow path 50 may be connected to the separation chamber 30 at the connecting portion between the inner wall 31a and the inner wall 32b. The flow path 50 may be connected to the separation chamber 30 at the connecting portion between the inner wall 31b and the inner wall 32b. The flow path 50 may be connected to the separation chamber 30 at a connecting portion between the first storage portion 31 and the second storage portion 32 on a plane including the inner wall 31b shown in FIG. The flow path 50 may be connected to the separation chamber 30 at a connecting portion between the first storage portion 31 and the second storage portion 32 on a plane including the inner wall 31a shown in FIG. 4 (b).

Further, in any of the configurations of FIGS. 1 and 4 (a) and 4 (b), the flow path 63 was connected to the separation chamber 30 at the inner wall 31b of the first storage unit 31. However, not limited to this, the flow path 63 may be connected to the separation chamber 30 at the inner wall 31a of the first storage unit 31, and may be connected to the separation chamber 30 at the inner wall of the first storage unit 31 located on the rotation shaft 20 side. May be connected.

<Embodiment 2>
As shown in FIG. 5A, in the second embodiment, as compared with the configuration of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the separation chamber 30 is located in the radial direction of the inner wall of the second storage portion 32 on the T2 direction side. A protruding portion 30a whose outer inner wall portion protrudes in the T2 direction is further provided. In other words, the second storage unit 32 of the second embodiment includes a first region 81 and a second region 82 arranged on the rotation axis 20 side with respect to the first region 81. The width L2 in the rotation direction of the second region 82 is smaller than the width L3 in the rotation direction of the first region 81. The second region 82 is arranged at a position biased in the T1 direction with respect to the first region 81. The first region 81 includes an inner wall 81a extending along the rotation direction in a plan view. The inner wall 81a is located on the T2 direction side in the first region 81 and is connected to the second region 82. The inner wall 81a is located at the end of the first region 81 on the rotation shaft 20 side.

When the first region 81 and the second region 82 are configured in this way, the solid component 71 can be efficiently accommodated in the wide first region 81 at the time of centrifugation. Further, since the protrusion 30a is provided, the interface between the sample 70 and the air layer can be positioned radially outward in the separation chamber 30 as compared with the first embodiment. As a result, the sample 70 can be centrifuged in a short time. Further, since the protrusion 30a is provided, the liquid layer of the solid component 71 is kept away from the rotation shaft 20 as compared with the first embodiment. As a result, it is possible to prevent the solid component 71 from being involved in the flow to the flow path 50 due to the capillary phenomenon.

Further, since the width L2 of the second region 82 is smaller than the width L3 of the first region 81, as compared with the case where the entire inner wall of the second storage portion 32 on the T2 direction side protrudes in the T2 direction from the configuration of FIG. The interface between the air layer after centrifugation and the liquid component 72 is positioned closer to the rotation axis 20. In this case, since the connection position of the flow path 50 with respect to the separation chamber 30 can be brought closer to the rotation shaft 20, the connection position of the flow path 50 is far from the liquid layer of the solid component 71. As a result, it is possible to more reliably prevent the solid component 71 from being involved in the flow to the flow path 50 due to the capillary phenomenon.

Further, the first storage unit 31 of the second embodiment is arranged at a position biased toward the T2 direction with respect to the second region 82, and the flow path 50 is located on the T1 direction side with respect to the first storage unit 31. It is connected to the position of the second region 82. When the flow path 50 is connected to the inner wall 32a in this way, it is possible to prevent the liquid component 72 from leaving the connection position on the inner wall 32a of the flow path 50 while the liquid component 72 flows into the flow path 50 due to the capillary phenomenon. .. As a result, the liquid component 72 can be stably supplied to the flow path 50 while the liquid component 72 flows into the flow path 50 due to the capillary phenomenon. The way of advancing the interface between the air layer and the liquid component 72 in this case will be described in detail in a specific configuration example described later.

As shown in FIG. 5A, the separation chamber 30 of the second embodiment is configured by providing the protrusion 30a on the inner wall of the second storage portion 32 on the T2 direction side in the configuration shown in FIG. Was done. However, not limited to this, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the separation chamber 30 is configured by providing the protrusion 30 a in the configuration shown in FIG. 4 (a) as in FIG. 5 (a). You may. Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the separation chamber 30 may be configured by providing the protrusion 30 a in the configuration shown in FIG. 4 (b) as in the case of FIG. 5 (a). In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 5C, the flow path 51 is connected to, for example, the boundary position between the first storage unit 31 and the second storage unit 32.

<Embodiment 3>
As shown in FIG. 6A, in the third embodiment, as compared with the configuration of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5A, the separation chamber 30 is located on the inner wall of the second storage portion 32 on the T1 direction side. A protruding portion 30b whose inner wall portion on the outer side in the radial direction protrudes in the T1 direction is further provided. In other words, the first region 81 of the third embodiment has a shape extending in the T1 direction as compared with the second embodiment. The first region 81 further includes an inner wall 81b extending along the rotation direction in a plan view. The inner wall 81b is located in the first region 81 on the T1 direction side and in the radial direction, and is connected to the second region 82.

In the third embodiment, the width L3 of the first region 81 is longer than the width L3 of the second embodiment. As a result, the solid component 71 can be more efficiently contained in the first region 81 during centrifugation. Further, since the protrusion 30b is provided, the interface between the sample 70 and the air layer can be further positioned radially outward in the separation chamber 30 as compared with the second embodiment. As a result, the sample 70 can be centrifuged in a shorter time. Further, since the protrusion 30b is provided, the liquid layer of the solid component 71 is further separated from the rotation shaft 20 as compared with the second embodiment. As a result, it is possible to further suppress the solid component 71 from being involved in the flow to the flow path 50 due to the capillary phenomenon.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the separation chamber 30 of the third embodiment is provided with a protruding portion 30b on the inner wall of the second storage portion 32 on the T1 direction side in the configuration shown in FIG. 5A. It was composed of. However, not limited to this, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the separation chamber 30 is configured by providing the protrusion 30 b in the configuration shown in FIG. 5 (b) as in FIG. 6 (a). You may. Further, as shown in FIG. 6 (c), the separation chamber 30 may be configured by providing the protrusion 30 b in the configuration shown in FIG. 5 (c) in the same manner as in FIG. 6 (a).

<Specific configuration example>
Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the measuring device and a specific configuration of the measuring cartridge of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5A will be described. In the following description, the same configuration as the measurement cartridge 10 of the second embodiment described with reference to FIG. 5A will be omitted for convenience.

As shown in FIG. 7A, the measuring device 100 separates the liquid component from the sample by using the measuring cartridge 200, and detects the test substance in the liquid component by using the antigen-antibody reaction. It is an immunoassay device that analyzes a test substance based on the detection result. Also in the specific configuration example, the sample is a blood sample of whole blood collected from the subject. The liquid component is a plasma component contained in a whole blood blood sample. The solid component is a blood cell component contained in a whole blood blood sample.

The measuring device 100 includes a main body portion 101 and a lid portion 102. In the main body 101, the housing 101a covers the portion other than the portion facing the lid 102. In the lid portion 102, the housing 102a covers the portion other than the portion facing the main body portion 101. The main body 101 supports the lid 102 so as to be openable and closable. When attaching / detaching the measurement cartridge 200, the lid 102 is opened as shown in FIG. 7A. A measurement cartridge 200 is mounted on the upper portion of the main body 101. Further, the main body 101 includes a rotating shaft 103 extending parallel to the Z-axis direction. The rotating shaft 103 corresponds to the rotating shaft 20 of FIG. The measuring device 100 rotates the mounted measuring cartridge 200 about the rotation shaft 103. The internal configuration of the measuring device 100 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

As shown in FIG. 7 (b), the measurement cartridge 200 corresponds to the measurement cartridge 10 of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5 (a). The measurement cartridge 200 is composed of a plate-shaped and disk-shaped substrate 200a. FIG. 5A shows a part of the measurement cartridge 200. Each part in the measurement cartridge 200 is formed by adhering a recess formed in the substrate 200a and a film (not shown) covering the substrate 200a. The substrate 200a and the film bonded to the substrate 200a are composed of a translucent member. The thickness of the substrate 200a is, for example, several millimeters, specifically 1.2 mm. The substrate 200a is provided with a hole 200b that penetrates the substrate 200a at the center of the substrate 200a. The measuring cartridge 200 is installed in the measuring device 100 so that the center of the hole 200b coincides with the rotation axis 103 of the measuring device 100.

The measurement cartridge 200 includes a sample inlet 201, a sample accommodating portion 202, a flow path 203, holes 204 and 206, air introduction paths 205 and 207, valves 208a, 208b and 208c, a separation chamber 210, and the like. It includes a flow path 220, a flow path 231 and an overflow chamber 232, a flow path 233, a disposal chamber 234, a storage chambers 241 to 246, a flow path 250, a liquid storage portion 261 and a hole 262.

As shown in FIG. 8, the sample inlet 201, the sample accommodating portion 202, and the flow path 203 correspond to the sample inlet 61, the sample accommodating portion 62, and the flow path 63 shown in FIG. 1, respectively. The valve 208a is provided between the sample accommodating portion 62 and the flow path 203. The valve 208a suppresses the sample stored in the sample storage unit 202 from moving to the flow path 203 before the measurement cartridge 200 is rotated.

The separation chamber 210 includes a first storage section 211 and a second storage section 212, and the second storage section 212 includes a first region 271 and a second region 272. The separation chamber 210 corresponds to the separation chamber 30 shown in FIG. 5 (a), and the first storage unit 211 and the second storage unit 212 correspond to the first storage unit 31 and the second storage unit 21 shown in FIG. 5 (a), respectively. Corresponding to the part 32, the first region 271 and the second region 272 correspond to the first region 81 and the second region 82 shown in FIG. 5A, respectively.

The first storage unit 211 includes an inner wall 211a, and the second storage unit 212 includes an inner wall 212a. The inner walls 211a and 212a correspond to the inner walls 31a and 32a shown in FIG. 5A, respectively. Further, the inner wall 211a is connected to the inner wall 212a by a curved inner wall 211b that gradually inclines from the edge of the inner wall 211a on the inner wall 212a side so as to be parallel to the inner wall 212a and connects to the inner wall 212a. That is, the inner wall 211a extending in the radial direction in the plan view and the inner wall 212a extending in the rotational direction in the plan view are smoothly connected by the curved inner wall 211b.

The first region 271 includes an inner wall 271a. The inner wall 271a corresponds to the inner wall 81a shown in FIG. 5 (a). The width of the inner wall 271a in the rotation direction is larger than the width of the inner wall 212a in the rotation direction. The protruding portion 210a is a portion of the first region 271 that protrudes in the T2 direction with respect to the second region 272. The protruding portion 210a corresponds to the protruding portion 30a shown in FIG. 5 (a).

An air introduction path 205 is connected to the inner wall of the separation chamber 30 which is located inside in the radial direction and extends in the rotational direction in a plan view. The hole 204 is provided inside the air introduction path 205 in the radial direction, and opens the inside of the air introduction path 205 in the radial direction to the outside of the measurement cartridge 200.

An air introduction path 207 is connected to the connection position 220a of the flow path 220. The hole 206 is provided inside the air introduction path 207 in the radial direction, and opens the inside of the air introduction path 207 in the radial direction to the outside of the measurement cartridge 200. The air introduction path 207 introduces air into the flow path 220 at the connection position 220a. The hole 206, the air introduction path 207, and the connection position 220a correspond to the hole 64, the air introduction path 65, and the connection position 50a shown in FIG. 1, respectively. The valve 208b is provided between the air introduction path 207 and the connection position 220a. The valve 208b suppresses the liquid component that has entered the flow path 220 due to the capillary phenomenon from entering the air introduction path 207.

The flow path 220 includes a flow path 221 and a flow path 222. The flow path 220 corresponds to the flow path 50 shown in FIG. 5A, and the flow path 221 and the flow path 222 correspond to the flow path 51 and the flow path 52 shown in FIG. 5A, respectively. The valve 208c is provided between the flow path 222 and the accommodation chamber 241 on the accommodation chamber 241 side of the flow path 222. The valve 208c is provided to stop the movement of the liquid component due to the capillary phenomenon. That is, the valve 208c suppresses the liquid component that has entered the flow path 220 from the separation chamber 210 due to the capillary phenomenon from entering the accommodation chamber 241.

The flow path 231 connects the flow path 221 and the overflow chamber 232. Specifically, the end of the flow path 231 on the flow path 221 side is connected to the branch position 221a closer to the separation chamber 210 than the center of the flow path 221. The flow path 231 is provided with an accommodating portion 231a. The overflow chamber 232 contains unwanted specimens and unwanted liquid components. That is, the overflow chamber 232 is provided to dispose of unnecessary samples and unnecessary liquid components.

The flow path 233 connects the first region 271 and the disposal chamber 234. Specifically, one end of the flow path 233 is connected to the inner wall 271a of the first region 271. The flow path 233 moves the liquid component remaining in the separation chamber 210 after moving the liquid component from the separation chamber 210 to the accommodation chamber 241 from the first region 271 toward the disposal chamber 234 according to the siphon principle. The waste chamber 234 contains unwanted liquid components. That is, the disposal chamber 234 is provided to dispose of unnecessary liquid components.

Returning to FIG. 7B, the accommodating chambers 241 to 246 are aligned in the rotational direction near the outer periphery of the substrate 200a. The containment chamber 241 corresponds to the containment chamber 40 shown in FIG. The flow path 250 includes an arcuate region extending in the rotational direction and a region for moving the reagent in the liquid storage unit 261 toward the corresponding storage chamber. The liquid storage unit 261 stores reagents and includes sealing bodies 261a and 261b. The sealing bodies 261a and 261b are configured to be openable by being pressed from above by the pressing portion 124 described later. When the sealing bodies 261a and 261b are opened, the radial inside of the liquid storage portion 261 is opened to the outside of the measurement cartridge 200 through the hole 262, and the radial outside of the liquid storage portion 261 becomes the flow path 250. Connect. As a result, the reagent in the liquid storage unit 261 can be transferred by centrifugal force to the corresponding storage chamber among the storage chambers 241 to 246 via the flow path 250.

Each configuration of the measurement cartridge 200 shown in FIG. 7B is formed only in a region of one-third of the substrate 200a. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the configuration of these groups may be formed in the remaining two-thirds of the region, and the substrate 200a may be provided with three configurations of the group.

FIG. 9A is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the separation chamber 210 when the cross section of C1-C2 shown in FIG. 8 is viewed in the negative direction of the Y-axis. In FIG. 9A, the positive direction of the X-axis indicates a direction toward the rotation axis 103, and the negative direction of the X-axis indicates a direction away from the rotation axis 103.

As shown in FIG. 9A, the separation chamber 210 includes a lower surface 273 as an inner wall located on the Z-axis positive direction side and an upper surface 274 as an inner wall located on the Z-axis negative direction side. The lower surface 273 is a plane parallel to the XY plane. The upper surface 274 includes a first inclined portion 274a, a second inclined portion 274b, and a flat portion 274c, 274d, 274e.

The first inclined portion 274a increases the thickness of the space in the second storage portion 212 as the distance from the rotation shaft 103 increases. The first inclined portion 274a is provided in the first region 271 of the separation chamber 210. The second inclined portion 274b reduces the thickness of the space in the second storage portion 212 as the distance from the rotation shaft 103 increases. The second inclined portion 274b is provided in the second region 272 of the separation chamber 210. The flat portion 274c is a plane parallel to the XY plane, and connects the first inclined portion 274a and the second inclined portion 274b.

The flat portion 274d is a plane parallel to the XY plane, and the thickness of the space in the second storage portion 212 in the first region 271 is defined by H1. The flat portion 274e is a plane parallel to the XY plane, and the thickness of the space in the second storage portion 212 in the second region 272 and the thickness of the space in the first storage portion 211 are defined in H2. Further, the flat portion 274c defines the thickness of the space in the second storage portion 212 at the boundary between the first region 271 and the second region 272 in H3. The relationship between the thicknesses H1 to H3 is H1> H2> H3.

By providing the first inclined portion 274a, the thickness of the region outward in the radial direction from the first inclined portion 274a can be increased, and the capacity of the region outward in the radial direction from the first inclined portion 274a can be increased. As a result, at the time of centrifugation, the boycott effect makes it easier for the solid component to stay in the region radially outside the first inclined portion 274a, and the efficiency of centrifugation can be improved. Further, since the liquid component can be smoothly moved from the radial outer side to the radial inner side of the second storage portion 212 along the first inclined portion 274a, it is solid in the region radially outer from the first inclined portion 274a. Ingredients can be collected efficiently.

By providing the second inclined portion 274b, the thickness of the region outward in the radial direction from the second inclined portion 274b can be reduced, and the thickness of the region outward in the radial direction from the second inclined portion 274b can be reduced. As a result, the solid component that has moved radially outward from the second inclined portion 274b due to centrifugal force is less likely to return to the radial inward. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the solid component after centrifugation from being mixed into the flow path 220. Further, at the time of centrifugation, the solid component can be smoothly moved to the outside in the radial direction of the second inclined portion 274b along the second inclined portion 274b.

By providing the first inclined portion 274a and the second inclined portion 274b, the convex portion is arranged between the first region 271 in which the solid component is stored and the second region 272 in which the liquid component is stored. Become. Specifically, a flat portion 274c projecting in the direction of reducing the thickness of the separation chamber 30 is provided between the first region 271 and the second region 272. Thereby, it is possible to more effectively prevent the solid component from being mixed with the liquid component.

The thickness of the space in the second storage portion 212 in the first region 271 is H1, and the thickness of the space in the second storage portion 212 in the second region 272 is H2, which is smaller than H1. As a result, the solid component can be efficiently retained in the first region 271.

The first inclined portion 274a and the second inclined portion 274b are connected by a flat portion 274c. As a result, the solid component does not easily move in the range where the flat portion 274c is provided, so that the solid component staying radially outside the first inclined portion 274a due to centrifugation passes through the flat portion 274c and becomes a liquid component. Mixing is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the solid component from being mixed with the liquid component taken into the flow path 220 due to the capillary phenomenon.

The separation chamber 210 is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG. 9A, and may be configured as shown in FIGS. 9B and 9C, for example. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9B, the first inclined portion 274a and the flat portion 274c are omitted on the upper surface 274 of the separation chamber 210 as compared with FIG. 9A. In this case as well, the effect of the second inclined portion 274b is exhibited. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9C, the second inclined portion 274b and the flat portion 274c are omitted on the upper surface 274 of the separation chamber 210 as compared with FIG. 9A. In this case as well, the effect of the first inclined portion 274a is exhibited.

In addition, in the configuration shown in FIG. 9A, the flat portion 274c may be omitted, and the first inclined portion 274a and the second inclined portion 274b may be adjacent to each other. Further, the configuration of the inclined portion and the flat portion is not limited to being provided on the upper surface 274, but may be provided on the lower surface 273, or may be provided on both the lower surface 273 and the upper surface 274. Further, the inclined surface of the first inclined portion 274a and the inclined surface of the second inclined portion 274b do not necessarily have to be a flat flat surface as shown in FIG. 9A, and may have irregularities.

Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 9A, the first inclined portion 274a may be omitted, and the flat portion 274c and the flat portion 274d may be connected by a plane parallel to the YZ plane. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9C, the first inclined portion 274a may be omitted, and the flat portion 274d and the flat portion 274e may be connected by a plane parallel to the YZ plane. Further, in the configuration shown in FIG. 9A, the second inclined portion 274b may be omitted, and the flat portion 274c and the flat portion 274e may be connected by a plane parallel to the YZ plane. In the configuration shown in FIG. 9B, the second inclined portion 274b may be omitted, and the flat portion 274d and the flat portion 274e may be connected by a plane parallel to the YZ plane.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged view schematically showing the vicinity of the valve 208c.

As shown in FIG. 10A, the valve 208c includes a flow path 275a, a space 275b, and a flow path 275c. The flow path 275a is connected to the flow path 222, and the flow path 275c is connected to the accommodation chamber 241. The space 275b connects the flow path 275a and the flow path 275c.

The flow path 275a is configured such that the width of the flow path 275a is sharply smaller than the width of the flow path 222 at the connecting portion 276a between the flow path 222 and the flow path 275a. The space 275b is configured such that the width of the space 275b is sharply larger than the width of the flow path 275a at the connecting portion 276b between the flow path 275a and the space 275b. The flow path 275c is configured such that the width of the flow path 275c is sharply smaller than the width of the accommodation chamber 241 at the connecting portion 276c between the flow path 275c and the accommodation chamber 241. The cross-sectional area of the flow paths 275a and 275c is constant. The cross-sectional area of the flow paths 275a and 275c does not necessarily have to be constant. The flow paths 275a, 275c and the space 275b are configured to have low wettability with respect to the liquid.

In the connecting portion 276a, the width of the flow path 275a is sharply smaller than the width of the flow path 222, and the flow path 275a has low wettability with respect to the liquid. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, even if the liquid component 282 in the flow path 222 reaches the connecting portion 276a due to the capillary phenomenon, the liquid component 282 is less likely to penetrate into the flow path 275a. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the liquid component 282 of the flow path 222 from entering the accommodating chamber 241 due to the capillary phenomenon.

Here, normally, the liquid component 282 in the flow path 222 does not infiltrate into the flow path 275a for the reason described above. However, the liquid component 282 in the flow path 222 may infiltrate the flow path 275a due to the capillary phenomenon. Therefore, in addition to the flow path 275a, the valve 208c is further provided with a space 275b and a flow path 275c.

In the connecting portion 276b, the size of the space 275b is sharply larger than the size of the flow path 275a, and the space 275b has low wettability with respect to the liquid. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10C, even if the liquid component 282 reaches the connecting portion 276b due to the capillary phenomenon, the liquid component 282 in the flow path 275a penetrates into the space 275b due to the surface tension of the liquid component 282. It becomes difficult to do. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the liquid component 282 of the flow path 222 from entering the accommodating chamber 241 due to the capillary phenomenon.

Further, in the connecting portion 276c, the size of the accommodating chamber 241 is sharply larger than the size of the flow path 275c. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10D, even if the liquid component 282 reaches the connecting portion 276c due to the capillary phenomenon, the liquid component 282 in the flow path 275c is transferred to the accommodating chamber 241 due to the surface tension of the liquid component 282. It becomes difficult to invade. Therefore, it is possible to reliably prevent the liquid component 282 of the flow path 222 from entering the accommodating chamber 241 due to the capillary phenomenon.

The valve 208a, like the valve 208c, also includes flow paths 275a, 275c, and space 275b. That is, the width of the flow path in the valve 208a is sharply smaller than the size of the sample accommodating portion 202 and the flow path 203, and the size of the space in the valve 208a is the flow path in the valve 208a. It is rapidly increasing in size compared to the size of. As a result, the valve 208a can prevent the sample in the sample accommodating portion 202 from entering the flow path 203 due to the capillary phenomenon. Further, the valve 208b also has a flow path 275a, 275c and a space 275b like the valve 208c. That is, the width of the flow path in the valve 208b is sharply smaller than the width of the air introduction path 207 and the flow path 220, and the size of the space in the valve 208b is the flow path in the valve 208b. It is rapidly increasing in size compared to the size of. As a result, the valve 208b can prevent the liquid component in the flow path 220 from entering the air introduction path 207 due to the capillary phenomenon.

Next, the internal configuration of the measuring device 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 13.

The main body 101 includes an installation member 111, a plate member 112, a support member 113, a magnetic force application unit 114, a detection unit 115, an accommodating body 116, a motor 117, and an encoder 118.

The installation member 111 has a shape that fits into the housing 101a. The plate member 112 is installed in the center of the upper surface of the installation member 111. The plate member 112 is made of a metal having high thermal conductivity. A heater 131, which will be described later, is installed on the lower surface of the plate member 112. The support member 113 is installed at the center of the installation member 111 via the installation member 119 described later. The support member 113 is composed of, for example, a turntable.

The magnetic force applying portion 114 is installed on the lower surface of the installation member 111 so as to face the lower surface of the measurement cartridge 200 installed on the support member 113 through the holes formed in the installation member 111 and the plate member 112. .. The magnetic force application unit 114 includes a magnet and a mechanism for moving the magnet in the Z-axis direction and the radial direction. The detection unit 115 is installed on the lower surface of the installation member 111 so as to face the lower surface of the measurement cartridge 200 installed on the support member 113 through the holes formed in the installation member 111 and the plate member 112. The detection unit 115 includes a photodetector. The photodetector of the detection unit 115 optically detects the test substance contained in the accommodation chamber 246. The photodetector of the detection unit 115 is composed of, for example, a photomultiplier tube, a phototube, a photodiode, and the like.

The accommodating body 116 is installed on the lower surface of the installation member 111. The accommodating body 116 includes a lower surface 116a and accommodating portions 116b and 116c. A hole 116d, which will be described later, is formed in the center of the upper surface of the housing 116. The hole 116d penetrates from the upper surface to the lower surface 116a of the housing 116 in the vertical direction. A rotation shaft 103 is passed through the hole 116d. The accommodating portions 116b and 116c are formed by recesses recessed downward from the upper surface of the accommodating body 116. The accommodating portions 116b and 116c accommodate the magnetic force applying portion 114 and the detecting portion 115, respectively. The motor 117 is composed of a stepping motor. The motor 117 is installed on the lower surface 116a and rotates the rotation shaft 103 with the Z axis as the center of rotation. The encoder 118 is installed on the lower surface of the motor 117 and detects the rotation of the drive shaft 117a of the motor 117, which will be described later.

Further, FIG. 11 shows a state in which the lid 102 is viewed from below. The lid portion 102 includes an installation member 121, a plate member 122, a clamper 123, and two pressing portions 124.

The installation member 121 has a shape that fits into the housing 102a. The plate member 122 is installed in the center of the lower surface of the installation member 121. Like the plate member 112, the plate member 122 is made of a metal having high thermal conductivity. A heater 132, which will be described later, is installed on the upper surface of the plate member 122. The clamper 123 is installed at the center of the installation member 121. The two pressing portions 124 are installed on the upper surface of the installation member 121. The two pressing portions 124 are aligned in the radial direction of the measurement cartridge 200 installed on the support member 113 when the lid portion 102 is closed. The pressing portion 124 on the inner side in the radial direction presses the sealing body 261a from above through the holes formed in the installation member 121 and the plate member 122, and the sealing body 261a is opened by the pressing force. The pressing portion 124 on the outer side in the radial direction presses the sealing body 261b from above through the holes formed in the installation member 121 and the plate member 122, and the sealing body 261b is opened by the pressing force.

When assembling the measuring device 100, the installation member 111 and the accommodating body 116 assembled as shown in FIG. 11 are installed in the housing 101a to complete the main body 101. Then, the lid 102 assembled as shown in FIG. 11 is installed so as to be openable and closable with respect to the installation member 111 of the main body 101, so that the lid 102 is installed on the main body 101. In this way, the measuring device 100 is completed.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view showing a cross section of the measuring device 100 when cut in a plane parallel to the YZ plane passing through the rotation axis 103. FIG. 12 shows a state in which the measuring cartridge 200 is installed on the measuring device 100 and the lid 102 is closed. As described above, the magnetic force applying portion 114 and the detecting portion 115 are installed on the lower surface of the installation member 111, and the two pressing portions 124 are installed on the upper surface of the installation member 121. In FIG. 12, the positions corresponding to the arrangement positions of each of these parts are shown by broken lines.

As shown in FIG. 12, the drive shaft 117a of the motor 117 extends inside the hole 116d. An installation member 119 is installed above the hole 116d. The installation member 119 rotatably supports the rotation shaft 103 extending in the vertical direction. The rotating shaft 103 is fixed to the drive shaft 117a of the motor 117 by the fixing member 117b inside the hole 116d.

A support member 113 for supporting the lower surface of the measurement cartridge 200 is fixed to the upper portion of the rotating shaft 103 via a predetermined member. When the motor 117 is driven and the drive shaft 117a rotates, the rotational driving force is transmitted to the support member 113 via the rotary shaft 103. As a result, the measurement cartridge 200 installed on the support member 113 rotates about the rotation shaft 103. When the measurement cartridge 200 is installed on the support member 113 and the lid 102 is closed, the clamper 123 presses the inner peripheral portion of the upper surface of the measurement cartridge 200 in a rotatable state.

A heater 131 is installed on the lower surface of the plate member 112, and a heater 132 is installed on the upper surface of the plate member 122. The heaters 131 and 132 are arranged so that the heat generating surface is flat and the heat generating surface is parallel to the measurement cartridge 200. As a result, the measurement cartridge 200 can be efficiently heated. Temperature sensors 141 and 142 shown in FIG. 13 are installed on the plate members 112 and 122, respectively. The temperature sensors 141 and 142 detect the temperatures of the plate members 112 and 122, respectively. The control unit 151, which will be described later, has heaters 131 and 132 so that the temperature of the plate member 112 detected by the temperature sensor 141 and the temperature of the plate member 122 detected by the temperature sensor 142 become predetermined temperatures at the time of measurement. To drive.

The magnetic force application unit 114 applies a magnetic force to the measurement cartridge 200 by using a magnet as shown by an upward dotted arrow in FIG. The detection unit 115 receives the light generated from the accommodating chamber 246 of the measurement cartridge 200, as shown by the downward dotted arrow in FIG. When the lid 102 is closed, the passage of light is prevented between the space where the measurement cartridge 200 is located and the outside. As a result, even if the light generated in the reaction process in the accommodation chamber 246 is extremely weak, the light does not enter the space where the measurement cartridge 200 is located from the outside. Therefore, the light generated in the reaction is detected by the photodetector of the detection unit 115. , It will be possible to detect with high accuracy.

As shown in FIG. 13, the measuring device 100 controls the magnetic force applying unit 114, the detecting unit 115, the motor 117, the encoder 118, the pressing unit 124, the heaters 131 and 132, and the temperature sensors 141 and 142. A unit 151, a display unit 152, an input unit 153, a drive unit 154, and a sensor unit 155 are provided.

The control unit 151 includes, for example, an arithmetic processing unit and a storage unit. The arithmetic processing unit is composed of, for example, a CPU, an MPU, and the like. The storage unit is composed of, for example, a flash memory, a hard disk, or the like. The control unit 151 receives signals from each unit of the measuring device 100 and controls each unit of the measuring device 100. The display unit 152 and the input unit 153 are provided on, for example, a side surface portion of the main body portion 101, an upper surface portion of the lid portion 102, and the like. The display unit 152 is composed of, for example, a liquid crystal panel or the like. The input unit 153 is composed of, for example, a button, a touch panel, or the like. The drive unit 154 includes other mechanisms arranged in the measuring device 100. The sensor unit 155 includes a sensor for detecting a predetermined portion of the measurement cartridge 200 installed on the support member 113, and other sensors arranged in the measurement device 100.

Next, the operation of the measuring device 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, the operator inputs the sample collected from the subject through the sample input port 201, and installs the measurement cartridge 200 on the support member 113. The sample charged from the sample input port 201 is stored in the sample storage unit 202. The test substance in the sample contains, for example, an antigen. As an example, the antigen is hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). The test substance may be one or more of an antigen, an antibody, or a protein.

Predetermined reagents are stored in advance in the seven liquid storage units 261 and the storage chamber 241 of the measurement cartridge 200. Specifically, the R1 reagent is contained in the liquid storage portion 261 located in the radial direction of the storage chamber 241. The containment chamber 241 contains the R2 reagent. The liquid storage unit 261 located in the radial direction of the storage chamber 242 contains the R3 reagent. The cleaning liquid is stored in the liquid storage portion 261 located in the radial direction of the storage chambers 243 to 245. The liquid storage unit 261 located in the radial direction of the storage chamber 246 contains the R4 reagent. The R5 reagent is stored in the liquid storage unit 261 adjacent to the T1 direction side of the liquid storage unit 261 containing the R4 reagent.

In the following control, the control unit 151 acquires the rotation position of the drive shaft 117a of the motor 117 based on the output signal of the encoder 118 connected to the motor 117. The control unit 151 acquires the position of the measurement cartridge 200 in the rotation direction by detecting a predetermined portion of the rotating measurement cartridge 200 with a sensor. Alternatively, the measurement cartridge 200 may be installed at a predetermined position with respect to the support member 113. As a result, the control unit 151 can position each part of the measurement cartridge 200 at a predetermined position in the rotation direction.

When the control unit 151 receives a start instruction from the operator via the input unit 153, the control unit 151 starts the process shown in FIG. In step S11, the control unit 151 separates the sample and transfers the liquid component to the containment chamber 241.

Here, the process of step S11 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. The flowchart of FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the process of step S11 of FIG. 14 in detail. In the following description, FIG. 15 will be mainly referred to, and the state transition diagrams of FIGS. 16A to 18B will be referred to as appropriate.

As shown in FIG. 16A, the sample storage unit 202 contains the sample 280 before the process of step S11 of FIG. 14 and the start of step S101 of FIG. In step S101, the control unit 151 drives the motor 117 to rotate the measurement cartridge 200, and as shown in FIG. 16B, transfers the sample 280 in the sample storage unit 202 to the separation chamber 210 by centrifugal force. To do.

During the transfer of the sample 280, the interface between the sample 280 and the air layer approaches the rotation axis 103 in the separation chamber 210, the flow path 233, and the flow path 221. However, since the flow path 231 is connected to the flow path 221 at the branch position 221a, when the interface between the sample 280 and the air layer crosses the branch position 221a in the radial direction, the sample exceeds the branch position 221a. The 280 is discarded through the flow path 231 into the overflow chamber 232. As a result, even if the amount of the sample 280 charged from the sample input port 201 varies, a predetermined amount of the sample 280 is stored in the separation chamber 210, and the interface between the sample 280 and the air layer in the separation chamber 210 is formed. , Positioned in a predetermined position in the radial direction.

In step S102, the control unit 151 drives the motor 117 to rotate the measurement cartridge 200, and as shown in FIG. 17A, centrifugal force causes the sample 280 in the separation chamber 210 to have a solid component 281 and a liquid component. Separate into 282. At this time, the interface between the solid component 281 and the liquid component 282 is positioned within the first region 271. Here, since the flow path 220 extends radially inward from the separation chamber 210, as shown in FIG. 16B, the sample 280 that has entered the flow path 221 before centrifugation has a centrifugal force during centrifugation. Smoothly moves from the flow path 221 to the separation chamber 210. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the solid component 281 from remaining in the flow path 220 after centrifugation.

Subsequently, in step S103, the control unit 151 waits for a predetermined time without rotating the measurement cartridge 200, and as shown in FIG. 17B, the liquid component 282 in the separation chamber 210 due to the capillary phenomenon. To the flow path 220. In step S103, when the liquid component 282 in the separation chamber 210 moves to the flow path 220, the interface between the air layer and the liquid component 282 gradually moves outward in the radial direction as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 17 (b). Go ahead. At the same time, the liquid component 282 in the separation chamber 210 is filled in the flow path 233 by the capillary phenomenon.

Here, since the length of the first storage unit 211 is shorter than the length of the second storage unit 212 in the rotation direction, the interface between the liquid component 282 appearing in the first storage unit 211 after centrifugation and the air layer is solid. It is far away from the liquid layer of component 281. As described above, when the interface between the liquid component 282 and the air layer is largely separated from the liquid layer of the solid component 281, the position where the flow path 220 is connected to the separation chamber 210 is located far away from the liquid layer of the solid component 281. Can be set to. As a result, it is possible to prevent the solid component 281 after centrifugation from being involved in the flow generated by the capillary phenomenon in the flow path 50.

Further, a curved inner wall 211b is provided between the inner wall 211a of the first storage portion 211 and the inner wall 212a of the second storage portion 212. As a result, when the liquid component 282 moves from the first storage portion 211 to the flow path 50 due to the capillary phenomenon, the flow of the liquid component 282 changes smoothly along the curved inner wall 211b, so that T2 of the inner wall 212a Turbulence of the liquid component 282 is suppressed near the end on the directional side. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the solid component 281 from being involved in such a turbulent flow and being mixed into the flow path 220.

Further, the first storage unit 211 is arranged at a position biased in the T2 direction with respect to the second storage unit 272, and the flow path 50 is located at a position of the second region 272 on the T1 direction side with respect to the first storage unit 211. Connected, thereby, while the liquid component 282 flows into the flow path 220 due to capillarity, the interface between the air layer and the liquid component 282 is on the flow path 220 side, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 17 (b). While tilting the end portion of the surface closer to the rotation shaft 103 than the end portion on the opposite side of the flow path 220, the liquid travels in a direction away from the rotation shaft 103. That is, the interface advances in the direction away from the rotation axis 103 in a state where the end of the interface on the T1 direction side is closer to the inner side in the radial direction than the end of the interface on the T2 direction side. As a result, it is possible to prevent the liquid component 282 from moving away from the connection position on the inner wall 212a of the flow path 220. Therefore, while the liquid component 282 flows into the flow path 50 due to the capillary phenomenon, the liquid component 282 can be stably supplied to the flow path 50.

In the vicinity of the inner wall 212a, the interface between the air layer and the liquid component 282 proceeds in the T1 direction. Therefore, in order to transfer a sufficient amount of the liquid component 282 to the flow path 220, the flow path 50 is preferably connected to the inner wall 212a on the T1 direction side as much as possible.

Further, in the rotation direction, the inner wall 271a is longer than the inner wall 212a. By doing so, the portion of the first region 271 projecting in the T2 direction with respect to the second region 272, that is, the protruding portion 210a shown in FIG. 17B is set longer. The solid component 281 accumulated in the protruding portion 210a by centrifugation is not easily affected by the flow due to the capillary phenomenon, and tends to stay in the protruding portion 210a even after centrifugation. Therefore, the solid component 281 accumulated in the protrusion 210a due to centrifugation is hardly mixed in the flow generated by the capillary phenomenon. Therefore, by lengthening the inner wall 271a and increasing the length of the protruding portion 210a, the amount of the solid component 281 accumulated in the protruding portion 210a can be increased. Therefore, it is possible to more effectively prevent the solid component 281 after centrifugation from flowing into the flow path 220 due to the capillary phenomenon.

A valve 208c is provided on the accommodation chamber 241 side of the flow path 222. The valve 208c suppresses the movement of the liquid component 282 transferred to the flow path 50 to the accommodation chamber 241 as shown in FIG. 17 (b). As a result, the liquid component 282 can be stored in the range of the flow path 222 from the connection position 220a to the valve 208c by the capillary phenomenon, and in the next step S104, the amount of the liquid component 282 specified in the range of the flow path 222 can be stored. Can be transferred to the containment chamber 241. Therefore, the quantitativeness of the liquid component 282 that moves to the accommodation chamber 241 is improved.

Subsequently, in step S104, the control unit 151 drives the motor 117 to rotate the measurement cartridge 200, and centrifuges the liquid component 282 in the flow path 222 as shown in FIGS. 18A and 18B. Transferred to containment chamber 241 by force. FIG. 18A is a diagram showing a state in which the liquid component 282 in the flow path 222 is being transferred to the accommodating chamber 241, and FIG. 18B is a diagram showing a state in which the transfer of the liquid component 282 is completed. Is. In this way, the liquid component 282 quantified by the flow path 222 is transferred to the accommodation chamber 241.

When the measurement cartridge 200 is rotated in step S104, the liquid component 282 in the flow path 221 is transferred to the overflow chamber 232 through the flow path 231 by centrifugal force. Further, a part of the liquid component 282 in the flow path 221 is returned to the separation chamber 210 by centrifugal force.

Further, in step S104, when centrifugal force is applied to the measurement cartridge 200 from the state of FIG. 17B, as shown in FIG. 18A, the liquid component 282 in the separation chamber 210 is based on the siphon principle. Is transferred to the disposal chamber 234 through the flow path 233. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18B, the liquid component 282 remaining in the separation chamber 210 is transferred to the disposal chamber 234, and the interface between the air layer in the separation chamber 210 and the liquid component 282 is formed on the inner wall 212a. It is moved outward in the radial direction from the connection position of the flow path 220. Therefore, after the liquid component 282 is moved from the separation chamber 210 to the accommodation chamber 241, the liquid component 282 remaining in the separation chamber 210 is prevented from flowing into the flow path 220 again due to the capillary phenomenon and heading toward the accommodation chamber 241. it can. Therefore, the amount of the liquid component 282 transferred to the accommodation chamber 241 can be stabilized, and the measurement accuracy of the liquid component 282 can be improved.

Further, the flow path 233 is connected to the inner wall 271a. As a result, as shown in FIG. 18A, when the liquid component 282 in the separation chamber 210 is disposed of in the disposal chamber 234, the solid component 281 is mixed into the flow path 233, and the flow path 233 becomes the solid component. It is possible to prevent clogging by 281.

Returning to FIG. 14, in step S12, the control unit 151 transfers the reagent to the accommodating chamber. Specifically, the control unit 151 drives the motor 117 to rotate the measurement cartridge 200, and positions the sealing bodies 261a and 261b arranged in the radial direction directly below the two pressing units 124. Then, the control unit 151 drives the two pressing units 124 to push down the sealing bodies 261a and 261b to open the sealing bodies 261a and 261b. The control unit 151 repeatedly performs such an opening operation to open the six sealing bodies 261a and the six sealing bodies 261b located in the radial direction of the accommodating chambers 241 to 246. Then, the control unit 151 drives the motor 117 to rotate the measurement cartridge 200, and causes the reagents stored in the six liquid storage units 261 located in the radial direction of the storage chambers 241 to 246 to flow by centrifugal force. Transferred to containment chambers 241 to 246, respectively, via road 250.

As a result, the R1 reagent is transferred to the accommodating chamber 241, and the liquid component, the R1 reagent, and the R2 reagent are mixed in the accommodating chamber 241. The R3 reagent is transferred to the containment chamber 242, the cleaning solution is transferred to the containment chambers 243 to 245, and the R4 reagent is transferred to the containment chamber 246.

Further, when the transfer of the reagent is completed in step S12, the control unit 151 performs a stirring process. Specifically, the control unit 151 drives the motor 117 so as to switch between two different rotation speeds at predetermined time intervals while rotating in a predetermined direction. As a result, the Euler force generated in the rotation direction changes at predetermined time intervals, so that the liquid in the accommodation chambers 241 to 246 is agitated. Such a stirring process is performed not only in step S12 but also in steps S13 to S18 after the transfer process.

Here, the R1 reagent contains a capture substance that binds to the test substance. Capturing substances include, for example, antibodies that bind to the test substance. The antibody is, for example, a biotin-conjugated HBs monoclonal antibody. R2 reagents include magnetic particles and magnetic particle suspensions. The magnetic particles are, for example, streptavidin-bonded magnetic particles whose surface is coated with avidin. In step S12, when the liquid component separated from the sample, the R1 reagent, and the R2 reagent are mixed and stirred, the test substance and the R1 reagent are bound by an antigen-antibody reaction. Then, due to the reaction between the antigen-antibody reactant and the magnetic particles, the test substance bound to the capture substance of the R1 reagent binds to the magnetic particles via the capture substance. In this way, a composite in which the test substance and the magnetic particles are bonded is generated.

Next, in step S13, the control unit 151 transfers the complex in the accommodation chamber 241 from the accommodation chamber 241 to the accommodation chamber 242.

Specifically, the control unit 151 drives the motor 117 to rotate the measurement cartridge 200, and positions the accommodating chamber 241 directly above the magnet of the magnetic force application unit 114. The control unit 151 drives the magnetic force application unit 114 to bring the magnet closer to the lower surface of the measurement cartridge 200, and collects the composite that spreads in the accommodation chamber 241. The control unit 151 drives the magnetic force application unit 114 to move the magnet radially inward, and transfers the composite in the accommodation chamber 241 to the arcuate region of the flow path 250. The control unit 151 drives the motor 117 to rotate the measurement cartridge 200, and transfers the composite along the arcuate region of the flow path 250. The control unit 151 drives the magnetic force application unit 114 to move the magnet radially outward, and transfers the composite to the accommodation chamber 242. Then, the control unit 151 drives the magnetic force application unit 114 to separate the magnet from the lower surface of the measurement cartridge 200.

As described above, the process of step S13 is performed. The transfer of the complex in steps S14 to S17 is also performed in the same manner as in step S13.

In this way, in the containment chamber 242, the complex produced in the containment chamber 241 and the R3 reagent are mixed. Here, the R3 reagent contains a labeling substance. The labeling substance includes a capturing substance that specifically binds to the test substance and a labeling substance. For example, the labeling substance is a labeled antibody in which an antibody is used as a capture substance. In step S13, when the complex generated in the containment chamber 241 and the R3 reagent are mixed and stirred, the complex reacts with the labeled antibody contained in the R3 reagent. As a result, a complex in which the test substance, the capture antibody, the magnetic particles, and the labeled antibody are bound is generated.

In step S14, the control unit 151 transfers the complex in the containment chamber 242 from the containment chamber 242 to the containment chamber 243. As a result, in the accommodating chamber 243, the complex produced in the accommodating chamber 242 and the cleaning liquid are mixed. In step S14, when the complex generated in the accommodating chamber 242 and the cleaning liquid are mixed and agitated, the complex and the unreacted substance are separated in the accommodating chamber 243. That is, in the containment chamber 243, unreacted substances are removed by washing.

In step S15, the control unit 151 transfers the complex in the containment chamber 243 from the containment chamber 243 to the containment chamber 244. As a result, in the accommodating chamber 244, the complex produced in the accommodating chamber 242 and the cleaning liquid are mixed. In the containment chamber 244, unreacted substances are also removed by washing.

In step S16, the control unit 151 transfers the complex in the containment chamber 244 from the containment chamber 244 to the containment chamber 245. As a result, in the accommodating chamber 245, the complex produced in the accommodating chamber 242 and the cleaning liquid are mixed. In the containment chamber 245 as well, unreacted substances are removed by washing.

In step S17, the control unit 151 transfers the complex in the containment chamber 245 from the containment chamber 245 to the containment chamber 246. As a result, in the containment chamber 246, the complex produced in the containment chamber 242 and the R4 reagent are mixed. Here, the R4 reagent is a reagent for dispersing the complex produced in the containment chamber 242. The R4 reagent is, for example, a buffer solution. In step S17, when the complex produced in the accommodating chamber 242 and the R4 reagent are mixed and stirred, the complex produced in the accommodating chamber 242 is dispersed.

In step S18, the control unit 151 transfers the R5 reagent to the containment chamber 246. Specifically, the control unit 151 drives the motor 117 to rotate the measurement cartridge 200, and positions the sealing bodies 261a and 261b located most in the T1 direction directly below the two pressing units 124. Then, the control unit 151 drives the two pressing units 124 to push down the sealing bodies 261a and 261b to open the sealing bodies 261a and 261b. Then, the control unit 151 drives the motor 117 to rotate the measurement cartridge 200, and by centrifugal force, the R5 reagent stored in the liquid storage unit 261 located on the most T1 direction side is passed through the flow path 250. Transfer to containment chamber 246. As a result, in the accommodating chamber 246, the R5 reagent is further mixed with the mixed solution produced in step S17.

Here, the R5 reagent is a luminescent reagent containing a luminescent substrate that produces light by reacting with a labeled antibody bound to the complex. In step S18, the mixed solution produced in step S17 and the R5 reagent are mixed and stirred to prepare a sample. This sample chemiluminescent by reacting the labeling substance bound to the complex with the luminescent substrate.

In step S19, the control unit 151 drives the motor 117 to rotate the measurement cartridge 200, positions the accommodating chamber 246 directly above the photodetector of the detection unit 115, and detects the light generated from the accommodating chamber 246. Detect with a vessel. In step S20, the control unit 151 performs an analysis process related to immunity based on the light detected by the photodetector of the detection unit 115. When the photodetector of the detection unit 115 is composed of a photomultiplier tube, a pulse waveform corresponding to the light reception of photons is output from the photodetector. The detection unit 115 counts photons at regular intervals based on the output signal of the photodetector, and outputs the count value. The control unit 151 analyzes the presence / absence and amount of the test substance based on the count value output from the detection unit 115, and causes the display unit 152 to display the analysis result.

<Embodiment 4>
In the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 19, the support member 310 is arranged in place of the support member 113, and the measurement cartridge 320 is used in place of the measurement cartridge 200. Other configurations are the same as those of the above specific configuration example.

The support member 310 includes a hole 311 and three installation portions 312. The hole 311 is provided in the center of the support member 310. The support member 310 is installed on the rotating shaft 103. As a result, the support member 310 can rotate about the rotation shaft 103. Three installation portions 312 are provided in the rotation direction. The installation portion 312 includes a surface 312a and a hole 312b. The surface 312a is one step lower than the upper surface of the support member 310. The hole 312b is formed in the center of the surface 312a and penetrates the support member 310 in the vertical direction. The measurement cartridge 320 has a rectangular shape. The measurement cartridge 320 has the same configuration as the measurement cartridge 200 except for the outer shape.

When starting the measurement, the operator inserts the sample into the sample inlet of the measurement cartridge 320 and installs the measurement cartridge 320 in the installation unit 312, as in the case of the measurement cartridge 200. Then, as in the specific configuration example described above, the control unit 151 drives the motor 117, the magnetic force application unit 114, and the detection unit 115. In the third embodiment, since the measurement cartridges 320 can be installed in the three installation units 312, measurement can be performed on the three measurement cartridges 320 at the same time.

10, 200, 320 Measurement cartridges 20, 103 Rotating shafts 30, 210 Separation chambers 31, 211 First storage units 31a, 31b, 211a Inner walls 32, 212 Second storage units 32a, 32b, 212a Inner walls 40, 241 Storage chambers 50 , 220 Flow path 50a, 220a Connection position 51, 221 Flow path 52, 222 Flow path 61, 201 Specimen inlet 63, 203 Flow path 65, 207 Air introduction path 70, 280 Specimen 71, 281 Solid component 72, 282 Liquid component 81, 271 1st region 81a, 81b, 271a Inner wall 82, 272 2nd region 100 Measuring device 208c Valve 211b Inner wall 233 Flow path 234 Disposal chamber 274a 1st inclined part 274b 2nd inclined part 274c Flat part

Claims (7)

A measuring cartridge that is rotatably mounted on a measuring device around a rotating shaft.
A separation chamber that separates blood cell components and plasma components contained in a blood sample by utilizing the centrifugal force generated by rotating the measurement cartridge.
A containment chamber for accommodating the plasma component and
A first flow path extending from the separation chamber in the direction toward the rotation axis,
A second flow path extending from the end of the first flow path opposite to the separation chamber in a direction away from the rotation axis and connecting to the accommodation chamber.
An air introduction path capable of introducing air into the second flow path from the connection position between the first flow path and the second flow path is provided.
A measuring cartridge in which the air introduction path extends from an air hole in a direction away from the rotation axis and is connected to the connection position via a narrowed portion in a plan view. The second flow path is quantified by filling the inside of the plasma component separated in the separation chamber by a capillary phenomenon and then introducing air into the second flow path from the connection position by the centrifugal force. The measurement cartridge according to claim 1, wherein the plasma component is transferred to the storage chamber. The measurement cartridge according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a valve for stopping the movement of the plasma component due to the capillary phenomenon is provided on the accommodation chamber side of the second flow path. A disposal chamber for discarding the plasma component and
The separation chamber and the disposal chamber are connected, and the plasma component remaining in the separation chamber after the plasma component is moved from the separation chamber to the storage chamber is removed from the separation chamber to the disposal chamber according to the siphon principle. The measurement cartridge according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising another flow path for moving toward. In a separation chamber included in a measurement cartridge that is rotatably mounted on a measuring device around a rotation axis, a blood sample is separated into a blood cell component and a plasma component by using centrifugal force due to rotation around the rotation axis. ,
The plasma component separated in the separation chamber is filled in the flow path connecting the separation chamber and the accommodation chamber by a capillary phenomenon.
The plasma component quantified by introducing air into the flow path through a narrowed portion in a plan view of an air introduction path extending from an air hole in a direction away from the rotation axis is subjected to the centrifugal force. , A method of delivering liquid, which is transferred to the storage chamber. The liquid feeding method according to claim 5, wherein the movement of the plasma component due to a capillary phenomenon is stopped on the accommodation chamber side of the flow path. The fifth or sixth aspect of claim 5 or 6, wherein after moving the plasma component from the separation chamber to the containment chamber, the plasma component remaining in the separation chamber is moved from the separation chamber toward the disposal chamber according to the siphon principle. Liquid feeding method.

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