JPH04346779A - Apparatus for bacteriological test - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To obtain the subject small-sized and inexpensive apparatus, composed of a specific construction, capable of automatically and accurately performing identification of information about a medicine which is a test object and test results and enabling measurement of absorbance difference, selection, etc., of principle of measurement. CONSTITUTION:A medicine and bacteria are placed in plural wells 31 arranged in two rows on a plate 3 having an optical marker 37 for carrying medicinal information and the plate 3 is then attached to a frame 4. In the aforementioned state, the plate 3 is housed in a housing part 2. Light from a light source 5 is then bisected with a branching means 6 and the light in one optical path (B1) is passed through filters 71, 72 and 8. The wells 31 are irradiated with a light projecting means 9. On the other hand, the light in the other optical path (B2) is passed through a filter 73 and respective mosaics 38 of the optical marker are irradiated with a light projecting means 12. Light transmitted from the respective wells 31 is subsequently received with a light receptor means 10 and light corresponding to the music pattern is received with a light receptor means 13. The light is then respectively converted into electric signals and subsequently inputted to a sensing means 14. The medicinal information is finally made to correspond to test results by a sensing means 14. Thereby, identification is carried out.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bacterial testing device for measuring, for example, the sensitivity of bacteria to drugs.

0002

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In clinical examinations, bacterial tests are performed for the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial infections. As this bacterial test, a drug sensitivity test is performed to select a drug that is effective against predetermined bacteria.

[0003] This drug susceptibility test directly or indirectly measures the minimum inhibitory concentration (hereinafter referred to as "MIC") of a drug against the test bacteria, and conventionally, the dilution method or disk diffusion method has been used. It is.

[0004] Under these circumstances, in recent years, bacterial testing devices that are capable of rapidly measuring a large number of specimens have been developed.

[0005] This device utilizes the principle that in the presence of a drug, turbidity of a solution caused by bacterial growth, aggregation, precipitation, or bacterial activity causes a certain indicator to develop or change color. The MIC of a drug is determined by optically measuring the intensity or color change.

[0006] In this device, a plurality of (for example, 96) wells (for example, 96 wells) are used as containers for storing specimens (bacteria and drugs).
A multi-hole plate in which holes (holes) are regularly arranged vertically and horizontally is used. In other words, the type of drug is changed in each row of this multi-well plate, and each well in one row (about 6 to 8 wells) is filled with drugs of the same type but with stepwise varying concentrations. For example, the optical measurement is performed for each column.

[0007] In this case, the combination of drugs to be tested is immobilized on the multi-hole plate in advance, and the measurer can
Select and use the desired multi-hole plate.

However, there are various combinations of drugs to be tested, and the selected multi-hole plate often contains drugs that do not require testing.
Furthermore, even if one type of drug is to be tested, there is a problem in that one entire multi-hole plate must be used.

Therefore, based on the idea of dividing the multi-well plate into rows, the wells are arranged in one row, and each well is filled with a plate (unit) containing one kind of drug serially diluted. A system has been proposed in which a plurality of sensors are prepared for each species, the measurer selects one from among them, and attaches the sensor to a frame for inspection (Japanese Patent Application No. 02-89228). According to this method, any combination of drugs can be set with a simple configuration, and workability can be improved.

[0010] However, with this method, the work of identifying the drug type and its concentration pattern on the selected plate and the test results, the work of inputting data, and the work of tabulating these data are performed manually by the measurer. This requires a lot of time and effort, and there is a risk of incorrect identification due to data entry errors. In particular, when the number of specimens is large, such drawbacks become noticeable.

[0011]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a bacteriological testing device that can automatically and accurately identify information regarding a drug to be tested and its test results.

0012

[Means for Solving the Problems] Such objects are achieved by the present invention as described in (1) to (6) below.

(1) A specimen section in which a plurality of cup-shaped wells containing at least bacteria and drugs to be tested are arranged in a row, and an optical marker carrying information about the drugs in each well. at least one having
a plate accommodating section for setting two plates; a light source;
branching means for branching the light irradiated from the light source into a first optical path and a second optical path; and guiding the light from the first optical path to each well of the plate set in the plate accommodating section;
a first light projecting means for condensing light; at least one type of interference filter installed on the first optical path that selectively transmits a specific wavelength range; a first light receiving means that receives fluorescent light and converts its intensity into an electrical signal; a second light projecting means that guides and focuses the light on the second optical path to the optical marker on the plate; A second light receiving means receives transmitted or reflected light and converts it into an electrical signal, and based on the electrical signals from the first light receiving means and the second light receiving means, the information carried by the optical marker and the bacteria and 1. A bacterial testing device comprising: a detection means having at least a function of associating test results with drug-related test results.

(2) The bacteria testing device according to (1) above, wherein a plurality of types of interference filters that selectively transmit different specific wavelength ranges are replaceably installed on the first optical path.

(3) The bacteria testing device according to (1) or (2) above, wherein a long wavelength absorption filter is installed between the light source and the branching means or on the first optical path.

(4) The method of (1) or (1) above, wherein a filter is installed on the second optical path to absorb at least a wavelength range that passes through the interference filter installed on the first optical path.
The bacterial testing device according to any one of 3).

(5) Any of the above (1) to (4), wherein the first light receiving means is provided with a light shielding means for preventing light other than the light projected from the first light projecting means from entering. Bacteria testing device described in .

(6) Set a plurality of the plates in the plate accommodating section, each plate and the first and second plates.
The bacterial test according to any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the light projecting means and the first and second light receiving means are moved relatively to sequentially project and receive light for each plate. Device.

[0019]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The bacteriological testing apparatus of the present invention will be explained below based on preferred embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a bacterial testing apparatus according to the present invention. Bacteria testing device 1 shown in the figure is a device for testing the drug susceptibility of bacteria.

This bacteriological testing device 1 mainly includes a plate storage section 2, a light source 5, a branching means 6, a first light projecting means 9, an interference filter 8, a first light receiving means 10, a second light projecting means 12, and a second light projecting means 12. It is composed of two light receiving means 13 and a detecting means 14. Each of these components is normally installed inside or on the surface of a casing (not shown). These will be explained in order below.

At least one plate (well unit) 3 is set in the plate accommodating section 2 . An example of the structure of this plate 3 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The plate 3 has a plurality of (for example, about 4 to 10) cup-shaped wells (holes) 31 connected to each other by a connecting member 32.
It is composed of specimen parts 33 connected in a row and a flat grip part 36. Further, an optical marker 37 is attached to this grip portion 36 .

Each well 31 may have a U-shaped bottom as shown in the figure, or may have a V-shaped or flat bottom.

Immediately before the test, each well 31 contains a specimen, that is, a medium containing the bacteria to be tested (in particular, a liquid medium such as Mueller-Hinton liquid medium) and a drug (antibiotic substance) to be tested. ) can be inserted. in this case,
The drug concentration is serially diluted for each well.

[0026] There are many different types of drugs, such as ambicillin (ABPC) and piperacillin (PIP).
C), cloquicillin (MCIPC), oxycillin (
Penicillins such as MPIPC), methicillin (DMPPC), pendylpenicillin (PCG), sulpenicillin (SBPC), lacmoxef (LMOX), cefmexole (CMZ), cefazolin (CEZ), cefotiam (CTM), ceftizoxime (CZX) , cephems such as cefsulodin (CFS), cefoperazone (CPZ), cefoxime (CTX), cefaclor (CCL), cephalexin (CEX), cephalothin (CET), cefoxitin (CFX), gentamicin (GM), amikacin (AMK) , tobramycin (
TOB), aminoglycosides such as dibekacin (DKB), macrolides such as erythromycin (EM), lincomycins such as clingmycin (CLCM), lincomycin (LCM), tetraliiculin (TC), minoriiculin (MINO), synthetic antibacterial agents such as norfloxicin (NFLX), oflokilicin (OFLX), ST combination (ST), nalidixic acid (NA), and other fosfomycin (FOM), chloramphenicol (CP). ), colistin (CL), and the like.

In addition, when measuring the drug sensitivity of bacteria by color intensity or color change, in addition to the bacteria and the drug described above, an indicator that develops or changes color depending on the presence of bacteria is added to each well 31. .

As this indicator, redox indicators such as resazurin and tetrazolium salts are preferably used. For example, resazurin is reduced to resorufin by the action of bacterial oxidoreductase, and its color becomes blue (
600nm) to pink (570nm),
By optically reading this change in color tone, an increase or decrease in the enzyme activity of the bacteria can be recognized, and this can be used as an indicator to measure the drug sensitivity of the bacteria.

In addition, when measuring the drug sensitivity of bacteria by the fluorescence intensity of a fluorescent substance, each well 31 contains, in addition to the bacteria and the drug, a fluorescent substance that changes into a fluorescent substance depending on the presence (activity) of the bacteria. A precursor is added.

As the fluorescent substance precursor, the above-mentioned resazurin is useful, and other examples include indoxyl derivatives, 4-methyl-umbelliferone derivatives, and the like. Resazurin does not have fluorescence, but resorufin does, so its fluorescent light (wavelength 580-59
By measuring the intensity (on the order of 0 nm), the sensitivity of bacteria can be determined.

[0031] The specimen section 33 also has a flat seating section 3.
4 is formed. This seating portion 34 is for preventing the plate 3 from overturning when it is taken out from the frame 4 described later and placed on it.

Further, a flat tongue piece 35 is formed on the distal end side of the specimen portion 33 (on the side opposite to the gripping portion 36).

The optical marker 37 attached to the grip portion 36 carries information regarding the drug placed in each well 31 (hereinafter referred to as drug information). This information is preferably the type of drug (composition, added component), the type of drug and its concentration pattern (concentration for each well), or the like.

Note that the optical marker 37 may also carry other information, such as information regarding bacteria, information regarding test conditions, and the like.

In the illustrated example, the optical marker 37 is a plurality of black or transparent mosaics 38 (holes are also possible) arranged.
It consists of Information regarding the drug is represented by the pattern of this mosaic 38. That is, the black or transparent color of the mosaic 38 represents 1 or 0 in the binary system (n-ary system), thereby indicating plate No.
1-2m (m is the number of effective mosaics) can be specified.

On the other hand, the memory of the detection means 14, which will be described later, contains the plate No. The drug information (for example, drug type and its concentration pattern) corresponding to the plate number is stored in a table form, and the read plate number. drug information can be specified by

Note that when the second light receiving means is of a type that measures reflected light, the transparent mosaic 38 is
It is white or has a metallic luster.

Furthermore, the optical marker 37 is not limited to the illustrated example, and may be a bar code or the like.

Since such a plate 3 is used for optical measurement or reading, it is preferable that at least each well 31 and the gripping part 36 be transparent.

Further, the constituent materials of the plate 3 include various resins such as polystyrene, polyethylene, acrylic resin, polyvinyl chloride, polypropylene, polyolefin, polyurethane, polyester such as PET, polycarbonate, and various glasses. From the viewpoint of manufacturing, it is preferable to integrally mold the plate 3 from the resin material described above.

Such a plate 3 may be set directly in the plate storage section 2, but especially when setting a plurality of plates 3, the plate 3 may be attached to the frame 4 as shown in FIG. It is preferable to set (mount) the plate in the plate accommodating section 2 in this state.

This frame 4 can mount a plurality of plates 3 in parallel, and each well 3 of each plate 3 can be mounted on the frame 4.
1 is inserted into the opening 41 and a window portion (
(opening or transparent body) 42.

To attach the plate 3 to the frame 4, each well 31 of the plate 3 is inserted into the opening 41, and the tongue piece 35 and the gripping part 36 of the plate 3 are attached to the frame 4.
This is done by engaging the opposing edge portions 43 of the two.

[0044] Preferably, the plate accommodating portion 2 is provided with a moving means 21 for moving the plate 3 together with the frame 4.

[0045] This movable stage 21 moves in the front-rear direction (
The slider 22 is configured to be movable in the direction of the arrow in FIG.

After measuring a predetermined plate 3 on the frame 4, when measuring the next adjacent plate 3, the step motor 23 is driven to move the roller 24.
is rotated to move the slider 22 and the frame 4 placed thereon a predetermined distance. This moving distance is equal to the installation interval between adjacent plates 3.

Note that the present invention is not limited to moving the frame 4; it is also possible to move the first light projecting means 9, the first light receiving means 10, the second light projecting means 12, and the second light receiving means 13, which will be described later. Good too.

The light source 5 is, for example, a dungsten halogen lamp, and its reflector 51 provides directivity.

A branching means 6 is installed on the optical path of the light emitted from the light source 5 to branch this light into a first optical path B1 and a second optical path B2.

In the illustrated example, the branching means 6 is a beam splitter composed of a half mirror. light source 5
For example, about 70 to 95% of the light passes through the half mirror to form the first optical path B1.
Approximately 30% of the light is reflected by the half mirror to form the second optical path B2.

Note that the branching means is not limited to the above-mentioned half mirror, but may also include a reflecting plate, such as a rotatable mirror, which can be inserted/retracted onto the optical path, to separate the first optical path B1 and the second optical path B2. may be formed by dividing each time.

In this way, in the bacteriological testing device 1, one light source 5 projects light onto each well 31 and the optical marker 37.
The structure can be simplified, the device can be made smaller, and
and cost reduction.

On the first optical path B1, there are provided a long wavelength absorption filter 71, a color temperature correction filter 72, and at least one kind of interference filter 8 that selectively transmits a specific wavelength range.
are installed in this order.

The heat absorption filter 71 is used to prevent overheating of the parts constituting the optical system later on, and in particular to prevent deterioration of the interference filter 8 due to heat, and mainly absorbs infrared rays and heat rays.

The color temperature correction filter 72 is for flattening the light from the light source 5 within the usable wavelength range.

The interference filter 8 is one that selectively transmits the wavelength range of light to be irradiated onto each well 31 of the plate 3.

Although one type of interference filter 8 may be installed in a fixed manner, it is preferable that two or more types of interference filters 8 be configured so that they can be exchanged or used one on top of the other.

In the illustrated example, a plurality of interference filters 8 that selectively transmit different specific wavelength ranges are mounted on a disk 81.
The disk 81 is rotated by driving a step motor 82, and one of the interference filters 8 can be selected and positioned on the first optical path B1.

[0059] By making a plurality of types of interference filters 8 replaceable in this way, the following functions can be obtained.

■ Judgment based on the absorbance difference As mentioned above, when measuring drug sensitivity using the color tone change due to the reduction of resazuren to resorufin as an index, the absorbance [OD600] at 600 nm, which is the maximum absorption of resazurin, or the maximum absorption of resorufin, is used as an indicator. A certain absorbance at 570 nm [
Either one of [OD570] may be measured, but both of these may be measured and the absorbance difference [OD570 -OD
600] is preferable because it yields more accurate results.

Therefore, in this case, preferably wavelength 6
Two types of interference filters are installed: an interference filter 8 that selectively transmits light with a wavelength of 00±10 nm, and an interference filter 8 that selectively transmits light with a wavelength of preferably 570±10 nm.

■ Preventing misidentification or preliminary confirmation Even at different drug concentrations, the absorbance difference [OD570 −
OD600] may show almost the same value. In this case, the absorbance at wavelengths other than the maximum absorption of resazurin and resorufin, for example, 660 to 670 nm, is determined, and depending on whether there is a difference between these, it is possible to know whether the spectral distribution at the different drug concentrations is different. and the reliability of the data can be determined.

Therefore, in this case, 2 similar to the above
In addition to the seed interference filter, an interference filter that transmits the light of 660 to 670 nm (filter for preliminary measurement)
Install 8.

■ Selection of mode Bacterial incubation time is short (for example, 5 to 30 degrees Celsius at 30 to 37°C)
7 hours) or for a long time (e.g. 18~30℃ at 30~37℃)
(about 24 hours), select short-time culture mode or long-time culture mode.

When the short-time culture mode is selected, at least one of the two types of interference filters 8 similar to the above (2) is used to measure the color tone change of the indicator based on the absorbance or the difference in absorbance, as in the above (2). Use one.

When the long-term mode is selected, the turbidity of the sample is measured without using the indicator. This turbidity can be determined, for example, by measuring the absorbance at a wavelength of 660 nm, so an interference filter (filter for turbidity measurement) 8 that selectively transmits light at a wavelength of 660 nm is used.

According to the above, when the mode can be selected, two kinds of interference filters (one of them may be used) as in the case (2) above and the turbidity measuring filter are installed.

Note that the transmission wavelength range of the filter for turbidity measurement and the transmission wavelength range of the filter for preliminary measurement in (2) above are similar or overlap, so these filters may be used in combination. In this case, all of the above-mentioned functions (1), (2), and (2) can be achieved by simply installing three types of filters, which is preferable.

[0069] In response to differences in measurement principles, it is possible to adopt a configuration in which one of two or more different measurement principles (measurement methods) is selected for measurement.

As the first measurement principle, as in the above (■),
When measuring a change in color tone of an indicator, etc. by absorbance or a difference in absorbance, at least one of the two types of interference filters 8 similar to (2) above is used.

As the second measurement principle, as mentioned above,
When measuring drug sensitivity using the production of a fluorescent substance such as resorufin as an indicator, the light irradiated to each well is, for example, excitation light with a wavelength of 540 to 550 nm.
An interference filter (excitation light filter) 8 that selectively transmits light of 40 to 550 nm is used.

From the above, two types of interference filters (any one type may be used) similar to the above (2) and the excitation light filter are installed.

[0073] Since resazurin is both the indicator and a fluorescent substance precursor, when it is used, the first and second Measurements can be made using each measurement principle, and more accurate inspection results can be obtained by comparing the respective results.

The first light projecting means 9 directs the light of the first optical path B1 to each well 3 of the plate 3 set in the plate accommodating section 2.
A condenser lens 91 that condenses the light on the first optical path B1, and a plurality of bundle-shaped optical fibers 9a, 9b whose base ends are connected to the condenser lens 91.
, 9c, 9d, 9e, 9f, and each optical fiber 9a to 9
and an imaging lens 92 attached to the distal end of the lens. Each imaging lens 92 is installed at a position corresponding to each well 31 when the plate 3 is set in the plate accommodating part 2.

[0075] Note that the plate housing section 2 and the first light projecting means 9
A plate-shaped cover glass 11 is installed between the light emitting device and a second light projecting means 12, which will be described later.

A first light receiving means 10 is installed above the sample section 33 in the plate accommodating section 2 . This first
A plurality of light receiving elements 10a, 10b, 1 such as phototransistors and photodiodes installed at positions corresponding to the light receiving means 10 and each well 31 of the plate 3, respectively.
It has 0c, 10d, 10e, and 10f.

A portion of the light projected by the first light projecting means 9 and irradiated onto each well 31 is absorbed when passing through the specimen (indicated by diagonal lines in FIG. 1) in each well 31. part is transparent. This transmitted light is received by each of the light receiving elements 10a to 10f, and its intensity is converted into an electrical signal.

Note that the first light projecting means is not limited to the one that transmits and guides the light through the optical fibers 9a to 9f, but also guides the light by a combination of optical parts such as mirrors, prisms, and lenses, and guides the light to each well 31. It may also be one that emits light to.

On the light-receiving surface side of each of the light-receiving elements 10a to 10f, a near-infrared cut filter 1 is provided as a light shielding means, which absorbs the wavelength range of light emitted from the second light emitting means 12, which will be described later.
01 is installed. As a result, the second light projecting means 12
Even if light leaks from the first light receiving means 10, this light is absorbed by the near-infrared cut filter 101.
Accurate measurement is possible without affecting photometry.

The wavelength range that this near-infrared cut filter 101 absorbs is, for example, about 760 to 1160 nm.

Note that the first light projecting means 9 serves as the light shielding means.
Any material may be used as long as it prevents the entry of light other than the light emitted from the light source, for example, a light shielding plate may be used.

On the other hand, on the second optical path B2, a visible light cut filter 73 that absorbs at least the wavelength range that passes through the interference filter 8 is installed. This visible light cut filter 73 includes light receiving elements 13a to 1, which will be described later.
This is provided in order to match the sensitivity of 3n, and to prevent light measurement by the first light receiving means 10 from being affected even if light leaks from the second light projecting means 12.

The wavelength range that this visible light cut filter 73 absorbs is, for example, 750 nm or less.

The second light projecting means guides the light of the second optical path B2 to the optical marker 37 of the plate 3 set in the plate accommodating part 2, and focuses the light.
a condenser lens 121 that condenses light; and a plurality of bundle-shaped optical fibers 1 whose base ends are connected to the condenser lens 121.
2a, 12b, . . . 12n, and a baffle board 1 installed at the tip of each optical fiber 12a to 12n.
It is composed of 22. Each optical fiber 12a-12
The tip of n is installed at a position corresponding to each mosaic 38 of the optical marker 37 when the plate 3 is set in the plate accommodating part 2.

Baffle board 122 installed between each optical fiber 12a to 12n and cover glass 11
is for giving directionality to the light from the tip of each optical fiber. This prevents crosstalk and
Reading accuracy improves.

Optical marker 3 in plate housing section 2
A second light receiving means 13 is installed on the upper part of the light receiving means 7 adjacent to the first light receiving means 10 . The second light-receiving means 13 includes a plurality of light-receiving elements 13a, 13b, .
...13n.

The light projected by the second light projecting means 12 and irradiated onto each mosaic 38 of the optical marker 37 is absorbed/transmitted by the black/transparent color of the mosaic. mosaic 38
The transmitted light is received by the corresponding light-receiving element and converted into an electrical signal.

[0088] Therefore, the combination of light-receiving elements that emit electric signals among the light-receiving elements 13a to 13n corresponds to the color pattern of the mosaic 38 of the optical marker 37. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the light receiving element 13b emits an electric signal, and the light receiving elements 13a and 13n do not emit an electric signal.

Note that the second light projecting means is not limited to one that transmits and guides light through the optical fibers 12a to 12n, but also guides light through a combination of optical parts such as mirrors, prisms, and lenses, and directs light through the optical marker 37. Alternatively, the light may be projected onto each mosaic 38 of the mosaics 38.

The detection means 14 is constituted by a microcomputer, and each of the light receiving elements 10a to 10 of the first light receiving means 10
10f and each light receiving element 13a of the second light receiving means 13
~13n by lines 141 and 142, respectively. Each light receiving element 10a to 10f and 1
Electrical signals from 3a-13n are connected to lines 14, respectively.
1 and 142 to the detection means 14, where the data is processed.

The electric signals (analog signals) from each of the light receiving elements 10a to 10f are converted into digital signals by an A/D converter 143 installed in the middle of the line 141, and are input to the detection means 14.

Next, the operating procedure of the bacteriological testing device 1 will be explained.

First, the measurer selects the plate 3 containing the drug to be tested (for example, as shown in FIG. 4, three plates each containing three types of drugs A, B, and C), These are attached to the frame 4.

Next, a liquid medium containing bacteria to be tested (identified bacterial species, etc.) and an indicator if necessary is dispensed into each well 31 of each plate 3 on the frame 4 (for example, one well (approximately 100 μl per cell) and culture under desired conditions (see ① above).

[0095] Thereafter, this frame 4 is set in the plate accommodating section 2. At this time, the motor 23 of the moving means 21
, and move the slider 22 and frame 4 to mark each well 31 and optical marker 3 of the plate 3 to be measured first (for example, the leftmost plate in FIG. 4).
7 are positioned on each optical path of the light projected from the first light projecting means 9 and the second light projecting means 11, respectively.

Next, the light source 5 is turned on and measurement is performed. The light from the light source 5 is split into a first optical path B1 and a second optical path by a branching means 6.
The optical path is branched into an optical path B2.

The light on the first optical path B1 passes through a heat absorption filter 71, a color temperature correction filter 72, and an interference filter 8, is adjusted to the predetermined wavelength range, and is further adjusted to the predetermined wavelength range.
The light is guided and focused by the light projection means 9 and irradiated onto the well 31 of the plate 3.

When this irradiation light passes through the specimen in each well 31, it is transmitted (or absorbed) depending on the color tone, coloring intensity, turbidity, etc. of the specimen, and is received by each of the light receiving elements 10a to 10f. be done.

[0099] The light received by the light receiving elements 10a to 10f is converted into an electric signal (analog signal) with an intensity corresponding to its intensity (absorbance), and then sent to an A/D converter 143.
The signal is converted into a digital signal and input to the detection means 14.

If necessary, the step motor 82 is operated to replace the interference filter 8 on the first optical path B1 with another interference filter, and the light is emitted and received in the same manner as described above, and the signals therefrom are detected by the detection means. 14.

On the other hand, the light on the second optical path B2 passes through the cut filter 73 and is adjusted to the predetermined wavelength range, and is further guided and focused by the second light projecting means 12 to illuminate each mosaic 38 of the optical marker 37. is irradiated.

Since the black mosaic 38 absorbs the irradiated light, the corresponding light-receiving element does not receive the light, and the transparent mosaic 38 transmits the irradiated light, so the corresponding light-receiving element receives the light. do. Therefore, in accordance with the arrangement pattern of the mosaic 3, a predetermined one of the light receiving elements 13a to 13n emits an electric signal, which is input to the detection means 14 via the line 142.

Note that the first light receiving means 10 and the second light receiving means 1
3 means that both light receiving means 10 and 1 measure light at almost the same time.
The electrical signals from 3 are input to the detection means 14 almost simultaneously.

An example of data processing in the detection means 14 will be explained below.

[0105] The memory (RO
M) has plate no. and the corresponding drug information (
For example, drug types and their concentration patterns) are stored in a table format.

The presence or absence of the signal from the second light receiving means, that is, the signal from each of the light receiving elements 13a to 13n (corresponding to 1 or 0 in the binary system), is determined by the plate number as described above. can be identified, and this plate no. The drug information in the table can be specified from the table.

On the other hand, the measured value from the first light receiving means 10 is
For example, it is processed as follows.

As shown in (2) above, when determining the absorbance difference using two types of interference filters 8, the arithmetic unit built in the detection means calculates the difference based on the data measured using the first type of interference filter. The absorbance [OD570] for each well 31 is determined and stored in the memory (RAM) built into the detection means 8, and then each well is determined based on the data measured using the second type of interference filter. The absorbance [OD600] for each well 31 is determined, and from this absorbance [OD600] and the absorbance [OD570], the absorbance difference [OD570 - OD600] for each well 31 is calculated in the calculation section.

Furthermore, if necessary, the calculated absorbance difference for each well [OD570 - OD600] (absorbance [
OD600] or [OD570]), the reduction rate of the drug is determined, and the MIC value is determined by comparing it with the initial setting value stored in advance in the memory (ROM) or the like.

[0110] Then, in the detection means 14, the drug information specified above and the test results, that is, the absorbance difference (or absorbance) for each well and/or the MI
C value, these are identified, and stored in memory (RAM) as necessary.

When the measurement for one plate 3 is completed in the above manner, the motor 23 of the moving means 21 is driven to move the slider 22 and frame 4 in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 4, and the next measurement is carried out. Each well 3 of plate 3
1 and optical marker 37 are positioned on each optical path of the light projected from the first light projecting means 9 and the second light projecting means 11, respectively, and measurements and data processing are performed in the same manner as described above.

Thereafter, such movement and measurement of the frame 4 are repeated, and all the plates 3 on the frame 4 are measured.

[0113] The bacteriological testing device 1 may be equipped with, for example, a display (indicator) and a printer (none of which are shown), and in this case, the drug information and test results associated as described above can be displayed. can be displayed for each plate 3 or all at once on a display or printed out on a printer.

[0114] In addition, if the bacteriological testing device 1 is equipped with or can be connected to external input means such as a keyboard, information such as the type of bacteria to be tested and testing conditions can be manually input and this information can also be displayed or printed out together with the drug information and test results.

Although the bacterial testing apparatus of the present invention has been described above with reference to the configuration example shown in the drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0116] The bacterial testing device of the present invention is applicable not only to the above-mentioned drug sensitivity testing of bacteria, but also to various tests and tests such as bacterial identification testing.

[0117]

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to arbitrarily set a combination of drugs to be tested by selecting a plate, and in this case, the drug information on the selected plate and its test can be set as desired. Since the results can be correlated and displayed or printed as necessary, drug information and test results can be identified without error. Moreover, since such identification is done automatically, the labor and time required for conventional manual tasks such as data input, calculation, aggregation, and judgment are greatly reduced, improving inspection accuracy. and speed up testing. In particular, by replacing the interference filter, it is possible to measure the absorbance difference, perform preliminary confirmation, and select the mode and measurement principle, and by installing various filters, it is possible to create a structure that prevents negative effects on measurement and information reading. In this case, inspection accuracy can be further improved. Furthermore, the bacterial testing device of the present invention has a simple structure, is small, and has low manufacturing cost.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of a bacterial testing device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the structure of a plate in the present invention.

3 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the configuration of a frame to which a plate is attached.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Bacteria testing device 2
Plate housing section 21
Transportation means 22
Slider 23 Step motor 24 Roller 3 Plate 31
Well 32 Connecting member 33
Specimen section 34 Seating section 35 Tongue piece 36 Gripping section 37 Optical marker 38
mosaic 4
Frame 41 Opening 42 Window 43 Edge 5 Light source 51 Reflector 6 Branching means 71
Heat absorption filter 72
Color temperature correction filter 73
Visible light cut filter 8
Interference filter 81
Disc 82 Step motor 9
First light projecting means 9a to 9f
Optical fiber 91 Condenser lens 92
Imaging lens 10
First light receiving means 10a to 10f Light receiving element 101 Near infrared cut filter 1
1 Cover glass 12
Second light projecting means 12a to 12n Optical fiber 121 Condensing lens 122
baffle board 13
Second light receiving means 13a to 13n Light receiving element 14 Detecting means 141, 142
line

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A specimen section in which a plurality of cup-shaped wells each containing at least bacteria and a drug to be tested are arranged in a row, and an optical marker carrying information regarding the drug in each well. a light source; branching means for branching the light emitted from the light source into a first optical path and a second optical path; a first light projecting means for guiding and condensing light to each well of a plate set on the plate; at least one type of interference filter installed on the first optical path that selectively transmits a specific wavelength range; a first light receiving means for receiving the light transmitted or reflected by the well or the fluorescent light from each well and converting the intensity thereof into an electrical signal; and guiding the light in the second optical path to the optical marker on the plate and focusing the light. a second light projecting means for receiving the light transmitted or reflected by the optical marker and converting it into an electrical signal; and based on the electrical signals from the first light receiving means and the second light receiving means, A bacteria testing device comprising: a detection means having at least a function of associating information carried by the optical marker with test results regarding bacteria and drugs. 2. The bacteria testing device according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of types of interference filters that selectively transmit different specific wavelength ranges are replaceably installed on the first optical path. 3. The bacteria testing device according to claim 1, further comprising a long wavelength absorption filter installed between the light source and the branching means or on the first optical path. 4. The bacterial testing device according to claim 1, further comprising a filter on the second optical path that absorbs at least a wavelength range that passes through an interference filter installed on the first optical path. . 5. The first light receiving means is provided with a light shielding means for preventing light other than the light emitted from the first light projecting means from entering. Bacteria testing equipment. 6. A plurality of the plates are set in the plate accommodating portion, and each plate is moved relative to the first and second light projecting means and the first and second light receiving means, so that the plate 6. The bacterial testing device according to claim 1, wherein the bacterial testing device is configured to sequentially emit and receive light at each time.