SI9300467A - Method for packaging test tubes and packaging unit for test tubes - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for packing reagent-treated test tubes for analytical determinations, in particular for immunological assay methods using immobilised reactants of such assay methods, characterised in that - a large number of such test tubes (1) are arranged in a group so that the edges (2) of the openings of all test tubes (1) are essentially in a plane, a label (3) is provided which has a central area (4), which corresponds approximately to the total base area occupied by the group of test tubes, and an edge region (5) and is provided with an adhesive coating, the label (3) is applied with the side having the adhesive coating to the edges (2) of the openings so that it adheres to all test tubes (1) of the group and seals the said test tubes, the label (3) with the group of test tubes (1) adhering thereto is transferred to a container (6) with an open top area and the edge region (5) of the label (3) is bonded to the edge of the open top area of the container (6).

Description

(57) The invention relates to a process for packaging reagents of treated tubes for analytical determinations, in particular for immunological determination procedures using an immobilized reaction partner of such determination procedures, characterized in that - the plurality of such test tubes (1) is thus grouped - that the edges (2) of the openings of all the tubes (1) are substantially in the same plane, - prepare a label (3) comprising a central surface (4) approximately corresponding to the entire base plane occupied by the tube group as well as the edge region (5) and provided with an adhesive release, - affix the label (3) with the adhesive release side to the edges (2) of the openings so as to fit all the tubes (1) of the group and close them, the label (3 ), transfer the tubes (1) therein to the container (6) with the open top face, and connect the edge area (5) of the label (3) to the edge of the open top face of the container (6).

Sl 9300467 A

Henning Berlin Gmbh

Procedure for packing the test tubes and the packaging unit for the test tubes

The invention relates to a process for packing dehumidified containers, in particular reagents treated tubes for analytical determinations, in particular a test tube for immunological determination procedures using an immobilized reaction partner of such determination procedures, as well as to a packaging unit with a plurality of tubes of said type.

In immunological determination procedures, it is often done with tubes containing on their walls in immobilized form any substance (reaction partner) that is important for the successful implementation of the determination procedures, e.g. immobilized antibodies, immobilized antigens, and specific immunoglobulins or other protein materials, and are usually available in a protected matrix of excipients that form a coated tubes film on the walls of the test tubes. Such test tubes must be packed after manufacture so that often sensitive immobilized reaction partners retain their activity for as long a period as possible and can maintain reliable results when using the test tubes. It usually requires this packaging to provide safe protection against moisture, dust and other dirt. Now, such tubes are usually packaged in such a way that they are transferred from processing trays to packaging containers, such as for example. cartons or bags to which drying bags (silica gel bags) should be added to the packaging in cases of sensitive substances or in particular of high-quality requirements for regulating the moisture content. Such packaging, however, has the disadvantage that when opening the tubes, a plurality of such tubes containing the packaging is exposed to the surrounding atmosphere, which may render the non-immediately used tubes relatively useless after opening the packaging. In order to avoid this, all such tubes must be individually sealed once again, which means an additional packaging cost.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a process which leads to a new packaging unit, packing with sensitive or, if appropriate, volatile substances of released containers, such as e.g. test tube for analytical procedures, in particular immunological determination procedures, which enables fast and secure automated packaging of such containers or containers. The tube provides reliable protection of the tubes against moisture, dust and contamination of unused tubes even after opening the total packaging.

This task is accomplished by the process and the packaging unit of the claims.

According to the process according to the invention, the reaction partners contemplated by the reaction partners, in the usual manner known in the known trays, are fitted with a common label which simultaneously clogs the openings of the whole group of tubes. Since the test tubes are usually arranged in conventional processing locations so that their openings are in the same plane, the label can be easily machine applied to the whole group of tubes so that they firmly fit to the edges of the openings of all tubes and close them individually between them. . Tubes which are empty and easily lightweight on their walls are easily adhered to the container without any problems on the adhesive side of the label, which can be followed, for example. machine assisted on the outside of the label of the gripping vacuum cleaner.

The label shall be chosen to comprise a central surface approximately corresponding to the entire base plane of the test tube group, and the top of this shall comprise an edge projecting over. When the test-holding group of tubes is moved to the container, the edge of the label protrudes sideways over the edge of a conventional, open container above, and by pushing it over the outer edge of the outer side walls of the container, the container as a whole closes tightly with the label.

In this way, the packaging unit thus provided comprises, on the one hand, dustproofing and moistening of a tightly closed outer container, within which the individual tubes are once again securely closed due to the bonding of their edges of openings with the underside of the cover label.

To remove the tubes, either label can be removed so far as to release the number of tubes required. Preferably, a container is used to tear off the labeled upper edge region of its side walls, so that a thread or string extending into the container walls is advantageously embedded in a known manner, allowing the container wall to be broken and the upper wall region of the container separated. Instead of thread or string, other known packaging materials may be used to open container walls or to separate container parts, e.g. perforations, weakening lines or also cut marks along the corresponding line. In such a case, the opening of the packaging unit is followed by the removal of the individual or all tubes by arranging the packaging with the label down, separating the labeled container edge from the rest of the container and lifting the rest of the container. In this way, a group of test tubes, standing and labeled on them, is formed on their openings. Now the desired number of tubes can be removed from the label without damaging the closure of other tubes. When appropriately selected for the label of adhesive used, it is even possible to accidentally remove the removed tube at the back of the adhesive-treated label and thereby close it.

If only individual tubes are withdrawn and the packaging unit is to be restored for further use of the other tubes, the removed lower part of the container can be easily reconnected via the other tubes, rotated and disposed of. Of course, the torn side wall can be glued with adhesive tape at this stage. This is usually not necessary, as individual tubes are further glued to the label and thus sealed.

The packaging unit of the invention further has the advantage that the assignment of the test tubes is unambiguous because of the direct connection of the individual tubes to the label, since the label on its outside usually contains all the information necessary to identify the tubes.

Preferably, the container is a folding box which, on the one hand, can be prepared to occupy as little space as possible before packing, and on the other hand, after the contents of the packaging, is pressed together and can be removed with old paper.

Although the present invention is described with reference to the tubes for immunological determination procedures and, moreover, by means of a preferred embodiment, it is further understood that both the form and the material of the container can be varied without leaving the area of the present invention. Also e.g. Round outer or plastic containers may be labeled as described. Further, it is possible to glue the label to the edge of the container by any other means, e.g. with a flange edge or by engaging the inside over the projecting edge, even when such embodiments appear to be more defective at present.

Since the connection between the edge of the container and the outer edge of the label is to be followed as closely and permanently as possible, it is, of course, possible to attach the adhesive or adhesive means to the container by its adhesive. In the case of plastic containers, welding is also possible basically in the area.

As far as the adhesion of the tubes to the inside of the label is concerned, it is preferable that the adhesive release is maintained so that the adhesive is maintained permanently, so that the tubes that are accidentally removed can be re-glued with the label, but adhesive which allows only one-time gluing can be used the edges of the tube with the label, which may be e.g. preferably when it is possible to control whether the tubes are originally closed tubes or have already been removed or manipulated.

Basically, the label can also be fitted with slack lines, so that it is possible to tear individual test tubes or individual test tubes. As long as all of these embodiments benefit from the simultaneous bonding of one group of tubes to a single label, and the use of this label to seal the container accommodating the entire group of tubes, such embodiments fall within the scope of the present invention.

Finally, it should be noted that the present invention has been developed especially for the packaging of coated tubes for immunological determination procedures, and in the art has, in the art, a particular advantage over the state of the art, but that the process of the invention can be applied to other fields without further ado. Test tubes that e.g. also be liberated with other reagents, e.g. indicators or catalysts used in other fields of organic chemical or inorganic chemical analysis or for environmental testing purposes or intended to undergo certain transformations.

Finally, without further use, the process of the invention can also be used in food technology, e.g. so that with certain sensitive or volatile aromatic substances, the liberated containers are wholesale in the packaging of the invention, e.g. containers in which, by adding further ingredients, e.g. liquids, prepare edible or edible preparations, such as flavoring additives, spice solutions, beverages or the like.

The present invention will now be further explained with reference to a preferred embodiment and with reference to the three figures, where FIG. 1 packing unit according to the invention with partially removed wall; FIG. 2a and 2b are examples of adhesive labels with differently shaped edges; and FIG. 3 cardboard box suitable for priority outer container.

In FIG. 1 shows a tube with an upper edge 2, which in the process of the invention, when the packaging unit according to the invention is made, adheres to the adhesive side of the label 3. The label 3 comprises a central surface 4, which in its shape corresponds to the floor plan of the tube 6, as well as the edge the area or edge 5 that can be glued to the outside of the container 6 so that after the label is glued to the edges of the tubes and the transfer of the entire group of tubes with the label into and onto the container 6 is folded down and stuck to the outside of the container 6 .

The label edge 5 is preferably designed in such a way that, on the one hand, it is possible to bend this edge without tearing or wrinkling the label, and on the other hand, in the corner area of the container, it is ensured that the entire packaging unit is securely closed. This can be achieved by providing the edge in the corners area with suitable cuts. In FIG. 2a and 2b show examples of suitable label designs. It should be noted that the cuts do not extend directly to the perimeter of the container. Due to the certain internal elasticity / plasticity of the paper material used for the labels, it is possible to securely adhere the entire packaging in the cases shown without further ado.

In FIG. 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the container, i.e. a patent articulated box so adapted to the present invention that a tear-off thread 8 is provided to tear off the top edge of the packaging. The material of the articulated box shall be selected in such a way as to provide the required protection for the intended contents. For this purpose, e.g. cardboard which, with additional release, makes it difficult to exchange moisture and gases with the surroundings, or may also be provided with a padded inner layer.

The suitability of the packaging unit of the invention for tubes for immunological determination procedures was verified by once packing the tubes coated with immobilized thyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) so far by inserting them in bags and adding a desiccant bags, and secondly by the process of the invention.

The results are shown in the following Table 1. In this table, Βθ / Τ represents the total binding / total activity, 50% IC 50% intercept, and VK variation coefficient. An expert can obtain reactivity or reactivity from the values given. storage stability test tubes. It is apparent that the process of the invention does not lead to any deterioration in storage stability. However, according to the current procedures, the advantages for the manufacturer of rapid processing with simple automation while ensuring at least equivalent protection of the tubes from moisture, dust and contamination, while for the consumer, the advantages of light handling due to the tear-off thread on the articulated box are provided. It is possible to conveniently remove the tubes without obstructing the closure of the other tubes, and the remaining tubes can be conveniently placed back into the bottom of the container and can be permanently identified safely due to their strong connection to the label. Even too many tubes can be easily closed with the label again.

Table 1

BOIT (binding in%) in the bag 50% IC (in U / ml) in the bag VK% (n = 50) in bag BOIT (binding in%) glued 50% IC (in U / ml) glued VK% (n = 50) glued 3 days 4 ° C 23 542 2.0 22 523 2.0 3 days 37 ° C 22 548 2.3 21 543 2.3 1 week 4 ° C 21 636 2.2 21 605 2.4 2 weeks 4 ° C 27 660 1.9 25 652 3.0 4 weeks 4 ° C 46 1121 2.1 45 1174 1.8 4 weeks 37 ° C 1.8 * 2.5 * 8 weeks 4 ° C 44 1054 1.5 44 942 1.8 12 weeks 4 ° C 44 1077 2.2 42 1047 1.5 16 weeks 4 ° C 38 902 1.5 36 875 2.0 20 weeks 4 ° C 42 1068 2.0 42 873 2.3 24 weeks 4 ° C 50 855 2.2 49 874 2.5 28 weeks 4 ° C 21 640 2.2 22 592 2.2

n = 34

Ilenning Berlin Gmbh

For him:

patent pshsoha

LJUBLJANA 2

Claims (13)

1. A method of packaging reagent-treated tubes for analytical determinations, in particular for immunological determination procedures using an immobilized reaction partner of such determination procedures, characterized in that - arrange the plurality of such tubes (1) in a group such that the edges (2) of the openings of all the tubes (1) are substantially in the same plane, - prepare a label (3) comprising a central surface (4) which approximately corresponds to the entire base plane occupied by a group of tubes, as well as an edge region (5) and provided with a adhesive release, - apply a label (3) to the edges (2) of the openings with the side, comprising the adhesive release, so that it clamps onto all tubes (1) of the group and closes them, - transfer the label (3) with the group clamped therein to the tubes (1) to the container (6) with the lid open, and - connect the edge area (5) of the label (3) to the edge of the open top face of the container (6). A method according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesive release is permanently adhesive and the tubes (1) are back-glued on the label (3). Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the adhesive release can be made adhesive at least for the duration of its application to the openings (2) of the tube (1). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the edge area (5) of the label (3) comprises notches (7) in the area of its corners, which allow the edge area (5) to be bent towards its central surface (4). . Method according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the edge area (5) of the label (3) is connected to the outer edge area of the container (6). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the edge area of the container (6) that connects to the edge area (5) of the label (3) is detachable from the remaining container (6). A method according to claim 6, characterized in that the edge of the container (6) is so detachable that a slack or perforation line (8) or a tear-off thread is provided in the lateral surfaces of the container (6). Method according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the container (6) consists of cardboard or plastic. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that the carton comprises a moisture and / or gas impermeable release. 10. A packaging unit with a plurality of reagent-treated tubes for analytical determinations, in particular for immunological determination procedures using an immobilized reaction partner of such determination procedures, characterized in that it comprises - a container (6) which, with the exception of the open deck, is closed on all sides, - a label (3) associated with the edge of the open top face of the container (6), which closes the open top face and comprises an adhesive release facing the inside of the container, as well as - a plurality of test tubes (1), which are all connected to the adhesive side of the label (3) and closed by the edges of their openings. Packaging unit according to claim 10, characterized in that the edge of the container (6), which is connected to the edge area (5) of the label (3), is removable from the remaining container (6). Packaging unit according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the container (6) is essentially a rectangular articulated carton. Packaging unit according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the edge area (5) of the label (3) in the area of the open deck surface is glued to the outer lateral surfaces of the container (6) and the lateral surfaces of the container (6) comprise an extending a laxative line (8) or an extruded breaking thread that allows the label container (3) of the associated container edge to be pulled away from the rest of the container (6) by the edge area (5). Henning Berlin Gmbh To him: PATENT OFFICE LJUBLJANA 23230-VIII / 93-Iv Summary Procedure for packing the test tubes and the packaging unit for the test tubes The invention relates to a process for packaging reagents of treated tubes for analytical determinations, in particular for immunological determination procedures using an immobilized reaction partner of such determination procedures, characterized in that - arrange the plurality of such tubes (1) in a group such that the edges (2) of the openings of all the tubes (1) are substantially in the same plane, - prepare a label (3) comprising a central surface (4) which approximately corresponds to the entire base plane occupied by a group of tubes, as well as an edge region (5) and provided with a adhesive release, - apply a label (3) to the edges (2) of the openings with the side, comprising the adhesive release, so that it clamps onto all tubes (1) of the group and closes them, - transfer the label (3) with the group clamped therein to the tubes (1) to the container (6) with the lid open, and - connect the edge area (5) of the label (3) to the edge of the open top face of the container (6).