US20090100915A1 - Method of Sampling Specimen, Test Method and Dropping Pipette and Specimen Sampler to be Used Therein - Google Patents

Method of Sampling Specimen, Test Method and Dropping Pipette and Specimen Sampler to be Used Therein Download PDF

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Publication number
US20090100915A1
US20090100915A1 US12/224,753 US22475307A US2009100915A1 US 20090100915 A1 US20090100915 A1 US 20090100915A1 US 22475307 A US22475307 A US 22475307A US 2009100915 A1 US2009100915 A1 US 2009100915A1
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US
United States
Prior art keywords
insertion portion
dropper
sample
hole
stopper
Prior art date
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Abandoned
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US12/224,753
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English (en)
Inventor
Yasunori Shiraki
Daisuke Matsumoto
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Arkray Inc
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Arkray Inc
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Publication date
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Assigned to ARKRAY, INC. reassignment ARKRAY, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: MATSUMOTO, DAISUKE, SHIRAKI, YASUNORI
Publication of US20090100915A1 publication Critical patent/US20090100915A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
    • B01L3/0241—Drop counters; Drop formers
    • B01L3/0272—Dropper bottles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
    • B01L2200/02—Adapting objects or devices to another
    • B01L2200/026—Fluid interfacing between devices or objects, e.g. connectors, inlet details
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L2400/00—Moving or stopping fluids
    • B01L2400/04—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means
    • B01L2400/0475—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure
    • B01L2400/0481—Moving fluids with specific forces or mechanical means specific mechanical means and fluid pressure squeezing of channels or chambers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/02—Burettes; Pipettes
    • B01L3/0282—Burettes; Pipettes mounted within a receptacle
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/50—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes
    • B01L3/508—Containers for the purpose of retaining a material to be analysed, e.g. test tubes rigid containers not provided for above
    • B01L3/5082—Test tubes per se
    • B01L3/50825—Closing or opening means, corks, bungs
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L3/00—Containers or dishes for laboratory use, e.g. laboratory glassware; Droppers
    • B01L3/56—Labware specially adapted for transferring fluids
    • B01L3/563—Joints or fittings ; Separable fluid transfer means to transfer fluids between at least two containers, e.g. connectors
    • B01L3/5635—Joints or fittings ; Separable fluid transfer means to transfer fluids between at least two containers, e.g. connectors connecting two containers face to face, e.g. comprising a filter
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
    • G01N35/1079—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices with means for piercing stoppers or septums

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for taking a sample such as blood to be collected in a vacuum blood collection tube, and a test method of the sample, while also relating to a dropping pipette and a sample collecting tool used for such purposes.
  • Tests for checking the blood components are widely performed to grasp the condition of a human body.
  • blood as a sample is drawn from a human body and collected in e.g. a vacuum blood collection tube (see e.g. Patent document 1).
  • the blood collected in the vacuum blood collection tube is subjected to a test for hemoglobin (hereinafter referred to as “Hb”) or C-reactive protein (hereinafter referred to as “CRP”) by an optical technique or a test for counting white blood cells, red blood cells and blood platelets, for example.
  • Hb hemoglobin
  • CRP C-reactive protein
  • FIG. 16 shows an example of stopper remover to be used before transferring the blood (now shown) from a vacuum blood collection tube Cn to a test apparatus.
  • the illustrated stopper remover X is used for pulling out the stopper St from the vacuum blood collection tube Cn, with the sample storage portion Sr held.
  • the stopper remover X includes a rod 91 and a pair of levers 92 .
  • the rod 91 includes an end 91 a , which may be made of rubber, and is vertically movable.
  • the paired levers 92 include ends formed with pawls 92 a . The levers are vertically movable and can open and close.
  • the rod 91 is moved down to press the end 91 a against the stopper St. Then, the paired levers 92 are closed to bring the pawls 92 a into engagement with the lower end of the stopper St. In this state, the rod 91 and the levers 92 are moved upward. As a result, the stopper St is removed from the sample storage portion Sr. Thereafter, the sample storage portion Sr is set to the test apparatus for testing the blood as the sample.
  • the stopper St is strongly pressed into the sample storage portion Sr.
  • a large force is required to pull out the stopper St.
  • the blood adhering to the stopper St may be scattered. Since the scattered blood can be a source of infection, the works such as properly wiping off the blood and sterilizing need to be performed. The scattering of blood may occur even when the stopper St is manually removed without using the above-described stopper remover X. In this way, the operation to pull out the stopper St from the vacuum blood collection tube has a hygiene problem.
  • Patent Document 1 JP-A-2005-224366
  • Patent Document 2 JP-A-5-228379
  • An object of the present invention which is proposed under the circumstances described above, is to provide a method for taking a sample, a method for testing a sample, and a dropper and a sample collecting tool used for such purposes, which are capable of properly maintaining hygiene.
  • a method for taking a sample comprising the steps of drawing a sample into a sample container and transferring at least part of the sample from the sample container to a sample storage space of a dropper.
  • the sample container includes a sample storage portion and a stopper sealing the sample storage portion, and the drawing is performed by stabbing a hollow needle into the stopper.
  • the dropper includes an internal space at least part of which is the sample storage space for storing the sample and which includes a volume changeable space defined by an elastically deformable portion having flexibility.
  • the dropper further includes an insertion portion including a through-hole connected to the internal space, and the transfer of the sample is performed by inserting the insertion portion into a through-hole formed in the stopper by the stabbing of the hollow needle into the stopper.
  • a method for testing a sample comprises testing the sample stored in the sample storage space after the sample taking method as set forth in claim 1 is performed.
  • a dropper comprising an internal space at least part of which is a sample storage space for storing a sample and which includes a volume changeable space defined by an elastically deformable portion having flexibility, and an insertion portion including a through-hole connected to the internal space.
  • the insertion portion is capable of being inserted into a through-hole formed in a stopper by stabbing a hollow needle into the stopper.
  • the insertion portion includes a portion whose cross sectional area reduces as progressing toward the end of the insertion portion.
  • the insertion portion includes an end having a periphery comprising a curved surface.
  • the insertion portion includes an end formed with a surface inclined with respect to an axial direction of the through-hole.
  • the insertion portion includes a large-cross-section portion which is larger in cross sectional area than adjacent portions in an axial direction of the through-hole.
  • the dimension of the insertion portion in a cross section perpendicular to an axial direction of the through-hole is not more than 3 mm.
  • the insertion portion has a length of not more than 30 mm.
  • the insertion portion is made of resin.
  • the resin is polypropylene, polystyrene-based resin or nylon-based resin.
  • the resin is a self-lubricating material such as polyacetal or polyamide (nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 11 or nylon 12) or a material containing silicone.
  • a dropper comprising an internal space at least part of which is a sample storage space for storing a sample and which includes a volume changeable space defined by an elastically deformable portion having flexibility, and an insertion portion including a through-hole connected to the internal space.
  • the dropper further includes a rigid portion defining part of the internal space, located between the insertion portion and the elastically deformable portion and formed integrally with at least the elastically deformable portion.
  • the rigid portion comprises a portion formed with a plurality of grooves extending in a direction along a central axis of the through-hole.
  • the insertion portion includes a portion whose cross sectional area reduces as progressing toward an end of the insertion portion.
  • the insertion portion includes an end having a periphery comprising a curved surface.
  • the insertion portion includes an end formed with a surface inclined with respect to an axial direction of the through-hole.
  • the insertion portion includes a large-cross-section portion which is larger in cross sectional area than adjacent portions in an axial direction of the through-hole.
  • the dimension of the insertion portion in a cross section perpendicular to an axial direction of the through-hole is not more than 3 mm.
  • the insertion portion has a length of not more than 30 mm.
  • the insertion portion is made of resin.
  • the resin is polypropylene, polystyrene-based resin or nylon-based resin.
  • the resin is a self-lubricating material such as polyacetal or polyamide (nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 11 or nylon 12) or a material containing silicone.
  • a sample collecting tool comprising a dropper provided according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention and a guide which is generally cylindrical and capable of being fitted to the dropper to accommodate the insertion portion on a central axis in an internal space thereof.
  • FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a dropper and a sample collecting tool according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the dropper and the sample collecting tool according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a front view, partially in section, showing the main body of the dropper according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a sectional view-taken along lines IV-IV in FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 5 is a front view, partially in section, showing the cap of the dropper according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a front view, partially in section, showing the guide of a sample collecting tool according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the step of drawing blood into a vacuum blood collection tube in a method for testing a sample according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing the step of mounting a sample collecting tool to a vacuum blood collection tube in the method for testing a sample according to the present invention
  • FIG. 9 is a sectional view showing the step of pressing the elastically deformable portion in the method for testing a sample according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing the step of taking the blood in the method for testing a sample according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a front view, partially in section, showing the cap of another example of dropper according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a front view, partially in section, showing the cap of another example of dropper according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a front view, partially in section, showing the cap of another example of dropper according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 14 is a sectional view showing another example of dropper according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 15 is a sectional view showing another example of dropper according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 16 is a schematic view showing a stopper remover used for a conventional method for testing a sample.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 show an example of sample collecting tool according to the present invention.
  • the illustrated sample collecting tool C includes a dropper A 1 and a guide. B.
  • the sample collecting tool is used for taking blood B 1 , which is an example of sample, from a vacuum blood collection tube Cn.
  • the vacuum blood collection tube Cn is an example of sample container of the present invention and includes a sample storage portion Sr and a stopper St.
  • the dropper A 1 comprises a main body 1 and a cap 2 , and includes an internal space 10 . As shown in FIG. 2 , the main body 1 and the cap 2 are connected to each other by screwing, fitting or bonding, for example.
  • the dropper A 1 is designed to take the blood B 1 from the sample storage portion Sr without pulling out the stopper St.
  • the main body 1 is made of a translucent, appropriately soft resin such as low-density polyethylene and includes a holder 11 and an elastically deformable portion 12 .
  • the holder 11 is generally cylindrical. In connecting the main body 1 and the cap 2 to each other, the holder is held.
  • the holder 11 is an example of rigid portion of the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the holder 11 is formed with a plurality of grooves 11 a .
  • the grooves 11 a enhance the rigidity of the holder 11 . Thus, even when e.g. a force to screw the main body 1 into the cap 2 is applied, the holder 11 is hardly deformed.
  • the elastically deformable portion 12 comprises a cylindrical portion connected to the holder 11 and a dome-shaped portion connected to the cylindrical portion.
  • the elastically deformable portion 12 easily deforms elastically by such a force as that applied in pinching it with fingers, for example.
  • the elastically deformable portion 12 defines therein a volume changeable space 10 b which is part of the inner space 10 . When the elastically deformable portion 12 is deformed, the volume of the volume changeable space 10 b changes.
  • the elastically deformable portion 12 is formed with a groove 12 a .
  • the groove 12 a extends around the elastically deformable portion 12 and is used as a mark for taking the blood B 1 by an amount suitable for the test.
  • the portion of the inner space 10 which is lower than the groove 12 a serves as a sample storage space 10 a for storing a sample such as blood B 1 .
  • the sample storage space 10 a is capable of storing 200 to 300 ⁇ l of blood B 1 .
  • a flange 13 is formed at an end of the holder 11 .
  • the flange 13 has a diameter which is larger than that of the holder 11 and the elastically deformable portion 12 and is utilized for controlling the mounting depth of the main body 1 to the cap 2 .
  • the flange 13 is also utilized for mounting the main body 1 to a centrifugal separator after the blood sampling is performed.
  • a centrifugal separator of this type generally includes a port in the form of a deep hole for mounting the main body 1 . By bringing the flange 13 into engagement with the edge of the port, the main body 1 is prevented from entering the port too deeply.
  • the cap 2 is made of an appropriately hard resin such as polypropylene and includes an insertion portion 21 and a flange 22 .
  • the insertion portion 21 is a portion to be inserted into a hole H 1 formed in the stopper St and thinner than other portions of the cap 2 and the main body 1 .
  • the insertion portion 21 is formed with a through-hole 21 a .
  • the through-hole 21 a is used for transferring part of the blood B 1 from the sample storage portion Sr to the inner space 10 of the main body 1 .
  • the cross-section of the insertion portion 21 becomes smaller as progressing toward the end.
  • the periphery of the end of the insertion portion 21 A comprises a curved surface 21 b .
  • the insertion portion 21 has a length L of about 10 mm, an outer diameter Do of about 1 mm and an inner diameter Di of about 20 ⁇ m.
  • the dimensions of the insertion portion are not limited to these values, but it is preferable that the length L is not more than 30 mm, the outer diameter Do is not more than 3 mm, and the inner diameter Di is not less than 10 ⁇ m.
  • the flange 22 is provided at the end of the cap 2 which is opposite from the insertion portion 21 .
  • the flange 22 is used for fitting the cap 2 to the guide B.
  • the flange 22 is formed with two projections 22 a .
  • the two projections 22 a are brought into engagement with part of the guide B.
  • the guide B is used for arranging the dropper A 1 generally coaxially with the vacuum blood collection tube Cn.
  • the guide includes two cylindrical portions 61 and 62 , and a stepped portion 63 connecting the two cylindrical portions 61 and 62 to each other.
  • the cylindrical portion 61 serves to accommodate the stopper St of the vacuum blood collection tube Cn.
  • the cylindrical portion 61 is formed with a plurality of recesses 61 a .
  • the recesses 61 a enhance the rigidity of the cylindrical portion 61 .
  • the lower end of each recess 61 a can be utilized for controlling the mounting depth of a vacuum blood collection tube having a shape which is different from that of the vacuum blood collection tube Cn shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the stepped portion 63 is to engage the stopper St to control the mounting depth of the vacuum blood collection tube Cn.
  • the guide B is made of an appropriately hard resin such as polypropylene, polystyrene-based resin or nylon-based resin. By the use of these materials, the guide B has such a high rigidity that it hardly deforms due to the force applied in mounting the dropper A 1 or the vacuum blood collection tube Cn.
  • the guide B may include a plurality of legs extending from the cylindrical portion 62 .
  • the legs are arranged to flare from the cylindrical portion 62 , i.e., the distance between adjacent legs increases as separating from the cylindrical portion 62 . With this arrangement, various kinds of vacuum blood collection tubes Cn having different sizes can be mounted properly.
  • the cylindrical portion 62 is a portion to which the dropper A 1 is mounted.
  • the cylindrical portion 62 is smaller in diameter than the cylindrical portion 61 .
  • the cylindrical portion 62 is formed with two cutouts 62 a and two eaves 62 b .
  • the two cutouts 62 a are formed at an end of the cylindrical portion 62 to be arranged across the central axis of the cylindrical portion 62 and generally rectangular.
  • Each of the two eaves 62 b is provided between the two cutouts 62 a and extends from the edge of the cylindrical portion 62 toward the central axis of the cylindrical portion 62 .
  • the insertion portion 21 of the dropper A 1 is put into the guide B. Then, after the two projections 22 a are received in the two cutouts 62 a , respectively, the dropper A 1 is rotated around the central axis relative to the guide B. As a result, the two projections 22 a of the dropper A 1 engage the two eaves 62 b of the guide B. Thus, the dropper A 1 is mounted to the guide B. As shown in FIG. 1 , by this mounting, the flange 22 of the dropper A 1 is fitted to the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 62 of the guide B. Thus, the insertion portion 21 is arranged coaxially with the cylindrical portions 61 , 62 .
  • FIG. 7 shows the step of drawing blood B 1 into the sample storage portion Sr of a vacuum blood collection tube Cn.
  • a vacuum blood collection tube Cn kept at a room temperature and a blood collection holder Hd including a needle Nd are prepared.
  • a tourniquet (not shown) is put around an arm (not shown) of a patient whose blood B 1 is to be tested.
  • an upper portion of the needle Nd is stabbed into the arm.
  • the blood collection holder Hd is fixed.
  • the vacuum blood collection tube Cn is inserted into the blood collection holder Hd. By this insertion, the lower portion of the needle Nd is stabbed into the substantial center of the stopper St.
  • the sample collecting tool C is mounted to the vacuum blood collection tube Cn.
  • the mounting is performed by turning the vacuum blood collection tube Cn upside down from the state shown in FIG. 7 and inserting the stopper St into the cylindrical portion 61 of the holder B.
  • the cylindrical portion 61 and the stopper St are coaxial with each other.
  • the insertion portion 21 of the dropper A 1 is positioned directly under the hole H 1 of the stopper St.
  • the vacuum blood collection tube Cn is further moved-downward, the insertion portion 21 enters the hole H 1 while spreading the hole H 1 .
  • the stopper St is inserted until it engages the stepped portion 63 , so that the insertion portion 21 penetrates the stopper St, as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • the elastically deformable portion 12 of the dropper A 1 is pressed with fingers Fg. Since the elastically deformable portion 12 is made of low-density polyethylene which is an appropriately soft resin, it can be easily pressed manually. By pressing the elastically deformable portion 12 , the volume of the volume changeable space 10 b reduces, and the air corresponding to the decrement of the volume is released into the vacuum blood collection tube Cn.
  • the fingers Fg are opened to release the elastically deformable portion 12 .
  • the elastically deformable portion 12 returns to its original shape, so that the volume of the volume changeable space 10 b increases.
  • the pressure in the internal space 10 becomes lower than that in the sample storage portion Sr.
  • part of the blood B 1 stored in the sample storage portion S 4 is transferred into the internal space 10 of the dropper A 1 through the insertion portion 21 .
  • This transfer of the blood B 1 is continued until the blood fills the sample storage space 10 a to reach the groove 12 a . In this way, the blood B 1 of the amount necessary for the test is taken from the vacuum blood collection tube Cn into the dropper A 1 .
  • the vacuum blood collection tube Cn is pulled out from the sample collecting tool C.
  • the dropper A 1 may be removed from the guide B as required.
  • the blood B 1 is transferred from the dropper A 1 into a test apparatus (not shown).
  • a test for Hb or CRP by an optical technique a test for counting white blood cells, red blood cells and blood platelets and so on may be performed.
  • the blood B 1 is taken from the vacuum blood collection tube Cn by inserting the insertion portion 21 of the dropper A 1 into the hole H 1 formed in the stopper St.
  • the blood B 1 without pulling out the stopper St from the vacuum blood collection tube Cn.
  • the blood B 1 scatters which may occur in pulling out the stopper St.
  • the place where the work of taking blood B 1 from the vacuum blood collection tube Cn is performed and the test apparatus for testing the blood B 1 are kept hygienic.
  • the dropper A 1 used for taking the blood B 1 from the vacuum blood collection tube Cn has a manually-operable, simple structure. Further, a common resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene is employed as the material. Thus, the dropper A 1 can be manufactured at a relatively low cost, so that the dropper A 1 is suitable for use as a disposable part. The use of a disposable dropper is convenient, because cleaning or sterilization is not necessary. Further, the use of a disposable dropper is advantageous for keeping the place where the work of taking blood B 1 from the vacuum blood collection tube Cn is performed and the test apparatus to test the blood B 1 hygienic.
  • the end of the insertion portion 21 of the dropper A 1 is formed with the curved surface 21 b .
  • the end of the insertion portion 21 is not caught on the edge of the hole H 1 .
  • the insertion portion 21 smoothly enters the hole H 1 .
  • the cross section of the insertion portion 21 is smaller at a portion closer to the end, the insertion portion 21 spreads the hole H 1 in entering the hole H 1 .
  • the insertion portion 21 which is relatively thin and long, is inserted into the hole H 1 continuously and smoothly.
  • the insertion portion 21 is made of polypropylene and hence appropriately hard. Thus, the insertion portion 21 is unlikely to break in entering the hole H 1 of the stopper St, which is generally made of rubber. To set the outer diameter of the insertion portion 21 to not more than 3 mm is particularly suitable for achieving both the smooth insertion and the prevention of breakage of the insertion portion 21 . Further, when the length of the insertion portion 21 is not more than 30 mm, the insertion portion 21 is prevented from buckling due to the manual insertion.
  • the end of the insertion portion 21 is formed with the curved surface 21 b and the cap 2 is made of polypropylene which is a resin, the end of the insertion portion 21 does not hurt the body of the user of the dropper A 1 or sample collecting tool C.
  • the material of the insertion portion 21 is not limited to polypropylene and may be other materials as long as they are suitable for the insertion into the hole H 1 of the stopper St, which may be made of rubber. For instance, polystyrene-based resin or nylon-based resin may be employed. With the use of these materials, an appropriately hard insertion portion 21 is obtained.
  • the insertion portion 21 may be made of a self-lubricating material (e.g. polyacetal or polyamide (e.g.
  • the insertion portion 21 may be subjected to surface modification by e.g. coating, heat treatment or infrared irradiation.
  • the dropper A 1 including the hard insertion portion 21 and the soft elastically deformable portion 12 is obtained.
  • the insertion portion 21 is smoothly inserted into the hole H 1 of the stopper St, while the extent to which the elastically deformable portion 12 is pressed with fingers Fg is easily adjusted.
  • the same advantages may be obtained by forming the dropper A 1 as a single-piece part by using e.g. resin.
  • the portion corresponding to the insertion portion 21 is made to have an appropriately large wall thickness, while the portion corresponding to the elastically deformable portion 12 is made to have a relatively small wall thickness.
  • Polypropylene for forming the insertion portion 21 has an appropriately high hydrophobicity and water repellency.
  • the sample such as blood B 1 applied to the insertion portion 21 is easily repelled, which is suitable for preventing the sample from scattering or dripping.
  • the insertion portion 21 of the dropper A 1 is reliably positioned coaxially with the hole H 1 of the stopper St.
  • the insertion portion 21 is inserted into the hole H 1 without the need for visually aligning the insertion portion 21 with the hole H 1 .
  • the stopper St moves along the inner surface of the cylindrical portion 61 of the guide B.
  • the insertion portion 21 and the hole H 1 do not incline largely with respect to each other.
  • the holder 11 has an appropriately high rigidity owing to the provision of the grooves 11 a .
  • the holder 11 is not deformed due to the force applied in connecting the main body 1 and the cap 2 to each other or the force applied in pressing the elastically deformable portion 12 .
  • both of the holder 11 which has an appropriately high rigidity and the elastically deformable portion 12 which is flexible are obtained while making the main body 1 as a single-piece part. This is advantageous for reducing the number of parts for forming the dropper A 1 .
  • a separating agent for separating the blood B 1 into blood plasma and blood cell components may be put in the main body 1 in advance.
  • the blood B 1 mixed with the separating agent in the internal space 10 is centrifuged, the blood is separated into blood cell components, the separating agent and blood plasma in the mentioned order from the sample storage space 10 a toward the volume changeable space 10 b .
  • the elastically deformable portion 12 is pinched with fingers, blood plasma, the separating agent and blood cell components move in the mentioned order toward the insertion portion 21 .
  • the portion of the internal space 10 which is formed with grooves 11 a is smaller in cross section than the elastically deformable portion 10 a .
  • the separating agent when the separating agent reaches the portion formed with the grooves 11 a , the dimension of the separating agent in the direction along the central axis of the main body 1 increases. This prevents the blood cell components from passing over the separating agent to mix with the blood plasma within the internal space 10 .
  • the separating agent contains a coagulant, the blood B 1 is separated into blood serum and protein which is a clotting factor. In this case again, the protein is prevented from passing over the separating agent to mix with the blood serum.
  • glass fiber may be put in the main body 1 in advance. Glass fiber is likely to adsorb red blood cells contained in blood. Thus, in discharging blood from the main body 1 for testing, the discharge of red blood cells is prevented. Generally, in a biochemical test, an error is likely to occur when the sample tested contains a large amount of red blood cells like that having a high hematocrit. The use of glass fiber reduces the influence of red blood cells, whereby the accuracy of the test is enhanced.
  • FIGS. 11-15 show other embodiments of the present invention.
  • the elements which are identical or similar to those of the foregoing embodiment are designated by the same reference signs as those used for the foregoing embodiment.
  • FIG. 11 shows another example of insertion portion 21 of the dropper A 1 .
  • the insertion portion 21 shown in the figure includes a large-cross-section portion 21 d .
  • the large-cross-section portion 21 d has a cross sectional area which is larger than the adjacent portions in the direction along the central axis of the through-hole 21 a , i.e., the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 21 .
  • the end surface of the large-cross-section portion 21 d which is closer to the end of the insertion portion 21 extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 21 .
  • the cross sectional area of the large-cross-section portion 21 d increases as progressing toward the end of the insertion portion 21 .
  • the end surface of the large-cross-section portion 21 d engages the stopper St to produce a high resistance. Due to the resistance, the insertion portion 21 is prevented from entering too deeply into the hole H 1 .
  • the cross sectional area of the large-cross-section portion 21 d which increases as progressing toward the end of the insertion portion 21 is suitable for producing a high resistance.
  • FIG. 12 shows another example of insertion portion 21 .
  • the insertion portion 21 shown in the figure includes a large-cross-section portion 21 d which is different from that shown in FIG. 11 .
  • the large-cross-section portion 21 d of this embodiment has an annular shape which is semicircular in cross section. In visually checking the insertion depth of the insertion portion 21 , the large-cross-section portion having this structure is utilized as a mark indicating the proper insertion depth of the insertion portion 21 . Further, when the large-cross-section portion 21 d is inserted into the hole H 1 , the hole H 1 and the large-cross-section portion 21 come into contact with each other at a high pressure. Thus, an undesirable gap is not formed between the hole H 1 and the insertion portion 21 , so that the blood B 1 is prevented from leaking.
  • FIG. 13 shows still another example of insertion portion 21 .
  • the end of the insertion portion 21 shown in the figure is formed with an inclined surface 21 c .
  • the surface 21 c is inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the insertion portion 21 . This structure ensures the smooth insertion of the insertion portion 21 into the hole H 1 of the stopper St.
  • FIG. 14 shows another example of dropper according to the present invention.
  • the dropper A 2 of this embodiment differs from the foregoing embodiment in the manner in which the main body 1 and the cap 2 come into contact with each other.
  • the portion of the main body 1 which extends from the flange 13 to the end thereof is longer than that of the foregoing embodiment.
  • the end of the main body 1 is held in contact with the inner surface of the cap 2 .
  • the main body 1 is held in contact with the cap 2 at two points, i.e., at the end and the flange 13 .
  • the airtightness of the dropper A 2 is reliably maintained. This is suitable for preventing blood from scattering and hence preventing infection.
  • FIG. 15 shows still another example of dropper according to the present invention.
  • the dropper A 3 of this embodiment differs from the foregoing embodiments in structure of the cap 2 .
  • the cap 2 of this embodiment is formed with an inner rib 23 .
  • the inner rib 23 has a cylindrical shape extending from the insertion portion 21 side toward the flange 22 .
  • a gap for receiving the end of the main body 1 is defined between the inner rib 23 and the outer cylindrical portion of the cap.
  • the annular projection 24 is arranged to face the flange 13 .
  • the flange 13 crushes the annular projection 24 .
  • the crushed annular projection 24 functions as a sealing member. This also enhances the airtightness of the dropper A 3 .
  • sample test method, the dropper and the sample collecting tool according to the present invention are not limited to the foregoing embodiments.
  • the specific structure of each part of the sample test method, the dropper and the sample collecting tool may be varied in design in many ways.
  • the dropper according to the present invention is not limited to that made up of a main body and a cap.
  • the dropper may have a single-piece structure.
  • the holder and the elastically deformable portion of the above-described main body may be separate parts.
  • the sample storage space is included in the volume changeable space.
  • the present invention is not limited to this, and the sample storage space and the volume changeable space are provided individually via e.g. a contracted portion.
  • the dropper is made of resin, the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the sample container of the present invention is not limited to a vacuum blood collection tube but refers to various containers for storing sample such as blood.
  • the rigid portion of the present invention is not limited to one obtained by forming a plurality of grooves, and it is only necessary that the rigid portion has a rigidity higher than that of the elastically deformable portion.
  • the rigid portion having such a high rigidity may be obtained by appropriately selecting the thickness or material.
  • sample test method is not limited to one that uses a sample collecting tool made up of a dropper and a guide.
  • sample may be taken from a sample container such as a vacuum blood collection tube using only a dropper.
  • the sample in the present invention is not limited to blood but includes various liquids as a target of various kinds of tests.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
  • Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)
  • Measurement Of The Respiration, Hearing Ability, Form, And Blood Characteristics Of Living Organisms (AREA)
US12/224,753 2006-03-09 2007-03-09 Method of Sampling Specimen, Test Method and Dropping Pipette and Specimen Sampler to be Used Therein Abandoned US20090100915A1 (en)

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JP2006-064030 2006-03-09
JP2006064030 2006-03-09
PCT/JP2007/054650 WO2007102599A1 (ja) 2006-03-09 2007-03-09 検体の採取方法、検査方法、およびこれに用いられるスポイト、検体採取器具

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US13/359,841 Abandoned US20120132015A1 (en) 2006-03-09 2012-01-27 Method of Sampling Specimen, Test Method and Dropping Pipette and Specimen Sampler to be Used Therein
US13/657,443 Active US9089841B2 (en) 2006-03-09 2012-10-22 Method of sampling specimen, test method and dropping pipette and specimen sampler to be used therein

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US13/657,443 Active US9089841B2 (en) 2006-03-09 2012-10-22 Method of sampling specimen, test method and dropping pipette and specimen sampler to be used therein

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US9533303B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2017-01-03 Rarecyte, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for collecting a target material
US9541481B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2017-01-10 Rarecyte, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for collecting a target material
US9945839B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2018-04-17 Rarecyte, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for collecting a target material
US9956555B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2018-05-01 Rarecyte, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for collecting a target material
US10054524B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2018-08-21 Rarecyte, Inc. Apparatus, system and method for collecting a target material
US11067487B2 (en) 2012-11-30 2021-07-20 Rarecyte, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for collecting a target material
WO2023278227A1 (en) * 2021-06-29 2023-01-05 Becton, Dickinson And Company Capillary blood collection device

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CN105136515B (zh) * 2015-07-29 2017-09-29 俞雄飞 用于电镀线上镀液槽的取液管
DE102015218665A1 (de) 2015-09-29 2017-03-30 Robert Bosch Gmbh Vorrichtung und Verfahren zur Lagerung und Entleerung von mit Fluid gefüllten Behältern in mikrofluidischen Vorrichtungen
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CN110584681B (zh) * 2019-09-23 2022-04-29 江苏科华医疗器械科技有限公司 一种密封拆卸式采血装置
CN110547810B (zh) * 2019-09-23 2022-05-17 江苏科华医疗器械科技有限公司 一种径向和轴向双浮动式采血装置
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US9039999B2 (en) * 2012-11-30 2015-05-26 Rarecyte, Inc. Apparatus, system, and method for collecting a target material
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WO2023278227A1 (en) * 2021-06-29 2023-01-05 Becton, Dickinson And Company Capillary blood collection device

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CN101395459B (zh) 2012-08-01
US20120132015A1 (en) 2012-05-31
CN101395459A (zh) 2009-03-25
JPWO2007102599A1 (ja) 2009-07-23
JP2010266464A (ja) 2010-11-25
US20130055829A1 (en) 2013-03-07
WO2007102599A1 (ja) 2007-09-13
JP5379093B2 (ja) 2013-12-25
JP4635141B2 (ja) 2011-02-16
US9089841B2 (en) 2015-07-28
EP2006657A4 (de) 2012-03-21
EP2006657A1 (de) 2008-12-24

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