WO2007000966A1

WO2007000966A1 - Container for sampleing specimen

Info

Publication number: WO2007000966A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/312706
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ryusuke Okamoto; Katsuya Togawa; Masahiro Nakaizumi; Yutaka Sakakibara
Original assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2005-06-27
Filing date: 2006-06-26
Publication date: 2007-01-04

Abstract

It is intended to provide a container for sampling a specimen which can separate blood into blood cells and the plasma or the serum within a short period of time and can surely prevent the thus separated plasma or serum from the contamination with intraerythrocytic components, and from which the separated plasma or serum can be easily taken out by a laboratory technician without suffering from infection with a pathogen. A container (1) for sampling a specimen comprising a tubular container (2) having a first opening (2a) in the side of one end and a second opening (2b) in the side of the other end, and first and second stoppers (3) and (4) setting respectively in the first and second openings (2a) and (2b), wherein a blood-separating filter (6) for separating the sampled blood into blood cell components and the plasma or the serum is further provided between the first inner space (A1), which is located in the side of the first opening (2a) and into which the blood is sampled, and the second inner space, which is located in the side of the second opening (2b) and in which the plasma or the serum separated form the blood is contained.

Description

Specification

Sample collection container

Technical field

The present invention relates to a specimen collection container used for separating plasma or serum from blood and examining components in the plasma or serum, and more specifically, the separated plasma or serum is red blood cells. Background art on a sample collection container that can reliably prevent contamination by components that have leaked power and can easily extract separated plasma or serum

Conventionally, centrifugation has been used to remove blood cell components from blood and obtain plasma or serum necessary for clinical examination. However, in the centrifugation method, the work such as the coagulation process and the process of transferring the supernatant plasma or serum after separation is complicated. Moreover, it took time to obtain the test results, and a larger and more expensive centrifuge was required.

[0003] In order to solve this problem, various instruments have been proposed that can remove blood cell components from blood without using a centrifuge and obtain plasma or serum necessary for clinical examination. .

[0004] Patent Document 1 below discloses an example of a blood test container that makes it possible to separate plasma or serum from collected blood and to take out the separated plasma or serum. With reference to FIG. 19, the blood test container shown in Patent Document 1 will be described.

[0005] As shown in a longitudinal sectional view in FIG. 19, a blood test container 101 is an airtight container having an outer tube 102, a cylindrical member 103, and a stopper 104, and the inside is decompressed. . A cylindrical member 103 is inserted into the outer tube 102. The outer tube 102 is a bottomed tubular container, and the outer tube 102 has an opening 102a at the upper end.

[0006] On the other hand, the cylindrical member 103 has an opening 103a at its upper end. A filter 105 is housed in the lower part of the cylindrical member 103. The filter 105 includes a filter member 106 and a blood cell stop film 107 disposed below the filter member 106. The filter member 106 is made of a filter material that moves plasma or serum faster than blood cell components. blood The sphere stop membrane 107 is provided for capturing blood cells and preventing the blood cells from being mixed into the separated plasma or serum.

[0007] At the lower end of the cylindrical member 103, a protruding portion 103b protruding downward is formed. A plasma or serum channel 108 is provided in the protruding portion 103b. The plasma or serum channel 108 is opposed to the lower surface of the blood cell stop film 107 and is provided so as to extend downward in the protrusion 103b. The plasma or serum separated by the filter member 106 flows down from the plasma or serum channel 108 to the lower plasma or serum container 109. Note that the space above the filter member 105 constitutes a blood storage unit 110.

[0008] The plug 104 has a gripping portion 104a, a large diameter portion 104b, and a small diameter portion 104c. The large diameter portion 104b has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 104c. The small diameter portion 104c is press-fitted into the opening 103a of the cylindrical member 103, and the large diameter portion 104b is press-fitted into the opening 102a of the outer tube 102.

When the blood test container 101 is used, blood is collected in the blood storage section 110 by a pressure difference between the inside and outside by inserting a blood collection needle through the plug 104. The collected blood is filtered by the filter 105. As described above, in the filter member 106, plasma or serum moves downward more rapidly than the blood cell component. Then, plasma or serum passes through the blood cell stop membrane 107 and reaches the plasma or serum channel 108. Thereafter, the plasma or serum flows down to the plasma or serum storage unit 109. On the other hand, blood cells are captured by the blood cell stop film 107. Filtration stops when the blood cell stop membrane 107 is blocked by blood cells.

[0010] After the plasma or serum is separated, the plug member 104 pressed into the opening 102a of the outer tube 102 is removed together with the tubular member 103. In this way, the separated plasma or serum can be removed.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-325412

Disclosure of the invention

[0011] In blood test container 101 described in Patent Document 1, blood cells are captured by blood cell stop film 107, blood cell stop film 107 is blocked, and filtration stops. However, if the filter is left for a long time after the filtration is completed, the red blood cells captured by the blood cell arresting membrane 107 may be destroyed and the components in the red blood cells may leak. The leaked erythrocyte component is partly stored in the plasma or serum flow path 108. Or there was a possibility that components in erythrocytes might be mixed in serum.

[0012] Further, when taking out the separated plasma or serum, it was necessary to remove the tubular member 103 and the plug 104 from the outer tube 102. When the plug 104 is removed from the outer tube 102 with the cylindrical member 103, vibration tends to be applied to the cylindrical member 103. For this reason, the red blood cells captured by the blood cell stop membrane 107 were destroyed, and the components in the red blood cells leaked, and the components in the red blood cells tended to be mixed into plasma or serum. If the cylindrical member 103 is vibrated, the components in the erythrocytes stored in the plasma or serum channel 108 may flow down to the plasma or serum storage unit 109.

In addition, if the degree of decompression in blood test container 101 is high when blood is allowed to flow in, blood at the tip of the blood collection needle may flow at high speed. When blood flowed in at high speed, the blood cells collided with the filter member 106 at high speed, and the blood cells could be destroyed. When blood cells are destroyed and components in red blood cells leak, the components in red blood cells are mixed into plasma or serum stored in plasma or serum storage unit 109. In this case, when the obtained plasma or serum was examined, the contaminated erythrocyte component greatly affected the test result, and it was impossible to obtain a highly reliable test result.

[0013] In order to prevent blood cells from being destroyed, it was necessary to reduce the degree of decompression of the blood test container 101. However, if the degree of vacuum is too low, filtration may stop during blood separation, and the required amount of plasma or serum may not be obtained.

[0014] If blood remains in blood storage section 110, when tubular member 103 is removed, filtration is resumed due to vibration or the like at that time, and plasma or serum is removed from removed tubular member 103. Sometimes flowed down.

[0015] Furthermore, in order to remove the plug 104 from the outer tube 102, an inspection engineer or the like had to be removed manually. When the plug 104 was manually removed from the outer tube 102, plasma or serum flowed down to the hands and arms of the laboratory technician, and the laboratory technician could be infected with pathogens in the blood.

Summary of the Invention

[0016] In view of the state of the prior art described above, an object of the present invention is to separate blood into blood cell components and plasma or serum in a short time, and whether the separated plasma or serum is red blood cells. To provide a sample collection container that can reliably prevent contamination by leaked components, and can easily remove the separated plasma or serum without infecting the pathogen by a laboratory technician It is in.

[0017] A sample collection container according to the present invention is a sample collection container used for separating plasma or serum from blood and examining components of the plasma or serum. A cylindrical container body having an opening of 1 and a second opening on the other end side, a first stopper fitted in the first opening, and a second opening. A cylindrical container body having a first internal space in which blood is collected on the first opening side and blood-pressure separated plasma on the second opening side Or a second internal space in which serum is accommodated, and is disposed between the first and second internal spaces, and blood collected in the first internal space is converted into a blood cell component and plasma or serum. And a blood separation filter for separating the blood.

[0018] In a specific aspect of the sample collection container according to the present invention, the first stopper and the first stopper so that blood supplied from the first opening side is contacted before the blood separation filter. There is further provided a blood diffusing material that is disposed between the blood separation filter and allows blood to flow through the blood separation filter while allowing the blood to pass through while being diffused in various directions.

[0019] In another specific aspect of the present invention, the specimen collection container is disposed between a blood separation filter and the second internal space, and allows passage of blood cell components separated by the blood separation filter. A blood cell stop filter for preventing the blood cell is further provided. In this case, the blood cell can be reliably prevented from passing by the blood cell stop filter when blood is separated, and contamination of red blood cells or white blood cells into plasma or serum can be prevented more reliably.

[0020] In still another specific aspect of the present invention, the specimen collection container is disposed between the blood separation filter and the second internal space, and is brought into contact with plasma or serum separated by the blood separation filter. And a flow path closing member that swells and closes the flow path. In this case, after the separated plasma or serum is accommodated in the second internal space, the flow path is closed by swelling of the flow path closing member due to contact with plasma or serum. Therefore, when the blood cell component reaches the flow path blocking member later than the plasma or serum due to the difference in the moving speed, the flow path is closed, so that the plasma or serum stored in the second internal space is blocked. It is possible to prevent blood cells from being mixed in. Furthermore, even when the blood component is left for a long time after separation and the components in the red blood cells leak, the flow channel is blocked, so that the components in the red blood cells can be prevented from being mixed into the plasma or serum. After removing the blood, when taking out the plasma or serum contained in the second internal space, the sample collection container is such that the first opening is on the lower side and the second opening is on the upper side. After the arrangement, the second opening force and the second plug may be removed. Since the flow path is closed by the flow path closing member, the plasma or serum contained in the second internal space does not reach the blood separation filter or the first internal space. Therefore, since plasma or serum is difficult to come into contact with blood cells or erythrocyte components, contamination of plasma or serum can be prevented. Therefore, uncontaminated plasma or serum can be easily and reliably removed from the second opening. In addition, it is possible to more reliably prevent laboratory technicians from being infected with pathogens in the blood by contact with the separated plasma or serum.

[0021] In still another specific aspect of the present invention, the flow path blocking member is disposed between the blood cell stop filter and the second internal space. In this case, since the flow path between the blood cell stop filter and the second internal space is blocked, the first opening is removed when taking out the plasma or serum contained in the second internal space. Even if the sample collection container is placed so that the second opening is on the lower side and the second opening is on the upper side, plasma or serum does not reach the hemocytosis filter. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably prevent the red blood cells and white blood cells trapped by the blood cell stop filter from being mixed into the plasma or serum.

[0022] In still another specific aspect of the specimen collection container according to the present invention, the outer surface of the second stopper is covered with a cover that prevents the second stopper from being pierced by a blood collection needle or syringe. Covered. In this case, it is possible to prevent blood from being collected in the second internal space by accidentally inserting a blood collection needle or syringe into the second stopper.

In another specific aspect of the sample collection container according to the present invention, the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical container body is tapered toward the first opening side. In this case, the second internal space Even when the amount of plasma or serum contained in the container is small, the liquid level becomes high and the liquid level becomes close to the second opening, so that it is possible to more easily remove plasma or serum. .

In the sample collection container according to the present invention, preferably, the first and second stoppers are airtightly attached to the first and second openings of the container body, and the inside of the container body is decompressed. ing. In this case, since the inside is depressurized, plasma or serum can be rapidly separated from blood by the pressure difference.

(The invention's effect)

[0024] In the sample collecting container according to the present invention, the cylindrical container body has a first opening on one end side and a second opening on the other end side. The blood collected in the first internal space is separated into a blood cell component and plasma or serum between the first internal space on the first opening side and the second internal space on the second opening side. Therefore, when separating blood, the blood separation filter uses the difference in moving speed between blood cell components and plasma or serum, and blood is separated from blood cell components and plasma or serum. And can be separated.

[0025] After the blood is separated into a blood cell component and plasma or serum and the plasma or serum is accommodated in the second internal space, for example, the second plug fitted in the second opening For example, a blood collection needle or a syringe is pierced, or the second plug fitted in the second opening is removed, and the plasma or serum contained in the second internal space can be easily removed. It can be taken out.

[0026] By removing the plasma or serum from the second plug by inserting a blood collection needle or a syringe, for example, it becomes difficult for the laboratory technician or the like to come into contact with the plasma or serum. Can prevent infection.

When the blood diffusion material is further provided, blood is diffused in multiple directions in the blood diffusion material, and the blood reaches the blood separation material. That is, in the sample collection container of the present invention, when blood is collected, the blood cells are prevented from directly colliding with the blood separation material, and the blood is diffused in multiple directions and flows into the blood separation material. Therefore, plasma or serum can be obtained without being contaminated with red blood cell components that are difficult to destroy.

Brief Description of Drawings FIG. 1 is a front view showing a sample collection container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front sectional view showing a sample collection container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state immediately after blood is collected in a sample collection container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a front cross-sectional view showing a state in the middle of the stage where blood collected in the sample collection container according to one embodiment of the present invention is separated.

FIG. 5 is a front sectional view showing a state in which separated blood color or serum is taken out from a sample collection container according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a front view showing a sample collection container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a front sectional view showing a sample collection container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a sample collection container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a front cross-sectional view showing a sample collection container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a front sectional view showing a sample collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a front sectional view showing a sample collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 (a) and (b) are a front view and a front sectional view showing a sample collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining a method of using a sample collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state before a syringe from which blood has been collected is pierced into the sample collection container FIG.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining a method of using a sample collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention. The syringe force from which blood is collected is allowed to flow into the sample collection container. It is front sectional drawing which shows the state in the middle stage.

FIG. 15 is a view for explaining a method of using a sample collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention, and shows a state after separated plasma or serum is accommodated in the internal space. It is front sectional drawing.

[FIG. 16] FIG. 16 illustrates a method of using a specimen collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a front sectional view showing a state when the separated plasma or serum is taken out.

FIG. 17 is a front view and a front sectional view showing a specimen collection container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 (a) and (b) are a front view and a front sectional view showing a sample collection container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a front sectional view showing an example of a conventional specimen collection container.

Explanation of symbols

1 ... Sample collection container

2 ... Body body

2a, 2b ... 1st and 2nd openings

2c ... Annular protrusion

2d… Opening

2e… Taper

3 ... 1st plug

3a… large diameter part

3b ... Small diameter part

3c ... recess

4… Second plug

4a… large diameter part

4b ... Small diameter part

4c… Step part

5 ··· Cover

5a ... Bottom

5b… Annular protrusion

5c… Tip surface

5d ... side

5e… Step … Blood separation filter… Flow path blocking member… Blood cell stop filter 1… Blood collection needle

1 ... Sample collection container

2 ... Body body

2a, 22b ... 1st and 2nd opening 2c ... Annular projection

2d… Opening

2e… Taper

3 ... 1st plug

a… Large diameter part

b ... Small diameter part

c ... concave

···cover

a ... sushi

b… Upper end

c ... annular protrusion

d… Tip surface

e ... side

f ... Step

... Sample collection container

.... Second plug

a… Large diameter part

b ... Small diameter part

c, 32d ... recess

... Sample collection container 42 ...

42a ...

51 ... Sample collection container

52 ··· Container body

52a, 52b ... 1st and 2nd openings

52c… Annular protrusion

52d: Channel block member

52e… Opening

52f… Taper

61 ... Sample collection container

62 ··· Container body

62a, 62b ... 1st and 2nd openings

67… Blood diffusion material

A1, Α2 ... the first and second internal spaces

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] Details of the present invention will be described below.

[0030] (tubular container body)

The cylindrical container body used for the sample collection container according to the present invention has a first opening on one end side and a second opening on the other end side which is the opposite end, and the first opening A first internal space is provided on the side, and a second internal space is provided on the second opening side. The shape of the cylindrical container body is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a rectangular tube shape and a cylindrical shape.

[0031] The material of the cylindrical container body is not particularly limited as long as it has air impermeability. Examples of the material for the container body include synthetic resins such as polyethylene terephthalate. When the container body is made of a synthetic resin, the air non-permeation performance may be improved by vapor deposition of metal or silicon on the surface.

[0032] The size and shape of the container body are not particularly limited. However, considering the rack compatibility of general clinical laboratory equipment, for example, the outer diameter is 16mm x the length is up to 100mm. Shape. [0033] (first plug)

The first plug is not particularly limited as long as it is made of a material that is impermeable to air and can be pierced by a blood collection needle or syringe. Examples of the material constituting the first plug body include elastic bodies such as natural rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, or thermoplastic elastomer.

[0034] (second plug)

The second plug is not particularly limited as long as it is made of an air impermeable material. Examples of the material constituting the second plug body include elastic bodies such as natural rubber, butyl rubber, isoprene rubber, and thermoplastic elastomer.

[0035] It is preferable that the outer surface of the second plug is covered with a cover made of metal, synthetic resin or the like. If the cover is provided without being pierced by the blood collection needle or syringe, the blood collection needle or syringe is accidentally pierced by the second stopper, and blood is collected in the second internal space. Can be prevented. The material constituting the cover is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polypropylene, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polycarbonate.

[0036] (Blood separation filter)

Examples of the blood separation filter used in the present invention include an assembly of ultrafine fibers, a foam or sintered body having continuous bubbles, a hollow fiber membrane, a porous membrane, porous particles, a plurality of grooves and Z or pores. The force that the film can have is not limited to the above examples as long as blood can be substantially separated into blood cells and plasma or serum when the blood flow passes. Further, the blood cell component may be separated by being captured inside the filter, or may be separated by the difference in the moving speed between the blood cell component and the plasma or serum component.

[0037] The blood separation filter can be divided into an asymmetric filter and a symmetric filter. Here, the asymmetric filter is a general term for a filter having a structure in which the diameter of a hole through which blood flows from the inflow side to the outflow side becomes small. Other blood separation filters are collectively referred to as symmetric filters.

[0038] Of these blood separation filters, the symmetrical filter having a number of holes through which blood flows preferably has an average pore diameter of 1 μm or more and 10 μm or less. More preferably, it is in the range of 2 / zm or more and 8 / zm or less. If the average pore size is less than 1 m, hemolysis may occur, and if it exceeds 10 m, separation of blood cells from plasma or serum may be significantly worsened.

[0039] Further, among the blood separation filters, as the asymmetric filter having a large number of holes through which blood flows, an average pore diameter of the holes through which blood flows is preferably 0.01 μm or more and 10 μm or less. More preferably, it is 0.1 μm or more and 6 μm or less. Average pore size ^ Ο. From 01 μm / J ヽ If the mean pore size is larger than 10 m, blood cell components may become clogged and may not be separated. Separation may be significantly worse.

[0040] When the blood separation filter is composed of an aggregate of ultrafine fibers, it is preferable that fiber bodies having an average fiber diameter in the range of 0.5 to 3.0 µm are accumulated. If the average fiber diameter is smaller than 0, hemolysis is likely to occur when blood is separated. If the average fiber diameter is larger than 3.0 m, it is necessary to form a blood separation filter at a high density in order to separate blood cells from plasma or serum, and the amount of fibers used increases and the cost increases. . In order to further enhance the blood separation effect, the average fiber diameter is more preferably in the range of 0.5 to 2.

[0041] The average density of the blood separation filter when installed in the container body is preferably in the range of 0. 1~0. 5g / cm ^3. If the average density is lower than 0.1 lg / cm ³ , blood separation may not be performed effectively, and the amount of plasma or serum obtained may be reduced. When the average density is higher than 0.5 g / cm ³ , the load on red blood cells is increased, and hemolysis is likely to occur. In order to separate blood more efficiently, the average density is preferably in the range of 0.15 to 0.40 gZcm ³ .

[0042] It is also possible to use the symmetric filter and the asymmetric filter in combination as a blood separation filter.

[0043] The blood separation filter may have a property of adsorbing components in blood. In this case, the blood separation filter may be subjected to a surface treatment in order to suppress or control the adsorption of components in the blood. The surface treatment agent is not particularly limited, but may be a polyether-based or silicone-based lubricant, such as polybulal alcohol or polybulurpyrrolidone. Examples thereof include hydrophilic polymers, natural hydrophilic polymers, and polymer surfactants. Further, the surface of the blood separation filter may be hydrophilized by chemical treatment with an oxidizing agent, plasma treatment, or the like. Conversely, water repellent treatment may be applied as in hydrophobic silicone and fluorine surface treatment agents.

[0044] (Blood cell stop filter)

In the present invention, it is preferable that a blood cell stop filter capable of preventing passage of red blood cells is disposed between the blood separation filter and the second internal space.

[0045] The material of the blood cell stopping filter is not particularly limited as long as it can prevent passage of red blood cells. Examples of the material include polyvinylidene difluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, cellulose acetate, nitrocellulose, polycarbonate, polyethylene terephthalate, polyethylene, polypropylene, glass fiber, polysilicate, salt butyl, silver, and the like. be able to.

[0046] The blood cell stop filter preferably also has a porous material force having pores that prevent passage of red blood cells. If the hemostasis filter is constructed using a porous material, plasma or serum can pass through. The porous substance constituting the blood cell stopping filter is not particularly limited as long as it has a pore diameter in a range that can prevent passage of red blood cells, and a porous membrane in which a number of through-holes extend from one side to many sides. In addition, various porous materials can be used. In order to prevent passage of red blood cells, the pore size is preferably 1 m or less. If the pore size is too small, clogging may occur due to protein components in the blood. Therefore, the pore size is preferably 0.01 m or more. In order to effectively prevent the passage of erythrocytes, the pore diameter is more preferably in the range of 0.05 / zm to the following.

[0047] In order to increase the flow rate of filtration, the surface of the blood cell stop filter may be hydrophilically treated! The method of hydrophilic treatment is a force that includes plasma treatment, coating with a hydrophilic polymer, etc. The method is not limited to these methods, and other methods may be used.

[0048] (Flow path blocking member)

In the present invention, it is preferable that a channel closing member that swells when contacted with plasma or serum is disposed in the channel. The flow path blocking member includes a blood separation filter and a second inner member. U, which is preferably disposed between the blood stop filter and the second internal space, is preferably disposed between the subspace.

[0049] The material of the flow path blocking member used in the present invention is not particularly limited, but has a hydrophilic functional group in the molecular skeleton and has the property of absorbing the same amount or more of water with respect to its own weight. Fat is preferred. Specific examples of the material of the flow path blocking member include poly (alkali acrylate) metal salt-based resins or copolymers thereof and their crosslinked products, polyacrylamide-based resins or their copolymers and their crosslinked products. , Poly-N-bulucetamide-based resins or copolymers thereof and cross-linked products thereof, silicon-based resins or copolymers thereof and cross-linked products thereof, polyvinyl ether-based resins and copolymers thereof, and These cross-linked products include polyalkylene oxide-based resins or copolymers thereof and cross-linked products thereof, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone or copolymers thereof and cross-linked products thereof.

[0050] As the flow path blocking member, a powder or granular material may be used, or a film or sheet shaped material may be used. If the channel closing member is formed into a sheet shape, it can be easily installed in the channel. As the channel closing member, a paste, slurry, solution or the like may be used, which may be added and dried.

[0051] The flow path closing member swells itself by being in contact with plasma or serum, and closes the flow path. Therefore, the required amount of the flow path closing member varies depending on the flow path volume to be closed, the swelling rate and the swelling speed of the flow path closing member. Therefore, the optimum amount of the channel closing member is calculated from the channel volume to be closed, the swelling rate and the swelling speed of the channel closing member.

[0052] The channel volume to be occluded is set in a range in which moisture in the blood is absorbed and the collected amount of the sample does not decrease. When the volume of the channel is increased, the amount of the channel closing member for blocking is increased, so that the amount of collected sample may be reduced.

Therefore, it is preferable that the channel volume to be closed is in the range of 0.005 to 1. Ocm ³ .

Further, the volume of the flow path closing member is preferably in the range of 5 to 95% with respect to the volume of the flow path to be closed. If the volume of the flow path blocking member is less than 5% of the volume of the flow path to be blocked, the time until the flow path is closed becomes longer, so components leaking from red blood cells are mixed into the separated plasma or serum. There is a fear. Flow blocked by the volume of the flow path blocking member If the volume is larger than 95%, the flow path may be blocked before all plasma or serum is collected, which may reduce the collection efficiency of plasma or serum.

[0054] (Pressure in specimen collection container)

In the present invention, it is preferable to secure a gas tightness in the container main body by the first and second air-impermeable plugs to obtain a vacuum specimen collection container.

[0055] The pressure in the specimen collection container is preferably in the range of 10 to 90 kPa in order to exert the driving force of blood filtration and prevent the destruction of red blood cells due to the load on the blood cell components. More preferably, it is the range of 30-80kPa. If the pressure is higher than 90 kPa, it may take a long time to separate the blood. If the pressure is lower than lOkPa, the red blood cells are destroyed and the components in the red blood cells are likely to leak.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be clarified by describing specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0057] A sample collection container according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figs.

[0058] A sample collection container according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front view in FIG. 1 and a front sectional view in FIG.

[0059] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sample collection container 1 has a cylindrical container body 2 having a first opening 2a on one end side and a second opening 2b on the other end side. . The end of the container body 2 on the first 0 opening 2 side has a tapered shape of an inverted frustoconical shape, and the opening diameter of the first opening 2a is made smaller than the opening diameter of the second opening 2b. Yes. 1 and 2, the sample collection container 1 is shown so that the first opening 2a is on the lower side and the second opening 2b is on the upper side.

[0060] The first plug 2 is fitted in the first opening 2a so as to hermetically seal the inside. The first plug 3 has a large diameter portion 3a and a small diameter portion 3b. The large diameter portion 3a has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 3b. In order to facilitate piercing with a blood collection needle or syringe, an inverted frustoconical recess 3c is provided in the center of the outer surface of the first stopper, and the center of the first stopper is thin. It has become. The small diameter portion 3b is press-fitted into the first opening 2a, whereby the first opening 2a is hermetically sealed by the first plug body 3.

On the other hand, the second plug 4 is detachably fitted in the second opening 2b. The second plug 4 has a large diameter part 4a and a small diameter part 4b. The large diameter part 4a has a larger diameter than the small diameter part 4b. To do. The large diameter portion 4a has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the container body 2. The small diameter portion 4b is press-fitted into the second opening 2b, and the second opening 2b is hermetically sealed by the second plug body 4. The inside of the sample collection container 1 is depressurized.

[0062] The outer surface of the second plug 4 is covered with a cover 5 in order to prevent the second plug 4 from being accidentally pierced by a blood collection needle or syringe. In the present embodiment, the entire outer surface of the large diameter portion 4a is covered with the cover 5. The cover 5 extends further downward from the outer peripheral side surface of the large diameter portion 4a, and the lower end 5a of the cover 5 reaches the outer peripheral side surface of the second opening 2b. On the inner peripheral side surface of the cover 5, an annular protrusion 5b is formed. The inner diameter of the cover 5 is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 4a. However, the inner diameter of the annular protrusion 5b is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 4b. Has been made smaller. In other words, the front end surface 5c of the annular protrusion 5b is in contact with the outer peripheral side surface of the small diameter portion 4b, and the side surface 5d of the annular protrusion 5b contacts the step portion 4c between the large diameter portion 4a and the small diameter portion 4b. It is in contact. On the other hand, a plurality of steps 5e are formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the force bar 5 so that the cover 5 can be easily removed together with the second plug 4 so that it can be easily grasped.

[0063] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, in the container body 2, a first internal space A1 in which blood is collected is disposed on the first opening 2a side, and blood is disposed on the second opening 2b side. A second internal space A2 for accommodating plasma or serum separated from the blood is disposed. As will be described in detail later, the first internal space A1 is a part from which blood is collected, and the second internal space A2 is a part from which separated plasma or serum is stored and taken out.

In the first internal space A1, a blood separation filter 6 for separating blood collected in the first internal space A1 into a blood cell component and plasma or serum is arranged. Between the blood separation filter 6 and the second internal space A2, a disc-shaped flow path blocking member 7 made of a resin that swells when contacted with plasma or serum separated by the blood separation filter 6 is disposed. ing. In the initial state, that is, before swelling, a hole 7a is formed in the center of the channel closing member 7 so as to secure a channel through which plasma or serum flows.

In the present embodiment, an annular protrusion 2c is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 2 between the flow path closing member 7 and the second internal space A2. The annular protrusion 2c forms an opening 2d surrounded by the annular protrusion 2c, and constitutes a hollow channel. Closed flow path as described above The hole 7a of the blocking member 7 is connected to the opening 2d. A taper 2e is attached to the annular protrusion 2c on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 2 toward the flow path closing member 7 side.

[0066] Between the blood separation filter 6 and the flow path blocking member 7, a disc-shaped blood cell stop filter 8 that prevents passage of blood cells separated by the blood separation filter 6 is disposed. The blood cell stop filter 8 is in contact with the blood separation filter 6 and is spaced apart from the flow path blocking member 7 by a certain distance.

[0067] A method of using the specimen collection container 1 according to this embodiment described above will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0068] FIG. 3 shows a state immediately after blood is collected in the specimen collection container 1, FIG. 4 shows a state in the middle of separation of the blood collected in the specimen collection container 1, and FIG. The state of taking out the plasma or serum from the sample collection container 1 is shown in a front sectional view.

[0069] FIGS. 3 and 4 show the sample collection container 1 in the state shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 upside down. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, when collecting and separating blood, the sample collection container 1 is arranged so that the first opening 2a is on the upper side and the second opening 2b is on the lower side.

As shown in FIG. 3, a blood collection needle 11 is inserted into the first stopper 2a in order to introduce blood into the first internal space. The sample collection container 1 is depressurized! Therefore, blood is guided from the blood collection needle 11 to the first internal space A1, and also reaches the blood separation filter 6. After blood is introduced, the blood collection needle is removed.

[0071] When collecting blood, the sample collection container 1 may be attached to a blood collection holder and vacuum collected using a blood collection needle directly, or after collecting blood into a syringe, the syringe needle may be removed. The first plug 3 may be inserted to guide blood. After the blood is collected, the blood collection needle or syringe needle is preferably removed as described above. The first stopper 3 may remain inserted.

As shown in FIG. 4, the blood supplied to the first internal space A 1 passes through the blood separation filter 6. In the blood separation filter 6, when blood passes, plasma or serum moves faster than blood cell components. The plasma or serum that has moved relatively fast reaches the blood cell stop filter 8 first and passes through the blood cell stop filter 8. Then, the plasma or serum passes through the hole 7a of the flow path closing member 7, flows down from the hollow flow path of the opening 2d of the container body 2, and flows into the second Housed in internal space A2.

[0073] Blood cells that have moved at a lower speed than plasma or serum do not pass through the blood cell stop filter 8 even if they reach the blood cell stop filter 8. Therefore, blood cells will not be mixed into the plasma or serum contained in the second internal space A2.

[0074] In addition, the flow path closing member 7 gradually swells when it comes into contact with plasma or serum, and closes the flow path after the plasma or serum to be stored has passed. More specifically, the blood flow blocking member 7 swells after passing through the flow channel portion where the plasma or serum force flow channel blocking member 7 that has moved relatively fast in the blood separation filter 6 is disposed. To do. That is, the hole 7a of the flow path closing member 7 is closed, and the flow path closing member 7 closes the flow path.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 5, when the plasma or serum stored in the second internal space A2 is taken out, the first opening 2a is on the lower side and the second opening 2b is on the upper side. The sample collection container 1 is preferably turned upside down. In the present invention, since the flow path is closed by the flow path closing member 7, the sample collection container 1 can be turned upside down, and the plasma or serum strength blood separation filter 6 contained in the second internal space A2 It does not lead to. That is, the separated plasma or serum is prevented from coming into contact with blood cells or erythrocyte components and contaminating the plasma or serum.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 5, when the separated plasma or serum is taken out, the second plug 4 that is press-fitted into the second opening 2b is removed. After pressing, plasma or serum can be sucked into the container from the second opening 2b using a pipette or the like and used for clinical examination. Alternatively, plasma or serum can be taken directly from the nozzle of the test equipment.

[0077] In the present invention, the taper 2e is attached to the inner peripheral surface of the container body 2, and the plasma or serum liquid level is brought closer to the second opening 2b. It is possible to take it out.

[0078] A sample collection container according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front view in FIG. 6 and a front sectional view in FIG.

[0079] The sample collection container 21 shown in Figs. 6 and 7 is the same as that described above except that the shape of the first opening and the shape of the first stopper provided in the first opening are different. It is configured in the same way as the sample collection container 1. In the following description of the specimen collection container 21, the same as the specimen collection container 1 Where they are configured, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

[0080] The sample collection container 21 has a cylindrical container body 22 having a first opening 22a on one end side and a second opening 22b on the other end side. In the present embodiment, the first opening 22a and the second opening 22b have the same opening diameter. An annular protrusion 22c is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 22 between the flow path closing member 7 and the second internal space A2. The annular protrusion 22c forms an opening 22d surrounded by the annular protrusion 22c, and constitutes a hollow flow path. A taper 22e is attached to the annular protrusion 22c on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 22 toward the flow path closing member 7 side.

[0081] A first plug 23 is fitted into the first opening 22a so as to hermetically seal the inside.

The first plug body 23 has a large diameter portion 23a and a small diameter portion 23b. The large diameter portion 23a has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 23b. The large diameter portion 23a has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the container body. In order to facilitate piercing with a blood collection needle or a syringe, a hemispherical recess 23c is provided at the center of the outer surface of the first stopper 23. The small diameter portion 23b is press-fitted into the first opening 22a, and the first opening 22a is hermetically sealed by the first plug body 23.

On the other hand, the second opening 22b is hermetically sealed using the second stopper 4 whose outer surface is covered with the cover 5, and the inside of the sample collection container 21 is decompressed.

[0083] The outer surface of the first plug 23 is covered with a cover 24. In the present embodiment, the cover 24 is provided with a hole 24a in the concave portion 23c of the first plug 23 so that the first plug 23 is pierced by a blood collection needle or syringe. /!

[0084] The cover 24 extends further upward from the outer peripheral side surface of the large-diameter portion 23a, and the upper end 24b of the cover 24 reaches the outer peripheral side surface of the first opening 22a. On the inner peripheral side surface of the cover 24, an annular protrusion 24c is formed. The inner diameter of the cover 24 is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 23a.The inner diameter of the annular protrusion 24c is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 23b. Yes. That is, the front end surface 24d of the annular protrusion 24c is in contact with the outer peripheral side surface of the small diameter portion 23b, and the side surface 24e of the annular protrusion 24c is in contact with the step portion 23c between the large diameter portion 23a and the small diameter portion 23b. ing. On the other hand, a plurality of steps 24f are formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the cover 24 so that the cover 24 can be easily removed together with the first plug 23 so that it can be easily gripped. [0085] As in the present embodiment, the first opening 22a having the above-described shape and the outer surface of which is covered by the cover 24 is fitted into the first opening 22a. In this case, it is easy to insert and remove the blood collection needle from the first stopper 23 while holding the container body 22 and the cover 24 with fingers. In addition, it is easy to remove the cover 24 together with the first plug body 23. For example, when excessive blood is introduced into the first internal space A1, excessive blood can be removed from the first opening 22a. Can do. Furthermore, after separating the blood, it is easy to erect the sample collection container 21 so that the first opening 22a is on the lower side and the second opening 22b is on the upper side.

[0086] A sample collection container according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front view in FIG. 8 and a front sectional view in FIG.

[0087] The sample collection container 31 shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 is the same as the sample collection container 1 described above except that the shape of the second stopper fitted in the second opening is different. It is configured.

[0088] A second plug 32 is fitted in the second opening 2b so as to hermetically seal the inside. The second plug 32 has a large diameter portion 32a having a truncated cone shape and a small diameter portion 32b. The large diameter portion 32a has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 32b. The large diameter portion 32a has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the container body. In order to facilitate piercing with a blood collection needle or syringe, a recess 32c is provided in the center of the outer surface of the second plug 32, and a recess is formed in the center of the inner surface of the second plug 32. 32d is provided. The small diameter portion 32b is press-fitted into the second opening 2b, and the second opening 2b is hermetically sealed by the second plug 32.

[0089] When the second stopper 32 is configured to be pierced by a blood collection needle or syringe as in the present embodiment, the second internal space A2 is separated after blood is separated. Plasma or serum contained in the can be easily collected using a blood collection needle or syringe. Therefore, since it is not necessary to remove the second plug 32 when taking out the plasma or serum, it is possible to prevent the plasma or serum from overflowing from the second opening 2b.

[0090] A sample collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention is shown in front sectional views in FIGS.

[0091] The sample collection container 41 shown in FIG. 10 and the sample collection container 51 shown in FIG. 11 are configured in the same manner as the sample collection container 1 described above except that the arrangement part or material of the flow path closing member is different. It is made.

As shown in FIG. 10, in the sample collection container 41, the flow path closing member 42 is composed of a mixture of a resin that swells when it comes into contact with plasma or serum and a thermoplastic resin. A hole 42a is formed at the center of the channel closing member 42 so as to secure a channel through which plasma or serum flows in the initial state, that is, before swelling. As in this embodiment, as long as it can swell when contacted with plasma or serum and act to close the channel, the channel closing member swells when contacted with plasma or serum It is composed of a mixture of resin and thermoplastic resin.

As shown in FIG. 11, the sample collection container 51 has a cylindrical container body 52 having a first opening 52a on one end side and a second opening 52b on the other end side. An annular protrusion 52 c is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 52. The distal end portion of the annular protrusion 52c also has a molded body force of a resin that swells when it comes into contact with plasma or blood, and constitutes a flow path closing member 52d. That is, the opening 52e surrounded by the flow path closing member 52d constitutes a hollow flow path. The annular protrusion 52c on the inner peripheral surface of the container main body 52 is provided with a taper 52f toward the flow path closing member 52d side.

[0094] As in the present embodiment, as long as it swells by being in contact with plasma or serum and can serve to block the flow path, a part of the container body swells by being in contact with plasma or serum. It may be configured by a flow path closing member that also has a molded body strength of the resin to be processed. Next, an embodiment provided with a blood diffusion material will be described. FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (b) are a front view and a front sectional view of a sample collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention provided with a blood diffusion material.

In the sample collection container 61 of the present embodiment, a first opening 62a is provided at one end of the container body 62, and a second opening 62b is provided at the other end. The container main body 62 has a first internal space A1 on the first opening 62a side and a second internal space A2 on the second opening 62b side. The first opening 62 a is hermetically closed by the first plug 63, and the second opening 62 b is hermetically closed by the second plug 64. A cover 65 configured in the same manner as the cover 5 is provided outside the second plug 64. The first plug 63 is provided with a recess 63c that opens outward. By providing the recess 63c, the central portion of the first plug 63 is thin. It is fleshed and the puncture resistance by the blood collection needle mentioned later is lowered. The first plug 63 has a relatively small diameter portion 63b and a relatively large diameter portion 63a provided at the tip.

On the other hand, since the second plug body 64 is configured in the same manner as the second plug body 4 described above, the corresponding parts will be denoted by the corresponding reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted. The cover 65 is also configured in the same manner as the cover 5, so that the corresponding parts are denoted by the corresponding reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

In the container main body 62, the blood separation filter 6 is disposed on the first opening 62a side, that is, in the first inner space A1. In addition, a blood cell stop filter 8 is disposed after the blood separation filter 6! The blood separation filter 6 and the blood cell stop filter 8 are configured in the same manner as the blood separation filter 6 and the blood cell stop filter 8 of the embodiment shown in FIG.

A feature of the present embodiment is that a blood diffusion material 67 is disposed in the front stage of the blood separation filter 6, that is, on the first opening 62a side. The blood diffusion material 7 is disposed between the first plug 63 and the blood separation filter 6 so that the blood supplied with the force of the first opening 62a is brought into contact with the blood separation filter 6 earlier. . Although not necessarily limited, in this embodiment, the blood diffusion material 67 is disposed so as to contact the blood separation filter 6. The blood diffusion material 67 can be composed of various materials and is not particularly limited. For example, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate,

It can be formed from a constituent resin such as polybutylene terephthalate, polystyrene, polyvinyl acetate, urethane resin, acrylic resin, semi-synthetic fiber such as rayon, or glass fiber.

[0095] The blood diffusion material 67 preferably has a plurality of holes in order to diffuse blood in various directions. The diameter of the blood diffusing material is preferably in the range of 15 to 2000 111, more preferably in the range of 20 to LOOO / zm. When the pore diameter is in the range of 15 to 2000 / ζ πι, blood diffuses more effectively in the blood diffusion material 6 in multiple directions.

[0096] The porosity of the blood diffusion material formed by a plurality of pores is preferably in the range of 50 to 97%, more preferably in the range of 60 to 95%. When the porosity is in the range of 50 to 97%, the blood diffusion material Within 67, blood diffuses more effectively in multiple directions.

Further, a flow path blocking member 7 is disposed in the subsequent stage of the blood cell stop filter 8. The channel closing member 7 has the same hole 7a as the channel closing member 7 of the embodiment shown in FIG. The blood diffusing material 67, the blood separation filter 6, and the blood cell stop filter 8 are disposed in the first internal space A1, and the flow path blocking member 7 is connected to the first internal space A1 and the second internal space A1. It is placed between space A2.

[0097] A method of using the specimen collection container 1 according to this embodiment described above will be described below with reference to FIGS. FIG. 13 to FIG. 16 show a step-by-step process until blood is separated into blood cells and plasma or serum, and the separated plasma or serum is taken out.

[0098] Fig. 13 shows a state before a syringe from which blood has been collected is inserted into the sample collection container 61, and Fig. 14 shows a syringe force from which blood has been collected. Inject blood into the sample collection container 61! / The state of the middle stage is shown in front sectional view. Fig. 15 shows the state after the separated plasma or serum is stored in the internal space, and Fig. 16 shows the state when the separated plasma or serum is taken out from the specimen collection container 1 in a front sectional view. . 13 to 15 show the specimen collection container 61 in a state where the state shown in FIG. 12 is turned upside down.

As shown in FIG. 13, when separating blood, the specimen collection container 61 is arranged so that the first opening 62a is on the upper side and the second opening 62b is on the lower side.

First, for example, blood is collected in the syringe 71. On the side of the needle tip 72a of the hollow needle 72 of the syringe 71, a hub 73 that can be airtightly fitted to the concave portion 63c of the first plug 63 described above is provided. The hub 73 restricts the insertion distance of the hollow needle 72 into the first plug 63. That is, when the syringe 71 is inserted into the first stopper 63, the needle tip 72a does not reach the blood separation filter 6 and the needle tip 72a can be inserted into the blood diffusion material 7. It is configured as follows.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14, while the hub 73 is fitted in the recess 63c, the hollow needle 72 is pierced through the first plug 63, and the needle tip 72a reaches the blood diffusion material 67. Make it. After this, blood flows into the blood diffusion material 7. The blood flowing in from the first opening 62a comes into contact with the blood diffusion material 67 prior to the blood separation filter 6.

[0102] In this embodiment, since the inside of the sample collection container 61 is depressurized, The blood is quickly sucked into the sample collection container 1 by the pressure difference between the syringe 71 and the syringe 71. That is, the piston of the syringe 71 moves as blood flows in, the atmospheric pressure in the syringe 71 is maintained, and blood quickly flows into the sample collection container 6 according to the degree of pressure reduction in the sample collection container 1.

As shown in FIG. 14, the blood is preferably flowed into the blood diffusion material 67. When blood flows directly into the blood diffusing material 67, it is possible to prevent blood cells from colliding with the blood diffusing material 67 at a high speed when the blood flows in and destroying the blood cells. The blood fluid that has flowed into the blood diffusion material 67 diffuses in multiple directions within the blood diffusion material 67. Accordingly, the blood diffused in multiple directions in the blood diffusion material 67 flows into the entire surface 6a of the blood separation filter 6 on the first opening 62a side.

As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, hereinafter, plasma or serum is separated from the blood in the same manner as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, and the separated plasma is separated in the second internal space A2. Alternatively, serum can be removed.

A sample collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front view in FIG. 17 (a) and in a front sectional view in FIG. 17 (b).

[0106] The sample collection container 81 shown in Figs. 17 (a) and 17 (b) is different except that the shape of the first opening and the shape of the first stopper provided in the first opening are different. The configuration is the same as that of the sample collection container 61 described above. In the following description of the sample collection container 81, components that are configured in the same manner as the sample collection container 61 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

[0107] The sample collection container 81 has a cylindrical container body 82 having a first opening 82a on one end side and a second opening 82b on the other end side. In the present embodiment, the first opening 82a and the second opening 82b have the same opening diameter. An annular protrusion 82c is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 82 between the flow path closing member 8 and the second internal space A2. The annular protrusion 82c forms an opening 82d surrounded by the annular protrusion 82c, and constitutes a hollow flow path. A taper 82e is attached to the annular protrusion 82c on the inner peripheral surface of the container body 82 toward the first opening 82a.

[0108] A first plug 83 is attached to the first opening 82a so as to hermetically seal the inside. The first plug 83 has a large diameter part 83a and a small diameter part 83b. Large diameter part 83a is small diameter part 83b Have a larger diameter. The large diameter portion 83a has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the container body. In order to facilitate piercing with a blood collection needle or a syringe, a hemispherical recess 83c is provided in the center of the outer surface of the first stopper 83. The small diameter portion 83b is press-fitted into the first opening 82a, and the first opening 82a is hermetically sealed by the first plug 83.

On the other hand, the second opening 82 b is hermetically sealed using the second plug 64 whose outer surface is covered by the cover 65, and the inside of the sample collection container 81 is decompressed. .

The outer surface of the first plug 83 is covered with a cover 84. In this embodiment, the cover 84 is provided with a hole 84a in the concave portion 83c of the first plug 83 so that the first plug 83 is pierced by a blood collection needle or syringe. /!

[0111] The cover 84 extends further upward from the outer peripheral side surface of the large-diameter portion 83a, and the upper end 84b of the cover 84 reaches the outer peripheral side surface of the first opening 82a. On the inner peripheral side surface of the cover 84, an annular protrusion 84c is formed. The inner diameter of the cover 84 is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 83a.The inner diameter of the annular projection 84c is equal to or slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 83b. Yes. That is, the tip end surface 84d of the annular protrusion 84c is in contact with the outer peripheral side surface of the small diameter portion 83b, and the side surface 84e of the annular protrusion 84c is in contact with the step portion 83c between the large diameter portion 83a and the small diameter portion 83b. ing. On the other hand, a plurality of steps 84f are formed on the outer peripheral side surface of the cover 84 so that the cover 84 can be easily removed together with the first plug 83 so that it can be easily gripped.

[0112] As in the present embodiment, the first opening 82a has the above-described shape, and the first plug 83 having the outer surface covered by the cover 24 is attached to the first opening 82a. In this case, the blood collection needle can be easily inserted and removed from the first plug 83 while holding the container body 82 and the cover 84 with fingers. Further, it is easy to remove the cover 84 together with the first plug 83. Furthermore, after separating the blood, it is easy to erect the sample collection container 81 so that the first opening 82a is on the lower side and the second opening 82b is on the upper side.

[0113] A specimen collection container according to still another embodiment of the present invention is shown in a front view in FIG. 18 (a) and in a front sectional view in FIG. 18 (b).

[0114] The specimen collection container 91 shown in Figs. 18 (a) and 18 (b) is the same as the specimen collection container described above except that the shape of the second stopper attached to the second opening is different. Constructed like 61! ヽ The

A second plug 92 is attached to the second opening 62b so as to hermetically seal the inside. The second plug 92 has a large-diameter portion 92a having a truncated cone shape and a small-diameter portion 92b. The large diameter portion 92a has a larger diameter than the small diameter portion 92b. The large diameter portion 92a has a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the container body. In order to facilitate piercing with a blood collection needle or syringe, a recess 92c is provided in the center of the outer surface of the second stopper 92, and a recess 92d is provided in the center of the inner surface of the second stopper 92. Is provided. The small diameter portion 92b is press-fitted into the second opening 62b, and the second opening 62b is hermetically sealed by the second plug 92.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] A specimen collection container used for separating plasma or serum from blood and examining components in the plasma or serum,

A cylindrical container body having a first opening on one end side and a second opening on the other end side, a first stopper fitted in the first opening, and the second A second plug fitted in the opening of the

The cylindrical container body is disposed on the first opening side and the blood is separated from the first internal space from which the blood is collected and the second opening side. A second interior space in which serum or serum is contained;

A specimen further comprising a blood separation filter that is disposed in the first internal space and separates blood collected in the first internal space into a blood cell component and plasma or serum. Collection container.

[2] The first opening side force is arranged between the first stopper and the blood separation filter so that the supplied blood is brought into contact with the blood separation filter before the blood is separated. The specimen collection container according to claim 1, further comprising a blood diffusion material that allows the blood to flow into the blood separation filter by allowing the blood to pass through while being diffused in various directions.

[3] The blood cell stop filter is further disposed between the blood separation filter and the second internal space, and further prevents a blood cell component separated by the blood separation filter from passing therethrough. Or Sample collection container according to 2.

[4] A flow that is disposed between the blood separation filter and the second internal space, swells by contact with plasma or serum separated by the blood separation filter, and closes the flow path. The specimen collection container according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a path blocking member.

[5] The specimen collection container according to claim 4, wherein the flow path blocking member is disposed between the blood cell stop filter and the second internal space.

[6] The force according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein an outer surface of the second stopper is covered with a cover that prevents the second stopper from being pierced by a blood collection needle or a syringe. Described in Sample collection container.

7. The specimen collection container according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical container main body is tapered toward the first opening side.

[8] The first and second stoppers are hermetically attached to the first and second openings of the container body, and the pressure inside the container body is reduced. The sample collection container according to any one of the above.