WO2023153465A1 - Container for collecting liquid biological sample and cryopreservation method thereof - Google Patents

Container for collecting liquid biological sample and cryopreservation method thereof Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2023153465A1
WO2023153465A1 PCT/JP2023/004291 JP2023004291W WO2023153465A1 WO 2023153465 A1 WO2023153465 A1 WO 2023153465A1 JP 2023004291 W JP2023004291 W JP 2023004291W WO 2023153465 A1 WO2023153465 A1 WO 2023153465A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
biological sample
liquid biological
main body
recovery member
recovery
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2023/004291
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
智 兼子
由以 萩原
直朗 安村
知樹 津村
Original Assignee
ニプロ株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ニプロ株式会社 filed Critical ニプロ株式会社
Publication of WO2023153465A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023153465A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N1/00—Preservation of bodies of humans or animals, or parts thereof
    • A01N1/02—Preservation of living parts
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/05—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for collecting, storing or administering blood, plasma or medical fluids ; Infusion or perfusion containers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J3/00—Devices or methods specially adapted for bringing pharmaceutical products into particular physical or administering forms
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
    • C12N5/00—Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell lines; Tissues; Cultivation or maintenance thereof; Culture media therefor
    • C12N5/06—Animal cells or tissues; Human cells or tissues

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a collection container for centrifuging a liquid biological sample and a cryopreservation method for centrifuging and freezing a liquid biological sample.
  • the sperm concentration container described in Patent Document 1 includes a substantially cylindrical body portion having an open end, a small diameter portion having a bottom portion at the tip, and a diameter toward the small diameter portion connecting the body portion and the small diameter portion. and a middle portion where the tapering is tapered.
  • a fragile portion having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion.
  • the operator collects the concentrated sperm by breaking off the small-diameter portion where the sperm settles at the fragile portion.
  • the concentrated sperm is transferred from the small-diameter part to another container. For this reason, the task of cryopreserving concentrated sperm is troublesome.
  • the concentrated sperm is transferred from the small-diameter portion to another container, the sperm are likely to be lost, or foreign substances such as germs are likely to be mixed into the other container.
  • the present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a collection container for a liquid biological sample that can easily collect the sedimented portion after centrifuging the liquid biological sample.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for easily cryopreserving a liquid biological sample by centrifuging it.
  • a collection container for a liquid biological sample according to the present invention is connectable to a tubular main body with first and second ends opened, and a state in which liquid flows through the first end, and the liquid is a retrieval member having a receivable interior space.
  • the collection member having an internal space capable of containing a liquid can be connected to the first end of the main body in a state in which the liquid flows.
  • the recovery member in which a part of the biological sample has sedimented can be easily removed from the main body. Therefore, the liquid biological sample is less likely to scatter from the recovery member than when the recovery member is folded off from the main body. Therefore, the operator can easily collect the sedimented portion after centrifuging the liquid biological sample.
  • the thickness of the recovery member may be within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.
  • the thickness of the recovery member is within 0.7 mm, heat is easily transferred from the outside of the recovery member to the internal space. Therefore, when freezing the liquid biological sample collected in the collecting member removed from the main body, the operator can easily freeze the liquid biological sample. Since the collecting member has a thickness of 0.3 mm or more, the durability of the collecting member is easily ensured.
  • the recovery member may be a molded product of a synthetic resin composition containing impact-resistant polystyrene as a main component.
  • the impact-resistant polystyrene may contain a styrene/butadiene copolymer.
  • Flexibility can be suitably imparted to the recovery member.
  • the recovery member may have a total light transmittance of 80% or more.
  • the recovery member may have a gripping portion having two planes separated from each other.
  • the interior space may be located between two said planes.
  • the operator can grip the recovery member by pinching the two flat surfaces of the gripping portion separated from each other with the fingertips, so that the recovery member can be easily gripped. Since the internal space of the collecting member is positioned between the two planes, the internal space of the collecting member is less likely to be hidden by the fingertips when the operator pinches the two planes with the fingertips. Therefore, the worker can easily visually recognize the internal space of the collecting member when holding the collecting member.
  • the collecting member may have a plate-like piece located on the tip side of the two planes and protruding from the outer peripheral surface.
  • the plate-like piece may protrude along a direction intersecting the two planes.
  • the plate-shaped pieces protrude toward the fingertips. is hard to get in the way. Therefore, it is possible to improve the durability of the collecting member while ensuring the visibility of the internal space of the collecting member.
  • a cryopreservation method for a liquid biological sample according to the present invention is a method for cryopreserving a liquid biological sample using a collection container in which a main body and a collection member are detachable, wherein the main body and the collection member are connected.
  • a separation step of enclosing a liquid biological sample in the recovery container in a closed state and centrifuging; a detachment step of removing the recovery member from the main body; and a freezing step of sealing and freezing the recovery member. include.
  • the operator removes from the main body the recovery member in which a portion of the liquid biological sample has settled after centrifugation of the liquid biological sample, and then seals and freezes the recovery member.
  • the freezing process can be easily performed as compared with the case of transferring from the collecting member to another container and freezing. Since the liquid biological sample is not transferred from the collection member to another container in the freezing step, the loss of the liquid biological sample is suppressed and foreign matter such as germs is less likely to enter the collection member.
  • the recovery member may be sealed by fitting a lid to the opening of the recovery member.
  • the liquid biological sample may be human semen.
  • the recovery member may further include a cap seal having a substrate and a gel adhesive layer laminated on the substrate.
  • the cap seal may seal the opening of the second end by bonding the adhesive layer to the second end of the main body.
  • the substrate suppresses deformation of the cap seal when the adhesive layer is adhered to the second end of the main body. Therefore, when the adhesive layer is adhered to the second end of the main body, the pressure inside the collection container is less likely to change. Therefore, when the adhesive layer is adhered to the second end of the body, the liquid biological sample contained in the recovery member is prevented from being sucked toward the body due to negative pressure in the recovery container. Conversely, the increased pressure in the collection container suppresses leakage of the liquid biological sample from the first end of the main body when the collection member is removed from the main body.
  • liquid biological sample collection container of the present invention it is possible to easily collect the sedimented portion after centrifuging the liquid biological sample.
  • cryopreservation method for a liquid biological sample of the present invention a liquid biological sample can be centrifuged and easily cryopreserved.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a collection container 1 according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main body 2 cut along a plane including the center line C of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery including the female screw portion 2D of FIG.
  • FIG. 5 is a side view of the recovery member 3 of the recovery container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. FIG.
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lid 31 for depressurizing the main body is attached to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2.
  • FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lid 41 is press-fitted into the second opening 12 of the base end 72 of the recovery member 3.
  • FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modification of the collection member 3 of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 10 is a side view of the recovery member 3 of the modified example of FIG.
  • FIG. 11 is a side view of another modification of the collection member 3 of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a side view of another modification of the collection member 3 of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 13 is a side view of another modification of the collection member 3 of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
  • 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cap seal 51 is attached to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2.
  • FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the cap seal 51.
  • a collection container 1 for a liquid biological sample comprises a main body 2 having a tubular shape with both ends opened, and a collection member 3 having a tubular shape connectable to the main body 2 . , and a lid member 4 having a cylindrical shape that closes the opening of the main body 2 .
  • the direction along the center line C of the collection container 1 is defined as the longitudinal direction.
  • the main body 2 has a cylindrical shape longer than the recovery member 3 in the direction along the center line C.
  • the main body 2 is made of a resin material.
  • the material of the main body 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a resin material having durability that can withstand centrifugal separation in the separation step described later.
  • the material of the main body 2 can include hard plastics such as polypropylene and polycarbonate.
  • the main body 2 has a body portion 2A, a small diameter portion 2B, a first taper portion 2C (an example of a taper portion), and a female screw portion 2D.
  • the body portion 2A is formed such that the inner diameter slightly decreases toward the tip 22 (an example of the first end), which is one of both ends of the body 2.
  • the body portion 2A may be formed so that the inner diameter is equal in the longitudinal direction.
  • the narrow diameter portion 2B is a portion that is thinner than the body portion 2A. That is, the inner diameter and outer diameter of the small diameter portion 2B are smaller than the inner diameter and outer diameter of the body portion 2A, respectively.
  • the small-diameter portion 2B is formed such that the inner diameter slightly decreases toward the tip 22 .
  • the small diameter portion 2B may be formed so that the inner diameter is equal in the longitudinal direction.
  • the first tapered portion 2C is a portion that connects the body portion 2A and the small diameter portion 2B, and is formed such that the inner diameter gradually tapers toward the tip 22.
  • the first tapered portion 2C may be curved inward from the body portion 2A at a substantially right angle to be connected to the small-diameter portion 2B, or may be formed as a step.
  • the female threaded portion 2D is arranged radially outward of the small diameter portion 2B.
  • the female screw portion 2D has a tubular shape extending along the longitudinal direction.
  • the center of the female screw portion 2D coincides with the centerline C.
  • the inner diameter of the female threaded portion 2D is larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 2B.
  • the tip of the female screw portion 2D is open.
  • the proximal end opposite to the distal end of the female threaded portion 2D is closed.
  • the proximal end of the female screw portion 2D is connected to the proximal end of the small diameter portion 2B.
  • a tip 22 of the small diameter portion 2B protrudes from the tip of the female screw portion 2D.
  • a female thread 5 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the female threaded portion 2D.
  • a reinforcing rib 6 extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered portion 2C is connected to the base end surface of the female screw portion 2D (see FIGS. 1 and 3).
  • four reinforcing ribs 6 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction.
  • the recovery member 3 is configured to be connectable to the tip 22 of the main body 2 in a liquid-flowing state (see FIG. 2).
  • the recovery member 3 is a molded product of a synthetic resin composition containing impact-resistant polystyrene as a main component.
  • High impact polystyrene includes a styrene-butadiene copolymer.
  • the flexibility of the high-impact polystyrene improves, but the transparency of the high-impact polystyrene decreases.
  • the smaller the content of the styrene/butadiene copolymer in the high-impact polystyrene the lower the flexibility of the high-impact polystyrene and the higher the transparency of the high-impact polystyrene.
  • the recovery member 3 it is preferable to adjust the content of the styrene/butadiene copolymer in the impact-resistant polystyrene so that the total light transmittance of the recovery member 3 is 80% or more. More preferably, the total light transmittance of the recovery member 3 is 87% or more, and particularly preferably 89% or more. If the total light transmittance of the recovery member 3 is 80% or more, the recovery member 3 is highly transparent, so that the operator can easily visually recognize the human sperm recovered by the recovery member 3 in the later-described detachment step. . As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the recovery member 3 has a housing portion 7, a grip portion 8, a plate-like piece 9, and male threads 10. As shown in FIGS.
  • the housing portion 7 has a cylindrical shape with a closed distal end 71 and an open proximal end 72 opposite to the distal end.
  • the containing portion 7 has an internal space 7A capable of containing liquid.
  • the accommodating portion 7 is formed in a tapered shape in which the inner diameter and the outer diameter are slightly reduced toward the tip.
  • the accommodating portion 7 has a large diameter portion 7B, a small diameter portion 7C, and a second tapered portion 7D.
  • the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 7B is equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 2B.
  • the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 7B is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the internal thread portion 2D.
  • the small-diameter portion 7C is positioned closer to the distal end than the large-diameter portion 7B in the housing portion 7 .
  • the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 7C is smaller than the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 7B.
  • the thickness between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C is preferably within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.
  • the thickness of the small diameter portion 7C is within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, and particularly preferably within the range of 0.45 mm to 0.55 mm. If the thickness of the small-diameter portion 7C is 0.7 mm or less, heat is easily transferred from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 7C. If the thickness of the small-diameter portion 7C is 0.3 mm or more, it is easy to secure the durability of the small-diameter portion 7C during centrifugal separation in the later-described separation step.
  • the second tapered portion 7D connects the large diameter portion 7B and the small diameter portion 7C.
  • the gripping portion 8 is formed on the outer peripheral surface side of the accommodating portion 7 .
  • the grip portion 8 is formed in a pair of flat plate shapes having two flat surfaces 8A separated from each other.
  • the two planes 8A are parallel to the centerline C.
  • the two planes 8A face each other in parallel with the center line C interposed therebetween.
  • the grip portion 8 extends from the proximal end of the second tapered portion 7D to a substantially intermediate position in the longitudinal direction of the small diameter portion 7C.
  • An internal space 7A of the housing portion 7 is located between the two planes 8A.
  • the plate-shaped piece 9 protrudes radially outward from the small diameter portion 7C and connects the small diameter portion 7C and the grip portion 8 .
  • the plate-like piece 9 is located on the tip side of the two planes 8A.
  • the plate-like piece 9 protrudes along the direction intersecting the two planes 8A.
  • the plate-like piece 9 protrudes along the direction perpendicular to the two planes 8A (see FIG. 5).
  • the plate-like piece 9 extends from a position adjacent to the tip side of each of the two planes 8A to the tip 71 of the small diameter portion 7C.
  • the male thread 10 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 7B of the accommodating portion 7.
  • the male screw 10 is positioned on the proximal end side of the large diameter portion 7B.
  • the male thread 10 can be screwed into the female thread 5 of the female threaded portion 2D.
  • the male screw 10 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 7B.
  • the male screw 10 extends along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 7B.
  • two male threads 10 are spaced apart at a position of 180 degrees with respect to the center line C. As shown in FIG.
  • the male thread 10 is screwed into the female thread 5 of the female thread portion 2D in a state where the small diameter portion 2B of the main body 2 is inserted into the large diameter portion 7B of the accommodating portion 7 (see FIG. 2).
  • the recovery member 3 is detachably connected to the main body 2 .
  • liquid can flow between the internal space of the main body 2 and the internal space 7A of the recovery member 3 through the distal end 22 of the small diameter portion 2B.
  • the lid member 4 is a member that closes the first opening 11 at the proximal end 23 (an example of the second end) opposite to the distal end of the main body 2 .
  • the lid member 4 is not particularly limited as long as it closes the first opening 11 of the main body 2, and may be a general-purpose product or a dedicated product combined with the collection container 1.
  • the lid member 4 is formed so as to be press-fitted into the first opening 11 .
  • the lid member 4 has a press-fit portion 4A, a covering portion 4B, and a handle 4C.
  • the press-fit portion 4A has a cylindrical shape with an open tip and a closed base end.
  • the press-fitting portion 4A is formed so as to be press-fittable inside the main body 2 through the first opening 11 .
  • the covering portion 4 ⁇ /b>B has a tubular shape with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 .
  • the proximal end of the covering portion 4B is connected to the proximal end of the press-fitting portion 4A.
  • the covering portion 4B covers the outer peripheral surface of the main body 2 on the proximal end 23 side in a state in which the press-fitting portion 4A is press-fitted inside the main body 2 .
  • the handle 4C protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the covering portion 4B.
  • a material for the lid member 4 is not particularly limited.
  • the material of the lid member 4 can include hard plastics such as polypropylene and polycarbonate.
  • a cryopreservation method for a liquid biological sample using the recovery container 1 configured as described above will be described.
  • human semen is used as the liquid biological sample.
  • a separation step, a detachment step, and a freezing step are performed in order.
  • the operator first puts human semen, density gradient liquid for centrifugation, etc. into the recovery container 1 in which the main body 2 and the recovery member 3 are connected. Next, the operator closes the first opening 11 at the proximal end of the main body 2 with the lid member 4 .
  • the operator attaches the collection container 1 to the centrifuge and centrifuges the semen enclosed in the collection container 1.
  • centrifugation spermatozoa are sedimented toward the collection member 3 from the semen in the density gradient liquid, and the concentrated human spermatozoa are stored in the storage portion 7 of the collection member 3 .
  • the operator removes the collection member 3 from the main body 2 and collects the concentrated human semen. Specifically, the operator first removes the lid member 4 from the main body 2, and attaches a main body decompression lid 31 made of rubber to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2, as shown in FIG.
  • the body decompression lid 31 has a cylindrical shape with a closed proximal end.
  • the lid 31 for depressurizing the main body has a cylindrical fitting portion 31A that fits with the outer peripheral surface of the base end 23 side of the main body 2, and a cylindrical bag shape having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the base end 23 of the main body 2. and a portion 31B.
  • the bag-like portion 31B is connected to the proximal end of the fitting portion 31A.
  • the operator presses the fitting portion 31A on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end 23 side of the main body 2 while denting the bag-shaped portion 31B with a fingertip.
  • a negative pressure state a state where the pressure is lower than the atmospheric pressure.
  • the lid 31 for depressurizing the main body is not particularly limited as long as it can make the space generated in the collection container 1 after the semen and the density gradient liquid are put into a negative pressure state, and it may be a general-purpose product. It may be a dedicated product that is set with the collection container 1 .
  • the operator pinches the two flat surfaces 8A of the grasping portion 8 of the recovery member 3 with the fingertips and rotates the recovery member 3 relative to the main body 2 .
  • the female thread 5 of the female threaded portion 2 ⁇ /b>D of the main body 2 and the male thread 10 of the recovery member 3 are disengaged, and the recovery member 3 is removed from the main body 2 .
  • the space on the body 2 side of the collection container 1 is decompressed, even if the collection member 3 is removed, the semen or the density gradient liquid is less likely to flow out from the tip 22 of the small diameter portion 2B of the body 2.
  • the operator first seals the recovery member 3 by fitting the lid 41 into the second opening 12 of the proximal end 72 of the recovery member 3, as shown in FIG.
  • the lid 41 is not particularly limited as long as it closes the second opening 12 of the collection member 3, and may be a general-purpose product or a dedicated product combined with the collection container 1. .
  • the lid 41 has a shape that can be press-fitted into the second opening 12 .
  • the operator cools the sealed recovery member 3 with a deep freezer, liquid nitrogen, or the like to freeze the contained concentrated spermatozoa.
  • the recovery member 3 with the frozen concentrated sperm is stored in a freezer or the like at an appropriate temperature.
  • the collection member 3 having the internal space 7A capable of containing the liquid can be connected to the tip 22 of the main body 2 in a liquid-flowing state.
  • the recovery member 3 in which the human sperm is sedimented can be easily removed from the main body 2. - ⁇ Therefore, when the operator removes the recovery member 3 from the main body 2 , human spermatozoa are less likely to scatter from the recovery member 3 . Therefore, an operator can easily collect sedimented sperm after centrifuging human semen.
  • the thickness between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C of the storage portion 7 in the recovery member 3 is within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. heat is easily transferred to the inner peripheral surface. Therefore, the operator can easily freeze the human sperm collected by the collecting member 3 in the freezing process. Since the thickness between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C is 0.3 mm or more, it is easy to secure the durability of the small diameter portion 7C during centrifugal separation in the separation step.
  • the collection member 3 is a molded product of a synthetic resin composition whose main component is impact-resistant polystyrene, so the collection member 3 is highly flexible. Therefore, when the recovery member 3 is connected to the main body 2 , the recovery member 3 is likely to come into close contact with the main body 2 .
  • the impact-resistant polystyrene which is the main component of the collection member 3 contains a styrene-butadiene copolymer, so the flexibility of the collection member 3 can be easily improved.
  • the transparency of the collection member 3 is high. Therefore, the operator can easily visually recognize the human sperm collected by the collecting member 3 .
  • the worker can grasp the collection member 3 by pinching the two flat surfaces 8A of the grasping portion 8 with their fingertips, so that the collection member 3 can be easily grasped. Since the internal space 7A of the housing portion 7 is positioned between the two planes 8A, the internal space 7A of the housing portion 7 is less likely to be hidden by the fingertips when the operator holds the two planes 8A with the fingertips. Therefore, the operator can easily visually recognize the human sperm within the internal space 7 ⁇ /b>A of the container 7 when holding the collection member 3 .
  • the plate-like piece 9 projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 7C of the housing portion 7 projects in a direction orthogonal to the two planes 8A, so that the operator can grasp the two planes 8A with their fingertips. At this time, the plate-like piece 9 protrudes toward the fingertip. Therefore, when the operator picks up the two flat surfaces 8A with his fingertips and visually recognizes the human spermatozoa in the internal space 7A of the housing portion 7, the plate-like piece 9 is less likely to be an obstacle. Therefore, the durability of the small-diameter portion 7C of the housing portion 7 can be improved while ensuring the visibility of the internal space 7A of the housing portion 7 .
  • the operator freezes the recovery member 3 in which the human sperm is sealed in the freezing step, so the human sperm is transferred from the recovery member 3 to another container and frozen.
  • the freezing process can be easily performed as compared with the case. Since the human semen is not transferred from the recovery member 3 to another container in the freezing process, the loss of the human semen is suppressed and the recovery member 3 is less likely to be contaminated with foreign substances such as germs.
  • the operator seals the recovery member 3 by fitting the lid 41 into the second opening 12 of the proximal end 72 of the recovery member 3 in the freezing step. Easy to stop.
  • the grasping portion 8 of the collection member 3 extends from the proximal end of the second tapered portion 7D to approximately the middle position in the longitudinal direction of the small diameter portion 7C. It may extend from the proximal end of the second tapered portion 7D to the distal end 71 of the small diameter portion 7C.
  • a plurality of convex portions 13 may be formed on the two planes 8A of the grip portion 8. FIG. As a result, the two planes 8A are relatively large and can be easily grasped by the operator's fingertips.
  • the plate-like piece 9 is formed so as to connect the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 2B and the inner surface of the grip portion 8 .
  • the plate-like piece 9 extends from the proximal end of the small diameter portion 2B to the distal end 71 .
  • the gripping property of the grip portion 8 can be improved while ensuring the durability of the collecting member 3 .
  • the collection member 3 can stand alone in a state in which one end of the gripping portion 8 is in contact with the mounting surface of the desk or the like without bringing the second opening 12 close to the desk or the like, the recovery member 3 can stand on its own when the work is interrupted. Contamination risk can be reduced.
  • the gripping portion 8 extends from the proximal end of the second tapered portion 7D to the distal end 71 of the small diameter portion 7C, the plate-like piece 9 may be omitted as shown in FIG.
  • the grasping portion 8 of the collection member 3 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the storage portion 7, but may be omitted as shown in FIG.
  • the plate-like piece 9 may extend to the proximal end of the second tapered portion 7D.
  • a plurality of reinforcing pieces 14 may be formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C. Each reinforcing piece 14 protrudes radially from the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C, and the projecting end surface of the reinforcing piece 14 is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 7B.
  • the plurality of reinforcing pieces 14 extend from substantially the middle position in the longitudinal direction of the small diameter portion 2B to the base end of the second tapered portion 7D.
  • the internal space 7A can be visually recognized between the plurality of reinforcing pieces 14. As shown in FIG.
  • the worker since the worker holds the reinforcing piece 14 so as to sandwich it, the worker does not directly touch the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C. Note that the reinforcing piece 14 may be omitted as shown in FIG.
  • the space inside the collection container 1 was decompressed by attaching a rubber lid 31 for main body decompression to the main body 2.
  • a rubber lid 31 for main body decompression since the degree of pressure reduction by the cover 31 for depressurizing the main body depends on the operator, when the cover 31 for depressurizing the main body is attached to the main body 2, there is a possibility that the negative pressure inside the collection container 1 becomes too strong. Therefore, the sperm contained in the collecting member 3 is sucked toward the main body 2 by the negative pressure in the collecting container 1, which may make it difficult to efficiently collect the sperm by the collecting member 3. There is a problem.
  • a cap seal 51 may be attached to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 as shown in FIG.
  • the cap seal 51 is flat.
  • the front and back surfaces of the cap seal 51 are circular with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 .
  • the front and back surfaces of the cap seal 51 are not limited to circular shapes as long as the space inside the collection container 1 can be airtight.
  • the cap seal 51 may be square.
  • the thickness of the cap seal 51 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the main body 2 .
  • the cap seal 51 has a substrate 52, an adhesive layer 53, and a release layer 54, as shown in FIG.
  • the substrate 52 is flat. A front surface and a rear surface 52A of the substrate 52 are circular.
  • the substrate 52 preferably has no air permeability and good adhesion to the adhesive layer 53 .
  • the substrate 52 is not deformed by the negative pressure generated in the space of the main body 2 when the recovery member 3 is removed from the main body 2 in the detachment process after the cap seal 51 is attached to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2. It is preferable to have a degree of strength.
  • the negative pressure generated in the space of the main body 2 is a slight negative pressure of 628 Pa, assuming that 10 g of the liquid biological sample is enclosed in the collection container 1 and the inner diameter of the main body 2 is 14.1 mm.
  • the substrate 52 is made of a material having sufficient strength not to be deformed against a negative pressure of 628 Pa.
  • substrate 52 may be formed of plastic or metal.
  • plastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE).
  • metals include copper and iron.
  • a metal alloyed to increase strength may be used as the material of the substrate 52.
  • alloys include aluminum alloys.
  • the thickness of the substrate 52 is, for example, 0.25 mm or more. Preferably, the thickness of substrate 52 is 0.5 mm.
  • the adhesive layer 53 is adhered to the back surface 52A of the substrate 52.
  • the adhesive layer 53 is flat.
  • the front surface and back surface 53A of the adhesive layer 53 are circular.
  • the diameter of adhesive layer 53 is equal to the diameter of substrate 52 .
  • the surface of the adhesive layer 53 opposite to the surface in contact with the substrate 52 (hereinafter referred to as back surface 53A) is adhered over the entire circumference of the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 .
  • the adhesive layer 53 is preferably made of a non-breathable and elastic material in order to enhance adhesion to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 .
  • the adhesive layer 53 is preferably made of a gel-like adhesive. Examples of gel adhesives include acrylic adhesives, rubber adhesives, and urethane adhesives.
  • the thickness of the adhesive layer 53 is, for example, 1.2 mm or more. Preferably, the thickness of the adhesive layer 53 is 2.0 mm.
  • the release layer 54 is adhered to the back surface 53A of the adhesive layer 53.
  • the release layer 54 is flat.
  • the front and back surfaces of the release layer 54 are circular.
  • the diameter of the release layer 54 is larger than the diameter of the adhesive layer 53 .
  • the operator can pinch the part of the peeling layer 54 protruding from the adhesive layer 53 with fingers, so that the peeling layer 54 can be easily peeled off from the adhesive layer 53 .
  • the release layer 54 may differ from the adhesive layer 53 in shape. For example, if the adhesive layer 53 is circular, the release layer 54 may be square.
  • the worker first peels off the release layer 54 of the cap seal 51 from the back surface 53A of the adhesive layer 53.
  • the operator removes the lid member 4 from the main body 2, and presses the rear surface 53A of the adhesive layer 53 against the base end 23 of the main body 2 to bond it, as shown in FIG.
  • the substrate 52 prevents the deformation of the cap seal 51 and the extension and breakage of the adhesive layer 53 due to the pressing force when the back surface 53A of the adhesive layer 53 is pressed against the proximal end 23 of the main body 2.
  • the lid member 4 into which the press-fitting portion 4A is inserted into the first opening 11 of the main body 2 and the lid 31 for decompressing the main body are attached to the main body.
  • the pressure in the space on the main body 2 side of the collection container 1 does not increase or decrease as compared with the case where it is attached to the proximal end 23 of the collection container 1 . That is, even if the cap seal 51 is attached to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2, the pressure in the space of the recovery container 1 on the main body 2 side is only approximately equal to the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the sperm contained in the recovery member 3 will not be sucked toward the main body 2 due to excessive negative pressure in the recovery container 1 .
  • the operator pinches the two flat surfaces 8A of the grasping portion 8 of the recovery member 3 with the fingertips and rotates the recovery member 3 relative to the main body 2 .
  • the female thread 5 of the female threaded portion 2 ⁇ /b>D of the main body 2 and the male thread 10 of the recovery member 3 are disengaged, and the recovery member 3 is removed from the main body 2 .
  • the substrate 52 prevents the cap seal 51 from being deformed by a slight negative pressure generated in the space of the main body 2 .
  • the space in the main body 2 has a slight negative pressure and is airtightly maintained by the cap seal 51, even if the collecting member 3 is removed, the pressure in the space in the main body 2 causes the diameter of the main body 2 to decrease. It is difficult for the semen or the density gradient liquid to flow out from the tip 22 of the portion 2B.
  • the operator closed the first opening 11 of the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 with the lid member 4 to perform centrifugal separation.
  • 11 may be closed with a cap seal 51 for centrifugation.
  • the work of attaching the cap seal 51 to the main body 2 is omitted in the detachment step, so the work of cryopreserving the liquid biological sample is simplified.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
  • Biotechnology (AREA)
  • Dentistry (AREA)
  • Cell Biology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Microbiology (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a container for collecting a liquid biological sample that enables easy collection of a portion settled after centrifuging the liquid biological sample. [Solution] A container 1 for collecting a liquid biological sample, comprising: a cylindrical body 2 opened at a first end 22 and a second end 23; and a collection member 3 that can be connected to the first end 22 so as to allow a liquid to flow therethrough and that has an internal space 7A capable of housing the liquid.

Description

液状生体試料の回収容器および凍結保存方法Liquid biological sample collection container and cryopreservation method
　本発明は、液状生体試料を遠心分離するための回収容器、及び液状生体試料を遠心分離して凍結する凍結保存方法に関する。 The present invention relates to a collection container for centrifuging a liquid biological sample and a cryopreservation method for centrifuging and freezing a liquid biological sample.
　液状生体試料の回収容器としては、例えば、特許文献１に記載された精子濃縮容器が知られている。特許文献１の精子濃縮容器は、開口端部を具備した略筒状の胴体部と、先端に底部を具備した細径部と、胴体部と細径部とを繋ぎ細径部に向かって径が徐々に細くなる中間部と、を備える。細径部の外周面には、細径部の外径よりも外径が小さくなる脆弱部が形成されている。 As a liquid biological sample collection container, for example, the sperm concentration container described in Patent Document 1 is known. The sperm concentration container of Patent Document 1 includes a substantially cylindrical body portion having an open end, a small diameter portion having a bottom portion at the tip, and a diameter toward the small diameter portion connecting the body portion and the small diameter portion. and a middle portion where the tapering is tapered. A fragile portion having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the small-diameter portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion.
　上記精子濃縮容器では、作業者は、精子濃縮容器に封入した精液を遠心分離した後、精子が沈降した細径部を脆弱部で折り切ることにより、濃縮された精子を回収している。 In the above sperm concentration container, after the semen enclosed in the sperm concentration container is centrifuged, the operator collects the concentrated sperm by breaking off the small-diameter portion where the sperm settles at the fragile portion.
特開２００６－３０５２３７号公報JP 2006-305237 A
　上記精子濃縮容器では、細径部を脆弱部で折り切っているので、細径部を脆弱部で折り切るときの力で、精子が細径部から飛び散るおそれがある。このため、作業者は、精子が細径部から飛び散らないように細心の注意を払って細径部を脆弱部で折り切る必要がある。 In the above sperm concentration container, since the small diameter portion is broken off at the fragile portion, there is a risk that sperm may scatter from the small diameter portion due to the force when the small diameter portion is broken off at the fragile portion. For this reason, the operator needs to cut off the small-diameter portion at the fragile portion with great care so that the spermatozoa do not scatter from the small-diameter portion.
　また、細径部は、折り切られることによって破損しているため、濃縮された精子を凍結保存する場合には、細径部から他の容器に濃縮された精子を移し替えている。このため、濃縮された精子を凍結保存する作業が煩わしい。また、濃縮された精子を細径部から他の容器に移し替えるときに、精子が損失したり、雑菌などの異物が他の容器に混入したりしやすい。 In addition, since the small-diameter part is broken by being broken, when the concentrated sperm is to be cryopreserved, the concentrated sperm is transferred from the small-diameter part to another container. For this reason, the task of cryopreserving concentrated sperm is troublesome. In addition, when the concentrated sperm is transferred from the small-diameter portion to another container, the sperm are likely to be lost, or foreign substances such as germs are likely to be mixed into the other container.
　本発明は、前述された事情に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、液状生体試料を遠心分離した後に沈降した部分を容易に回収できる液状生体試料の回収容器を提供することである。 The present invention has been made in view of the circumstances described above, and its purpose is to provide a collection container for a liquid biological sample that can easily collect the sedimented portion after centrifuging the liquid biological sample.
　また、本発明の他の目的は、液状生体試料を遠心分離して容易に凍結保存する方法を提供することである。 Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for easily cryopreserving a liquid biological sample by centrifuging it.
(1)　本発明に係る液状生体試料の回収容器は、第１端および第２端が開口した筒形状の本体と、上記第１端と液体が流通する状態に接続可能であって、液体を収容可能な内部空間を有する回収部材と、を備える。 (1) A collection container for a liquid biological sample according to the present invention is connectable to a tubular main body with first and second ends opened, and a state in which liquid flows through the first end, and the liquid is a retrieval member having a receivable interior space.
　本発明によれば、液体を収容可能な内部空間を有する回収部材は、本体の第１端と液体が流通する状態に接続可能であるので、作業者は、液状生体試料を遠心分離した後に液状生体試料の一部が沈降した回収部材を本体から容易に取り外すことができる。このため、回収部材が本体から折り切られる場合に比べて、液状生体試料が回収部材から飛び散りにくい。したがって、作業者は、液状生体試料を遠心分離した後に沈降した部分を容易に回収できる。 According to the present invention, the collection member having an internal space capable of containing a liquid can be connected to the first end of the main body in a state in which the liquid flows. The recovery member in which a part of the biological sample has sedimented can be easily removed from the main body. Therefore, the liquid biological sample is less likely to scatter from the recovery member than when the recovery member is folded off from the main body. Therefore, the operator can easily collect the sedimented portion after centrifuging the liquid biological sample.
(2)　上記回収部材の肉厚は、０．３ｍｍから０．７ｍｍの範囲内であってもよい。 (2) The thickness of the recovery member may be within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.
　回収部材の肉厚が０．７ｍｍ以内であるので、回収部材の外部から内部空間に熱が伝わりやすくなる。このため、作業者は、本体から取り外された回収部材に回収された液状生体試料を凍結する場合、液状生体試料を容易に凍結することができる。回収部材の肉厚が０．３ｍｍ以上あるので、回収部材の耐久性が確保されやすい。 Since the thickness of the recovery member is within 0.7 mm, heat is easily transferred from the outside of the recovery member to the internal space. Therefore, when freezing the liquid biological sample collected in the collecting member removed from the main body, the operator can easily freeze the liquid biological sample. Since the collecting member has a thickness of 0.3 mm or more, the durability of the collecting member is easily ensured.
(3)　上記回収部材は、耐衝撃性ポリスチレンを主成分とする合成樹脂組成物の成型品であってもよい。 (3) The recovery member may be a molded product of a synthetic resin composition containing impact-resistant polystyrene as a main component.
　回収部材に柔軟性が付与されるので、回収部材が本体に接続されたときの密着性が向上する。 Since flexibility is imparted to the recovery member, adhesion is improved when the recovery member is connected to the main body.
(4)　上記耐衝撃性ポリスチレンは、スチレン・ブタジエン共重合体を含んでもよい。 (4) The impact-resistant polystyrene may contain a styrene/butadiene copolymer.
　回収部材に柔軟性を好適に付与することができる。 Flexibility can be suitably imparted to the recovery member.
(5)　上記回収部材は、全光線透過率が８０％以上であってもよい。 (5) The recovery member may have a total light transmittance of 80% or more.
　回収部材の透明性が向上するので、作業者は、回収部材に回収された液状生体試料を視認しやすい。 Since the transparency of the recovery member is improved, the operator can easily visually recognize the liquid biological sample recovered by the recovery member.
(6)　上記回収部材は、相互に離れた２つの平面を有する把持部を有してもよい。上記内部空間は、２つの上記平面の間に位置してもよい。 (6) The recovery member may have a gripping portion having two planes separated from each other. The interior space may be located between two said planes.
　作業者は、把持部の相互に離れた２つの平面を指先で摘まんで回収部材を把持することができるので、回収部材を把持しやすい。回収部材の内部空間は２つの平面の間に位置するので、作業者が２つの平面を指先で摘まんだときに、回収部材の内部空間が指先で隠れにくい。このため、作業者は、回収部材を把持したときに、回収部材の内部空間を視認しやすい。 The operator can grip the recovery member by pinching the two flat surfaces of the gripping portion separated from each other with the fingertips, so that the recovery member can be easily gripped. Since the internal space of the collecting member is positioned between the two planes, the internal space of the collecting member is less likely to be hidden by the fingertips when the operator pinches the two planes with the fingertips. Therefore, the worker can easily visually recognize the internal space of the collecting member when holding the collecting member.
(7)　上記回収部材は、２つの上記平面よりも先端側に位置しており、外周面から突出する板状片を有してもよい。上記板状片は、２つの上記平面と交差する方向に沿って突出してもよい。 (7) The collecting member may have a plate-like piece located on the tip side of the two planes and protruding from the outer peripheral surface. The plate-like piece may protrude along a direction intersecting the two planes.
　作業者が２つの平面を指先で摘まんだときに、指先がある方へ板状片が突出するので、作業者が回収部材の内部空間内の液状生体試料を視認するときに、板状片が邪魔になりにくい。このため、回収部材の内部空間の視認性を確保しつつ、回収部材の耐久性を向上させることができる。 When the operator pinches the two flat surfaces with the fingertips, the plate-shaped pieces protrude toward the fingertips. is hard to get in the way. Therefore, it is possible to improve the durability of the collecting member while ensuring the visibility of the internal space of the collecting member.
(8)　本発明に係る液状生体試料の凍結保存方法は、本体と回収部材とが着脱可能な回収容器を用いた液状生体試料の凍結保存方法であって、上記本体と上記回収部材とが接続された状態の上記回収容器に液状生体試料を封入して遠心分離する分離工程と、上記本体から上記回収部材を取り外す脱離工程と、上記回収部材を封止して凍結する凍結工程と、を含む。 (8) A cryopreservation method for a liquid biological sample according to the present invention is a method for cryopreserving a liquid biological sample using a collection container in which a main body and a collection member are detachable, wherein the main body and the collection member are connected. a separation step of enclosing a liquid biological sample in the recovery container in a closed state and centrifuging; a detachment step of removing the recovery member from the main body; and a freezing step of sealing and freezing the recovery member. include.
　本発明によれば、作業者は、液状生体試料の遠心分離後に液状生体試料の一部が沈降した回収部材を本体から取り外した後、回収部材を封止して凍結するので、液状生体試料を回収部材から他の容器に移し替えて凍結する場合に比べて、凍結工程を容易に行うことができる。凍結工程において液状生体試料を回収部材から他の容器に移し替えないので、液状生体試料の損失が抑制されるとともに、雑菌などの異物が回収部材に混入しにくい。 According to the present invention, the operator removes from the main body the recovery member in which a portion of the liquid biological sample has settled after centrifugation of the liquid biological sample, and then seals and freezes the recovery member. The freezing process can be easily performed as compared with the case of transferring from the collecting member to another container and freezing. Since the liquid biological sample is not transferred from the collection member to another container in the freezing step, the loss of the liquid biological sample is suppressed and foreign matter such as germs is less likely to enter the collection member.
(9)　上記凍結工程において、上記回収部材の開口に蓋を嵌めることにより上記回収部材を封止してもよい。 (9) In the freezing step, the recovery member may be sealed by fitting a lid to the opening of the recovery member.
　凍結工程において回収部材を封止する作業が容易になる。 It becomes easier to seal the recovery member in the freezing process.
(10)　上記液状生体試料はヒトの精液であってもよい。 (10) The liquid biological sample may be human semen.
(11)　上記回収部材は、基板と、上記基板に積層されたゲル状の粘着層と、を有するキャップシールを更に備えてもよい。上記キャップシールは、上記粘着層が上記本体の上記第２端に接着されることにより、上記第２端の開口を封止してもよい。 (11) The recovery member may further include a cap seal having a substrate and a gel adhesive layer laminated on the substrate. The cap seal may seal the opening of the second end by bonding the adhesive layer to the second end of the main body.
　粘着層が本体の第２端に接着されるときに、キャップシールが変形することが基板によって抑制される。このため、粘着層が本体の第２端に接着されたときに、回収容器内の圧力が変化しにくい。このため、粘着層が本体の第２端に接着されたときに、回収容器内が陰圧になることによって回収部材に収容されている液状生体試料が本体側へ吸われることが抑制される。反対に、回収容器内の圧力が高くなることにより、回収部材を本体から取り外したときに、本体の第１端から液状生体試料が漏れることが抑制される。 The substrate suppresses deformation of the cap seal when the adhesive layer is adhered to the second end of the main body. Therefore, when the adhesive layer is adhered to the second end of the main body, the pressure inside the collection container is less likely to change. Therefore, when the adhesive layer is adhered to the second end of the body, the liquid biological sample contained in the recovery member is prevented from being sucked toward the body due to negative pressure in the recovery container. Conversely, the increased pressure in the collection container suppresses leakage of the liquid biological sample from the first end of the main body when the collection member is removed from the main body.
　作業者は、凍結工程においてヒトの精子を容易に凍結することができる。 Workers can easily freeze human sperm in the freezing process.
　本発明の液状生体試料の回収容器によれば、液状生体試料を遠心分離した後に沈降した部分を容易に回収できる。本発明の液状生体試料の凍結保存方法によれば、液状生体試料を遠心分離して容易に凍結保存することができる。 According to the liquid biological sample collection container of the present invention, it is possible to easily collect the sedimented portion after centrifuging the liquid biological sample. According to the cryopreservation method for a liquid biological sample of the present invention, a liquid biological sample can be centrifuged and easily cryopreserved.
図１は、本発明の実施形態に係る回収容器１の分解斜視図である。FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a collection container 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. 図２は、本発明の実施形態に係る回収容器１の縦断面図である。FIG. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the invention. 図３は、本発明の実施形態に係る回収容器１の中心線Ｃを含む平面で切断した本体２の断面図である。FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the main body 2 cut along a plane including the center line C of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 図４は、図３の雌ねじ部２Ｄを含む周辺の拡大断面図である。FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery including the female screw portion 2D of FIG. 図５は、本発明の実施形態に係る回収容器１の回収部材３の側面図である。FIG. 5 is a side view of the recovery member 3 of the recovery container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 図６は、図５のＶＩ－ＶＩ線で切断した断面図である。FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 図７は、本体減圧用の蓋３１を本体２の基端２３に装着した状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the lid 31 for depressurizing the main body is attached to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2. As shown in FIG. 図８は、回収部材３の基端７２の第２開口１２に蓋４１を圧入した状態を示す斜視図である。8 is a perspective view showing a state in which the lid 41 is press-fitted into the second opening 12 of the base end 72 of the recovery member 3. FIG. 図９は、本発明の実施形態に係る回収容器１の回収部材３の変形例の斜視図である。FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a modification of the collection member 3 of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 図１０は、図９の変形例の回収部材３の側面図である。FIG. 10 is a side view of the recovery member 3 of the modified example of FIG. 図１１は、本発明の実施形態に係る回収容器１の回収部材３の他の変形例の側面図である。FIG. 11 is a side view of another modification of the collection member 3 of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 図１２は、本発明の実施形態に係る回収容器１の回収部材３の他の変形例の側面図である。FIG. 12 is a side view of another modification of the collection member 3 of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 図１３は、本発明の実施形態に係る回収容器１の回収部材３の他の変形例の側面図である。FIG. 13 is a side view of another modification of the collection member 3 of the collection container 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 図１４は、キャップシール５１を本体２の基端２３に装着した状態を示す断面図である。14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the cap seal 51 is attached to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2. FIG. 図１５は、キャップシール５１の断面図である。15 is a cross-sectional view of the cap seal 51. FIG.
　以下、本発明の好ましい実施形態を説明する。なお、本実施形態は本発明の一実施態様にすぎず、本発明の要旨を変更しない範囲で実施態様を変更できることは言うまでもない。 A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below. It goes without saying that this embodiment is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and that the embodiment can be changed without changing the gist of the present invention.
　図１，図２に示されるように、本発明に係る液状生体試料の回収容器１は、両端が開口した筒形状を有する本体２と、本体２に接続可能な筒形状を有する回収部材３と、本体２の開口を閉じる筒形状を有する蓋部材４と、を備える。以下、回収容器１の中心線Ｃに沿った方向を長手方向とする。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a collection container 1 for a liquid biological sample according to the present invention comprises a main body 2 having a tubular shape with both ends opened, and a collection member 3 having a tubular shape connectable to the main body 2 . , and a lid member 4 having a cylindrical shape that closes the opening of the main body 2 . Hereinafter, the direction along the center line C of the collection container 1 is defined as the longitudinal direction.
　本体２は、回収部材３よりも中心線Ｃに沿った方向の長さが長い筒形状を有する。本体２は、樹脂製の材料によって形成されている。本体２の材料は、後述の分離工程における遠心分離に耐えられる耐久性を有する樹脂製の材料であれば、特に限定されることはない。例えば、本体２の材料は、ポリプロピレン、ポリカーボネートなどの硬質プラスチックを挙げることができる。図３，図４に示されるように、本体２は、胴体部２Ａ、細径部２Ｂ、第１テーパ部２Ｃ（テーパ部の一例）、及び雌ねじ部２Ｄを有する。 The main body 2 has a cylindrical shape longer than the recovery member 3 in the direction along the center line C. The main body 2 is made of a resin material. The material of the main body 2 is not particularly limited as long as it is a resin material having durability that can withstand centrifugal separation in the separation step described later. For example, the material of the main body 2 can include hard plastics such as polypropylene and polycarbonate. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the main body 2 has a body portion 2A, a small diameter portion 2B, a first taper portion 2C (an example of a taper portion), and a female screw portion 2D.
　胴体部２Ａは、本体２の両端の一方である先端２２（第１端の一例）へ向かって内径が僅かに小さくなるように形成されている。なお、胴体部２Ａは、長手方向において内径が等しくなるように形成されてもよい。 The body portion 2A is formed such that the inner diameter slightly decreases toward the tip 22 (an example of the first end), which is one of both ends of the body 2. In addition, the body portion 2A may be formed so that the inner diameter is equal in the longitudinal direction.
　細径部２Ｂは、胴体部２Ａよりも細くなる部分である。すなわち、細径部２Ｂの内径および外径は、それぞれ、胴体部２Ａの内径および外径よりも小さい。細径部２Ｂは、先端２２へ向かって内径が僅かに小さくなるように形成されている。なお、細径部２Ｂは、長手方向において内径が等しくなるように形成されてもよい。 The narrow diameter portion 2B is a portion that is thinner than the body portion 2A. That is, the inner diameter and outer diameter of the small diameter portion 2B are smaller than the inner diameter and outer diameter of the body portion 2A, respectively. The small-diameter portion 2B is formed such that the inner diameter slightly decreases toward the tip 22 . In addition, the small diameter portion 2B may be formed so that the inner diameter is equal in the longitudinal direction.
　第１テーパ部２Ｃは、胴体部２Ａと細径部２Ｂとを繋ぐ部分であり、先端２２に向かって内径が徐々に細くなるように形成されている。なお、第１テーパ部２Ｃは、胴体部２Ａから略直角に内側へ曲がって細径部２Ｂと繋がる形態であっても良く、段差として形成された形状であっても良い。 The first tapered portion 2C is a portion that connects the body portion 2A and the small diameter portion 2B, and is formed such that the inner diameter gradually tapers toward the tip 22. The first tapered portion 2C may be curved inward from the body portion 2A at a substantially right angle to be connected to the small-diameter portion 2B, or may be formed as a step.
　雌ねじ部２Ｄは、細径部２Ｂの半径方向外側に配置されている。雌ねじ部２Ｄは、長手方向に沿って延びる筒形状を有する。雌ねじ部２Ｄの中心は、中心線Ｃと一致している。雌ねじ部２Ｄの内径は細径部２Ｂの外径よりも大きい。雌ねじ部２Ｄの先端は開口している。雌ねじ部２Ｄの先端とは反対の基端は閉じている。雌ねじ部２Ｄの基端は、細径部２Ｂの基端に連結されている。雌ねじ部２Ｄの先端から細径部２Ｂの先端２２が突出している。雌ねじ部２Ｄの内周面には雌ねじ５が形成されている。雌ねじ部２Ｄの基端面には、第１テーパ部２Ｃの外周面から半径方向外側に延びる補強リブ６が連結されている（図１，図３参照）。本実施形態では、４つの補強リブ６が周方向に等間隔に配置されている。 The female threaded portion 2D is arranged radially outward of the small diameter portion 2B. The female screw portion 2D has a tubular shape extending along the longitudinal direction. The center of the female screw portion 2D coincides with the centerline C. As shown in FIG. The inner diameter of the female threaded portion 2D is larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 2B. The tip of the female screw portion 2D is open. The proximal end opposite to the distal end of the female threaded portion 2D is closed. The proximal end of the female screw portion 2D is connected to the proximal end of the small diameter portion 2B. A tip 22 of the small diameter portion 2B protrudes from the tip of the female screw portion 2D. A female thread 5 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the female threaded portion 2D. A reinforcing rib 6 extending radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the first tapered portion 2C is connected to the base end surface of the female screw portion 2D (see FIGS. 1 and 3). In this embodiment, four reinforcing ribs 6 are arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction.
　回収部材３は、本体２の先端２２と液体が流通する状態に接続可能に構成されている（図２参照）。回収部材３は、耐衝撃性ポリスチレンを主成分とする合成樹脂組成物の成型品である。耐衝撃性ポリスチレンは、スチレン・ブタジエン共重合体を含んでいる。耐衝撃性ポリスチレンにおけるスチレン・ブタジエン共重合体の含有割合を調節することにより、耐衝撃性ポリスチレンの柔軟性および透明性を適宜調節することができる。耐衝撃性ポリスチレンにおけるスチレン・ブタジエン共重合体の含有割合が大きくなるほど、耐衝撃性ポリスチレンの柔軟性が向上する一方、耐衝撃性ポリスチレンの透明性が低下する。耐衝撃性ポリスチレンにおけるスチレン・ブタジエン共重合体の含有割合が小さくなるほど、耐衝撃性ポリスチレンの柔軟性が低下する一方、耐衝撃性ポリスチレンの透明性が向上する。 The recovery member 3 is configured to be connectable to the tip 22 of the main body 2 in a liquid-flowing state (see FIG. 2). The recovery member 3 is a molded product of a synthetic resin composition containing impact-resistant polystyrene as a main component. High impact polystyrene includes a styrene-butadiene copolymer. By adjusting the content of the styrene-butadiene copolymer in the high-impact polystyrene, the flexibility and transparency of the high-impact polystyrene can be appropriately adjusted. As the content of the styrene-butadiene copolymer in the high-impact polystyrene increases, the flexibility of the high-impact polystyrene improves, but the transparency of the high-impact polystyrene decreases. The smaller the content of the styrene/butadiene copolymer in the high-impact polystyrene, the lower the flexibility of the high-impact polystyrene and the higher the transparency of the high-impact polystyrene.
　本実施形態では、回収部材３の全光線透過率が８０％以上となるように、耐衝撃性ポリスチレンにおけるスチレン・ブタジエン共重合体の含有割合が調節されることが好ましい。さらに好ましくは、回収部材３の全光線透過率は８７％以上であり、特に好ましくは、８９％以上である。回収部材３の全光線透過率が８０％以上であれば、回収部材３の透明性が高いので、作業者は、後述の脱離工程において回収部材３に回収されたヒトの精子を視認しやすい。図２，図５，図６に示されるように、回収部材３は、収容部７、把持部８、板状片９、及び雄ねじ１０を有する。 In this embodiment, it is preferable to adjust the content of the styrene/butadiene copolymer in the impact-resistant polystyrene so that the total light transmittance of the recovery member 3 is 80% or more. More preferably, the total light transmittance of the recovery member 3 is 87% or more, and particularly preferably 89% or more. If the total light transmittance of the recovery member 3 is 80% or more, the recovery member 3 is highly transparent, so that the operator can easily visually recognize the human sperm recovered by the recovery member 3 in the later-described detachment step. . As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the recovery member 3 has a housing portion 7, a grip portion 8, a plate-like piece 9, and male threads 10. As shown in FIGS.
　収容部７は、先端７１が閉じており、先端とは反対の基端７２が開口した筒形状を有する。収容部７は、液体を収容可能な内部空間７Ａを有する。収容部７は、内径および外径が先端に向かって僅かに小さくなるテーパ形状に形成されている。 The housing portion 7 has a cylindrical shape with a closed distal end 71 and an open proximal end 72 opposite to the distal end. The containing portion 7 has an internal space 7A capable of containing liquid. The accommodating portion 7 is formed in a tapered shape in which the inner diameter and the outer diameter are slightly reduced toward the tip.
　収容部７は、大径部７Ｂ、小径部７Ｃ、及び第２テーパ部７Ｄを有する。大径部７Ｂの内径は、細径部２Ｂの外径と同等か若干大きい。大径部７Ｂの外径は、雌ねじ部２Ｄの内径よりも若干小さい。小径部７Ｃは、収容部７において大径部７Ｂよりも先端側に位置している。小径部７Ｃの内径は大径部７Ｂの内径よりも小さい。小径部７Ｃの外周面と内周面との間の肉厚は０．３ｍｍから０．７ｍｍの範囲内であることが好ましい。さらに好ましくは、小径部７Ｃの肉厚が、０．３ｍｍ～０．６ｍｍの範囲内であり、特に好ましくは、０．４５ｍｍ～０．５５ｍｍの範囲内である。小径部７Ｃの肉厚が０．７ｍｍ以下であれば、小径部７Ｃの外周面から内周面に熱が伝わりやすい。小径部７Ｃの肉厚が０．３ｍｍ以上であれば、後述の分離工程の遠心分離時における小径部７Ｃの耐久性を確保しやすい。第２テーパ部７Ｄは、大径部７Ｂと小径部７Ｃとを繋いでいる。 The accommodating portion 7 has a large diameter portion 7B, a small diameter portion 7C, and a second tapered portion 7D. The inner diameter of the large diameter portion 7B is equal to or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 2B. The outer diameter of the large diameter portion 7B is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the internal thread portion 2D. The small-diameter portion 7C is positioned closer to the distal end than the large-diameter portion 7B in the housing portion 7 . The inner diameter of the small diameter portion 7C is smaller than the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 7B. The thickness between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C is preferably within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. More preferably, the thickness of the small diameter portion 7C is within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.6 mm, and particularly preferably within the range of 0.45 mm to 0.55 mm. If the thickness of the small-diameter portion 7C is 0.7 mm or less, heat is easily transferred from the outer peripheral surface to the inner peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 7C. If the thickness of the small-diameter portion 7C is 0.3 mm or more, it is easy to secure the durability of the small-diameter portion 7C during centrifugal separation in the later-described separation step. The second tapered portion 7D connects the large diameter portion 7B and the small diameter portion 7C.
　把持部８は、収容部７の外周面側に形成されている。把持部８は、相互に離れた２つの平面８Ａを有する一対の平板状に形成されている。２つの平面８Ａは、中心線Ｃと平行である。２つの平面８Ａは、中心線Ｃを挟んで平行に対向している。把持部８は、第２テーパ部７Ｄの基端から小径部７Ｃの長手方向の略中間位置まで延びている。２つの平面８Ａの間に収容部７の内部空間７Ａが位置している。 The gripping portion 8 is formed on the outer peripheral surface side of the accommodating portion 7 . The grip portion 8 is formed in a pair of flat plate shapes having two flat surfaces 8A separated from each other. The two planes 8A are parallel to the centerline C. The two planes 8A face each other in parallel with the center line C interposed therebetween. The grip portion 8 extends from the proximal end of the second tapered portion 7D to a substantially intermediate position in the longitudinal direction of the small diameter portion 7C. An internal space 7A of the housing portion 7 is located between the two planes 8A.
　板状片９は、小径部７Ｃから半径方向外側に突出して小径部７Ｃと把持部８とを繋いでいる。板状片９は、２つの平面８Ａよりも先端側に位置している。板状片９は、２つの平面８Ａに交わる方向に沿って突出している。本実施形態では、板状片９は、２つの平面８Ａに直交する方向に沿って突出している（図５参照）。板状片９は、２つの平面８Ａのそれぞれの先端側に隣接する位置から小径部７Ｃの先端７１まで延びている。 The plate-shaped piece 9 protrudes radially outward from the small diameter portion 7C and connects the small diameter portion 7C and the grip portion 8 . The plate-like piece 9 is located on the tip side of the two planes 8A. The plate-like piece 9 protrudes along the direction intersecting the two planes 8A. In this embodiment, the plate-like piece 9 protrudes along the direction perpendicular to the two planes 8A (see FIG. 5). The plate-like piece 9 extends from a position adjacent to the tip side of each of the two planes 8A to the tip 71 of the small diameter portion 7C.
　雄ねじ１０は、収容部７の大径部７Ｂの外周面に形成されている。雄ねじ１０は、大径部７Ｂの基端側に位置する。雄ねじ１０は、雌ねじ部２Ｄの雌ねじ５に螺合可能である。雄ねじ１０は、大径部７Ｂの外周面から半径方向外側に突出している。雄ねじ１０は、大径部７Ｂの外周面の周方向に沿って延びている。本実施形態では、２つの雄ねじ１０が、中心線Ｃに対して１８０度の位置に間隔を空けて設けられている。雄ねじ１０は、収容部７の大径部７Ｂに本体２の細径部２Ｂが挿入された状態で雌ねじ部２Ｄの雌ねじ５に螺合している（図２参照）。これにより、回収部材３は、本体２に着脱可能に接続されている。回収部材３が本体２に接続された状態において、細径部２Ｂの先端２２を通じて、本体２の内部空間と回収部材３の内部空間７Ａとの間で液体が流通可能である。 The male thread 10 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 7B of the accommodating portion 7. The male screw 10 is positioned on the proximal end side of the large diameter portion 7B. The male thread 10 can be screwed into the female thread 5 of the female threaded portion 2D. The male screw 10 protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 7B. The male screw 10 extends along the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 7B. In this embodiment, two male threads 10 are spaced apart at a position of 180 degrees with respect to the center line C. As shown in FIG. The male thread 10 is screwed into the female thread 5 of the female thread portion 2D in a state where the small diameter portion 2B of the main body 2 is inserted into the large diameter portion 7B of the accommodating portion 7 (see FIG. 2). Thereby, the recovery member 3 is detachably connected to the main body 2 . When the recovery member 3 is connected to the main body 2, liquid can flow between the internal space of the main body 2 and the internal space 7A of the recovery member 3 through the distal end 22 of the small diameter portion 2B.
　図１，図２に示されるように、蓋部材４は、本体２の先端とは反対の基端２３（第２端の一例）の第１開口１１を閉塞する部材である。蓋部材４は、本体２の第１開口１１を閉塞するものであれば、特に限定されるものではなく、汎用品であっても、回収容器１とセットにされた専用品であってもよい。本実施形態では、蓋部材４は、第１開口１１に圧入可能に形成されている。蓋部材４は、圧入部４Ａ、覆部４Ｂ、及び取手４Ｃを有する。圧入部４Ａは、先端が開口して基端が閉塞した筒形状を有する。圧入部４Ａは、第１開口１１を通して本体２の内部に圧入可能に形成されている。覆部４Ｂは、本体２の基端２３の外径よりも内径が僅かに大きい筒形状を有する。覆部４Ｂの基端は、圧入部４Ａの基端に連結されている。覆部４Ｂは、圧入部４Ａが本体２の内部に圧入された状態で本体２の基端２３側の外周面を覆っている。取手４Ｃは、覆部４Ｂの外周面から半径方向外側に突出している。蓋部材４の材料は、特に限定されることはない。例えば、蓋部材４の材料は、ポリプロピレン、ポリカーボネートなどの硬質プラスチックを挙げることができる。 As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the lid member 4 is a member that closes the first opening 11 at the proximal end 23 (an example of the second end) opposite to the distal end of the main body 2 . The lid member 4 is not particularly limited as long as it closes the first opening 11 of the main body 2, and may be a general-purpose product or a dedicated product combined with the collection container 1. . In this embodiment, the lid member 4 is formed so as to be press-fitted into the first opening 11 . The lid member 4 has a press-fit portion 4A, a covering portion 4B, and a handle 4C. The press-fit portion 4A has a cylindrical shape with an open tip and a closed base end. The press-fitting portion 4A is formed so as to be press-fittable inside the main body 2 through the first opening 11 . The covering portion 4</b>B has a tubular shape with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 . The proximal end of the covering portion 4B is connected to the proximal end of the press-fitting portion 4A. The covering portion 4B covers the outer peripheral surface of the main body 2 on the proximal end 23 side in a state in which the press-fitting portion 4A is press-fitted inside the main body 2 . The handle 4C protrudes radially outward from the outer peripheral surface of the covering portion 4B. A material for the lid member 4 is not particularly limited. For example, the material of the lid member 4 can include hard plastics such as polypropylene and polycarbonate.
　次に、上記のように構成された回収容器１を用いた液状生体試料の凍結保存方法について説明する。本実施形態では、液状生体試料としてヒトの精液が使用される。液状生体試料の凍結保存方法では、分離工程、脱離工程、及び凍結工程が順に行われる。 Next, a cryopreservation method for a liquid biological sample using the recovery container 1 configured as described above will be described. In this embodiment, human semen is used as the liquid biological sample. In a cryopreservation method for a liquid biological sample, a separation step, a detachment step, and a freezing step are performed in order.
　分離工程では、作業者は、まず、本体２と回収部材３とが接続された状態の回収容器１にヒトの精液及び遠心分離用の密度勾配液等を入れる。次いで、作業者は、本体２の基端の第１開口１１を蓋部材４で閉じる。 In the separation process, the operator first puts human semen, density gradient liquid for centrifugation, etc. into the recovery container 1 in which the main body 2 and the recovery member 3 are connected. Next, the operator closes the first opening 11 at the proximal end of the main body 2 with the lid member 4 .
　次に、作業者は、回収容器１を遠心分離機に装着して、回収容器１に封入された精液を遠心分離する。遠心分離により、密度勾配液中の精液から精子が回収部材３に向けて沈降して、濃縮されたヒトの精子が回収部材３の収容部７に収容される。 Next, the operator attaches the collection container 1 to the centrifuge and centrifuges the semen enclosed in the collection container 1. By centrifugation, spermatozoa are sedimented toward the collection member 3 from the semen in the density gradient liquid, and the concentrated human spermatozoa are stored in the storage portion 7 of the collection member 3 .
　脱離工程では、作業者は、回収部材３を本体２から取り外して濃縮されたヒトの精液を回収する。具体的には、作業者は、まず、蓋部材４を本体２から取り外し、図７に示されるように、本体２の基端２３にゴム製の本体減圧用の蓋３１を装着する。本体減圧用の蓋３１は、基端が閉塞した筒形状を有する。本体減圧用の蓋３１は、本体２の基端２３側の外周面と嵌合する筒形状の嵌合部３１Ａと、本体２の基端２３の外径よりも内径が小さい筒形状の袋状部３１Ｂと、を有する。袋状部３１Ｂは、嵌合部３１Ａの基端に連結されている。作業者は、本体減圧用の蓋３１を本体２の基端２３に装着するときに、袋状部３１Ｂを指先で凹ませながら、本体２の基端２３側の外周面に嵌合部３１Ａを嵌合させる。蓋３１の凹みによる弾性復元力により、精液及び密度勾配液等を入れた後の回収容器１に生じる空間が陰圧状態（大気圧より圧力が低い状態）となる。なお、本体減圧用の蓋３１は、精液及び密度勾配液等を入れた後の回収容器１に生じる空間を陰圧状態にできれば、特に限定されるものではなく、汎用品であってもよく、回収容器１とセットにされた専用品であってもよい。 In the detachment process, the operator removes the collection member 3 from the main body 2 and collects the concentrated human semen. Specifically, the operator first removes the lid member 4 from the main body 2, and attaches a main body decompression lid 31 made of rubber to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2, as shown in FIG. The body decompression lid 31 has a cylindrical shape with a closed proximal end. The lid 31 for depressurizing the main body has a cylindrical fitting portion 31A that fits with the outer peripheral surface of the base end 23 side of the main body 2, and a cylindrical bag shape having an inner diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the base end 23 of the main body 2. and a portion 31B. The bag-like portion 31B is connected to the proximal end of the fitting portion 31A. When attaching the lid 31 for depressurizing the main body to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2, the operator presses the fitting portion 31A on the outer peripheral surface of the proximal end 23 side of the main body 2 while denting the bag-shaped portion 31B with a fingertip. Mate. Due to the elastic restoring force of the dent of the lid 31, the space generated in the collection container 1 after the semen, the density gradient liquid, etc., is put into a negative pressure state (a state where the pressure is lower than the atmospheric pressure). The lid 31 for depressurizing the main body is not particularly limited as long as it can make the space generated in the collection container 1 after the semen and the density gradient liquid are put into a negative pressure state, and it may be a general-purpose product. It may be a dedicated product that is set with the collection container 1 .
　次いで、作業者は、回収部材３の把持部８の２つの平面８Ａを指先で摘まんで回収部材３を本体２に対して相対回転させる。これにより、本体２の雌ねじ部２Ｄの雌ねじ５と回収部材３の雄ねじ１０との間の螺合が解除されて回収部材３が本体２から取り外される。このとき、回収容器１の本体２側の空間が減圧されているので、回収部材３が取り外されても、本体２の細径部２Ｂの先端２２から精液や密度勾配液が流出しにくい。 Next, the operator pinches the two flat surfaces 8A of the grasping portion 8 of the recovery member 3 with the fingertips and rotates the recovery member 3 relative to the main body 2 . As a result, the female thread 5 of the female threaded portion 2</b>D of the main body 2 and the male thread 10 of the recovery member 3 are disengaged, and the recovery member 3 is removed from the main body 2 . At this time, since the space on the body 2 side of the collection container 1 is decompressed, even if the collection member 3 is removed, the semen or the density gradient liquid is less likely to flow out from the tip 22 of the small diameter portion 2B of the body 2.
　凍結工程では、作業者は、まず、図８に示されるように、回収部材３の基端７２の第２開口１２に蓋４１を嵌めることによって回収部材３を封止する。蓋４１は、回収部材３の第２開口１２を閉塞するものであれば、特に限定されるものではなく、汎用品であっても、回収容器１とセットにされた専用品であってもよい。本実施形態では、蓋４１は、第２開口１２に圧入可能な形状を有する。最後に、作業者は、封止された回収部材３をディープフリーザや液体窒素などによって冷却して収容されている濃縮精子を凍結する。濃縮精子が凍結された回収部材３は、適切な温度の冷凍庫などに保存される。 In the freezing step, the operator first seals the recovery member 3 by fitting the lid 41 into the second opening 12 of the proximal end 72 of the recovery member 3, as shown in FIG. The lid 41 is not particularly limited as long as it closes the second opening 12 of the collection member 3, and may be a general-purpose product or a dedicated product combined with the collection container 1. . In this embodiment, the lid 41 has a shape that can be press-fitted into the second opening 12 . Finally, the operator cools the sealed recovery member 3 with a deep freezer, liquid nitrogen, or the like to freeze the contained concentrated spermatozoa. The recovery member 3 with the frozen concentrated sperm is stored in a freezer or the like at an appropriate temperature.
［本実施形態の作用効果］
　回収容器１では、液体を収容可能な内部空間７Ａを有する回収部材３が、本体２の先端２２と液体が流通する状態に接続可能であるので、作業者は、回収容器１に封入したヒトの精液を遠心分離した後にヒトの精子が沈降した回収部材３を本体２から容易に取り外すことができる。このため、作業者が回収部材３を本体２から取り外すときに、ヒトの精子が回収部材３から飛び散りにくい。したがって、作業者は、ヒトの精液を遠心分離した後に沈降した精子を容易に回収できる。 [Action and effect of the present embodiment]
In the collection container 1, the collection member 3 having the internal space 7A capable of containing the liquid can be connected to the tip 22 of the main body 2 in a liquid-flowing state. After the semen is centrifuged, the recovery member 3 in which the human sperm is sedimented can be easily removed from the main body 2. - 特許庁Therefore, when the operator removes the recovery member 3 from the main body 2 , human spermatozoa are less likely to scatter from the recovery member 3 . Therefore, an operator can easily collect sedimented sperm after centrifuging human semen.
　回収容器１では、回収部材３における収容部７の小径部７Ｃの外周面と内周面との間の肉厚が０．３ｍｍから０．７ｍｍの範囲内であるので、小径部７Ｃの外周面から内周面に熱が伝わりやすい。このため、作業者は、回収部材３に回収されたヒトの精子を凍結工程において凍結することが容易である。小径部７Ｃの内周面と外周面との間の肉厚が０．３ｍｍ以上あるので、分離工程における遠心分離時の小径部７Ｃの耐久性を確保しやすい。 In the recovery container 1, the thickness between the outer peripheral surface and the inner peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C of the storage portion 7 in the recovery member 3 is within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm. heat is easily transferred to the inner peripheral surface. Therefore, the operator can easily freeze the human sperm collected by the collecting member 3 in the freezing process. Since the thickness between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C is 0.3 mm or more, it is easy to secure the durability of the small diameter portion 7C during centrifugal separation in the separation step.
　回収容器１では、回収部材３は、耐衝撃性ポリスチレンを主成分とする合成樹脂組成物の成型品であるので、回収部材３の柔軟性が高い。このため、回収部材３が本体２に接続されたときに、回収部材３が本体２に密着しやすい。 In the collection container 1, the collection member 3 is a molded product of a synthetic resin composition whose main component is impact-resistant polystyrene, so the collection member 3 is highly flexible. Therefore, when the recovery member 3 is connected to the main body 2 , the recovery member 3 is likely to come into close contact with the main body 2 .
　回収容器１では、回収部材３の主成分である耐衝撃性ポリスチレンは、スチレン・ブタジエン共重合体を含むので、回収部材３の柔軟性を向上しやすい。 In the collection container 1, the impact-resistant polystyrene, which is the main component of the collection member 3, contains a styrene-butadiene copolymer, so the flexibility of the collection member 3 can be easily improved.
　回収容器１では、回収部材３の全光線透過率が８０％以上であるので、回収部材３の透明性が高い。このため、作業者は、回収部材３に回収されたヒトの精子を視認しやすい。 In the collection container 1, since the total light transmittance of the collection member 3 is 80% or more, the transparency of the collection member 3 is high. Therefore, the operator can easily visually recognize the human sperm collected by the collecting member 3 .
　回収容器１では、作業者は、把持部８の相互に離れた２つの平面８Ａを指先で摘まんで回収部材３を把持することができるので、回収部材３を把持しやすい。収容部７の内部空間７Ａは２つの平面８Ａの間に位置するので、作業者が２つの平面８Ａを指先で摘まんだときに、収容部７の内部空間７Ａが指先で隠れにくい。このため、作業者は、回収部材３を把持したときに、収容部７の内部空間７Ａ内のヒトの精子を視認しやすい。 In the collection container 1, the worker can grasp the collection member 3 by pinching the two flat surfaces 8A of the grasping portion 8 with their fingertips, so that the collection member 3 can be easily grasped. Since the internal space 7A of the housing portion 7 is positioned between the two planes 8A, the internal space 7A of the housing portion 7 is less likely to be hidden by the fingertips when the operator holds the two planes 8A with the fingertips. Therefore, the operator can easily visually recognize the human sperm within the internal space 7</b>A of the container 7 when holding the collection member 3 .
　回収容器１では、収容部７の小径部７Ｃの外周面から突出する板状片９は、２つの平面８Ａに直交する方向に突出しているので、作業者が２つの平面８Ａを指先で摘まんだときに、指先がある方へ板状片９が突出する。このため、作業者が２つの平面８Ａを指先で摘まんで収容部７の内部空間７Ａ内のヒトの精子を視認するときに、板状片９が邪魔になりにくい。したがって、収容部７の内部空間７Ａの視認性を確保しつつ、収容部７の小径部７Ｃの耐久性を向上させることができる。 In the collection container 1, the plate-like piece 9 projecting from the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 7C of the housing portion 7 projects in a direction orthogonal to the two planes 8A, so that the operator can grasp the two planes 8A with their fingertips. At this time, the plate-like piece 9 protrudes toward the fingertip. Therefore, when the operator picks up the two flat surfaces 8A with his fingertips and visually recognizes the human spermatozoa in the internal space 7A of the housing portion 7, the plate-like piece 9 is less likely to be an obstacle. Therefore, the durability of the small-diameter portion 7C of the housing portion 7 can be improved while ensuring the visibility of the internal space 7A of the housing portion 7 .
　上記液状生体試料の凍結保存方法では、作業者は、凍結工程においてヒトの精子が封止された回収部材３を凍結するので、ヒトの精子を回収部材３から他の容器に移し替えて凍結する場合に比べて、凍結工程を容易に行うことができる。凍結工程において、ヒトの精液を回収部材３から他の容器に移し替えないので、ヒトの精液の損失が抑制されるとともに、雑菌などの異物が回収部材３に混入しにくい。 In the liquid biological sample cryopreservation method described above, the operator freezes the recovery member 3 in which the human sperm is sealed in the freezing step, so the human sperm is transferred from the recovery member 3 to another container and frozen. The freezing process can be easily performed as compared with the case. Since the human semen is not transferred from the recovery member 3 to another container in the freezing process, the loss of the human semen is suppressed and the recovery member 3 is less likely to be contaminated with foreign substances such as germs.
　上記液状生体試料の凍結保存方法では、作業者は、凍結工程において回収部材３の基端７２の第２開口１２に蓋４１を嵌めることによって回収部材３を封止するので、回収部材３の封止作業が容易である。 In the liquid biological sample cryopreservation method described above, the operator seals the recovery member 3 by fitting the lid 41 into the second opening 12 of the proximal end 72 of the recovery member 3 in the freezing step. Easy to stop.
　上記液状生体試料の凍結保存方法では、液状生体試料としてヒトの精液が使用されるので、凍結工程においてヒトの精子を容易に凍結することができる。 In the cryopreservation method for a liquid biological sample, human semen is used as the liquid biological sample, so human sperm can be easily frozen in the freezing process.
[変形例]
　回収容器１では、回収部材３の把持部８は、第２テーパ部７Ｄの基端から小径部７Ｃの長手方向の略中間位置まで延びていたが、図９、図１０に示されるように、第２テーパ部７Ｄの基端から小径部７Ｃの先端７１まで延びていてもよい。把持部８の２つの平面８Ａには複数の凸部１３が形成されてもよい。これにより、作業者が、２つの平面８Ａが比較的大きくなり、指先で把持しやすくなる。板状片９は、細径部２Ｂの外周面と把持部８の内面とを連結するように形成される。板状片９は、細径部２Ｂの基端から先端７１まで延びている。この変形例の回収部材３では、回収部材３の耐久性を確保しつつ、把持部８のグリップ性を向上させることができる。また、第２開口１２を机上等に近づけることなく、把持部８の一端が机の載置面等に当接した状態で回収部材３単体で自立させることができるため、作業を中断する際に汚染リスクを下げることが出来る。なお、第２テーパ部７Ｄの基端から小径部７Ｃの先端７１まで把持部８が延びている場合、図１１に示されるように、板状片９は省略されてもよい。 [Modification]
In the collection container 1, the grasping portion 8 of the collection member 3 extends from the proximal end of the second tapered portion 7D to approximately the middle position in the longitudinal direction of the small diameter portion 7C. It may extend from the proximal end of the second tapered portion 7D to the distal end 71 of the small diameter portion 7C. A plurality of convex portions 13 may be formed on the two planes 8A of the grip portion 8. FIG. As a result, the two planes 8A are relatively large and can be easily grasped by the operator's fingertips. The plate-like piece 9 is formed so as to connect the outer peripheral surface of the small-diameter portion 2B and the inner surface of the grip portion 8 . The plate-like piece 9 extends from the proximal end of the small diameter portion 2B to the distal end 71 . With the collecting member 3 of this modified example, the gripping property of the grip portion 8 can be improved while ensuring the durability of the collecting member 3 . In addition, since the collection member 3 can stand alone in a state in which one end of the gripping portion 8 is in contact with the mounting surface of the desk or the like without bringing the second opening 12 close to the desk or the like, the recovery member 3 can stand on its own when the work is interrupted. Contamination risk can be reduced. It should be noted that when the gripping portion 8 extends from the proximal end of the second tapered portion 7D to the distal end 71 of the small diameter portion 7C, the plate-like piece 9 may be omitted as shown in FIG.
　回収容器１では、回収部材３の把持部８は、収容部７の外周面に形成されたが、図１２に示されるように、省略されてもよい。この場合、板状片９は、第２テーパ部７Ｄの基端まで延びてもよい。さらに、この場合、小径部７Ｃの外周面には、複数の補強片１４が周方向に間隔を空けて形成されてもよい。各補強片１４は、小径部７Ｃの外周面から径方向へ突出しており、補強片１４の突出端面は大径部７Ｂの外周面と同一面をなしている。複数の補強片１４は、細径部２Ｂの長手方向の略中間位置から第２テーパ部７Ｄの基端まで延びている。複数の補強片１４の間において、内部空間７Ａを視認できる。また、補強片１４を作業者が挟み込むように持つことにより、作業者が小径部７Ｃの外周面を直接に触ることがない。なお、補強片１４は、図１３に示されるように、省略されてもよい。 In the collection container 1, the grasping portion 8 of the collection member 3 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the storage portion 7, but may be omitted as shown in FIG. In this case, the plate-like piece 9 may extend to the proximal end of the second tapered portion 7D. Furthermore, in this case, a plurality of reinforcing pieces 14 may be formed at intervals in the circumferential direction on the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C. Each reinforcing piece 14 protrudes radially from the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C, and the projecting end surface of the reinforcing piece 14 is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the large diameter portion 7B. The plurality of reinforcing pieces 14 extend from substantially the middle position in the longitudinal direction of the small diameter portion 2B to the base end of the second tapered portion 7D. The internal space 7A can be visually recognized between the plurality of reinforcing pieces 14. As shown in FIG. In addition, since the worker holds the reinforcing piece 14 so as to sandwich it, the worker does not directly touch the outer peripheral surface of the small diameter portion 7C. Note that the reinforcing piece 14 may be omitted as shown in FIG.
　回収容器１では、脱離工程において回収部材３を本体２から取り外す前に、ゴム製の本体減圧用の蓋３１を本体２に装着することによって回収容器１内の空間を減圧した。しかしながら、本体減圧用の蓋３１による減圧の度合いは作業者によるため、本体減圧用の蓋３１を本体２に装着したときに、回収容器１内の陰圧が強くなりすぎる可能性があった。このため、回収部材３に収容されている精子が、回収容器１内の陰圧によって本体２側へ吸われてしまい、精子を効率良く回収部材３によって回収することが困難になる可能性があるという問題がある。 In the collection container 1, before removing the collection member 3 from the main body 2 in the detachment step, the space inside the collection container 1 was decompressed by attaching a rubber lid 31 for main body decompression to the main body 2. However, since the degree of pressure reduction by the cover 31 for depressurizing the main body depends on the operator, when the cover 31 for depressurizing the main body is attached to the main body 2, there is a possibility that the negative pressure inside the collection container 1 becomes too strong. Therefore, the sperm contained in the collecting member 3 is sucked toward the main body 2 by the negative pressure in the collecting container 1, which may make it difficult to efficiently collect the sperm by the collecting member 3. There is a problem.
　そこで、本体減圧用の蓋３１に代えて、図１４に示されるように、キャップシール５１が本体２の基端２３に装着されてもよい。キャップシール５１は、平板状である。キャップシール５１の表面および裏面は、本体２の基端２３の外径よりも直径が大きい円形である。なお、キャップシール５１の表面および裏面は、回収容器１内の空間を気密にできれば、円形に限定されない。例えば、キャップシール５１は、四角形であってもよい。キャップシール５１の厚みは、本体２の厚みと同等以上の大きさである。具体的には、キャップシール５１は、図１５に示されるように、基板５２、粘着層５３、および剥離層５４を有する。 Therefore, a cap seal 51 may be attached to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 as shown in FIG. The cap seal 51 is flat. The front and back surfaces of the cap seal 51 are circular with a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 . Note that the front and back surfaces of the cap seal 51 are not limited to circular shapes as long as the space inside the collection container 1 can be airtight. For example, the cap seal 51 may be square. The thickness of the cap seal 51 is equal to or greater than the thickness of the main body 2 . Specifically, the cap seal 51 has a substrate 52, an adhesive layer 53, and a release layer 54, as shown in FIG.
　基板５２は、平板状である。基板５２の表面および裏面５２Ａは、円形である。基板５２は、通気性がなく、粘着層５３との密着性が良好であることが好ましい。また、基板５２は、キャップシール５１が本体２の基端２３に貼り付けられた後、脱離工程において回収部材３が本体２から取り外されるときに、本体２の空間に生じる陰圧によって変形しない程度の強度を有することが好ましい。本体２の空間に生じる陰圧は、回収容器１に液状生体試料が１０ｇ封入され、かつ、本体２の内径が１４．１ｍｍであると仮定した場合、６２８Ｐａの僅かな陰圧である。このため、基板５２は、６２８Ｐａの陰圧に対して変形しない程度の強度を持つ材料によって形成されるのが好ましい。例えば、基板５２は、プラスチックまたは金属によって形成されてもよい。プラスチックとしては、例えば、ポリエチレンテレフタラート（ＰＥＴ）、ポリスチレン（ＰＳ）、ポリプロピレン（ＰＰ）、ポリエチレン（ＰＥ）を挙げることができる。金属としては、例えば、銅、鉄を挙げることができる。また、基板５２の材質として、例えば、金属を合金にして強度を高めたものが使用されてもよい。合金としては、例えば、アルミニウム合金を挙げることができる。基板５２の厚みは、例えば、０．２５ｍｍ以上である。好ましくは、基板５２の厚みは、０．５ｍｍである。 The substrate 52 is flat. A front surface and a rear surface 52A of the substrate 52 are circular. The substrate 52 preferably has no air permeability and good adhesion to the adhesive layer 53 . Further, the substrate 52 is not deformed by the negative pressure generated in the space of the main body 2 when the recovery member 3 is removed from the main body 2 in the detachment process after the cap seal 51 is attached to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2. It is preferable to have a degree of strength. The negative pressure generated in the space of the main body 2 is a slight negative pressure of 628 Pa, assuming that 10 g of the liquid biological sample is enclosed in the collection container 1 and the inner diameter of the main body 2 is 14.1 mm. Therefore, it is preferable that the substrate 52 is made of a material having sufficient strength not to be deformed against a negative pressure of 628 Pa. For example, substrate 52 may be formed of plastic or metal. Examples of plastics include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polystyrene (PS), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene (PE). Examples of metals include copper and iron. Further, as the material of the substrate 52, for example, a metal alloyed to increase strength may be used. Examples of alloys include aluminum alloys. The thickness of the substrate 52 is, for example, 0.25 mm or more. Preferably, the thickness of substrate 52 is 0.5 mm.
　粘着層５３は、基板５２の裏面５２Ａに接着している。粘着層５３は、平板状である。粘着層５３の表面および裏面５３Ａは、円形である。粘着層５３の直径は、基板５２の直径と等しい。粘着層５３において基板５２が接触した面とは反対の面（以下、裏面５３Ａという）は、本体２の基端２３の全周に亘って接着される。粘着層５３は、本体２の基端２３との密着性を高めるため、通気性がなく、弾力性を有する材料によって形成されるのが好ましい。例えば、粘着層５３は、ゲル状の粘着剤によって形成されるのが好ましい。ゲル状の粘着剤としては、例えば、アクリル系粘着剤、ゴム系粘着剤、ウレタン系粘着剤を挙げることができる。粘着層５３の厚みは、例えば、１．２ｍｍ以上である。好ましくは、粘着層５３の厚みは、２．０ｍｍである。 The adhesive layer 53 is adhered to the back surface 52A of the substrate 52. The adhesive layer 53 is flat. The front surface and back surface 53A of the adhesive layer 53 are circular. The diameter of adhesive layer 53 is equal to the diameter of substrate 52 . The surface of the adhesive layer 53 opposite to the surface in contact with the substrate 52 (hereinafter referred to as back surface 53A) is adhered over the entire circumference of the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 . The adhesive layer 53 is preferably made of a non-breathable and elastic material in order to enhance adhesion to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 . For example, the adhesive layer 53 is preferably made of a gel-like adhesive. Examples of gel adhesives include acrylic adhesives, rubber adhesives, and urethane adhesives. The thickness of the adhesive layer 53 is, for example, 1.2 mm or more. Preferably, the thickness of the adhesive layer 53 is 2.0 mm.
　剥離層５４は、粘着層５３の裏面５３Ａに接着している。剥離層５４は、平板状である。剥離層５４の表面および裏面は、円形である。剥離層５４の直径は、粘着層５３の直径よりも大きい。これにより、作業者は、剥離層５４において粘着層５３からはみ出た部分を指で摘まむことができるので、剥離層５４を粘着層５３から容易に剥がすことができる。なお、剥離層５４は、形状において粘着層５３と相違していてもよい。例えば、粘着層５３が円形である場合、剥離層５４は、四角形でもよい。 The release layer 54 is adhered to the back surface 53A of the adhesive layer 53. The release layer 54 is flat. The front and back surfaces of the release layer 54 are circular. The diameter of the release layer 54 is larger than the diameter of the adhesive layer 53 . As a result, the operator can pinch the part of the peeling layer 54 protruding from the adhesive layer 53 with fingers, so that the peeling layer 54 can be easily peeled off from the adhesive layer 53 . Note that the release layer 54 may differ from the adhesive layer 53 in shape. For example, if the adhesive layer 53 is circular, the release layer 54 may be square.
　次に、回収容器１を用いて液状生体試料を凍結保存するときのキャップシール５１の使用方法について説明する。なお、分離工程および凍結工程は上記凍結保存方法と同じであるため、分離工程および凍結工程については上記凍結保存方法の説明が援用される。以下では、脱離工程のみが説明される。 Next, a method of using the cap seal 51 when cryopreserving a liquid biological sample using the collection container 1 will be described. In addition, since the separation step and the freezing step are the same as those of the above-described cryopreservation method, the explanation of the above-mentioned cryopreservation method is used for the separation step and the freezing step. In the following only the desorption process is described.
　脱離工程では、作業者は、まず、キャップシール５１の剥離層５４を粘着層５３の裏面５３Ａから剥がす。次いで、作業者は、蓋部材４を本体２から取り外し、図１４に示されるように、本体２の基端２３に粘着層５３の裏面５３Ａを押し付けて接着する。これにより、本体２の基端２３の第１開口１１が封止され、回収容器１内の空間が気密に保持される。このとき、本体２の基端２３に粘着層５３の裏面５３Ａを押し付けるときの押圧力により、キャップシール５１が変形したり、粘着層５３が伸長して破損したりすることが基板５２によって抑制される。さらに、粘着層５３の裏面５３Ａが本体２の基端２３に接着されるため、例えば、本体２の第１開口１１に圧入部４Ａが挿入される蓋部材４や本体減圧用の蓋３１が本体２の基端２３に装着される場合と比べて、回収容器１の本体２側の空間の圧力が高くなったり、低くなったりすることもない。すなわち、回収容器１の本体２側の空間の圧力は、キャップシール５１が本体２の基端２３に装着されても、大気圧とほぼ等しくなるだけである。このため、回収部材３に収容されている精子が、回収容器１内の陰圧が強くなりすぎることによって本体２側へ吸われてしまうこともない。 In the detachment process, the worker first peels off the release layer 54 of the cap seal 51 from the back surface 53A of the adhesive layer 53. Next, the operator removes the lid member 4 from the main body 2, and presses the rear surface 53A of the adhesive layer 53 against the base end 23 of the main body 2 to bond it, as shown in FIG. As a result, the first opening 11 at the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 is sealed, and the space inside the collection container 1 is kept airtight. At this time, the substrate 52 prevents the deformation of the cap seal 51 and the extension and breakage of the adhesive layer 53 due to the pressing force when the back surface 53A of the adhesive layer 53 is pressed against the proximal end 23 of the main body 2. be. Furthermore, since the back surface 53A of the adhesive layer 53 is adhered to the base end 23 of the main body 2, for example, the lid member 4 into which the press-fitting portion 4A is inserted into the first opening 11 of the main body 2 and the lid 31 for decompressing the main body are attached to the main body. The pressure in the space on the main body 2 side of the collection container 1 does not increase or decrease as compared with the case where it is attached to the proximal end 23 of the collection container 1 . That is, even if the cap seal 51 is attached to the proximal end 23 of the main body 2, the pressure in the space of the recovery container 1 on the main body 2 side is only approximately equal to the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the sperm contained in the recovery member 3 will not be sucked toward the main body 2 due to excessive negative pressure in the recovery container 1 .
　次に、作業者は、回収部材３の把持部８の２つの平面８Ａを指先で摘まんで回収部材３を本体２に対して相対回転させる。これにより、本体２の雌ねじ部２Ｄの雌ねじ５と回収部材３の雄ねじ１０との間の螺合が解除されて回収部材３が本体２から取り外される。このとき、本体２の空間に生じる僅かな陰圧によってキャップシール５１が変形することが基板５２によって抑制される。また、本体２の空間は、僅かな陰圧であり、かつ、キャップシール５１によって気密に保持されているので、回収部材３が取り外されても、本体２の空間の圧力によって本体２の細径部２Ｂの先端２２から精液や密度勾配液が流出しにくい。 Next, the operator pinches the two flat surfaces 8A of the grasping portion 8 of the recovery member 3 with the fingertips and rotates the recovery member 3 relative to the main body 2 . As a result, the female thread 5 of the female threaded portion 2</b>D of the main body 2 and the male thread 10 of the recovery member 3 are disengaged, and the recovery member 3 is removed from the main body 2 . At this time, the substrate 52 prevents the cap seal 51 from being deformed by a slight negative pressure generated in the space of the main body 2 . In addition, since the space in the main body 2 has a slight negative pressure and is airtightly maintained by the cap seal 51, even if the collecting member 3 is removed, the pressure in the space in the main body 2 causes the diameter of the main body 2 to decrease. It is difficult for the semen or the density gradient liquid to flow out from the tip 22 of the portion 2B.
　なお、上記実施形態では、分離工程において、作業者は、本体２の基端２３の第１開口１１を蓋部材４で閉じて遠心分離を行ったが、本体２の基端２３の第１開口１１をキャップシール５１で閉じて遠心分離を行ってもよい。このようにすると、脱離工程において、キャップシール５１を本体２に装着する作業が省略されるので、液状生体試料を凍結保存する作業が簡略化される。 In the above-described embodiment, in the separation step, the operator closed the first opening 11 of the proximal end 23 of the main body 2 with the lid member 4 to perform centrifugal separation. 11 may be closed with a cap seal 51 for centrifugation. In this way, the work of attaching the cap seal 51 to the main body 2 is omitted in the detachment step, so the work of cryopreserving the liquid biological sample is simplified.
１・・・回収容器
２・・・本体
２Ｃ・・・第１テーパ部
３・・・回収部材
７Ａ・・・内部空間
８・・・把持部
８Ａ・・・平面
９・・・板状片
１１・・・第１開口
１２・・・第２開口
２２・・・先端
２３・・・基端
４１・・・蓋
５１・・・キャップシール
５２・・・基板
５３・・・粘着層
　
　 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 collection container 2 main body 2C first tapered portion 3 collection member 7A internal space 8 gripping portion 8A plane 9 plate-like piece 11 First opening 12 Second opening 22 Tip 23 Base end 41 Lid 51 Cap seal 52 Substrate 53 Adhesive layer

Claims (11)

  1. 　第１端および第２端が開口した筒形状の本体と、
    　上記第１端と液体が流通する状態に接続可能であって、液体を収容可能な内部空間を有する回収部材と、を備えた液状生体試料の回収容器。     a tubular body having first and second open ends;
    A recovery container for a liquid biological sample, comprising: a recovery member connectable to the first end and a liquid circulating state and having an internal space capable of containing a liquid.
  2. 　上記回収部材の肉厚は、０．３ｍｍから０．７ｍｍの範囲内である請求項１に記載の液状生体試料の回収容器。 The liquid biological sample collection container according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the collection member is within the range of 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm.
  3. 　上記回収部材は、耐衝撃性ポリスチレンを主成分とする合成樹脂組成物の成型品である請求項１又は２に記載の液状生体試料の回収容器。 The liquid biological sample recovery container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recovery member is a molded product of a synthetic resin composition containing impact-resistant polystyrene as a main component.
  4. 　上記耐衝撃性ポリスチレンは、スチレン・ブタジエン共重合体を含む請求項３に記載の液状生体試料の回収容器。 The liquid biological sample collection container according to claim 3, wherein the impact-resistant polystyrene contains a styrene-butadiene copolymer.
  5. 　上記回収部材は、全光線透過率が８０％以上である請求項１から４のいずれかに記載の液状生体試料の回収容器。 The liquid biological sample recovery container according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the recovery member has a total light transmittance of 80% or more.
  6. 　上記回収部材は、相互に離れた２つの平面を有する把持部を有しており、
    　上記内部空間は、２つの上記平面の間に位置する請求項１から５のいずれかに記載の液状生体試料の回収容器。     The recovery member has a gripping portion having two planes spaced apart from each other,
    6. The liquid biological sample collection container according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the internal space is located between the two planes.
  7. 　上記回収部材は、２つの上記平面よりも先端側に位置しており、外周面から突出する板状片を有しており、
    　上記板状片は、２つの上記平面と交差する方向に沿って突出する請求項６に記載の液状生体試料の回収容器。     The recovery member is located on the tip side of the two planes and has a plate-like piece protruding from the outer peripheral surface,
    7. The container for collecting a liquid biological sample according to claim 6, wherein the plate-like piece protrudes along a direction intersecting the two planes.
  8. 　本体と回収部材とが着脱可能な回収容器を用いた液状生体試料の凍結保存方法であって、
    　上記本体と上記回収部材とが接続された状態の上記回収容器に液状生体試料を封入して遠心分離する分離工程と、
    　上記本体から上記回収部材を取り外す脱離工程と、
    　上記回収部材を封止して凍結する凍結工程と、を含む液状生体試料の凍結保存方法。     A cryopreservation method for a liquid biological sample using a collection container in which a main body and a collection member are detachable,
    a separation step of enclosing a liquid biological sample in the recovery container in which the main body and the recovery member are connected and centrifuging the liquid biological sample;
    a detachment step of detaching the recovery member from the main body;
    and a freezing step of sealing and freezing the recovery member.
  9. 　上記凍結工程において、上記回収部材の開口に蓋を嵌めることにより上記回収部材を封止する請求項８に記載の液状生体試料の凍結保存方法。 The cryopreservation method for a liquid biological sample according to claim 8, wherein in the freezing step, the recovery member is sealed by fitting a lid to the opening of the recovery member.
  10. 　上記液状生体試料はヒトの精液である請求項８又は９に記載の液状生体試料の凍結保存方法。 The cryopreservation method for a liquid biological sample according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the liquid biological sample is human semen.
  11. 　基板と、上記基板に積層されたゲル状の粘着層と、を有するキャップシールを更に備えており、
    　上記キャップシールは、上記粘着層が上記本体の上記第２端に接着されることにより、上記第２端の開口を封止する請求項１に記載の液状生体試料の回収容器。
    　     further comprising a cap seal having a substrate and a gel-like adhesive layer laminated on the substrate;
    2. The liquid biological sample collection container according to claim 1, wherein the cap seal seals the opening of the second end by bonding the adhesive layer to the second end of the main body.
PCT/JP2023/004291 2022-02-10 2023-02-09 Container for collecting liquid biological sample and cryopreservation method thereof WO2023153465A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2022019219 2022-02-10
JP2022-019219 2022-02-10

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2023153465A1 true WO2023153465A1 (en) 2023-08-17

Family

ID=87564530

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2023/004291 WO2023153465A1 (en) 2022-02-10 2023-02-09 Container for collecting liquid biological sample and cryopreservation method thereof

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2023153465A1 (en)

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08108096A (en) * 1994-08-17 1996-04-30 Toshiki Uchida Vessel for centrifugal separation
JP2000070763A (en) * 1998-09-01 2000-03-07 Toshimasa Yamamoto Separation member, separation vessel and centrifugal separation
JP2008110272A (en) * 2006-10-27 2008-05-15 Nipro Corp Centrifugal separation vessel and centrifugal separation method
JP2012115829A (en) * 2010-11-09 2012-06-21 Jms Co Ltd Separation container, and separation method
JP2015057287A (en) * 2014-11-25 2015-03-26 独立行政法人国立がん研究センター Centrifugal separation tool
JP2018116040A (en) * 2017-01-19 2018-07-26 東ソー株式会社 Centrifuge tube and method of using the same
JP2019176831A (en) * 2018-03-30 2019-10-17 大研医器株式会社 Method and vessel for recovering nucleic acid

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH08108096A (en) * 1994-08-17 1996-04-30 Toshiki Uchida Vessel for centrifugal separation
JP2000070763A (en) * 1998-09-01 2000-03-07 Toshimasa Yamamoto Separation member, separation vessel and centrifugal separation
JP2008110272A (en) * 2006-10-27 2008-05-15 Nipro Corp Centrifugal separation vessel and centrifugal separation method
JP2012115829A (en) * 2010-11-09 2012-06-21 Jms Co Ltd Separation container, and separation method
JP2015057287A (en) * 2014-11-25 2015-03-26 独立行政法人国立がん研究センター Centrifugal separation tool
JP2018116040A (en) * 2017-01-19 2018-07-26 東ソー株式会社 Centrifuge tube and method of using the same
JP2019176831A (en) * 2018-03-30 2019-10-17 大研医器株式会社 Method and vessel for recovering nucleic acid

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
KR900009014B1 (en) Blood sampling tube
NO310168B1 (en) Gasket for storing contact lenses
US20100222196A1 (en) Separation container, attachment and separation method
WO2006102384A2 (en) Ophthalmic lens package
WO2005030399A1 (en) Settling tube for centrifugal separation
US20080078681A1 (en) Internal member for disposable soft contact lens packaging
JP2004501761A (en) Removable conformable liner for centrifuge vessels
WO2023153465A1 (en) Container for collecting liquid biological sample and cryopreservation method thereof
WO2012069758A1 (en) Article for biological analysis
US20070056861A1 (en) Ophthalmic lens package and methods of its use
JP5037304B2 (en) Cotton swab packaging container
JP2004502182A (en) Internal adapter with pellet recess for centrifuge vessel
KR200325989Y1 (en) Chewing gum receptacle having desorption and adhesion means
CA2453508A1 (en) Sheath for containing and manipulating of a single-use laryngoscope blade and use of a blade thus conditioned
JP2008295588A (en) Condom applicator and condom unit
JP2005535446A (en) tube
JP2022078650A (en) Sample collecting device and method for running test
CN218220229U (en) Pharyngeal sampling device
JP2004313500A (en) Body fluid thickening collecting implement
JP3195163U (en) Container seal opening tool
US20090299305A1 (en) Collection system for biological sample
JP6413051B1 (en) Container member separator
JP3560733B2 (en) container
JP2017065801A (en) container
JPH06345133A (en) Structure available for separate recycling of double container for drug bottle

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 23752929

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2023580312

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A