JP4643415B2 - Case for inspection tool and liquid sample inspection tool - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a case for a test tool used for a liquid sample test tool using an immunochromatography method, and a liquid sample test tool using the test tool case.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, liquid sample inspection tools using an immunochromatography method are generally known as inspection tools such as influenza testing tools and pregnancy testing tools.

  FIG. 6A shows a general configuration of this type of liquid sample inspection tool. As shown in the figure, a liquid sample inspection tool (hereinafter abbreviated as an inspection tool) includes a test strip 1 and a case 10 that houses the test strip 1, and the test strip 1 is formed from a drip hole 13 formed in the upper lid 12 of the case 10. By adding a liquid sample, the inspection result can be confirmed through a determination window 14 provided side by side with respect to the dropping hole 13.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 6B, the test strip 1 includes a sample pad 3, a membrane 5, and an absorption pad 6 in order from one end side (dropping hole 13 side) on a base card 2 formed in a strip shape. The end portion of the sample pad 3 is laminated on the end portion of the membrane 5 with the conjugate pad 4 sandwiched therebetween. That is, when a liquid sample is added onto the sample pad 3 from the dropping hole 13, the sample penetrates into the conjugate pad 4, and a specific antibody (an antibody labeled with a substance such as gold colloid or color latex) carried on the pad 4. Penetrating the membrane 5 while reacting with a colored label). Then, when an antigen as an object to be measured is present in the liquid sample, an antigen-antibody reaction occurs between the antigen and the antibody fixed on the membrane 5, and a colored label appears on the membrane 5 as a signal. Yes.

In such an inspection tool, the liquid sample added on the sample pad 3 can be spread (permeated, flowed) smoothly on the membrane 5 while reliably infiltrating the conjugate pad 4, and an accurate and prompt inspection result To be important. For this purpose, the sample pad 3, the conjugate pad 4 and the membrane 5 need to be in close contact with each other at the end portion of the membrane 5. Conventionally, as shown in FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), the case 10 The upper lid 12 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 15 extending in the direction (width direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the test strip 1 (the liquid sample developing direction). The stacked portion of the gate pad 4 and the membrane 5 is pressed in the stacking direction by these convex portions 15 (for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-37384 A

  However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1 in which the test strip 1 is pressed by the convex portion 15 as described above that traverses the test strip 1 in the width direction (that is, orthogonal to the sample development direction), the dimensional error of the test strip 1 For example, when the laminated portion and the convex portion 15 are relatively displaced in the longitudinal direction of the test strip 1, the pressing is insufficient or impossible. As a result, the sample pad 3, the conjugate pad 4 and the membrane 5 Adhesion is impaired and the development of the liquid sample is worsened. Therefore, in order to prevent this, it is required to assemble the inspection tool with great care so that the convex portion 15 reliably corresponds to the laminated portion, and as a result, the productivity of the inspection tool becomes poor. ing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and it is possible to quickly obtain an accurate test result regarding a liquid sample tester using an immunochromatography method. The purpose is to improve productivity.

In order to solve the above problems, a case for an inspection tool according to the present invention includes a case having an upper lid in which a dropping hole for a liquid sample and a determination result judgment window are formed side by side, and a lower lid assembled to the upper lid. The case of the liquid sample tester provided with a test strip inside the case, wherein the upper cover is formed in a portion between the drip hole and the determination window on the surface facing the lower cover, A plurality of test strip pressing members that protrude from the facing surface toward the lower lid side, extend in the arrangement direction of the dropping holes and the determination windows, and are arranged at intervals from each other in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction . A test strip pressing surface that is formed in a portion between the dripping hole and the determination window among the opposing surfaces of the one protrusion and the upper lid and extends in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction and intersects with the first protrusion. The second project When a shall have a (claim 1).

The liquid sample test tool of the present invention is a conjugate in which a sample pad for receiving a liquid sample and a membrane on which an antibody is immobilized are arranged side by side, and the end of the sample pad and the end of the membrane carry a labeling substance. A test strip stacked via a pad; and a case for storing the test strip. In the case, a drop hole for adding a liquid sample to the sample pad and a judgment window for confirming a membrane are respectively provided in the test. 3. A liquid sample tester provided side by side corresponding to a strip, wherein the case includes the test tool case according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least the sample pad, the conjugate pad and the membrane of the test strip. the test in a state where the first protrusions and second protrusions are pressed against the stacked portion Trip is what is accommodated in the case for the test device (claim 3).

According to such a configuration, the first pad provided on the case upper lid can press the laminated portion of the sample pad, conjugate pad and membrane in the laminating direction to bring the sample pad and the like into close contact with each other. The liquid sample smoothly develops along the ridge from the side to the membrane side. Furthermore, as a result of the first protrusion having a width in the unfolding direction (the arrangement direction of the dropping window and the determination window), the above-mentioned laminated portion of the test strip and the first protrusion are caused by a dimensional error or an assembly error. Even when the position is slightly deviated from the normal position in the development direction, the upper stacked portion can be appropriately pressed by the first protrusion. In particular, since the plurality of first protrusions are arranged in parallel, it is possible to enjoy smooth developability of the liquid sample while firmly pressing a wider range of the laminated portion.
In addition, since the second protrusion is provided, the liquid sample is more evenly spread on the entire test strip, and thus the colored mark can be displayed more clearly. In this case, as the test strip, a sample pad for receiving a liquid sample and a membrane on which an antibody is immobilized are arranged side by side, and the end of the sample pad and the end of the membrane are interposed via a conjugate pad carrying a labeling substance. In this case, the dropping hole and the determination window are provided so as to be located on both sides of the laminated portion of the sample pad, the conjugate pad, and the membrane, respectively, and the second As the protrusions, it is preferable that a plurality of second protrusions capable of pressing the laminated portions at positions separated from each other in the arrangement direction are provided (Claim 2).

  According to the test tool case of the present invention and the liquid sample test tool using the test tool case, the sample pad, the conjugate pad, and the laminated portion of the membrane stored in the case are firmly attached in the stacking direction. They can be pressed and brought into close contact with each other, and on the other hand, the spreadability of the liquid sample can be improved. Therefore, in the liquid sample inspection using the immunochromatography method, an accurate inspection result can be obtained quickly. In addition, even if the test strip has some dimensional errors or assembly errors, or even in a stacked state where two layers such as sample pad and conjugate pad, conjugate pad and membrane overlap, the above Since the laminated portion can be pressed down appropriately, high dimensional accuracy is not required for the test strip, or high accuracy is not required for the assembly of the liquid sample inspection device. Productivity is improved.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a liquid sample inspection tool according to the present invention in a perspective view. A liquid sample inspection tool 20 (hereinafter, abbreviated as an inspection tool 20) shown in this figure has a flat case 22 (inspection tool case according to the present invention) elongated in a uniaxial direction. Is stored.

  The test strip 1 is basically the same as that described in the prior art (FIG. 6). That is, the sample pad 3, the membrane 5, and the absorption pad 6 are arranged in order from one end side on the strip-shaped base card 2, and the end portion of the membrane 5 and the sample pad 3 are sandwiched between the conjugate pads 4. It is the structure where the terminal part of was laminated | stacked.

  The case 22 is composed of a flat and long upper cover 22A and a lower cover 22B, and the cover 22A and 22B are fitted together to form a storage space for the test strip 1 therein. ing.

  The upper lid 22A is provided with a liquid sample dripping hole 24, a determination window 25, and a liquid amount confirmation window 26 arranged in a line in order from one end side in the longitudinal direction, and each of the sample pads 3 of the test strip 1 is provided. The membrane 5 and the absorption pad 6 are provided. The dripping hole 24 is formed in a funnel shape as shown in FIG. 1, so that the liquid sample can be guided to the sample pad 3 without leakage.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the surface of the upper lid 22 </ b> A facing the lower lid 22 </ b> B is arranged in the longitudinal direction of the case 22 (the arrangement direction of the dripping holes 24 and the judgment window 25), that is, in the longitudinal direction of the test strip 1. A plurality of extending ridges 28 (corresponding to the first ridge of the present invention) are provided. These protrusions 28 are for pressing the test strip 1 in the thickness direction. Specifically, the sample pad 3, the conjugate pad 4 and the membrane 5 of the test strip 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as “lamination”). And is provided in a portion between the dropping hole 24 and the determination window 25 corresponding to the laminated portion.

  In the illustrated example, three protrusions 28 are provided at predetermined intervals in the width direction of the case 22 (the direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction of the dripping holes 24 and the determination windows 25), thereby the width direction of the test strip 1. The central portion and both end portions are pressed by the protrusion 28. The protrusion 28 is dimensioned in the longitudinal direction so as to be able to press a slightly wide range including the laminated portion in a state where the test strip 1 is positioned by a rib 30 described later.

  On the other hand, a rib 30 for positioning the test strip 1 projects from the surface of the lower lid 22B facing the upper lid 22A. The rib 30 is provided so as to surround the test strip 1, and the test strip 1 is fitted inside the rib 30 to position the test strip 1 in the case 22 in the longitudinal direction and the width direction. ing.

  The inner region of the rib 30 is formed in a substantially flat shape, but a plurality of grooves 31 extending in the longitudinal direction are formed in a portion facing the determination window 25 and the liquid amount confirmation window 26 in the width direction. A plurality of minute projections 32 projecting toward the upper lid 22A side are provided in the portion between the two.

  These protrusions 32 are provided corresponding to both ends of the determination window 25 (both left and right in FIG. 3) and the liquid amount confirmation window 26, and are provided in a state where three are arranged in the width direction. Yes. That is, by lifting the part corresponding to the determination window 25 (membrane 5) and the part corresponding to the liquid amount confirmation window 26 (end part of the absorption pad 6) of the test strip 1 from the base card 2 side by these protrusions 32, The membrane 5 is brought close to the determination window 25 and the end of the absorption pad 6 is brought close to the liquid amount confirmation window 26, thereby improving the visibility at the time of checking the result of the inspection or the liquid amount.

  With respect to the case 22 configured as described above, the test strip 1 includes the rib 30 of the lower lid 22B so that the sample pad 3 or the like faces the upper lid 22A and the sample pad 3 is located on the drip hole 24 side. It is fitted in the inner part. In this state, when the upper lid 22A is fitted to the lower lid 22B from the upper side of the test strip 1, the laminated portion is pressed from the upper side by the protrusions 28 as schematically shown in FIG. The test strip 1 is stored in the case 22.

  Next, the usage method and effect of this inspection tool 20 are demonstrated.

  In order to use this inspection tool 20, a liquid sample may be added onto the sample pad 3 of the test strip 1 from the dropping hole 24 as in the conventional case. That is, when a liquid sample is added to the sample pad 3, the sample permeates the membrane 5 while reacting with the specific antibody supported on the pad 4 while penetrating the conjugate pad 4. When an antigen, which is an object to be measured, is present in the liquid sample, an antigen-antibody reaction occurs between the antigen and the antibody immobilized on the membrane 5, and a colored label appears on the membrane 5. Therefore, the inspection result can be known by visually recognizing this colored sign through the determination window 25 of the case 22. Further, the excess sample that has penetrated into the membrane 5 is absorbed by the absorption pad 6, and at this time, the absorption pad 6 is colored. Therefore, the sample is visually checked through the liquid amount confirmation window 26 of the case 22. It is possible to confirm the excess or deficiency.

  When the liquid sample is added onto the test strip 1 from the dropping hole 24, the sample develops from the sample pad 3 to the membrane 5 side as described above. The above-described laminated portion of the test strip 1, that is, the laminated portion of the sample pad 3, the conjugate pad 4 and the absorbent pad 6 is pressed in the laminating direction by the provided ridges 28 so as to bring them into close contact with each other. The specific antibody supported on 4 and the liquid sample can be developed (permeated and flowed) on the membrane 5 side while reliably reacting. Moreover, since the protrusions 28 have a shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the test strip 1, that is, in the direction in which the liquid sample is expanded, the liquid sample is smoothly expanded along the protrusions 28 from the sample pad 3 side to the membrane 5 side. Will go.

  Accordingly, the liquid sample can be rapidly developed on the membrane 5 side while reliably reacting with the specific antibody supported on the pad 4, and as a result, an accurate test result can be obtained quickly.

  There is also an advantage that the productivity of the inspection tool 20 can be improved. That is, since the protrusion 28 has an elongated shape extending in the longitudinal direction of the test strip 1, the above-described laminated portion of the test strip 1 is caused by a dimensional error of the test strip 1 or an attachment error of the test strip 1 to the case 22. Even when the protrusion 28 is slightly displaced in the longitudinal direction, the stacked portion can be pressed by the protrusion 28. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably and appropriately press the laminated portion of the test strip 1 without manufacturing the test strip 1 with high dimensional accuracy or assembling the inspection tool 20 with high accuracy. As a result, the productivity of the liquid sample inspection tool is improved.

  The above-described inspection tool 20 and the case 22 used therefor are one embodiment of the liquid sample inspection tool and the inspection tool case used therefor according to the present invention. Modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the invention.

  For example, as a protrusion for pressing the laminated portion of the test strip 1, the case 22 intersects with the protrusion 28 at a portion between the dropping hole 24 and the determination window 25 of the case 22 (upper cover 22 </ b> A). You may make it provide the protrusion extended in the width direction.

FIG. 5 shows an example. In the example of this figure, the protrusions 29a and 29b extending in the width direction in the vicinity of the determination window 25 and the portion closer to the dropping hole 24 than the determination window 25 (in the second protrusion of the present invention, respectively). Equivalent) . Of these ridges 29a and 29b, the narrow ridge 29b has an end face flush with the ridge 28. On the other hand, the wide ridge 29a is formed to be sufficiently wider than the other ridge 29b so as to be able to evenly press a wide area of the laminated portion, and its end surface (the pressing surface of the test strip 1). Is flat and slightly protrudes toward the lower lid 22B from the other protrusions 28 and 29b. According to such a configuration, it is possible to develop the liquid sample more uniformly as compared with the inspection tool 20 of the embodiment, and as a result, it is possible to display the colored mark more clearly.

  In addition, the space | interval and shape of the dripping hole 24 provided in case 22, the determination window 25, and the liquid quantity confirmation window 26 are not limited to the said embodiment. Further, when not required, the liquid amount confirmation window 26 may be omitted.

  Further, the sample pad 3, the conjugate pad 4 and the membrane 5 of the test strip 1 do not necessarily have to be laminated in a three-piece structure. For example, when the sample pad 3 and the membrane 5 are offset from each other in the longitudinal direction, The laminated part of the pad 3 and the conjugate pad 4 and the laminated part of the conjugate pad 4 and the membrane 5 may be slightly shifted in the longitudinal direction.

  The membrane 5 only needs to function as a chromatographic medium. The membrane 5 is porous such as nitrocellulose or nylon coated on the base card 2 so as to have porosity, glass fiber filter paper, nitrocellulose membrane or the like. Materials and the like can be used as appropriate.

It is a perspective view which shows the liquid sample test | inspection tool (liquid sample test | inspection tool in which the case for test tools which concerns on this invention is used) concerning this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the case (case for test tools) used for a liquid sample test tool. It is a figure which shows the state which opened the case (case for test tools), the upper figure in FIG. 3 shows the upper cover, and the lower figure shows the lower cover, respectively. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the structure of a liquid sample test | inspection tool. It is a figure (figure corresponding to Drawing 3) which shows a modification of a case (upper lid). It is a figure which shows the structure of the conventional liquid sample test | inspection tool, (a) is a longitudinal cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows a liquid sample test tool, (b) is a top view which shows the test strip used for a liquid sample test tool.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Test strip 2 Base card 3 Sample pad 4 Conjugate pad 5 Membrane 6 Absorption pad 20 Liquid sample inspection tool 22 Case 22A Upper lid 22B Lower lid 24 Drip hole 25 Judgment window 26 Liquid amount confirmation window 28 Projection

Claims (3)

A liquid sample inspection tool having a case having an upper lid in which a drop hole for a liquid sample and a determination result judgment window are formed side by side, and a lower lid assembled to the upper lid, and a test strip provided in the case Said case,
It is formed in a portion between the drip hole and the judgment window in the surface facing the lower lid in the upper lid, and protrudes from the facing surface toward the lower lid side in the arrangement direction of the dripping hole and the judgment window. A plurality of first ridges for pressing a test strip extending and arranged at intervals from each other in a direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction ;
A second protrusion provided with a test strip pressing surface formed in a portion between the drip hole and the determination window in the facing surface of the upper lid and extending in a direction orthogonal to the arrangement direction and intersecting the first protrusion. inspection-instrument case, characterized that you have provided a strip, a. In the case for an inspection tool according to claim 1,
As the test strip, a sample pad for receiving a liquid sample and a membrane on which an antibody is immobilized are arranged side by side, and the end of the sample pad and the end of the membrane are laminated via a conjugate pad carrying a labeling substance. Is to be accommodated,
The dropping hole and the determination window are provided so as to be located on both sides of the sample pad, the conjugate pad, and the laminated portion of the membrane, respectively, and the second protrusions are separated from each other in the arrangement direction. And a plurality of second protrusions capable of pressing the laminated portion respectively . A test strip in which a sample pad for receiving a liquid sample and a membrane on which an antibody is immobilized are arranged side by side, and an end of the sample pad and an end of the membrane are laminated via a conjugate pad carrying a labeling substance; A case for storing the test strip, and a liquid drop in which a drop hole for adding a liquid sample to the sample pad and a determination window for confirming the membrane are provided side by side in correspondence with the test strip. In sample inspection tools,
The case for an inspection tool according to claim 1 or 2 as the case, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion are pressed against at least a laminated portion of the sample pad, the conjugate pad and the membrane in the test strip. A liquid sample inspection tool, wherein the test strip is housed in the case for the inspection tool in a state in which it is in a closed state.

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