JP4609252B2 - Sample collection liquid container - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a specimen collection liquid container for testing bacteria such as viruses. More specifically, the present invention relates to a specimen collection liquid container having a structure that allows an examiner to prevent the risk of contamination and infection by a virus when preparing a specimen collection liquid to be dropped into a reaction reagent container for detecting viruses such as influenza. .

In recent years, influenza antigen test kits that can be tested at the bedside have been used as a test for virus antigens such as influenza. Furthermore, it has become possible to quickly detect influenza type A and type B using the test kit. Such a test kit generally uses an immunochromatography method, a flow-through method, an EIA method, or the like. In any of the methods, a sample collection solution prepared from a sample (nasal wiping fluid, nasal aspirate, pharyngeal wiping fluid, etc.) previously collected from a patient is dropped into a reaction reagent container, for example, a reaction reagent cassette. Specifically, mucus is aspirated from a patient's nasal cavity or pharynx by a suction device or wiped off with a cotton swab, and then dissolved in a dissolving solution to prepare a sample collection solution, which is dropped into a reaction reagent container.
An example of a container for preparing such a sample collection liquid is one in which a cap of a container with a cap previously filled with a solution is replaced with a dropping port cap and dropped (Patent Document 1). For example, a sample processing solution is first prepared in a squeeze tube, and then a sample is processed by immersing a cotton swab from which the sample is collected in the sample processing solution to prepare a sample collecting solution. Further, a dropping port cap (dropping tip) is fitted into the squeeze tube, the squeeze tube is inverted, and the sample is dropped from the dropping port cap (dropping tip) to the specimen dropping portion of the reaction reagent container. In the preparation of such a sample solution, the number of steps is large, and there is a risk of contamination or infection with viruses.
JP 2004-109015 A

  Instead of the above-mentioned container for preparing the sample collection liquid, the present inventors inserted a stopper slidably and further provided a dripping port to prepare a dripping liquid into the reaction reagent container. There has already been proposed a sample collection liquid container that can prevent risks such as infection and infection, and has reduced the complexity of operation (Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-070840).

  In such a specimen collection liquid container, in order to prepare the sample liquid, the cotton swab from which the specimen was collected is immersed in the specimen treatment liquid (dissolution solution) with one hand, and the cotton ball portion is moved from the circumference of the cylindrical container to the finger of another hand. The sample is extracted by rotating the cotton swab several times while holding it in place. Next, the swab is taken out while squeezing out the liquid by pressing the cotton ball portion strongly below the neck portion of the cylindrical container and above the liquid level to obtain a sample solution.

However, because the specimen contains mucous substances and they are attached to the cotton swab, the cotton swab is held several times while holding the cotton ball with the fingers of the other hand around the cylindrical container. It is difficult to easily extract the sample with the sample processing solution only by rotating it.
An object of the present invention is to provide a sample collection liquid container that can easily prepare a sample liquid.

  The present invention relates to a cylindrical container having an open upper end and a lower end, a stopper slidably inserted into the cylindrical container in order to provide a liquid-tight solution chamber in the cylindrical container, and the cylinder An opening cap that is detachably attached to the upper end of the cylindrical container, an adapter having an upper end that is liquid-tightly attached to the lower end of the cylindrical container, and that has a filter and a dropping port at the lower end, and a cylinder The cylindrical container has an inner diameter at the lower end slightly larger than the outer diameter of the stopper, and the adapter accommodates the stopper pushed down when the dissolution chamber of the cylindrical container is compressed from the outside, and the lower inner wall of the cylindrical container In the specimen collection liquid container in which a gap is formed between the outer surface of the stopper and the stopper, auxiliary means for urging the specimen sample to be dissolved or extracted in the lysis solution chamber is provided inside the cylindrical container. In the sample collection liquid container That.

  In the present invention, the sample solution can be easily prepared by providing auxiliary means for promoting the dissolution or extraction of the specimen sample in the solution chamber.

  The sample collection liquid container of the present invention is slidably inserted into the cylindrical container in order to provide a cylindrical container having an open upper end and a lower end and a liquid-tight solution chamber in the cylindrical container. A stopper, an opening cap that is detachably attached to the upper end of the cylindrical container, and an adapter that has an upper end that is liquid-tightly attached to the lower end of the cylindrical container and that includes a filter and a dropping port at the lower end. . The cylindrical container has an inner diameter at the lower end that is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the stopper, and the adapter accommodates the stopper pushed down when the solution chamber of the cylindrical container is pressed from the outside, and the cylindrical container An air gap is formed between the inner wall of the lower end and the outer surface of the stopper.

  The sample collection liquid container according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a specimen collection liquid container of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a state in which a cotton swab from which a sample is collected is inserted into the sample collecting liquid container of the present invention. 4 presses the dissolution chamber 7 of the cylindrical container of the sample collection liquid container of FIG. 1 from the outside, the stopper is pushed down, and the sample collection liquid drops through the gap between the inner surface of the cylindrical container and the outer surface of the stopper. It is the schematic which shows the state dripped from a mouth. 5 (a) to 5 (c) are longitudinal sectional views showing other embodiments of the auxiliary means in the sample collection liquid container of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the sample collection liquid container 1 of the present invention is provided with a cylindrical container 2 having an open upper end and a lower end and a liquid-tight solution chamber 7 in the cylindrical container. 2 has a stopper 3 slidably inserted into the cap 2 and a cap 4 detachably attached to the upper end of the cylindrical container 2, and is liquid-tightly attached to the lower end of the cylindrical container 2. It has an adapter 5.

The cylindrical container 2 has an opening that can be screwed with the cap 4 at the upper end, and has a portion with an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the stopper 3 at the lower end. An adapter 5 can be inserted into the lower end portion. The cylindrical container 2 has a slidable stopper 3 inserted near its lower end, and a cap 4 is detachably attached to the upper end. By attaching the stopper 3 and the cap 4, a solution chamber 7 is formed in the cylindrical container 2. The lysing solution chamber 7 is filled with a solution that dissolves a sample (nasal swab, nasal suction, throat swab, etc.). Usually, the solution is water, and a surfactant is added to enhance the reactivity with the specimen when dropped into the reaction reagent. Further, sodium azide or the like is added as a preservative.
In order to push out the sample collection liquid processed in the cylindrical container 2, the cylindrical container 2 is pressed from the outside, the cylindrical portion of the cylindrical container 2 is deformed, and the dissolved liquid is relatively relative to the amount of the dissolved liquid. Not only the volume of the chamber 7 is reduced, but operations such as pushing out by other physical means or increasing the internal pressure by compressing the gas in the solution chamber 7 may be performed. Therefore, it is preferable that the cylindrical container 2 has a transparency and flexibility that allows the state inside the container to be confirmed and that does not whiten even when repeatedly pressed, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, and vinyl chloride resin. Preferably used.

  A cotton swab here refers to a medical swab, specifically a device with a non-woven fabric or the like attached to the tip of a plastic or paper rod-shaped shaft for collecting a bodily fluid sample. In addition, rayon, paper, polylactic acid, cotton and the like are used as the nonwoven fabric material.

  The present invention is characterized in that auxiliary means 21 for promoting dissolution or extraction of the specimen sample in the lysing solution chamber 7 is provided, and the auxiliary means 21 projects the cylindrical container 2 inward. And a separation wall formed by providing a through hole 24 for inserting a cotton swab in the center. Specifically, as such a separation wall, an annular protrusion 121 (FIGS. 1 and 2) provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical container 2 and continuously provided in the axial direction, or the cylindrical container 2 There are a spiral projection 221 (FIG. 5A) provided on the inner wall, and a projection 321 (FIG. 5B) spaced on the inner wall of the cylindrical container 2 with a predetermined interval.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the annular protrusion 121 provided in the axial direction is provided with a plurality of annular protrusions on the inner wall surface rather than being provided on the entire inner wall, and a cylindrical container is squeezed between the protrusions. It is preferable to leave a part that alleviates the feeling of stiffness. Although the annular protrusion shown in FIG. 1 consists of four protrusions, it is not limited to these. In general, it is preferable that the annular protrusion is disposed at a position where the liquid surface straddles the liquid surface in accordance with the operation in which the cotton ball moves up and down across the liquid surface so that the wiping liquid can be easily applied from the cotton ball. Furthermore, it is preferable that the stopper is pushed at the tip of the cotton swab to separate the distance that prevents inadvertent communication. It is desirable that the height of the protrusion be as low as possible so as to easily obtain an increase in internal pressure when squeezed. Specifically, this is usually preferably about 0.1 to 0.3 mm, but can be freely selected according to the size and shape of the cotton ball as long as the wiping liquid can be removed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5A, the spiral protrusion 221 is preferably provided with about 2 to 5 spiral protrusions on the inner wall surface rather than the entire surface of the inner wall. It is preferable that the spiral protrusions are also usually arranged at a position where the liquid level is straddled up and down in accordance with the movement of the cotton ball up and down across the liquid level so that the swab can be easily wiped from the cotton ball. . Furthermore, it is preferable that the stopper is pushed at the tip of the cotton swab to separate the distance that prevents inadvertent communication. It is desirable that the height of the spiral mountain be as low as possible so that the internal pressure rises easily when squeezing. Specifically, this is usually preferably about 0.1 to 0.3 mm, but can be freely selected according to the size and shape of the cotton ball as long as the wiping liquid can be removed.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (b), the projections 321 separated on the inner wall at a predetermined interval are provided on the inner wall surface in a range that straddles the liquid level when the cylindrical container is erected, and each projection is squeezed. It is preferable that the height and the interval are such that there is no sensation of stickiness and the contents can be visually confirmed from the outside. The protrusions separated by a predetermined distance are usually arranged at a position where the liquid level straddles the liquid surface in accordance with the movement of the cotton ball straddling the liquid level so that the swab can easily be wiped from the cotton ball. Is preferred. Furthermore, it is preferable that the stopper is pushed at the tip of the cotton swab to separate the distance that prevents inadvertent communication. It is desirable that the height of the protrusion be as low as possible so as to easily obtain an increase in internal pressure when squeezed. Specifically, this is usually preferably about 0.1 to 0.3 mm, but can be freely selected according to the size and shape of the cotton ball as long as the wiping liquid can be removed.

Further, as shown in FIG. 5 (c), the auxiliary means 21 is located at the lower end of the cylindrical container 2 and at the upper end of the portion holding the stopper 3 from the lower end of the cylindrical container 2. A plurality of pillars 22 extending in the upper end direction may be provided, and a protrusion 421 having a beam 23 in the radial direction may be provided on the top of the pillar 22. By rubbing the cotton swab on the beam 23, it becomes possible to spread the mucous substance adhered to the cotton swab. After the stopper 3 is dropped, the sample collection liquid flows through the gap between the column portion 22 or the beam 23, and the filter 6 Head for. This beam is generally arranged on the substantially liquid surface in accordance with the movement of the cotton ball to move up and down across the liquid surface so that the wiping liquid can be easily poured from the cotton ball. Further, it is preferable to push a stopper with the tip of a cotton swab to separate a distance that prevents inadvertent communication. Further, the side of the beam has a space substantially the same as or slightly larger than that of the cotton ball so that the side of the cotton ball hits. The number and direction of the beams can be freely selected according to the size and shape of the cotton ball as long as the wiping liquid can be removed.
The auxiliary means 21 is usually formed integrally with a cylindrical container, but may be a separate body and assembled. In this case, the auxiliary means 21 is preferably made of an elastic material such as an elastomer. The length of the auxiliary means 21 at this time is such that it cannot be tilted and removed when the cylindrical container 2 is squeezed, and can be freely set as long as it does not become an obstacle to visually confirm the contents. May be. The protrusion of the auxiliary means 21 needs to have a through-hole 24 that allows a swab to be inserted into the cylindrical container 2 and provides free movement thereof.

Since the stopper 3 and the cap 4 are assembled while maintaining the liquid tightness of the solution chamber 7 of the cylindrical container 2, there is no risk of the solution leaking out from the cylindrical container 2.
The stopper 3 generally has a shape that does not impair liquid-tightness during manufacturing or long-term storage, and preferably has a cylindrical shape with a small length (dimension). Before the sample is added, the stopper 3 Close to the inner wall. However, when the stopper 3 slides and moves toward the lower end of the cylindrical container 2, a gap is formed between the stopper 3 and the inner wall. This gap is not blocked even when the deformation of the solution chamber 7 of the cylindrical container 2 is released.
Examples of the material of the stopper 3 include elastic materials such as normal butyl rubber, halogenated butyl rubber, butadiene rubber, isoprene rubber, isobutylene rubber, and thermoplastic elastomer, and thermoplastic elastomer is usually used.
Further, the stopper 3 may be provided with an annular rib for the purpose of smooth sliding.

  The cap 4 is detachably attached to the cylindrical container 2 and is usually screwed together. In order to maintain liquid tightness, a sleeve that is joined to the inner wall of the open end of the cylindrical container 2 is usually provided.

The adapter 5 is a cylindrical member connected to the lower end of the cylindrical container 2, accommodates the stopper 3 pushed down when the dissolution chamber 7 of the cylindrical container 2 is pressed, and the inner wall of the lower end of the cylindrical container 2 And an outer surface of the stopper 3, and a drip port 8 is provided at the lower end. Before preparing the sample collection solution, usually only air is present in the adapter 5.
As long as the adapter 5 is attached to the cylindrical container 2 while maintaining liquid-tightness, the adapter 5 may be welded, adhered with a solvent, or further joined in a press-fit state. As such a material, polyethylene, polypropylene, ABS resin, polystyrene, BS resin, polycarbonate resin or the like is used.

  A filter 6 is provided in the inner cavity of the adapter 5 adjacent to the dropping port 8 and above. The filter 6 has a diameter that can be trapped so as not to clog the dropping port when a sample collected from a patient is highly viscous or contains a solid substance. The effective filtration area and the coarseness of the eyes can be freely selected. As such a material, polyethylene, polypropylene, fluorine-based resin, nylon resin, and the like, as well as inorganic materials and the like are used. Usually, a polyethylene sintered body is used.

  The dripping port 8 is provided with a drip port cap 9 that is detachably attached. The dripping port cap 9 may be detachably attached to the dripping port 8, and polyethylene, polypropylene, vinyl chloride resin or the like is used as a material. Further, it may be formed integrally with the adapter 5. Furthermore, the diameter of the dedicated container stand may be substantially the same as the trunk diameter of the cylindrical container 2 so that a plurality of sample collection liquid containers 1 can be set up on the dedicated container stand.

  When preparing the sample collection liquid, as shown in FIG. 3, the opening 4 is first opened with the cap 4 facing upward, and a collection rod such as a cotton swab to which the sample collected from the patient is attached is opened from the upper end opening. The sample is inserted into the lysing solution chamber of the cylindrical container 2 and moved up and down on the auxiliary means 21, and the sample is spread and dissolved and extracted with the lysing solution to prepare a sample collecting solution.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the cap 4 is again attached to the opening of the cylindrical container 2, and the dripping port 8 positioned on the opposite side of the cylindrical container 2 is directed to the reaction reagent container, and then the cylindrical container 2. When the body part having the solution chamber 7 is pressed, the stopper 3 advances downward due to an increase in internal pressure due to the pressing, and is moved and accommodated in the adapter 5. Between the outer surface of the stopper 3 accommodated and the inner wall of the adapter 5, there is provided a gap through which the sample collection liquid in the dissolution chamber 7 can be dropped. Therefore, the sample collection liquid passes through this gap, is guided to the outside from the dropping port 8, and can be dropped into the reaction reagent container.

  The sample collection liquid container of the present invention is not limited to virus tests such as influenza virus, but can be used for general biological tests including other pathogens.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state before use of the sample collection liquid container of this invention. It is AA sectional drawing in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state at the time of dissolution preparation of the sample collection liquid container of this invention. It is the schematic which shows the state at the time of dripping of the sample collection liquid container of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the other embodiment of the auxiliary means of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Specimen collection liquid container 121,221,321,421 Protrusion 2 Cylindrical container 21 Auxiliary means 22 Column part 23 Beam 3 Stopper 4 Cap 5 Adapter 6 Filter 7 Dissolving liquid chamber 8 Drip port 9 Drip port cap

Claims (6)

  A cylindrical container having an open upper end and a lower end; a stopper slidably inserted into the cylindrical container to provide a liquid-tight solution chamber in the cylindrical container; and an upper end of the cylindrical container An opening cap that is detachably attached to the upper end, and an upper end that is liquid-tightly attached to the lower end of the cylindrical container, and an adapter having a filter and a dripping port at the lower end, and the cylindrical container is The inner diameter of the lower end is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the stopper, and the adapter accommodates the stopper pushed down when the dissolution chamber of the cylindrical container is pressed from the outside, and the lower end inner wall of the cylindrical container and the outer surface of the stopper In the sample collection liquid container in which a gap is formed between the sample container and the sample collection liquid container, auxiliary means for urging the sample sample to be dissolved or extracted in the solution chamber is provided inside the cylindrical container. Liquid container.   The specimen collection liquid container according to claim 1, wherein the auxiliary means is a separation wall formed by providing a through-hole through which a cylindrical container projects inward and a cotton swab is inserted in the center.   The sample collection liquid container according to claim 2, wherein the separation wall is an annular protrusion provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical container and continuously provided in the axial direction.   The specimen collection liquid container according to claim 2, wherein the separation wall is a protrusion separated from the inner wall of the cylindrical container by a predetermined interval.   The specimen collection liquid container according to claim 2, wherein the separation wall is a spiral protrusion provided on the inner wall of the cylindrical container.   The said auxiliary | assistant means has several pillar part extended in the upper end direction from the lower end of the said cylindrical container, The top part of this pillar part is a protrusion provided with the beam in radial direction. Sample collection liquid container.

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