WO1989006360A1

WO1989006360A1 - Stool sampling tube suitable for automatic processing

Info

Publication number: WO1989006360A1
Application number: PCT/JP1989/000018
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kazuo Shiraiwa; Kunio Tada; Fumio Yamagata; Tokiharu Noda
Original assignee: Elmex Ltd.
Priority date: 1988-01-11
Filing date: 1989-01-10
Publication date: 1989-07-13

Abstract

This invention relates to a novel structure of a stool sampling tube including a container for storing a preservation solution or a medium, a cap for sealing the opening of the container and a stool sampling member fixed to the cap. The stool sampling member has a thinly elongated rod-like or bag-like shape and the surface of the area near its tip is so coarse that the coarse surface is rubbed against an object for sampling. Since the tip of the stool sampling member is tapered, the sample can be smeared thinly and narrowly on the medium. When a smear is obtained by rotating the stool sampling member on its longitudinal axis for automatic smearing, the smear can be obtained without interruption. The quantity of the sample and the concentration of the smear on the medium can be optimized by attaching a sheath to the rod-like or bag-like member and a deposition quantity of the sample can be further optimized by providing means for smoothening the coarse surface of the stool sampling member. If the opening of the container is cut aslant with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container, the area of the opening of the container can be increased and the insertion of the sampled stool into the container can be made more easily. At the same time, the sample adherent to the cap can be recovered in the container and the size of the sampling tube can be reduced. An expanded portion is disposed on the outer side surface of the opening of the container or a sealing member made of a flexible material is disposed inside the cap and the shape of the sealing member has a tapered surface projecting downward with the longitudinal axis of the stool sampling member being the center. In this manner the sample adherent to the cap can be recovered into the sample container more easily and the quantity of the sample adherent to the sampling member can be increased.

Description

Details

Title of invention:

Stool collection tube suitable for mechanized treatment

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention generally relates to a sampling device for collecting, transporting, and smearing a culture medium with a desired amount of a sample from an object to be inspected for a microorganism test, and particularly to a stool collection tube for stool inspection. . Background technology:

Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a stool collection tube having a stool that collects a samble from a test object for stool inspection, a test tube-like container that stores the stool, and a cab that seals the opening of the container is known. Teru.

As a conventional toilet body, a cotton swab in which the base end of a spoon-shaped member is fixed to a cap and the tip of a rod-shaped member is covered with cotton is typical.

For stool tests for microbial testing, it is important to collect samples from the surface of the test object. It is also desirable to collect an appropriate amount of sample. If it takes time between the sample collection and the microbial test, and if there is a geographical separation between the collection site and the laboratory, enclose a glycerin storage solution or a carrier medium in a test tube, and transfer the sample. It must be immersed or immersed in a storage solution or medium to prevent drying and hardening of the sample, and the growth and death of microorganisms in the sample.

The sample is usually applied to the surface of the culture medium in a petri dish using a stool. Smearing of samples may result in isolated colonies on the medium, It is necessary to apply it thinly and dilutely. Shika must not be coated twice and must not damage the medium surface.

Therefore, when applying, the worker removes excess sample from the stool and then applies the shampoo.However, even in such a case, the medium where the stool was first in contact with the surface of the medium was concentrated. The concentration of the smear becomes thinner as the stool moves. In order to promote this tendency, it is common practice to gradually increase the coating speed. Its coating speed must be quite fast. If the smear is inappropriate, isolated colonies will not be obtained and proper testing will not be possible. Therefore, the painting work requires ripening.

A spoon-shaped one is often used as a stool, and if the sample is collected by a non-specialist, the sample is collected correctly from the surface of the inspection object. There were so many things. For example, when scooping a sample on the concave surface of a spoon, an extremely excessive amount of sample is collected. If an excessive amount of sample was collected, the excess sample was wiped off with a web of cloth, non-woven fabric, paper, etc., before applying the smear. When the test object was liquid, the sample was washed off from the spoon with the preservation solution or the carrier medium, and an appropriate amount of the sample could not be held on the spoon surface. If the sample is extremely hard, the sample will not be sufficiently buried in the culture medium, so that the sample will not only have problems such as drying, hardening, microbial growth and death, but also on the surface of the stool body. An appropriate amount of sample could not be deposited. In addition, the spread operation is performed on the convex (rear) surface of the spoon. If the spoon is set up too much to apply a fine spread, the medium surface will be damaged and proper inspection will be impossible.

Even when using a cotton swab as a stool, it is often the case that the test object is not correctly collected from the surface of the test object, and if the test object is extremely hard, an appropriate amount of sample is used. It was difficult to collect the swabs, and if they were forced to do so, the swabs were damaged and widened. In addition, the cotton swab had high water retention and was soft, so it was difficult to apply it thinly and dilutely. The excess sample had to be wiped off as described above.

In each case, the application of the paint must be carried out by a skilled worker, but as can be understood from the above-mentioned working modes, it is uncomfortable and severe for the inspector. Therefore, it is difficult to secure workers appropriate to the workload, and labor costs are increased. In addition, there were problems such as odor control and disposal of used stool collection tubes and numerous tubes. Also, if there is a possibility that pathogenic bacteria such as statutory infectious diseases may be present in the specimen, consideration must be given to the problem of infection to workers.

Therefore, if the spraying operation is automated (mechanized) without the use of webs to remove excessive amounts of sample, not only the problem of securing skilled workers, human rights costs, but also odor control, It is very useful because it can easily solve waste disposal and sanitation problems. Therefore, there was a potential demand for a feces collection tube suitable for automated processing.

However, it was difficult to take the excessive amount of samble at the time of stool collection, and it was difficult to take the minimum required amount of samble. It is difficult to get the machine to perform the wiping operation until the sample volume is adequate, and if possible, Equipment is expensive.

In addition, the usage pattern of the above-mentioned stool tube having the stool body ♦ cap assembly and the container was as follows.

To collect a sample, separate the cap from the container and place it on the cap. -Collect a sample from the surface of the stool using the convex (rear) surface of the spoon-shaped stool fixed to the body, insert the stool into the storage solution or medium, and attach the cap to the container. The collection tube containing the sample is transported to a laboratory.

For laboratories, remove the cap from the container and apply a sample to the culture medium using a spoon-shaped stool collected on the cap.

In such a stool collection tube, if the shape of the opening portion of the container is small, there is a possibility that the sample may erroneously adhere to the opening portion of the container when the stool is introduced into the container. However, if the sampler of the sample is not an inspection specialist, the above problems are exacerbated. In addition, if the shape of the opening section is increased, the material per product increases, which not only increases the manufacturing cost, but also increases the transportation and storage space, further increases the transportation cost, and increases waste. There are disadvantages such as the increase in the amount of waste.

In addition, the stool tube may vibrate, lie down, or turn upside down during transport of the stool tube, causing condensed water or leachate from the stock solution or medium containing the sample. It adheres to the inside of the stool and cab of the stool and stains the inspector's hand when applying or removing the cap of the stool tube at the inspection organization, or on the culture medium. It was dripping. This problem is solved with the attention and attention of a skilled expert. It is difficult for a machine to make a situation judgment equivalent to the consideration of a skilled expert. Also, it is desirable to apply the paint easily without any special consideration when applying the paint by the application method.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, the applicant of the present application has conducted a research on a stool collection tube which has solved the drawbacks at the time of stool collection, the drawbacks at the time of transportation and storage, and the drawbacks at the time of mechanization of the smearing operation. As a result, we have developed a stool tube that can be used satisfactorily in both the use method and the mechanization method. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION:

According to the present invention, the stool collection body is an elongated solid rod, an elongated hollow rod, or a combination of these and a sheath, and a region close to the tip thereof. The surface is taken as a rough surface.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the stool is made of only a solid rod-shaped body, and the surface of the region near the front end is roughened.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the stool is composed of an elongated sheath and an elongated rod movably accommodated in the longitudinal direction of the sheath, and the distal end of the sheath An opening is provided in the portion, and the opening is pressed to open so that the rod-shaped body can protrude. The surface of the region close to the tip of the above-mentioned sheath and the rod or the rod-shaped body is roughened. You.

′ In still another embodiment of the present invention, the toilet body includes a hollow elongated rod-shaped or bag-shaped body, and the surface of the distal end region of the hollow rod-shaped or bag-shaped body is roughened. Means is provided for stretching, so that when the rough surface is stretched, the sample captured in the concave portion of the rough surface is exposed on the surface of the stretched rod or bag.

Methods for roughening the surface of the tip of a round bar include forming one or more uneven strips on the surface, forming mesh-like unevenness, and forming a matte (grind glass surface). There are various embodiments, and these will be described in detail with reference to examples. By making the surface of the region close to the tip of the toilet body rough, the sample can be reliably captured regardless of its properties. Also, when transporting and storing, when the tip of the body is immersed or buried in the storage solution or in the carrier culture medium, and when removing the body from the body, the sample must be securely placed on the surface of the body. The speed at which the sample travels over the surface of the stool can be adjusted by holding and further hitting the smear. When the stool is composed of a sheath and an elongated rod movably provided in the longitudinal direction, when the sheath or the rod is protruded, the excess amount attached to the surface of the rod Pururu helps the sample captured by the sheath to adhere to the rod in an appropriate amount.

When the stool is made of a hollow rod-shaped or bag-like body made of hollow fiber and provided with a means for extending the rough surface, the specimen captured by the concave portion of the rough surface is It is exposed on the smoothed surface, so that an appropriate amount of coating is possible. As a means for smoothing the rough surface, a simple method such as applying a fluid pressure into the hollow shell or stretching with a push rod is simple, but other methods are also acceptable. In this case, the hollow rod-shaped body or the bag-shaped body may have at least a degree of rigidity at least with respect to the external force extending in the longitudinal axis direction, and the rough surface may be stretched. In addition, it is necessary to adopt a suitable material and metal or metal structure. The material and the structure will be described in detail through examples.

In the present invention, the upper end of the container is cut obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. As a result, the area of the opening portion of the container increases, and when the toilet body is inserted into the container, the sample is less likely to adhere to the opening portion of the container by mistake, and the size of the feces collection tube is reduced. Can be In addition, for inspection laboratories, by holding the stool collection tube in an upright position for a while, the liquid adhering to the handle and cap of the stool is inclined and opened. It can flow down along the part and be collected in a container. Desirably, the above-described effect can be further enhanced by chamfering the inner surface of the container of the opening part obliquely from above to below.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the outer peripheral edge of the obliquely cut upper end of the container bulges outward in a headband shape that closely adheres to the inner surface of the cab. . According to this, the above-mentioned collection chrysanthemum is large. In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, a toilet body is fixed to a central portion of the inner surface of the top plate of the cap, and an opening portion of the container is provided in a region close to the fixing portion. And / or an elastic member is hermetically pressed against the inner surface. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the liquid containing the sample from adhering to the outer surface of the container and the inner surface of the cap.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the stool is fixed to the central portion of the inner surface of the top of the cap or is formed integrally, and the area close to the fixing portion is provided. In the region, there is provided a sealing member made of an elastic material which is hermetically pressed against the opening portion of the container and the Z or the inner surface, but in this embodiment, the upper end of the container is opposed to the longitudinal axis of the container. I was cut diagonally.

In this embodiment, it is not possible to reduce the possibility that the sample is accidentally attached to the vicinity of the opening portion of the container when the toilet body is inserted into and removed from the container according to the method of use. When mechanized sample collection, it is not necessary to increase the open area.) However, it is possible to prevent the sample from entering between the container and the cap, and to the inspection organization. It is possible to prevent contamination of the inspector's hand, the machine, and the culture medium during handling using the collection tube method or mechanization method.

In still another embodiment of the present invention, the lower surface of the sealing member in the embodiment just described is an inclined surface projecting downward about the longitudinal axis of the toilet body. Accordingly, the sample-containing liquid attached to the sealing member easily flows down along a part of the toilet body. This feature is particularly useful for mechanized smearing operations. This is because as many samples are retained in the stool and flow down.

There are various variations in the arrangement relationship or engagement relationship between the plurality of components of the toilet body, the arrangement relationship between the toilet body and the cap or between the cap and the container, and the engagement relationship. This will be described in detail with reference to examples. The summary of the present invention has been described above. For better understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and some embodiments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the structure of a stool tube of the present invention,

FIGS. 2a-d are partial cross-sectional views showing some embodiments of the present invention with a feces body consisting of an elongated solid

FIGS. 3a to 3e are partial cross-sectional views showing some embodiments of the present invention with a stool made of a rod and a sheath.

FIG. 4 is a schematic side view illustrating a case where a wiping membrane is provided on the machine side instead of providing the sheath body on the toilet body,

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of a structure for moving the rod-shaped body and the sheath body relatively in the longitudinal direction,

FIGS. 6a to 6c are partial cross-sectional views showing some embodiments of the present invention, which have an elongated rod-shaped body, a bag-shaped body or a Z-shaped body and a push rod or a cylinder-shaped stool, which are hollow and hollow. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of the present invention having a desired structure of a container and a cab of a stool collection tube,

FIG. 8 is a partial sectional view showing a modification of the container,

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of a fecal collection tube having a sealing member,

FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view showing a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 9,

FIG. 11 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a modification of the embodiment of FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating the configuration of the feces collection tube of the present invention. Sampling tube Consists of a container 10, a cap 20, and a stool 30. The container 10 and the cap 20 are shown as being screwed together to seal the opening of the container. However, the detachable structure of the container 10 and the cap 20 can be attached and detached by mechanization and manually, and if it can seal the container, it can be made of a large-sized structure. For example, even with a “push fit” similar to that of a general rubber stopper or cork stopper, a click-stop structure with complementary concave and convex parts is provided at the press-fit portion between the container and the cap. Good. It is good to use a screw-in cab that is similar to a bayonet mount. Various types of such engaging structures and sealing structures are known, and these structures can be applied as long as they conform to the present invention.

The toilet body 30 and the cap 20 may be formed integrally, or after being formed separately, the base end 31 c of the toilet body and the cap 20 are fixed to each other. Good to combine.

The surface of the region near the distal end of the toilet body 30 is roughened. The surface part used for the smear of the stool should not necessarily be rough, but should be as small as possible, and should be a small curved surface that is as thin and dilute as possible. Is desirable.

FIGS. 2a to 2d show some examples in which the stool body 30 is composed of only an elongated and solid rod 31. FIG. In FIG. 2, the base end portion of the rod-shaped pair 31 is omitted, and the tip end portion and the culture medium C in the petri dish S are shown. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2a, the rod 31 is a tapered round bar, and the entire surface of the tip 31a and the area 31b close to the tip is a matte rough surface. Puru. In this embodiment, the sticking operation can be performed by inclining the rod-shaped body in a direction perpendicular or perpendicular to the surface of the culture medium C.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2b, the portion 3 1b of the rod 31 in the vicinity of the tip 31a is swollen, forming a mesh-like rough surface and increasing the surface area. . Thus, Regardless of the hardness of the test object at the time of collection, the minimum required sample can be collected, and the rods 31 are roughened when immersed in the preservative solution, the carrier culture medium, buried, and withdrawn from them. It is possible to increase the amount of samble held on the surface. It also has the effect of reducing the speed at which the sample moves on the surface of the stool during smearing. The tip 31 a of the rod 31 is tapered, and the surface of the tip 31 a is shown as being smooth.

In the embodiment of FIG. 2c, one side 3 1 b ′ of the portion 31 adjacent to the tip 31 a of the rod-shaped pair 31 bulges (semicircular cross section), and the surface of the one side 3 1 b ′ Are rough surfaces. The surface of the tip 31 a of the rod 31 and the surface of the side 3 1 b ′ ′ that does not swell are smooth. This embodiment has substantially the same advantages as the embodiment of FIG. 2b, and also applies a sample to the culture medium C while the rod 31 is inclined with respect to the surface of the culture medium C in the illustrated direction. Suitable for splashing.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2d, different types (for example, as shown in FIG. 2) of the surface of one side 3 1 b ′ of the region close to the tip 31 a of the rod 31 and the other side 3 1 b ′ are used. The rough surface on one side shall be a rough surface suitable for collecting the hardness test object, and the rough surface on the other side shall be liquid or soft (a rough surface suitable for collecting the test object). It has been formed. When such a rod 31 is used, a means for indicating the side on which the sample is attached can be provided on the cab 20. Such a display means can be provided in various ways, such as putting an asymmetrical identification cab on the cab with respect to the longitudinal axis, attaching a coloring mark for identification, attaching a magnetic mark, and the like.

When these rods 31 are introduced into the carrier culture medium, the sample on the surface of the tip 31 a and the area 31 b close to the tip is moved from the tip 31 a to the base 31 c. It has a tendency to wipe toward the surface, but upon removal, an appropriate amount of sample is again captured on the surface of the tip 31a and the area 31b adjacent thereto. The rod-shaped body 31 may be formed integrally with the cap 20, they may be formed as separate parts, and the base end 31 c of the rod-shaped body may be retrofitted to the cab 20. .

When the body 30 is formed symmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (for example, in FIGS. 2a and 2b), the body 30 is fixed to the center of the cap 20, and When the body is handled by the machine, the direction of the stool is lost and there is no danger of damaging the culture medium when smeared. When the stool body 30 is formed non-axisymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal axis (for example, Fig. 2c), select the direction in which the part to be brought into contact with the culture medium C contacts the culture medium surface correctly. It is necessary to make the machine hold the toilet body 30. For the selection of the gripping direction, the method described with reference to FIG. 2d and various other methods known in mechanical technology can be used.

The rough surface formed on the surface of the region 3 1 b close to the tip 31 a of the rod 31 has one or more uneven stripes, mesh-like unevenness, orientation, length and shape.ことが It can be formed to a desired depth along wrinkles or satin finish. More specifically, the uneven stripes are one or more uneven stripes oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the rod 31, one or more uneven stripes oriented in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the round bar 30, In other words, i or more ring-shaped uneven strips provided parallel to the surface 31b of the end 31a and / or the area near the end 31a of the sacrifice 31 and the longitudinal axis of the rod 31 It is also acceptable to use one or more uneven stripes or the like oriented in the direction inclined to the surface. In the embodiment in which the ridges and protrusions are oriented in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod 31, the ridges and grooves have an appropriate pitch angle and pitch with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod 31. One or more ridges formed in a spiral shape with intervals may be used, or a plurality of intermittent ridges orientated in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the rod 31. Very good.

These rods 31 are made of, for example, synthetic resin, synthetic rubber, glass, and ceramic. The spur is preferably made of a material such as a metal, and more preferably a biologically inert material. Of course, it is good to use composite materials of those forest materials. Also, rod

3 1 is made of colorless and transparent, colored and transparent, and blue is made of a slightly light-colored white material, and the transparency or lightness is determined by optical detection means. It is good to be able to judge automatically. If the sample itself does not have a color, a colorant can be mixed into the preservation solution or the medium to facilitate determination of the amount or concentration of the sample on the stool by the optical detection means. During the application by the automated chemical method, the contact pressure between the rod 31 and the surface of the culture medium C may be at least a part of the rod 31 or the joint between the cab 20 and the rod 31. Since it is made of a flexible material, it is not necessary to adjust it strictly.

When the surface of the medium is smooth, if the pressure is strong and the flexibility of the rod 31 is large, the tip of the rod 31 is caught on the surface of the medium C and released. The phenomena are repeated and the sample may be scattered. Therefore, the pressing force, the material of the rod 31, the method of fixing the rod 31 to the cap 20, the accuracy of the fixing position and It is necessary to consider the relationship.

The contact pressure between the rod 31 and the surface of the culture medium C may utilize the weight of the toilet body 30 and a part of the machine, and an elastic biasing means using a pneumatic spring or the like may be used. It can be adjusted by various means, such as using it.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the feces body 30 includes a sheath 32 and an elongated rod-shaped body 31 housed movably in the longitudinal direction of the sheath 32. FIGS. 3a to 3e show cross-sectional views of some embodiments having such a structure.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3A, the sheath body 32 accommodates a rod 31 similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2A so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. It is assumed that the surface 2a and the region 32b adjacent thereto have a rough surface. Tip 3 1a of rod 3I and Alternatively, a rough surface may be formed in the region 31b adjacent thereto, and it is not necessary that the surface be formed. In this example, when the sample was collected, the rough surface formed on the tip of the sheath 32a and the area 32b adjacent to the tip of the sheath 32a The sample is captured as well as the rough surface formed in the part 31a and the area 31b adjacent thereto. The sheath 32 gradually becomes thinner as it approaches the distal end 32a, and the distal end 32a has an opening 32d that allows the rod 31 to protrude. . In this embodiment, the sheath 32 is formed of a rubber-like elastic material, and the opening 32 d of the tip 32 a is almost in close contact with and tightly closed. A means (described later) for projecting the rod 31 from the tip 3 2 a of the sheath 32 is provided. When the rod 31 projects from the tip 32 a of the sheath 32, the sheath 3 2 The sample adhering to the rough surface moves to the tip of the rod 31 and the surface of the region close to the tip. Since the preservation solution or the carrier medium makes the sample easier to flow, an appropriate amount of the sample is transferred to the surface of the rod 31. The material forming the sheath 32 is not limited to the rubber-like elastic material, and may be formed of any material as long as the rod 31 can protrude from the opening 32 d.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3b, the sheath body 32 is the same as the embodiment of FIG. 3a except that the region 32b adjacent to the distal end 32a is thickened and swells. Same as. The rough surface of the swollen region 32b has the same effect as described with reference to FIG. 2b.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3c, a rod 31 similar to the embodiment of FIG. 2b is housed in a sheath 32 so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction. A rough surface is formed on the surface of the tip 32 a of the sheath 32 and the region 32 b adjacent thereto. The region 3 1b adjacent to the tip 3 1a of the rod 31 has a satin-like rough surface. In this embodiment, since the rough surface is formed on the rod 31, the rod 3 3 When 1 is protruded, the speed at which the sample is transferred from the rough surface of the sheath 32 to the tip 31 a of the rod 31 decreases. The other points are the same as those of the embodiment in FIGS. 3a and 3b. Although the sheath 32 has been described as being formed of an elastic material in the examples of FIGS. 3a to 3c, the sheath 32 has a tip 3 2a and a region 3 2b adjacent to the tip 3a. The sheath 32 may be flexible, for example, by giving a radial crack or splitting it radially with a small mosquito in advance. It can be formed of a conductive material. In this case, the transfer of the sample from the sheath 32 to the rod 31 may be uneven. This can be solved, for example, by rotating the rod 31 and the sheath 32 relatively with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Further, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3 a to 3 c, a rough surface is provided on the surface of the rod 31, and at the time of stool, the rod 31 is protruded from the opening of the sheath 32 and collected. The rod 31 is immersed or buried in a storage solution or a carrier medium as it is, and the rod 31 is stored in the sheath 32 prior to coating, and then the rod 31 is opened again. You can make it d. In this case, it is not always necessary to form a rough surface on the surface of the sheath 32.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3d, the sheath 32 and the rod 31 are the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 3a, and the tip 31a of the rod 31 A slight gap G is provided between the tip of the sheath 32 and the inner surface of the 2a, and the tip 3 of the sheath 32 is formed.

The difference is that a plurality of openings 32e are provided in a region 32b close to 2a. At the time of collection, rub the opening 32 e against the surface of the object to be inspected, and actively collect the sample in the gap G 內. At this time, the edge at the opening 32 e is advantageous for removing the sample. During the transportation and storage, the storage solution or the liquid component of the carrier medium is introduced into the gap G from the opening 32e. Rod 3 1 is a sheath

The sample in the gap G is a rod when protruding The excess sample is attached to the surface of the tip 31 a of the body 31 and the area 31 b adjacent thereto, and excess sample is wiped off by opening 32 d. In this embodiment, there is an advantage that sampling can be reliably performed even if the inspection target is a liquid. When the rod 31 is protruded from the opening 32 d of the sheath 32, there is a possibility that excess sample is discharged from the opening 32e. Therefore, it is only necessary to protrude the rod 31 from the sheath 32 on an appropriate filth reservoir on the outside of the chamber S to collect the excess samble into the trash. It is also recommended that the reservoir be disinfected and washed at least periodically.

In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3e, the opening 32d at the tip of the sheath 32 becomes a relatively large opening, and the tip 31a of the rod 31 becomes the opening 32d. Slightly projecting from A rough surface is formed on the surface of the distal end portion 32 a of the sheath 32 and the region 32 b adjacent thereto. The protruding tip 31a of the rod 31 has a smooth surface. At the time of collection, the sample is collected by rubbing the rough surface of the tip 32a of the sheath 32 and the area 32b adjacent thereto on the surface of the inspection object. At this time, the sample also adheres to the tip 31a of the rod 31. The tip 31a of the rod 31 is considered as a smooth surface. When the part is immersed or buried, the sample attached to the tip end 31a of the rod 31 is simply removed. This embodiment has an advantage that the amount of deformation of the distal end 32d of the sheath is reduced. Other features will be easily understood from the above description of the embodiment.

As a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 3e, the tip 31a of the rod 31 protruding from the tip 3 2a of the sheath 32 is the same as the tip 3 2a of the sheath 32. It is also good to cut the rod on a flat surface and make the tip of the rod like a truncated cone. In this modified example, at the time of the coating operation, the rod-shaped body 31 is housed in the sheath 32 and is wiped with the opening of the container 10. Alternatively, an excess sample is shaken off by applying an impact to the stool 30, and after that, an appropriate concentration is applied by performing a spreading operation. In addition, if the spray is applied on the arc portion where the top surface of the truncated cone of the rod 31 and the slope meet, the surface in contact with the culture medium surface becomes small.

In the embodiment of FIG. 3, when the rod 31 is pushed out from the distal end of the toilet body 32, the distal end 31a of the rod 31 and / or the area 31b adjacent thereto is exposed. A spiral groove (not shown) is provided on the inner wall surface 32h of the sheath 32, where the sheath 31 is in contact with the sheath 31, 31b ', 31b,', and the rod 31 and the sheath 32 are elongated. Excessive samples can be eliminated by reciprocating longitudinally multiple times without relative rotation about the axis.

The opening 32d at the tip of the sheath 32 need not be closed, and may be an opening having a small cross-sectional area. In this case, there is an advantage that the sample can be captured in the opening 32d; however, on the other hand, the sample may be excessively attached to the tip of the rod-shaped body 31, so that the To remove excess sample. Excessive sambre removal, for example, can impact the stool 30 on a basin and can be shaken off.

Instead of providing a sheath in the stool tube, the stool tube of the present invention is taken out, and the membrane M of the elastic material shown in FIG. 4 is fixed below the rod 31 on the machine side. A small opening M 1 may be provided at a position slightly deviated from the portion where the rod 31 abuts on the film M. The tip 31 a of the rod 31 first contacts the elastic membrane M to wipe off the excess sample at the tip, and when the rod 31 moves downward, the tip 31 a opens. The excess sample can be wiped from the surface of the region 31 b adjacent to the tip of the rod 31. In this case, the membrane M is replaced every time. It is also good to move the rod 31 downward while rotating it around its longitudinal axis. FIG. 5 shows an example of a cross section of a key structure for relatively moving the rod 31 and the sheath 32 in cross section. The relationship between the cap 20 and the test tube 10 is shown as a screw connection between a male screw formed on the outer surface of the open part of the test tube 10 and a female screw formed on the inner surface of the cap 20. Puru. The base end 31 c of the rod 31 is firmly fixed along the mounting structure 21 formed on the cap 20. At the base end of the sheath 32, a ring-shaped ridge 32 f protruding inward (in the centripetal direction) is formed. On the side of the rod 31, a single ring-shaped recess 3 is formed. 1d are formed and they mate with each other. A ring-shaped flange member 32 g protruding in the radial direction is formed on the trunk of the sheath body 32.

At the time of collection, the sample is attached to the rough surface of the tip of the sheath 32 from the surface of the inspection object. For transport and storage, the rod 31 and the sheath 32 are left as they are, and the tip of the sheath 32a and the area close to it in the preservation solution or test solution in the test tube 10 or the carrier culture medium. 3 2b is immersed or buried. At the time of coating, the cap 20 is removed from the test tube 10 by hand or machine, and the cap body 20 and the cab 20 are relatively moved in a direction to approach each other. By moving it, the tip 31a of the rod is protruded from the opening 32d of the sheath. It is clear that the extrusion structure shown in FIG. 4 can be applied to any of the embodiments shown in FIGS.

Means for relatively moving the sheath body 32 and the rod body 31 in the longitudinal direction are known as various structures in mechanical technology, as long as all of them are compatible with the present invention. Available.

6a to 6c show another embodiment of the present invention. In these embodiments, the stool body 30 is a hollow elongate rod-shaped body 31 or bag-shaped body 33 or Z and a sacrifice 34 or cylindrical body 35. You. In Figure 6, the hollow The rod-shaped body 31 or the bag-shaped body 33 is drawn with a thick solid line with its thickness reduced. In the embodiment of FIG. 6a, the rod 31 is made of a deformable forest material when the fluid pressure in the interior 31 h increases in the hollow structure. The tip 31 a and the region 31 b adjacent to the tip are rough surfaces. When fluid pressure is applied to the inside of the cavity 31 h of the rod 31, the rough surface formed on the surface of the tip 31 a of the rod 31 and the area 31 adjacent thereto (uneven stripes, meshes) (Wrinkles, wrinkles, etc.) are stretched, and the sample trapped in those recesses is exposed on the stretched surface of the rod. In this embodiment, the hollow rod-shaped body 31 normally needs to have a self-shape retaining force to the extent necessary for the sampling operation. In some cases, deformation (stretching) can be facilitated by introducing heated pressurized fluid into the cavity. Further, as a modification of the embodiment of FIG. 6a, it is also possible to form the hollow rod 31 with a shape memory alloy and stretch the rough surface by a temperature change instead of pressing. At this time, the surface of the rod 31 can be coated with a biologically inert forest material.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6b, the hollow bag 33 is formed of an elastic material such as rubber. The surface of the tip 33a or the region 33b adjacent to the tip of the bag 33 is rough. A flange 33 g protruding in the radial direction is formed on the body of the bag 33. A push rod 34 is inserted into the cavity of the bag 3.3, so that the base end (upper part in the figure) of the push rod 34 and the flange 33g of the bag are alternated. When moving in a direction approaching the surface, the rough surface is stretched and the sample captured by the concave portion of the rough surface is exposed. As a modification of this embodiment, a pressurized fluid is introduced between the push rod 34 and the bag 33 instead of relatively moving the push rod 34 and the bag 33 to make the rough surface May be stretched. In this case, a groove or a pipe for guiding the pressurized fluid can be formed in the push rod 34. In the embodiment of FIG. 6c, the toilet body 30 is shown as comprising a bag-like body 33 and a cylindrical support 35. The tip 3 3 a of the bag 3 3 and the area 3 3 b adjacent to it have a rough surface, and a part of the tip of the bag 3 3 is inverted to form the cylindrical support 35. It is housed in the opening at the tip 35 a. The bag-like body 33 is actually in close contact with the side surface of the cylindrical support 35, but is drawn with a space between them for convenience of explanation. At the time of sampling, the sample is caught in the tip of the bag 33 inverted and stored in the opening 35a, and the tip of the bag 33 is pushed out by fluid pressure or a push rod (not shown). When removed, the excess sample is removed and an appropriate amount of the sample is exposed on the stretched surface of the bladder.

The pressurized fluid may be air, water, or the like, and the fluid may be a hollow rod 31 or a bag-like body 33 with a cavity 31 h or 33 h sealed and a cavity. The internal pressure may be increased by sandwiching the base end manually or with a machine, and the base end of the rod 31 or the bag 33 may be opened, and the released end may be inserted into the machine. It is good to connect to the fluid supply line and introduce the pressurized fluid into the cavity 31 h or 33 h. Such a structure itself is known in mechanical technology, and will not be described in detail. In the case where the hollow cylindrical bar-shaped body or the bag-shaped body of each embodiment shown in FIG. 6 has an open frame, and its open end is connected to the opening provided on the cap, the following is a description. If the joint between the rod 31 or the bag 33 and the cap is air-tightly sealed, the cab opening does not necessarily need to be sealed, but if sealing is desired. The opening of the cap can be fitted with a suitable hermetic stopper, for example a push fit. In addition, in each of the embodiments shown in FIG. 6, the shapes of the tips 31 a and 33 a of the hollow rod-shaped body or the bag-shaped body are drawn in a hemispherical shape. Fig. 2 can be drawn in a simple shape as shown in Figs.

The above description has been made with reference to the embodiment of the feces collection body in the feces collection tube of the present invention. The stool taken in the stool tube of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea of the present invention.

For example, as in the embodiment of FIG. 3c, the wedge of the opening 32e may be made to protrude from the outer surface of the sheath 32 to facilitate the collection of the inspection object. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6c, a taper is applied to the tip of the tubular support 35, and the taper is opened at the tip of the tubular support. B can be cut at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis to make it easier to collect the sumble at the time of collection. Further, the cylindrical support 35 and the bag-shaped body 33 may be relatively moved in the same manner as in the embodiment of FIG. 6b, and the rough surface of the bag-shaped body 33 may be stretched.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a container 10, a cap, 20 and a stool 30 according to the most basic embodiment of the stool collection tube of the present invention.

The cap 20 is provided with a ring-shaped protruding ridge 22 protruding inward at the lower end portion or the opening portion 21, and the corresponding portion on the outer surface of the container 10 has a corresponding concave portion. 13 is formed. It is shown that a cylindrical projection 23 is provided on the inner surface of the top wall of the cap. The toilet body 30 has a coupling end 36 fitted into the cylindrical projection 23 of the cap at the upper end, a flange 37 contacting the lower surface of the cylindrical projection 23, and a flange. It has a handle portion 38 extending downward from the portion, and a sampling portion 39 having a waterdrop-like side shape at its lower end. The surface of the sampling part 39 is roughened, and the sampling is facilitated.

In this embodiment, the upper end or the opening 11 of the container 10 is cut obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container 10.

Thus, the area of the opening portion is increased, and the sample is less likely to be attached to the opening portion of the container by mistake when the stool is introduced into the container. Further, for the inspection body, by holding the collection tube vertically for a while, The liquid adhering to the opening and the cap flows down along the inclined surface of the opening and can be collected in the container. A chamfered portion 12 on the inner surface adjacent to the opening 11 of the container aids in the recovery of the liquid containing the sample. The plurality of ridges 17 formed in a headband shape in the middle of the container 10 are used to prevent slippage when the cap 20 is pulled out of the container 10.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a stool collection tube according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral edge of the obliquely cut upper end 11 of the container 10 bulges outward in the shape of a headband that closely adheres to the inner surface of the side wall of the cab 20. Puru. The swelling portion 14 prevents the sample from entering between the outer surface of the container 10 and the inner surface 24 of the side wall of the cap. The inner side surface of the container 10 adjacent to the opening is beveled obliquely from above to below. In other respects, it is the same as the embodiment of FIG. 7, and the same parts are indicated by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a stool collection tube according to still another embodiment. Also in this embodiment, the toilet body 30 is coupled to the center of the inner surface of the top of the cap 20, and the inner surface of the container 10 is located in a region close to the coupling portion. A sealing member 40 made of a resilient material that is hermetically pressed against 15 is provided. In this embodiment, the upper end 11 of the container 10 is cut obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis. The pressure contact between the inner surface 15 of the container 10 and the sealing member 40 prevents the liquid containing the sample from adhering to the outer surface 16 of the side wall of the container 10 and the inner surface 24 of the side wall of the cap 20. can do. In addition, the lower surface of the sealing member 40 is an inclined surface 41 projecting downward about the longitudinal axis of the toilet body.

When a sealing member 40 is provided, it is necessary to cut the opening 11 of the container 10 obliquely to the longitudinal axis of the container in order to allow the sample to flow down into the container 10. I don't need it. However, if the sealing member is incomplete, the upper end of the container should be taken into account in consideration of the emergency, and in addition to the common use of the feces collection tube for the application method and the mechanization method. It is desirable to cut diagonally.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a stool collection tube according to still another embodiment of the present invention. Also in this embodiment, the toilet body 30 is fixed to the center of the side surface of the top plate of the cap 20. Sealing member 4 made of an elastic material that is air-tightly press-fitted (not fitted) to the peripheral edge of the obliquely cut opening 11 of the container 10 in the area close to the fixed end 36. The lower surface of 0 is an inclined surface 41 projecting downward around the longitudinal axis of the toilet body. In this embodiment, the upper part of the sealing member 40 is extended upward in a cylindrical shape 42. In this embodiment, the side surface of the flange 37 is reduced in diameter from the top to the bottom and inclined so that the angle between the inclined surface and the upper surface of the flange 37 is smaller. The projection 43 protrudes outside the cylindrical projection 23. The cylindrical portion 42 extending above the sealing member 40 is covered over the flange 37 and the cylindrical projection 23. Thus, the sharp projecting portion 43 of the flange portion 32 securely locks the sealing member 40, and the sealing member 40 is left in the container 10 when the cap 20 is detached from the container 10. Can be prevented. This makes it easier for the sample attached to the sealing member to flow down the stool and into the container. When the sealing member 40 is pressed into contact with the periphery of the obliquely cut upper end 11 of the container 10, it is necessary to match the orientation relationship between the sealing member 40 and the container 10. You. This can be solved by providing a complementary keyway and key at the fitting portion between the container 10 and the cab 20. The solution can be solved by making village 40 mutually rotatable. The advantage of pressing the sealing member 40 against the periphery of the opening 11 of the container is that the sealing member 40 is easily separated from the container 10 when the cab 20 is detached from the container 10. I can do that. FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a stool collection tube according to still another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the toilet body 30 is shown as being formed integrally with the cap 20. As in the embodiment of FIG. 10, the upper part of the sealing member 40 extends upward in a cylindrical shape. Also in this embodiment, a sharp projecting portion 43 projecting outward is formed on the side surface of the fixed portion of the toilet body 30. The sealing member 40 is inserted from the side of the collection part 39 at the lower end of the toilet body 30. In this case, if the elasticity of the sealing member 40 is large, the sealing member 40 can be brought into close contact with the handle portion of the toilet body according to the restoration force. If the elasticity of the sealing member 40 is small, a gap 44 is formed between the handle portion 38 of the stool and the sealing member 40 as shown in the figure. This can be effectively used as a means for holding the filter sample on the stool 30. In addition, if the thickness of the fixing portion where the toilet body 30 is integrally fixed to the cab 20 is large, the width of the sampling portion 39 of the toilet body is large, and the sealing member 40 is locked. There is no problem. Although some embodiments of the sealing structure of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to only the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical idea of the present invention. It is possible.

For example, in the above embodiment, when the opening of the container is cut diagonally, if the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container is a perfect circle, However, the open surface has an elliptical shape, and the short axis of the ellipse is not enlarged at all. If desired, the cross-sectional shape perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the container is ゃゃ elongated ぃ oval, ゃゃ flattened The upper end of the container is cut diagonally on a plane that includes the long axis or the longest long side of the cross-section and that intersects the long axis of the container. They can be expanded together. Industrial applicability The present invention enables the downsizing of the stool tube by improving the structure of the stool and the structure of the container and the cap of the stool tube, and enables the collection of an appropriate amount of sample from the test object. It makes it possible to collect samples from a large number of test objects and apply them to a large amount of culture medium, because it makes it easier to work, makes it possible to mechanize the painting work, improves work efficiency and improves the working environment for laboratories. It is particularly suitable for use in various testing laboratories.

Claims

06 360 25 Claims

1. The stool is slender in a stool tube having a container having an open end, a cab for sealing the opening of the container, and a stool collected in the container.便 Feces collection tube, which is characterized by a rod-shaped body with a rough surface near the tip.

2. The fecal collection tube according to claim 1, wherein the rod-shaped body is made of only a solid rod-shaped body.

3. With regard to the stool collection tube according to claim 1, the stool collection body comprises an elongated sheath body and an elongated rod-shaped body housed so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the sheath body. That is, an opening is provided at the tip of the sheath, and the rod-shaped body pushes the opening of the sheath and can be opened and protruded. A fecal collection tube characterized in that the surface in the area near the tip is roughened.

4. With regard to the stool collection tube described in claim 1, the stool collection body is an elongated rod-shaped body or a bag-shaped body having a hollow structure, and the tip of the hollow bar-shaped body or the bag-shaped body is provided. The surface in the region close to the end is roughened, and means for stretching the roughened surface are provided. When the roughened surface is stretched, the sample captured in the concave portion of the roughened surface is stretched into a rod or bag. A fecal collection tube that is characterized by being exposed on the surface of the body.

5. The stool collection device according to claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper end of the container is cut obliquely with respect to the longitudinal axis of the container. tube.

6. The stool collection tube according to claim 5, wherein the outer peripheral edge of the obliquely cut upper end of the container bulges outward in a headband shape that closely adheres to the inner surface of the cap. A stool collection tube that is specially served.

The opening section of the container according to claim 5 or 6, A fecal collection tube characterized in that the inner surface adjacent to it is beveled obliquely from top to bottom.

In the stool tube according to any one of claims 5 to 7, the stool body is fixed to a central portion of an inner surface of a top of the cap, A feces collection tube, characterized in that an opening portion of the container and a sealing plug member made of an elastic member which is hermetically pressed against the inner surface or Z are provided in a region close to the fixing portion. According to the fecal collection tube described in Item 8, the lower surface of the forest of the hermetically sealed part is characterized by a downwardly projecting slope centered on the longitudinal axis of the feces body. In the feces collection tube described in paragraphs 1 to 4, the toilet body is fixed to the central portion of the inner surface of the top of the cap, and the above-mentioned A feces collection tube characterized in that it is provided with a sealing member made of an elastic material which is air-tightly pressed against the opening part of the container and the Z or inner surface.

In the feces collection tube according to claim 10, the lower surface of the sealing member is formed as a slope protruding downward about the longitudinal axis of the feces body. Stool tube.