Liquid specimen analysis disk assembly

The present invention provides a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly, which prevents a liquid specimen from adhering onto a surface of a disk and leaking out of the disk, and is easy to handle during injection of the specimen. The disk assembly includes a guide member detachably provided on the disk and having a guide hole for guiding a distal portion of a specimen injector toward a specimen injection port, so that the specimen is injected into a specimen spreading cavity or an internal channel from the specimen injection port and rotated about an axis of the disk, and the specimen spread in the channel following the rotation is optically scanned for analyzing. The distal portion of the specimen injector is inserted into the guide hole and assuredly guided to the center of the specimen injection port, thus preventing the specimen from adhering onto the disk surface around the injection port.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly which includes a liquid specimen analysis disk to be optically scanned for analyzing a liquid specimen injected into a specimen spreading cavity thereof from a specimen injection port provided in a front surface thereof and spread in the specimen spreading cavity by rotating the disk about an axis of the disk. Particularly, the invention relates to liquid specimen analysis disk assembly which provides easy handling and safety for the injection of the specimen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There has been proposed an analyzer which is adapted to qualitatively and quantitatively analyzing a specimen spread in a disk. The analyzer is employed for analysis of a blood specimen for diagnosis of a disease.

As shown inFIG. 18, a specimen analysis disk320to be used in an analyzer of this type has tracks (not shown) engraved thereon like a conventional optical disk, and includes specimen injection ports325and specimen spreading cavities322provided therein in communication with the respective specimen injection ports325. After specimens are respectively injected into the specimen spreading cavities322, the disk320is rotated to spread the specimens in the respective specimen spreading cavities322. Then, the specimens spread in the respective specimen spreading cavities322are simultaneously detected by a focus/tracking technique with the use of a focus/tracking system commonly employed in an optical disk device such as a CD-ROM device (see, for example, WO00/026677).

However, biological specimens such as blood specimens which may possibly be contaminated with infectious pathogens are often analyzed with the use of the disk. If such a specimen is leaked and scattered out of the disk320in the analysis and an operator touches the leaked specimen, there is a possibility that the operator is infected with a pathogen. For prevention of the leakage of the specimen, a sealing sheet (not shown) is manually applied onto the specimen injection port325after the injection of the specimen.

However, the manual application of the sealing sheet reduces handling ease. In addition, the sealing sheet is liable to be displaced from a due position, failing to assuredly seal the specimen injection port325. Where the specimen adheres to the periphery of the specimen injection port325in the injection of the specimen, there is a possibility that the operator touches the specimen when the sealing sheet is applied onto the specimen injection port325. Particularly, where the disk320has a small thickness, the specimen injection ports do not have a sufficiently great depth. Hence, there is a risk that the specimen adheres to the periphery of the specimen injection port325with a distal portion of a specimen injector being displaced from the specimen injection port325. Therefore, the operator is required to perform the specimen injecting operation very carefully.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

To solve the aforesaid problem, it is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly, which prevents a liquid specimen from adhering onto a surface of a disk and leaking out of the disk, and provides handling ease for injection of the specimen.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim1to achieve the aforesaid object, there is provided a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly, which comprises: a liquid specimen analysis disk to be optically scanned for analyzing a liquid specimen therein, the liquid specimen analysis disk having a specimen injection port for injecting the liquid specimen into a specimen spreading cavity in which the liquid specimen is spread by rotating the disk about an axis of the disk; and a guide member detachably provided on the disk and having a guide hole for guiding a distal portion of a specimen injector toward the specimen injection port for the injection of the liquid specimen. With this arrangement, the distal portion of the specimen injector is inserted into the guide hole thereby to be assuredly guided to the center of the specimen injection port. Thus, the liquid specimen is prevented from adhering onto the disk surface around the specimen injection port.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim2, the guide hole of the guide member is tapered so that one end opening thereof opposed to the specimen injection port has a smaller diameter than the other end opening thereof facing away from the specimen injection port in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim1. With this arrangement, the conical distal portion of the specimen injector can easily and assuredly be guided to the center of the specimen injection port along the interior surface of the guide hole.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim3, the guide hole of the guide member has an inner diameter such as to be fitted around a part of the distal portion of the specimen injector in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim1. With this arrangement, the insertion depth of the conical distal portion of the specimen injector can be limited by the guide hole. Thus, the distal end of the specimen injector can be positioned intermediate between a lower surface of the guide member and a bottom of the specimen injection port thereby to be prevented from contacting the bottom of the specimen injection port.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim4, the one end opening of the guide hole opposed to the specimen injection port has a smaller inner diameter than the specimen injection port in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim1. With this arrangement, the distal portion of the specimen injector can easily and assuredly be guided to the center of the specimen injection port.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim5, the guide member has a tubular projection surrounding the one end opening of the guide hole opposed to the specimen injection port in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim1. Even if the specimen ejected from the distal end of the specimen injector adheres onto the interior surface of the guide hole, the specimen never spreads out of the tubular projection. Therefore, the specimen adhesion area can be minimized.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim6, the tubular projection has a distal end having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the specimen injection port in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim5. Even if the specimen adhering onto the interior surface of the guide hole drips, the specimen drips from the lower end of the tubular projection into the specimen injection port. Thus, the specimen is prevented from adhering onto the disk surface around the specimen injection port.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim7, the guide member is constituted by a lid of a disk case in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim1. With the lid of the disk case being closed, the specimen is injected into the specimen spreading cavity through the guide hole and the specimen injection port. After completion of the injection of the specimen, the lid is opened, and the specimen injection port is sealed. Then, the disk is taken out of the disk case. Since the guide member is constituted by the lid of the conventionally used disk case, the number of the components can be reduced. The guide member (lid) can be separated from the liquid specimen analysis disk when the disk is taken out of the disk case. Hence, there is no need to separately perform a guide member detaching operation.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim8, the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim1further comprises a cover member provided on the guide member for opening and closing the guide hole. Even if the specimen ejected from the distal end of the specimen injector adheres onto the interior surface of the guide hole, the operator is prevented from touching the specimen by the cover member which covers the guide hole after the injection of the specimen.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim9, the cover member is pivotal parallel to the surface of the disk about a pivot axis on the lid of the disk case in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim8. This arrangement obviates the need to provide a space for the opening and closing of the cover member.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim10, the cover member has an engagement member which is brought into engagement with an engagement member provided on the lid of the disk case, when the cover member is pivoted to cover the specimen injection port, to prevent the cover member from pivoting in a reverse direction in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim9. This arrangement prevents the operator from inadvertently opening the cover member after the injection of the specimen and touching the specimen.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim11, the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim7further comprises an adhesive sealing sheet which is retained in a folded state or in a rolled state between the disk and the lid of the disk case and extended for sealing the specimen injection port, and a tab provided integrally with the adhesive sealing sheet as extending out of the disk case. After the completion of the injection of the specimen, the tab is pulled to extend the adhesive sealing sheet, whereby the adhesive sealing sheet is applied onto a portion of the disk surface including the specimen injection port. With this arrangement, the operator is prevented from touching the specimen when opening the lid and taking the disk out of the disk case.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim12, the tab is constituted by a part of a releasable sheet which lines the adhesive sealing sheet in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim11. By pulling the tab, the adhesive sealing sheet is smoothly extended to be applied onto the disk surface portion including the specimen injection port. Thus, the handling ease can be improved.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim13, the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim11further comprises a roller member coupled with the tab for pressing the extended adhesive sealing sheet against the disk surface. The roller member is operated to press the adhesive sealing sheet against the disk surface, while the adhesive sealing sheet is extended by pulling the tab or after completion of the extension of the adhesive sealing sheet. Thus, the adhesive sealing sheet can more firmly be applied onto the disk surface.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim14, the lid is overlapped with a case body of the disk case, and the lid and the case body each have an opening formed in an overlapped portion thereof for extracting the tab out of the disk case in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim11. The lid cannot be opened until the tab is removed through the opening of the disk case, in other words, until the specimen injection port is completely sealed with the adhesive sealing sheet after the injection of the specimen. This arrangement prevents the operator from inadvertently opening the lid before the completion of the sealing of the specimen injection port and touching the specimen.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim15, there is provided a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly, which comprises: a liquid specimen analysis disk to be optically scanned for analyzing a liquid specimen therein, the liquid specimen analysis disk having a specimen injection port provided in a front surface thereof for injecting the liquid specimen into a specimen spreading cavity in which the liquid specimen is spread by rotating the disk about an axis of the disk, the liquid specimen analysis disk having a groove formed in the surface of the disk provided with the specimen injection port; and a seal member slidable in engagement with the groove for sealing the specimen injection port. With this arrangement, the specimen injection port can be sealed with the seal member immediately after completion of the injection of the specimen, so that the operator is prevented from touching the specimen.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim16, the seal member and the groove respectively have engagement members which are brought into engagement with each other, when the seal member is slid to seal the specimen injection port, to prevent the seal member from sliding in a reverse direction in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim15. Thus, the operator is prevented from inadvertently sliding the seal member to open the specimen injection port after the injection of the specimen.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim17, there is provided a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly, which comprises: a liquid specimen analysis disk to be optically scanned for analyzing liquid specimens therein, the liquid specimen analysis disk having a plurality of specimen injection ports provided in a front surface thereof for injecting the liquid specimens into specimen spreading cavities in which the liquid specimens are respectively spread by rotating the disk about an axis of the disk; and a temporary seal retaining member detachably provided on the disk and having plural adhesive sealing sheets temporarily retained at predetermined positions thereon, the adhesive sealing sheets being each covered with a releasable sheet. The temporary seal retaining member is positioned in opposed relation to the surface of the disk, and the releasable sheets are removed from the adhesive sealing sheets. Then, the adhesive sealing sheets are pressed against the disk surface. Thus, the plural specimen injection ports can speedily individually be sealed with the adhesive sealing sheets.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim18, the temporary seal retaining member is partly or entirely composed of a resilient material in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim17. With this arrangement, the adhesive sealing sheets can be pressed with a uniform pressure for the application thereof. Thus, the specimen injection ports can assuredly be sealed.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim19, first identification marks having different characters are provided in association with the respective specimen injection ports, and second identification marks having characters corresponding to the characters of the first identification marks are respectively provided on the adhesive sealing sheets or the releasable sheets associated with the respective specimen injection ports, or on the temporary seal retaining member in the vicinity of the respective adhesive sealing sheets in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim17. With this arrangement, the correspondences between the specimen injection ports and the adhesive sealing sheets can easily visually be identified, thereby preventing the operator from removing a wrong releasable sheet.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim20, the temporary seal retaining member is pivotal about a pivot axis of a hinge provided in a disk case in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim17. With this arrangement, the temporary seal retaining member is already positioned with respect to the disk. Therefore, the specimen injection ports can individually speedily be sealed with the corresponding adhesive sealing sheets by removing the corresponding releasable sheets and pivoting the temporary seal retaining member about the pivot axis of the hinge.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim21, the temporary seal retaining member is constituted by a lid of the disk case in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim20. With this arrangement, the specimen injection ports can individually speedily be sealed with the corresponding seal members by removing the corresponding releasable sheets and closing the lid.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim22, there is provided a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly, which comprises: a liquid specimen analysis disk to be optically scanned for analyzing liquid specimens therein, the liquid specimen analysis disk having a plurality of specimen injection ports provided in a front surface thereof for injecting the liquid specimens into specimen spreading cavities in which the liquid specimens are respectively spread by rotating the disk about an axis of the disk; and a guide member having plural introduction members provided in association with the respective specimen injection ports and linked to one another, the introduction members each having a guide hole for guiding a distal portion of a specimen injector toward the specimen injection port for the injection of the liquid specimen. With this arrangement, the introduction members each guide the distal portion of the specimen injector into the specimen injection port, whereby the specimen can assuredly be injected into each of the specimen spreading cavities.

According to an inventive aspect as set forth in claim23, the introduction members each have a truncated cone shape, and the guide hole includes an upper guide hole portion and a lower guide hole portion for guiding the distal portion of the specimen injector in the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to claim22. With this arrangement, the distal portion of the specimen injector can smoothly be guided from the upper guide hole portion to the lower guide hole portion, whereby the specimen can assuredly be injected into each of the specimen spreading cavities.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1is an enlarged vertical sectional view illustrating a part of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention, andFIG. 2is an exploded perspective view of the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claim1.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly includes a disk1having substantially the same construction as the conventional disk described with reference toFIG. 18. The disk1has a disk shape as a whole, and includes a plurality of specimen injection ports3provided in a front surface thereof around a center hole2, and channels4provided therein in communication with the respective specimen injection ports3as extending radially from the respective specimen injection ports3.

The disk1has a three-tier structure including a first plate (disk substrate)101, a second plate (disk adhesion tier)102and a third plate (disk cover)103laminated in this order.

The first plate101defines bottom faces of the channels4, and is composed of polycarbonate or glass having an optically uniform refractivity. The first plate101is of a round shape, and has a center hole formed in its center.

The second plate102has six slits extending radially and each defining the contour of the channel4, and includes a base such as a PET film and adhesive layers provided on opposite surfaces of the base.

The third plate103defines top faces of the channels4. The six specimen injection ports3are provided equiangularly around a center hole of the third plate103as extending thicknesswise through the third plate103in association with radially innermost ends of the channels4. Though not shown, a reflective film such as of gold, silver or aluminum is provided on the third plate103for detection of a light beam by a conventional focus detection technique such as an astigmatic method or a knife edge method, and a spiral groove or concentric grooves are provided on the third plate103for scanning the light beam at a minute constant pitch.

As indicated by phantom lines, a reagent5may be provided in the channels4by application thereof, for example. The reagent reacts with a component of a liquid specimen such as a biological specimen (e.g., blood or urine) to be analyzed, and a change in optical characteristics (e.g., transmittance, color or the like) of the reagent is detected for determination of the presence of the component or for determination of the concentration or quantity of the component. Depending on the analysis, the reagent is preliminarily added to the specimen, or the reagent is not required (e.g., when the analysis is performed for determination of the number of blood cells). In this case, the reagent5is not provided in the channels4. The interior surfaces of the channels4may be imparted with a hydrophilic property so that the liquid specimens can properly be retained in analysis areas of the channels4.

The liquid specimen analysis disk assembly further includes a guide member8detachably provided on the disk1for guiding a distal portion6of a specimen injector toward each of the specimen injection ports3for injection of the liquid specimen. The guide member8is composed of a resin or the like, and has guide holes7.

The guide member8includes a tubular body, an annular flange8aextending from one peripheral edge (upper peripheral edge) of the tubular body and having the guide holes7formed as extending therethrough, and a step8bprovided on the other peripheral edge (lower peripheral edge) of the tubular body and engaged with an inner periphery of the center hole2of the disk1. When the guide member8is circumferentially positioned in the center hole2of the disk1with the step8bof the tubular body being engaged with the inner periphery of the center hole2, the centers (center axes) of the guide holes7are generally aligned with the centers (center axes) of the respective specimen injection ports3with the flange8abeing properly spaced from the surface of the disk. The guide holes7each have an inner diameter such as to be fitted around the conical distal portion6of the specimen injector at a proper position (adjacent to a distal end of the specimen injector).

When the specimen is to be injected into the channel4in the disk1, the distal portion6of the specimen injector is inserted into the guide hole7of the guide member8, and a piston (not shown) of the specimen injector is depressed. Thus, the liquid specimen9(hereinafter referred to simply as “specimen9”) is injected into the channel4through the specimen injection port3.

At this time, the distal portion6of the specimen injector is assuredly guided to the center of the specimen injection port3irrespective of the depth of the specimen injection port3by inserting the distal portion6of the specimen injector into the guide hole7. Thus, the specimen9is prevented from adhering onto the disk surface around the specimen injection port3.

The insertion depth of the distal portion6of the specimen injector is limited with the guide hole7being fitted around the distal portion6, so that the distal end of the specimen injector is positioned intermediate between a lower surface of the guide member8(the flange8a) and the bottom of the specimen injection port3(the upper surface of the plate101). Thus, the distal end of the specimen injector is prevented from contacting the bottom of the specimen injection port3.

After completion of the injection of the specimens, the guide member8is detached from the disk1, and sealing sheets (not shown) are manually applied onto the disk to seal the respective specimen injection ports3. The detached guide member8is discarded.

Therefore, the specimens9never leak out of the disk1during the analysis after the injection of the specimens. Even if the distal portion6of the specimen injector is displaced from the guide hole7during the injection of the specimen and the specimen9adheres onto the surface of the guide member8, there is no possibility that the specimen is scattered around.

As a result, the possibility that an operator touches the specimen can assuredly be eliminated, thereby preventing the infection of the operator.

FIG. 3is a perspective view of a liquid specimen analyzer. The analyzer has substantially the same construction as a so-called optical disk device, and includes a spindle motor10for rotating the disk1, an optical pickup11for reading information of the specimen by scanning the disk1, a feed motor12for moving the optical pickup11radially of the disk1, a feed screw13, and the like. The optical disk device is operated according to a predetermined program by a CPU (central processing unit) not shown.

For the analysis, the disk1which contains the specimens9injected into the channels4through the specimen injection ports3is set on the spindle motor10with the inner periphery thereof being clamped by a damper (not shown), and then rotated by the spindle motor10. Thus, the specimens9are spread in the respective channels4by a centrifugal force generated by the rotation. Where the reagent5is provided midway of the channels4, the specimens are allowed to react with the reagent, and the reaction is completed.

While the disk1is continuously rotated, a light beam is applied to the specimens9or the reagent, and light reflected from the disk or transmitted through the disk is detected by the optical pickup11. The analysis is performed on the basis of detection signals through image processing by an analyzing section (not shown) provided in the liquid specimen analyzer. That is, information on the specimens9and/or the reagent is optically read in synchronization with the rotation for the qualitative/quantitative analysis.

While the disk1having a three tier structure has been described in Embodiment 1, the laminate structure of the disk1and the numbers and orientations of the specimen injection ports3and the channels4are not limited to those described above.

FIG. 4is an enlarged vertical sectional view illustrating a part of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claims2,3and4.

The liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 2 has substantially the same construction as the disk assembly according to Embodiment 1, but is different in the shape of each of the guide holes7of the guide member8.

The guide holes7of the guide member8are each tapered so that a lower end opening thereof opposed to the specimen injection port3has a smaller diameter than an upper end opening thereof facing away from the specimen injection port3. Further, the lower end opening of the guide hole7has an inner diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter of the distal end of the conical distal portion6of the specimen injector, and has a smaller inner diameter than the specimen injection port3.

Therefore, when the distal portion6of the specimen injector is inserted into the guide hole7, the distal portion6can easily and assuredly be guided to the center of the specimen injection port3, because the guide hole7of the guide member8and the distal portion6of the specimen injector have a tapered interior surface and a conical exterior surface, respectively, and the lower end opening of the guide hole7has a smaller inner diameter than the specimen injection port3.

At this time, the distal end of the specimen injector is positioned intermediate between the lower surface of the guide member8(flange8a) and the bottom of the specimen injection port3(the upper surface of the plate101) with the guide hole7being fitted around the distal portion6of the specimen injector. Thus, the distal end of the specimen injector is prevented from contacting the bottom of the specimen injection port3.

Therefore, the specimen9ejected from the distal end of the specimen injector is prevented from adhering onto the periphery of the guide hole7of the guide member8, onto the disk surface around the specimen injection port3and onto the exterior surface of the distal portion6of the specimen injector.

Thus, the possibility that the operator touches the specimen9thereby to be infected with a pathogen can be further reduced as compared with the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 5is an enlarged vertical sectional view illustrating a part of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claims5and6.

The liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 3 has substantially the same construction as the disk assembly according to Embodiment 1, but differs in that the guide member8has tubular projections8cprovided on the lower surface of the flange8athereof as surrounding the respective guide holes7. The tubular projections8ceach have a distal end having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the specimen injection port3.

Therefore, even if the specimen9ejected from the distal portion6of the specimen injector adheres onto the interior surface of the guide hole7, the specimen does not spread outward beyond the tubular projection8c, so that the specimen adhesion area can be minimized. Even if the specimen9adhering onto the interior surface of the guide hole7drips, the specimen drips into the specimen injection port3from the distal end of the tubular projection8chaving an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the specimen injection port3. This prevents the specimen from adhering onto the disk surface.

Thus, the possibility that the operator touches the specimen9thereby to be infected with a pathogen can be further reduced as compared with the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 1.

FIG. 6is an enlarged vertical sectional view illustrating a part of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claims5and6.

The liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 4 has substantially the same construction as the disk assembly according to Embodiment 1, but differs in that the guide member8described in Embodiment 1 is constituted by a lid15of a disk case14.

The disk case14is a thin resin box which is capable of containing the disk1. The disk case14includes a case body16in which the disk1is retained with its center hole2properly positioned, and a planar lid15hinged to one side of the case body16via a hinge17. The lid15is pivotal about the pivot axis of the hinge17so as to be opened and closed. The lid15is formed with the guide holes7in association with the respective specimen injection ports3.

When the specimen is to be injected, the disk1is retained in the case body16with the lid15being closed, and the distal portion6of the specimen injector is guided to the center of the specimen injection port3of the disk1through the guide hole7. Then, the specimen9is injected into the channel4through the specimen injection port3. After completion of the injection of the specimen, the lid15is pivoted in a directionato be opened, and the specimen injection port3of the disk1is sealed. Then, the disk1is taken out of the case body16.

Thus, the possibility that the operator touches the specimen9thereby to be infected with a pathogen can be further reduced as compared with the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 1.

Since the guide member is constituted by the lid15of the conventionally used disk case14, the number of the components can be reduced. The lid15(guide member) can be separated from the disk1when the disk is taken out of the disk case. Hence, there is no need to separately perform a guide member detaching operation, thereby simplifying the operation procedure as compared with the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 1.

FIGS. 7A and 7Bare enlarged vertical sectional views each illustrating a part of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claims8,9and10.

The liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 5 has substantially the same construction as the disk assembly according to Embodiment 4, but differs in that a cover member18for opening and closing the guide holes7is provided on the lid15.

The cover member18is composed of a resin, and has a disk shape. The cover member18has a tubular portion which is fitted in a center hole15aformed in the lid15rotatably about its axis. The cover member18has an opening18ahaving a size such as not to prevent the insertion of the distal portion6of the specimen injector in the guide hole7.

A surface of the cover member18opposed to the disk case14is spaced from an upper surface of the lid15of the disk case14with only a peripheral portion thereof being in intimate contact with the upper surface of the lid15. The center tubular portion of the cover member18has an engagement claw18bprovided at a predetermined position on an outer periphery thereof, and the lid15also has an engagement claw15bprovided at a predetermined position on an inner periphery thereof defining the center hole15a. The claw18bis engaged with the claw15bon the circumference of the center hole15a. The claw18bis also engaged with the rear surface of the lid15so as to permit the rotation of the cover member18. The claw15bfunctions as a stopper for stopping the rotation of the cover member18in abutment against the claw18b.

When the specimen is to be injected, the distal portion6of the specimen injector is inserted into the opening18aof the cover member18and the guide hole7and guided to the center of the specimen injection port3through the guide hole7with the opening18abeing opposed with the guide hole7as shown inFIG. 7A. Then, the specimen9is injected into the channel4through the specimen injection port3. After completion of the injection of the specimen, the cover member18is rotated about the axis thereof to cover the guide hole7with a solid portion of the cover member18as shown inFIG. 7B.

At this time, the cover member18is rotated parallel to the disk surface, so that a space for the opening and closing of the guide holes7is not particularly required. Further, when the cover member18is rotated to a position at which the guide holes7are closed as shown inFIG. 7B, the claw18bis engaged with the claw15bto prevent the cover member18from being rotated in a reverse direction.

Therefore, even if the specimen9ejected from the distal portion6of the specimen injector adheres onto the periphery of the guide hole7of the guide member8, the periphery of the guide hole7is covered with the cover member18after the injection of the specimen. Further, the operator is prevented from inadvertently opening the cover member18and, hence, prevented from touching the specimen9.

The shape of the cover member18is not limited to the disk shape, but may be configured in various ways. For example, the cover member18may be configured such as to extend radially from the tubular portion.

FIGS. 8A to 8Care vertical sectional views of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claim11.

The liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 6 has substantially the same construction as the disk assembly according to Embodiment 4, but differs in that a sealing sheet20for sealing the specimen injection ports3is retained in a folded state (or in a rolled state) between the lid15and the disk1.

The sealing sheet20includes a water-proof paper or polyethylene sheet on which an adhesive is applied, and has a round shape such as to cover a center portion of the disk formed with the plural specimen injection ports3. A portion of the sealing sheet20adjacent to the hinge17on a center line extending through the center of the disk1is fixed to the disk1, and a string tab21is attached to a portion of the sealing sheet20opposite from the fixed portion. The tab21is composed of a flexible paper or polyethylene sheet having a predetermined strength. An end portion of the tab21extends to the outside through an opening15cformed in a side portion of the lid15opposite from the hinge17.

When the specimen is to be injected, the distal portion6of the specimen injector is guided to the center of the specimen injection port3through the guide hole7with the sealing sheet20being retained in the folded state (or in the rolled state) as shown inFIG. 8A. Then, the specimen9is injected into the channel4through the specimen injection port3. The string tab21is located in a position where the insertion of the distal portion6of the specimen injector in the specimen injection port3is not hindered.

After completion of the injection of the specimen, the tab21is pulled in an arrow directionbas shown inFIG. 8Bto extend the sealing sheet20, which is in turn applied to the center portion of the disk to seal the specimen injection ports3. The tab21is further pulled to be separated from the sealing sheet20and extracted to the outside through the opening15cas shown inFIG. 8C. Thereafter, the lid15is opened, and the disk1is taken out.

Therefore, the operator can safely handle the disk1without touching the specimen.

FIGS. 9A to 9Care vertical sectional views of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 7 of the present invention. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claim12.

The liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 7 has substantially the same construction as the disk assembly according to Embodiment 6, but differs in that the sealing sheet20retained between the lid15and the disk1for sealing the specimen injection ports3is adapted to entirely cover the disk1and a tab21A is constituted by a part of a releasable sheet which lines the sealing sheet20.

As in the case of the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 6, the specimen9is injected into the channel4through the specimen injection port3with the sealing sheet20being retained in the folded state as shown inFIG. 9A. After completion of the injection of the specimen, the tab21A is pulled, whereby the sealing sheet20is extended to seal the specimen injection ports3as shown inFIG. 9B. Then, the tab21A is extracted to the outside through the opening15cas shown inFIG. 9C.

At this time, the releasable sheet can smoothly be removed from the sealing sheet20to extend the sealing sheet20, because the tab21A is constituted by a part of the releasable sheet.

Therefore, the handling ease is improved as compared with the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 6 in which the sealing sheet20is folded with its adhesive surface portions adhering to each other (seeFIG. 8A).

FIGS. 10A,10B and10D are vertical sectional views of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 8 of the present invention.FIG. 10Cis a plan view for explaining how to extend a sealing sheet. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claim13.

In the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 8, the sealing sheet20for sealing the specimen injection ports3is retained in a folded state (or in a rolled state) between the lid15and the disk surface as in the disk assembly according to Embodiment 6. However, a thin cylindrical roller member22such as of a rubber for pressing the extended sealing sheet20against the disk surface is connected to the tab21. One end of the tab21is connected to the periphery of the round sealing sheet20and, when a force of greater than a predetermined magnitude is applied to the tab21, the tab21is separated from the sealing sheet20. Further, the tab21is connected to opposite ends of the roller member22.

As in the case of the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 6, the specimen9is injected into the channel4through the specimen injection port3with the sealing sheet20being retained in the folded state (or in the roller state) as shown inFIG. 10A. After completion of the injection of the specimen, the tab21is pulled, whereby the sealing sheet20is extended as shown inFIG. 10B. At the same time, the roller member20moves over the sealing sheet20, whereby the specimen injection ports3are sealed. Then, the tab21is separated from the sealing sheet20, and the roller member20is pulled toward the opening15cas shown inFIG. 10D.

At this time, as shown inFIG. 10C, the roller member22is rolled to press the extended sealing sheet20against the disk surface, as the tab21is pulled.

Therefore, the handling ease is improved as compared with the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 6, because the sealing sheet20is assuredly automatically applied onto the disk surface.

FIGS. 11A to 11Care vertical sectional views of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 9 of the present invention. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claim14.

In the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 9, the sealing sheet20for sealing the specimen injection ports3is retained in a folded state (or in a rolled state) between the lid15and the disk surface as in the disk assembly according to Embodiment 6. However, at least a portion of the outer periphery of the lid15opposite from the hinge17is folded to overlap with the outer peripheral wall of the case body16, and the tab21A extends outward through openings15c,16arespectively formed in overlapped portions of the lid15and the case body16.

As in the case of the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 6, the specimen9is injected into the channel4through the specimen injection port3with the sealing sheet20being retained in the folded state (or in the rolled state) as shown inFIG. 11A. After completion of the injection of the specimen, the tab21A is pulled, whereby the sealing sheet20is extended to seal the specimen injection ports3as shown inFIG. 11B. Then, the tab21A is extracted to the outside through the openings15c,16aas shown inFIG. 11C.

With this liquid specimen analysis disk assembly, however, the tab21A hinders the lid15from being opened, unless the tab21A is extracted through the openings15c,16a. In other words, the lid15is permitted to be opened only after completion of the sealing of the specimen injection ports3. With the sealing uncompleted, the operator is prevented from inadvertently opening the lid15.

Therefore, the operator is assuredly prevented from touching the specimen9as compared with the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 6.

FIG. 12is a perspective view of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 10 of the present invention.FIG. 13is an exploded perspective view of the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly ofFIG. 12. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claims15and16.

The liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 10 includes a disk1having substantially the same construction as the disk1employed in Embodiment 1, and further includes a plurality of seal members23provided on the upper surface of the third plate103for sealing the respective specimen injection ports3.

The second plate102of the disk1has slits102aformed in an inner peripheral portion thereof between the radially innermost ends of the respective channels4alongside an inner periphery thereof. Further, the third plate103has slits103aformed in an inner peripheral portion thereof between the specimen injection ports3alongside an inner periphery thereof. The seal members23are composed of a resin such as polyacetal which provides an excellent slidability. The seal members23each have a generally planar shape, and are curved along the inner periphery of the disk1. The seal members23each have a projection23aprovided on a lower surface thereof in engagement with the slits102a,103aof the disk1, and are each slidable between a position at which the specimen injection port3is opened and a position at which the specimen injection port3is closed.

The seal members23each have a claw23b, and the slits103aeach have a claw103b. The claws23band103bare brought into engagement with each other when the seal member23is slid to the position at which the specimen injection port3is closed (FIG. 13B), thereby preventing the seal member23from sliding in a reverse direction.

After completion of the injection of the specimen, the specimen injection ports3can individually speedily be sealed simply by sliding the seal members23. With the specimen injection ports3being sealed, the claws23bare respectively engaged with the claws103b, thereby preventing the operator from inadvertently sliding the seal members23to open the specimen injection ports3.

This assuredly prevents the operator from touching the specimen9adhering onto the peripheries of the specimen injection ports3, and assuredly prevents the specimen9from leaking out of the specimen injection ports3.

The shapes of the seal members23and the slits102a,103aand the sliding direction are not limited to those described above, but may be changed as desired.

FIG. 14Ais a sectional view of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 11 of the present invention, andFIG. 14Bis a perspective view of a temporary seal retaining member of the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claims17and18.

The liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 11 includes a disk1having the same construction as the disk1employed in Embodiment 1, and further includes a temporary seal retaining member25which is detachable from the disk1and temporarily retains a plurality of adhesive sealing sheets24for sealing the respective specimen injection ports3.

The temporary seal retaining member25is composed of a resin or the like, and has a generally disk shape. The temporary seal retaining member25has a center hole25ahaving the same diameter as the disk1, and protuberances25bprovided in association with the specimen injection ports3of the disk1and each having a flat surface parallel to the disk surface. The adhesive sealing sheets24are temporarily retained on the flat surfaces of the respective protuberances25bwith the adhesive surfaces thereof facing away from the flat surfaces. The sealing sheets24each include a water-proof paper or polyethylene sheet on which an adhesive is applied, and a releasable sheet26which covers the adhesive surface of the water-proof sheet.

The protuberances25bof the temporary seal retaining member25(or the entire temporary seal retaining member25) are each composed of a resilient material such as a sponge or a rubber. The temporary seal retaining member25has a positioning notch25cformed in an inner periphery of the temporary seal retaining member25around the center hole25a.

The disk1having the aforesaid construction is fitted around a center projection27aof a disk base27as shown inFIG. 14A, and then the specimen is injected through any of the specimen injection ports3into the disk1.

After completion of the injection of the specimen, the temporary seal retaining member25is positioned with respect to the disk surface by the notch25c, and engaged with the center projection27aof the disk base27. Then, the releasable sheet26is removed from the sealing sheet24associated with the specimen injection port3used for the injection of the specimen, and the temporary seal retaining member25is pressed against the disk1. Thus, the sealing sheet24is applied only onto the used specimen injection port3(onto the disk surface around the specimen injection port3) to seal the specimen injection port3.

Since the protuberances25bof the temporary seal retaining member25are composed of the resilient material, the sealing sheet24can be pressed with a uniform pressure for the application thereof. Thus, the specimen injection port3can assuredly be sealed.

Therefore, even if the specimens adhere onto the peripheries of the specimen injection ports3, the operator can assuredly and speedily seal the specimen injection ports3individually without touching the specimens.

FIG. 15is a perspective view of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 12 of the present invention. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claims19to21.

The liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 12 has substantially the same construction as the disk assembly according to Embodiment 11, but differs in that the temporary seal retaining member25is provided integrally with the lid15which is pivotal about a pivot axis of a hinge17provided in a disk case14.

First identification marks having different characters (numerals in this embodiment) are provided in the vicinity of the respective specimen injection ports3of the disk1, and second identification marks having characters (numerals) corresponding to the characters of the first identification marks are provided on the releasable sheets26of the sealing sheets24(or on the sealing sheets24per se or on portions of the temporary seal retaining member25adjacent to the sealing sheets24) associated with the respective specimen injection ports3.

With the lid15of the disk case14being opened, the specimen is injected through any of the specimen injection ports3into the disk1in the case14.

After completion of the injection of the specimen, the releasable sheet26corresponding to the specimen injection port3used for the injection of the specimen is removed with reference to the first and second identification marks, and then the lid15is pivoted about the pivot axis of the hinge17so as to be closed. Thus, the sealing sheet24can be applied only onto the used specimen injection port3(on the disk surface around the specimen injection port3).

At this time, the specimen injection port3can be sealed simply by closing the lid15without positioning, because the temporary seal retaining member25is provided integrally with the lid15to realize a simplified sealing mechanism. The correspondences between the specimen injection ports3and the sealing sheets24can easily visually identified by the first and second identification marks. This prevents erroneous removal of the releasable sheet26.

Therefore, even if the specimens adhere onto the peripheries of the specimen injection ports, the operator can speedily individually seal the specimen injection ports3without touching the specimens.

The temporary seal retaining member25may be provided separately from the lid15(for example, provided in the form of an inner lid), and adapted to pivot about the pivot axis of the hinge17provided in the disk case14.

FIG. 16is a perspective view of a liquid specimen analysis disk assembly according to Embodiment 13 of the present invention, andFIG. 17is a partial sectional view of the liquid specimen analysis disk assembly. This liquid specimen analysis disk assembly is related to claims22and23.

The disk assembly according to Embodiment 13 includes a disk1having the same construction as the disk1employed in Embodiment 1, and further includes a guide member38detachably provided over the specimen injection ports3. The guide member38includes six introduction portions38aprovided in association with the six specimen injection ports3, and a ring plate38bconnecting the introduction portions38ato one another.

The introduction potions38aeach has a truncated cone shape and formed in the center thereof with a guide hole38chaving a upper and lower two-stage structure in order for guiding thereinto the distal portion6of the specimen injector. The upper guide hole portion38c-1has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the distal portion6of the specimen injector. The upper guide hole portion38c-1is tapered as having a diameter progressively decreasing toward its lower end, and connected to the lower guide hole portion38c-2. The lower guide hole portion38c-2has an inner diameter slightly greater than the outer diameter of the distal end of the specimen injector so that the movement of the distal portion6is limited to prevent the distal portion6from projecting into the specimen injection port3. With the aforesaid construction of the guide hole38c, the distal portion6of the specimen injector is guided into the lower guide hole portion38c-2by the upper guide hole portion38c-1, and positioned by the lower guide hole portion38c-2. The guide portions38aeach have a stepped lower end, which is fitted in the specimen injection port3. Further, the guide portions38aeach have a flange provided on an upper end thereof.

The aforesaid arrangement makes it possible to properly inject the liquid specimen into the channel4without leakage, and prevents displacement of the distal portion6of the specimen injector from the guide hole38cduring the injection of the specimen.

As a result, the possibility that the operator touches the specimen can assuredly be eliminated, thereby preventing the infection of the operator.

According to the present invention, the liquid specimen analysis disk assemblies include at least one of the guide member having the guide holes for guiding the distal portion of the specimen injector toward the specimen injection ports, the cover member for opening and closing the guide holes and the seal member for sealing the specimen injection ports. This improves the handling ease when the liquid specimen which may possibly contain an infectious pathogen is injected into the disk, and prevents the specimen from leaking out of the disk and adhering onto the outer surface of the disk. Thus, the operator can safely perform the analytic operation without touching the specimen.