Abstract:
A fluid analysis apparatus including: a fluid analysis cartridge comprising a fluid supplying part configured to supply a fluid sample; and a pressing member configured to press and seal the fluid supplying part, wherein the pressing member is configured to couple with the fluid analysis cartridge so that the fluid supplying part is inserted into the pressing member.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2014-0102476, filed on Aug. 8, 2014 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    1. Field 
         [0003]    One or more exemplary embodiments relate to a fluid analysis cartridge and a fluid analysis apparatus having the same, and more particularly, to a fluid analysis cartridge having an improved structure capable of enhancing inspection reliability, and a fluid analysis apparatus having the same. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    An apparatus and method of analyzing a fluid sample is required in various fields, such as environmental monitoring, food inspection, and medical diagnosis. In the related art, to perform an inspection according to predetermined protocols, skilled experimenters must manually perform various processes such as reagent injections, mixing operations, separating and moving operations, reacting operations, and centrifugal separating operations. These manually performed operations can cause errors in an inspection result. 
         [0006]    To address this problem, a compact and automated apparatus for rapidly analyzing an inspection material has been developed. In particular, there is a portable fluid analysis cartridge for analyzing a fluid sample and performing various functions in various fields. An advantage of the portable fluid analysis cartridge is that an unskilled person can easily perform an inspection. 
         [0007]    However, when a foreign substance is located on a contact portion between a fluid analysis cartridge and a fluid analysis apparatus, a predetermined pressure may not be maintained between the fluid analysis cartridge and the fluid analysis apparatus. Therefore, it may be difficult to inject and inspect a fluid sample. Further, when a crack forms in the fluid analysis cartridge, a loss of pressure through the crack may occur at the contact portion between the fluid analysis cartridge and the fluid analysis apparatus, and this may affect the inspection result. 
         [0008]    Therefore, a fluid analysis cartridge and fluid analysis apparatus having an improved structure and function is needed. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0009]    Therefore, it is an aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments to provide a fluid analysis cartridge having an improved structure which is capable of easily injecting a fluid therein, and a fluid analysis apparatus having the same. 
         [0010]    It is another aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments to provide a fluid analysis cartridge having an improved structure which is capable of maintaining a predetermined pressure at a contact portion between the fluid analysis cartridge and a fluid analysis apparatus, and the fluid analysis apparatus having the same. 
         [0011]    In accordance with an aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a fluid analysis apparatus including: a fluid analysis cartridge including a fluid supplying part configured to supply a fluid sample; and a pressing member configured to press and seal the fluid supplying part, wherein the pressing member is configured to couple with the fluid analysis cartridge so that the fluid supplying part is inserted into the pressing member. 
         [0012]    The fluid supplying part may include a protrusion from the fluid analysis cartridge directed towards the pressing member when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid analysis cartridge, and the pressing member may be configured to couple to the fluid supplying part so as to contact at least one surface of the fluid supplying part. 
         [0013]    The pressing member may include at least one rib formed on an inner surface of the pressing member, the at least one rib being configured to contact a side surface of the fluid supplying part when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid analysis cartridge. 
         [0014]    The pressing member may include at least one rib formed on an inner surface of the pressing member, the at least one rib being configured to contact an outer circumference of the fluid supplying part when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid analysis cartridge. 
         [0015]    The pressing member may include at least one rib formed on an inner surface of the pressing member and protruding inward, and the at least one rib may be configured to contact an outer circumference of the fluid supplying part, when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid analysis cartridge, sealing the fluid supplying part. 
         [0016]    The at least one rib may be integrally formed with the pressing member. 
         [0017]    The at least one rib may be formed from a flexible material. 
         [0018]    The flexible material may be at least one of a rubber and a silicone. 
         [0019]    The at least one rib may include: a head connected to the inner surface of the pressing member; and a tail disposed to be in direct contact with an outer surface of the fluid supplying part when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying part. A width of the head may be greater than or equal to a width of the tail. 
         [0020]    The tail may include a pointed end. 
         [0021]    In accordance with another aspect of an aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a fluid analysis apparatus including: a fluid analysis cartridge including a fluid supplying part configured to supply a fluid sample; and a pressing member configured to couple with the fluid supplying part so as to seal the fluid supplying part, the pressing member including at least one rib disposed on an inner surface of the pressing member and configured to contact a side surface of the fluid supplying part, sealing the fluid supplying part. 
         [0022]    The fluid supplying part may include an upward protrusion, an outer surface of the upward protrusion may be a side surface of the fluid supplying part, and the at least one rib may be configured to contact the outer surface when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying part. 
         [0023]    The fluid supplying part may include: a base provided on the fluid analysis cartridge and including a seating surface on which the pressing member is seated when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying part; and a body extending upward from the base and including a contact surface. The contact surface may be an outer surface of the upward protrusion, and the at least one rib may be configured to contact the contact surface of the body when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying part. 
         [0024]    The contact surface may be provided along an outer circumference of the body. 
         [0025]    A width of the base may be greater than a width of the body. 
         [0026]    The at least one rib may be formed of at least one of a rubber material and a silicone material. 
         [0027]    The at least one rib may be disposed on the inner surface of the pressing member and protrude inward. 
         [0028]    When the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying part, the at least one rib may be bent in a coupling direction of the pressing member to the fluid supplying part by a process in which the pressing member is coupled to the fluid supplying part. 
         [0029]    The at least one rib may include: a head connected to the inner surface of the pressing member; a tail configured to directly contact the side surface of the fluid supplying part when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying part; and a connection part connecting the head and the tail. A width of the tail may be less than or equal to at least one of a width of the head and a width of the connection part. 
         [0030]    In accordance with still another aspect of an aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a fluid analysis cartridge configured to be coupled to a pressing member of a fluid analysis apparatus so as to be pressed by the pressing member, the fluid analysis cartridge including: a fluid supplying part configured to supply a fluid sample. The fluid supplying part may protrude upward and gradually incline inward in an upward direction, such that, when the pressing member is coupled with the fluid supplying part, the pressing member is coupled along a side surface of the fluid supplying part. 
         [0031]    In accordance with another aspect of an aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a fluid analysis apparatus configured to seal a fluid supplying part of a fluid analysis cartridge, the fluid analysis apparatus including: a pressing member configured to seal the fluid supplying part. The pressing member includes at least one rib disposed on an inner surface of the pressing member and configured to contact a side surface of the fluid supplying part, sealing the fluid supplying part. 
         [0032]    In accordance with still another aspect of an aspect of one or more exemplary embodiments, there is provided a fluid analysis cartridge configured to be sealed by a pressing member of a fluid analysis apparatus, the fluid analysis cartridge including: a fluid supplying part configured to supply a fluid sample, the fluid supplying part including: a base including a seating surface on which the pressing member sits when the pressing member seals the fluid supplying part; and a body extending upward from the base and including a contact surface contacted by an inner surface of the pressing member when the pressing member seals the fluid supplying part. 
         [0033]    An outer surface of the body may incline inward to the fluid supplying part in an upward direction. 
         [0034]    Additional aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments will be set forth in part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of one or more exemplary embodiments 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0035]    These and/or other aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments will become apparent and more readily appreciated from the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings of which: 
           [0036]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of a fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0037]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating a fluid analysis cartridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0038]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view illustrating an inspection unit of the fluid analysis cartridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0039]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the inspection unit of the fluid analysis cartridge of  FIG. 2 , taken along line A-A′ according to an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4B  is an enlarged view of portion G of  FIG. 4A ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating a pressing member of the fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0042]      FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the pressing member of the fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0043]      FIG. 6B  is an enlarged view of portion H of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0044]      FIGS. 7A to 7D  are views illustrating various configurations of a rib provided at the pressing member of the fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments; and 
           [0045]      FIG. 8A  is a view illustrating a state before the fluid analysis cartridge is pressed by the pressing member of the fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
           [0046]      FIG. 8B  is an enlarged view of portion J of  FIG. 8A ; 
           [0047]      FIG. 9A  is a view illustrating a state in which the fluid analysis cartridge is pressed by the pressing member of the fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and 
           [0048]      FIG. 9B  is an enlarged view of portion K of  FIG. 9A . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0049]    Hereinafter, one or more exemplary embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Spatially relative terms, such as “front end,” “rear end,” “lower,” “upper,” “upper end,” “lower end,” and the like, are in reference to the drawings, and a shape and a position of each element are not limited by these terms. 
         [0050]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view illustrating an exterior of a fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0051]    As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the fluid analysis apparatus  1  may include a casing  10  which forms an exterior, and a door module  20  provided on a front portion of the casing  10 . 
         [0052]    The door module  20  may include a display part  21 , i.e., a display, a door  22 , and a door frame  23 . The display part  21  and the door  22  may be disposed at the front of the door frame  23 . The display part  21  may be located above the door  22 . The door  22  is slidable. The door  22  may be disposed to the rear of the display part  21 , when the door  22  is open. 
         [0053]    Information on a sample analysis, an operation state of the sample analysis, and the like may be provided through the display part  21 . An installation member  32  in which a fluid analysis cartridge  40  accommodating a fluid specimen (a fluid sample) is installed may be provided within the door frame  23 . A user may slide up and open the door  22 , install, i.e., insert, the fluid analysis cartridge  40  into the installation member  32 , slide down and close the door  22 , and then perform an analysis operation. 
         [0054]    The fluid analysis apparatus  1  may further include the fluid analysis cartridge  40 . 
         [0055]    The fluid analysis cartridge  40  may be detachably coupled to the fluid analysis apparatus  1 . 
         [0056]    The fluid specimen is injected into the fluid analysis cartridge  40  and then reacts with a reagent at an inspection unit  45  ( FIG. 2 ). The fluid analysis cartridge  40  is installed into the installation member  32  and pressed by a pressing member  30 , and thus the fluid specimen in the fluid analysis cartridge  40  may be introduced into the inspection unit  45 . The pressing member  30  may be coupled to a lever  80  of the fluid analysis apparatus  1 . 
         [0057]    The fluid analysis apparatus  1  may further include an output part  11 , e.g., a printer, other than the display part  21 , which outputs an inspection result in the form of a printed material. 
         [0058]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the fluid analysis cartridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Hereinafter, reference numerals which are not illustrated refer to  FIG. 1 . 
         [0059]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , the fluid analysis cartridge  40  may be inserted into the installation member  32  of the fluid analysis apparatus  1 . 
         [0060]    The fluid analysis cartridge  40  may include a housing  41  exterior, and the inspection unit  45  in which the fluid meets and reacts with the reagent. 
         [0061]    The housing  41  may support the fluid analysis cartridge  40 . Also, the housing  41  may include a grasping part which allows the user to grasp the fluid analysis cartridge  40 . The grasping part is formed in a streamlined protrusion shape so as to allow the user to stably grasp the fluid analysis cartridge  40 . 
         [0062]    Also, a fluid supplying part  42  which supplies the fluid sample may be provided in the fluid analysis cartridge  40 . The fluid supplying part  42  may include a supplying hole  42   b  through which the fluid sample is introduced into the inspection unit  45 , and a supply assisting portion  42   a  which assists the supplying of the fluid. The fluid which is inspected in the fluid analysis apparatus  1  is supplied into the fluid supplying part  42 . The fluid may include, for example, a biological sample, such as, as non-limiting examples, urine, saliva, blood, tissue fluid, lymph fluid, and an environmental sample for water quality management and soil management. However, one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. 
         [0063]    The supplying hole  42   b  may be formed in a circular shape. However, the supplying hole  42   b  is not limited thereto, and may be formed in a polygonal or partially curved shape. The user may drop the fluid specimen into the fluid supplying part  42  using a tool such as a pipette and a spuit. The supply assisting portion  42   a  may be formed around the supplying hole  42   b  and inclined toward the supplying hole  42   b . Therefore, the fluid sample dropped around the supplying hole  42   b  may flow along a slope of the supply assisting portion  42   a  into the supplying hole  42   b . Specifically, when the user does not precisely drop the fluid sample into the supplying hole  42   b , some of the fluid sample is dropped around the supplying hole  42   b , the fluid sample may be introduced into the supplying hole  42   b  via the slope of the supply assisting portion  42   a.    
         [0064]    Further, the supply assisting portion  42   a  may prevent the fluid analysis cartridge  40  from being contaminated by the erroneously supplied fluid sample, as well as may assist the supplying of the fluid sample. Even when the fluid sample is not precisely dropped into the supplying hole  42   b , the supply assisting portion  42   a  formed around the supplying hole  42   b  prevents the fluid sample from flowing toward the inspection unit  45  or the grasping part, and thus contamination of the fluid analysis cartridge  40  due to the fluid sample may be prevented. Furthermore, a fluid sample which may be harmful to the human body may be prevented from contacting the user. 
         [0065]    The fluid supplying part  42  may include at least one supplying hole  42   b . When the fluid supplying part  42  includes a plurality of supplying holes  42   b , the inspection with respect to a plurality of fluid samples which are different from each other may be performed in one fluid analysis cartridge  40 . Here, the plurality of fluid samples which are different from each other may be a same kind of fluid, but may be from sources, e.g., blood samples from two different people. Alternatively, the kinds of fluids and the sources thereof may be different from each other. Alternatively, the kinds of fluids and the sources thereof may be the same, but the plurality of fluid samples may be in different states. 
         [0066]    The fluid supplying part  42  may be formed protruding from the fluid analysis cartridge  40  and thus to face the pressing member  30 . Specifically, the fluid supplying part  42  may be formed protruding from the housing  41  of the fluid analysis cartridge  40  and thus faces the pressing member  30 , when the fluid analysis cartridge  40  is inserted into the installation member  32 . In other words, the fluid supplying part  42  may be formed to protruding upward from the housing  41  of the fluid analysis cartridge  40 . 
         [0067]    The fluid supplying part  42  may include a base  110  and a body  120 . 
         [0068]    The base  110  may be disposed on the fluid analysis cartridge  40 . The base  110  may be disposed on the housing  41  of the fluid analysis cartridge  40 . The base  110  may have a seating surface  110   a  on which the pressing member  30  may be seated. The seating surface  110   a  may be provided on an upper surface of the base  110 . Also, the seating surface  110   a  may be provided along a circumference of the body  120 . 
         [0069]    The body  120  may extend upward from the base  110 . The body  120  may have a contact surface  120   a  with which at least one rib  130  may be in contact, i.e., close contact. The contact surface  120   a  may be provided along an outer circumference of the body  120 . In other words, the contact surface  120   a  may be provided along a side surface of the body  120 . The supplying hole  42   b  and the supply assisting portion  42   a  may be provided at the body  120 . 
         [0070]    The fluid supplying part  42  may have a cylindrical shape. The fluid supplying part  42  may have a shape in which cylinders of different diameters are stacked or overlap. A diameter of the base  110  may be greater than that of the body  120 . However, the shape of the fluid supplying part  42  is not limited to the cylinder, and may be modified. 
         [0071]    The body  120  may extend from the base  110 , stepped in from an outer diameter of the base  110 . 
         [0072]    A width of the base  110  may be greater than that of the body  120 . 
         [0073]    The seating surface  110   a  of the base  110  may be provided at one surface of the base  110  corresponding to an outside of the body  120 . 
         [0074]    The fluid supply part  42  may be formed gradually inclined inward as the fluid supply part  42  extends upward, such that the pressing member  30  is in contact with a side surface of the fluid supplying part  42 . Specifically, the body  120  of the fluid supplying part  42  may be formed to be gradually inclined inward in an upward direction of the fluid supplying part  42 , such that the pressing member  30  is disposed along the side surface of the fluid supplying part  42 . The pressing member  30  may press the fluid supplying part  42 . In other words, the pressing member  30  may be in contact with the fluid supplying part  42  so as to press the fluid supplying part  42 . When the pressing member  30  is in contact with the fluid supplying part  42 , the fluid supplying part  42  is sealed. Therefore, a pressure is applied to the fluid supplying part  42 . The fluid sample is transferred from fluid supplying part  42  to the inspection unit  45  by pressure applied to the fluid supplying part  42 . The fluid supplying part  42  may be formed to be gradually inclined inward in the upward direction of the fluid supplying part  42 , such that the coupling of the pressing member  30  with the fluid supplying part  42  is performed, when the pressing member  30  is in contact with the fluid supplying part  42 . 
         [0075]    The housing  41  may be in contact with the fluid sample, while having a shape for implementing a particular function, and thus may be formed of a chemically and biologically inactive material. For example, the housing  41  may be formed of various materials, such as an acrylic material including polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a polysiloxane material including polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a polyethylene material including polycarbonate (PC), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), and high density polyethylene (HDPE), a plastic material including polyvinylalcohol, very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), polypropylene (PP), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and cyclic olefin copolymer (COC), glass, mica, silica, and a semiconductor wafer. However, the above-mentioned materials are just examples, and one or more exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. Any materials having chemical and biological stability and mechanical machinability may be used as the materials of the housing  41 . 
         [0076]    The fluid analysis cartridge  40  may be provided so that the inspection unit  45  is coupled thereto or in contact therewith. The fluid injected through the fluid supplying part  42  is introduced into the inspection unit  45 , and reacts with the reagent in the inspection unit  45 . Accordingly, an inspection may be performed. The inspection unit  45  includes an inspection part  47   b , and the inspection part  47   b  may accommodate the reagent which reacts with the fluid. 
         [0077]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view illustrating the inspection unit of the fluid analysis cartridge in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. 
         [0078]    As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the inspection unit  45  of the fluid analysis cartridge  40  may have a structure in which three plates  46 ,  47 , and  48  are bonded together. The three plates  46 ,  47 , and  48  may be divided into an upper plate  46 , a middle plate  47 , and a lower plate  48 . The upper plate  46  and the lower plate  48  are light-shielded to protect the fluid sample moving to the inspection part  47   b  from external light, and to prevent an error which may occur when an optical property is measured in the inspection part  47   b . The upper plate  46  and the lower plate  48  may be printed with light-shielding ink. 
         [0079]    Each of the upper plate  46  and the lower plate  48  may have a thickness of 10 μm to 30 μm. The middle plate  47  may have a thickness of 50 μm to 300 μm. 
         [0080]    A film used to form the upper plate  46  and the lower plate  48  of the inspection unit  45  may be selected from a polyethylene film, a polypropylene (PP) film, a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) film, a polystyrene (PS) film and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film formed of very low density polyethylene (VLDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), low density polyethylene (LDPE), medium density polyethylene (MDPE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or the like. However, these films are just examples, and any films having chemical and biological stability and mechanical machinability may be used as the films which form the upper plate  46  and the lower plate  48  of the inspection unit  45 . 
         [0081]    Unlike the upper plate  46  and the lower plate  48 , the middle plate  47  of the inspection unit  45  may be formed of a porous sheet. The porous sheet may be formed of one or more of cellulose acetate, nylon 6.6, nylon 6.10, and polyethersulfone. Since the middle plate  47  is formed of the porous sheet, the middle plate  47  serves as a vent, and also allows the fluid sample to be moved in the inspection unit  45  without a separate driving source. Also, in the case in which the fluid sample has a hydrophilic property, the middle plate  47  may be coated with a hydrophobic solution to prevent the fluid sample from permeating an inside of the middle plate  47 . 
         [0082]    An inlet port  46   a  through which the fluid sample is introduced may be formed in the upper plate  46 , and an area corresponding to the inspection part  47   b  may be transparent. An area  48   b  of the lower plate  48  corresponding to the inspection part  47   b  may also be transparent. Accordingly, an absorbance of a reaction occurring in the inspection part  47   b , i.e., an optical property, may be measured. 
         [0083]    An inlet port  47   a  through which the fluid sample is introduced may also be formed in the middle plate  47 , and the inlet port  46   a  of the upper plate  46  and the inlet port  47   a  of the middle plate  47  are overlapped with each other to form an inlet port  44  ( FIG. 4A ). In the inspection unit  45 , various reactions for fluid analysis may occur. In the case in blood is the fluid sample, the reagent which develops a color or is discolored by a reaction with a specific component of the blood (particularly, blood plasma) is accommodated in the inspection part  47   b , and the color developed in the inspection part  47   b  may be optically detected and digitized. Existence and absence of the specific component or a ratio of the specific component in the blood may be checked through a digitized value. 
         [0084]    Also, a fluid path  47   c  which connects the inlet port  47   a  and the inspection part  47   b  may be formed in the middle plate  47 . 
         [0085]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the inspection unit of the fluid analysis cartridge of  FIG. 2 , taken along line A-A′, and  FIG. 4B  is an enlarged view of portion G of  FIG. 4A  according to one or more exemplary embodiments. 
         [0086]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the fluid analysis cartridge  40  may be formed in a method in which the inspection unit  45  is bonded to a lower portion of the housing  41 . Specifically, the inspection unit  45  may be bonded to a bottom side of the fluid supplying part  42  in which the supplying hole  42   b  is provided. A pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) may be used in a bonding operation of the housing  41  and the inspection unit  45 . The PSA may be adhere to a target object at room temperature with a small amount of pressure applied for a short time, may be detached without cohesive failure, and may not leave a residue on a surface of the target object. However, the housing  41  and the inspection unit  45  may be bonded by not only the PSA, but may also be bonded using, as a non-limiting example, double-sided adhesive tape or using an insertion method into a groove. 
         [0087]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the fluid sample introduced through the supplying hole  42   b  passes through a filtering part  43  and then is introduced into the inspection unit  45 . The filtering part  43  may be inserted into the supplying hole  42   b  of the housing  41 . 
         [0088]    The filtering part  43  may include at least one porous membrane or layer which has a plurality of pores to filter out substances of a predetermined or greater size from the fluid sample. In accordance with one embodiment, the filtering part  43  may include a two-layered filter. For example, a first filter may be formed of glass fiber, non-woven fabric, an absorbent filter, or the like, and a second filter may be formed of polycarbonate (PC), polyethersulfone (PES), polyethylene (PE), polysulfone (PS), polyacrylsulfone (PASF), or the like. 
         [0089]    When the filtering part  43  has two layers, the fluid sample passing through an upper layer may be filtered once more by a lower layer. Further, when a large amount of particles larger than the predetermined size are introduced, the filtering part  43  may be prevented from being torn or damaged. However, the filtering part  43  is not limited thereto, but may be formed having three or more layers. Accordingly, a filtering function with respect to the fluid sample is further improved, and stability of the filtering part  43  is increased. Each filtering part  43  may be secured by an adhesive material such as the double-sided adhesive tape. 
         [0090]    The inspection unit  45  may include the inlet port  44  through which the fluid sample passing through the filtering part  43  is introduced, the fluid path  47   c  through which the introduced fluid sample is moved, and the inspection part  47   b  in which the fluid sample reacts with the reagent. 
         [0091]    The upper plate  46 , the middle plate  47 , and the lower plate  48  may be bonded by a double-sided adhesive tape  49 . The double-sided adhesive tape  49  may be attached on upper and lower surfaces of the middle plate  47 , and the upper plate  46 , the middle plate  47 , and the lower plate  48  may be bonded to each other. 
         [0092]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view illustrating the pressing member of the fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment,  FIG. 6A  is a cross-sectional view illustrating the pressing member of the fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and  FIG. 6B  is an enlarged view of portion H of  FIG. 6A . 
         [0093]    The pressing member  30  may be in contact with the fluid supplying part  42  so as to seal the fluid supplying part  42 . The pressing member  30  may be moved up and down to press the fluid supplying part  42 . In another aspect, the pressing member  30  may press the fluid supplying part  42  using the principle of a lever. The pressing member  30  may be coupled to the lever  80 . The lever  80  is coupled to a shaft provided in the fluid analysis apparatus  1  so as to be moved up and down. Therefore, the pressing member  30  coupled to the lever  80  may be moved up and down with the lever  80 . 
         [0094]    The pressing member  30  may be in contact with the fluid analysis cartridge  40  so that the fluid supplying part  42  is inserted into the pressing member  30 . Specifically, the pressing member  30  may be in contact with the base  110  of the fluid supplying part  42  so that the body  120  of the fluid supplying part  42  is inserted into the pressing member  30 . In a process in which the pressing member  30  is in contact with the fluid analysis cartridge  40 , i.e., a process in which the pressing member  30  is in contact with the base  110  of the fluid supplying part  42 , one surface of the pressing member  30  may be in close contact with the seating surface  110   a  of the base  110 . Since the pressing member  30  and the fluid supplying part  42  are in contact with each other so that the pressing member  30  covers the fluid supplying part  42 , a loss of pressure acting on the fluid supplying part  42  may be reduced. In other words, since the pressing member  30  and the fluid supplying part  42  are in contact with each other so that the pressing member  30  covers the fluid supplying part  42 , a sealing effect of the fluid supplying part  42  may be enhanced. 
         [0095]    The pressing member  30  may be in contact with the fluid supplying part  42  so as to press at least one surface of the fluid supplying part  42 . For example, the pressing member  30  may be in contact with the fluid supplying part  42  to press the seating surface  110   a  of the base  110 . Also, at least one rib  130  of the pressing member  30  may contact the fluid supplying part  42  so as to press the contact surface  120   a  of the body  120 . 
         [0096]    The pressing member  30  may be formed of at least one of an elastic material and a flexible material. For example, the pressing member  30  may be formed of a rubber material. 
         [0097]    The pressing member  30  may include at least one rib  130 . 
         [0098]    The at least one rib  130  may be formed at an inner surface of the pressing member  30  so as to be in close contact with the side surface of the fluid supplying part  42 . The at least one rib  130  may be formed at the inner surface of the pressing member  30  so as to be in close contact with the outer side surface of the fluid supplying part  42 . Specifically, the at least one rib  130  may be formed at the inner surface of the pressing member  30  so as to be in close contact with the contact surface  120   a  of the body  120 . 
         [0099]    The at least one rib  130  may be formed at the inner surface of the pressing member  30  so as to be in close contact with the outer circumference of the fluid supplying part  42 . Specifically, the at least one rib  130  may be formed at the inner surface of the pressing member  30  so as to be in close contact with an outer circumference of the body  120 . 
         [0100]    The at least one rib  130  may be formed at the inner surface of the pressing member  30  so as to protrude toward an inside of the pressing member  30 . 
         [0101]    The at least one rib  130  may be bent in a process in which the pressing member  30  and the fluid supplying part  42  are in contact with each other. Specifically, the at least one rib  130  may be bent in a coupling direction X ( FIG. 8A ) of the pressing member  30  or in a coupling direction Y ( FIG. 8A ) of the fluid supplying part  42  in the process in which the pressing member  30  is put in contact with the fluid supplying part  42 . If the at least one rib  130  includes a plurality of ribs, the ribs may be formed to be spaced apart so as to not interfere with each other when bent. 
         [0102]    The at least one rib  130  may be integrally formed with the pressing member  30 . The at least one rib  130  may be formed separately from the pressing member  30  and then may be in contact with the pressing member  30 . 
         [0103]    The at least one rib  130  may include the flexible material. 
         [0104]    The at least one rib  130  may include at least one of a rubber material and a silicone material. 
         [0105]    The at least one rib  130  may include a head  131  and a tail  132 . 
         [0106]    The head  131  may be connected to the inner surface of the pressing member  30 . 
         [0107]    The tail  132  may be connected to the outer surface of the fluid supplying part  42 . Specifically, when the pressing member  30  is in contact with the fluid supplying part  42 , the tail  132  may be connected to the contact surface  120   a  of the body  120 . 
         [0108]    A width of the head  131  may be the same as or greater than that of the tail  132 . The width of the head  131  may be greater than that of the tail  132 . 
         [0109]    The tail  132  may have a sharp end  132   a . The sharp end  132   a  of the tail  132  may have an acute angle, but is not limited thereto. 
         [0110]    The at least one rib  130  may further include a connection part  133  which connects the head  131  and the tail  132 . 
         [0111]    The width of the tail  132  may be the same as that of at least one of the head  131  and the connection part  133 , or may be smaller than that of at least one of the head  131  and the connection part  133 . Preferably, the width of the tail  132  may be smaller than that of at least one of the head  131  and the connection part  133 . 
         [0112]    The sealing effect of the fluid supplying part  42  may be further improved by forming at least one rib  130  at the inner surface of the pressing member  30 . That is, the at least one rib  130  may block a gap between the pressing member  30  and the fluid supplying part  42  which are in contact with each other, and thus the loss of pressure acting on the fluid supplying part  42  may be effectively reduced. 
         [0113]      FIGS. 7A to 7D  are views illustrating various shapes of the rib provided in the pressing member of the fluid analysis apparatus in accordance with one or more exemplary embodiments. 
         [0114]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A to 7D , the at least one rib  130  may have various shapes. 
         [0115]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7A , the head  131 , the connection part  133 , and the tail  132  may have the same width. Also, the at least one rib  130  may have a quadrangular cross section. 
         [0116]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7B , the width of the head  131  may be greater than those of the connection part  133  and the tail  132 . The connection part  133  and the tail  132  may have the same width. 
         [0117]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7C , the width of the head  131  may be greater than those of the connection part  133  and the tail  132 . Also, the tail  132  may not have a sharp end  132   a.    
         [0118]    As illustrated in  FIG. 7D , the width of the head  131  may the same as the connection part  133  and greater than the tail  132 . Also, the tail  132  may have the sharp end  132   a.    
         [0119]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 7A to 7D , the at least one rib  130  may have a polygonal cross section. However, a cross-sectional shape of the at least one rib  130  is not limited to the polygonal shape, and may have various shapes such as a circular shape and an elliptical shape. 
         [0120]      FIG. 8A  is a view illustrating the fluid analysis cartridge before being pressed by the pressing member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and  FIG. 8B  is an enlarged view of portion J of  FIG. 8A .  FIG. 9A  is a view illustrating the fluid analysis cartridge pressed by the pressing member in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, and  FIG. 9B  is an enlarged view of portion K of  FIG. 9A . 
         [0121]    As illustrated in  FIGS. 8A and 9B , the pressing member  30  may be in contact with the fluid supplying part  42 , while pressing the fluid supplying part  42 . When the lever  80  is moved down about the shaft, the pressing member  30  is integrally moved with the lever  80  and contacted with the fluid supplying part  42 . When the pressing member  30  is in contact with the fluid supplying part  42 , the pressing member  30  is in close contact with the seating surface  110   a  of the base  110 . Also, the at least one rib  130  provided at the inner surface of the pressing member  30  may be bent in the coupling direction X of the pressing member  30  or in the coupling direction Y of the fluid supplying part  42  in the process in which the pressing member  30  is contacted with the fluid supplying part  42 . The at least one rib  130  may be in close contact with the outer surface of the fluid supplying part  42 . Specifically, the at least one rib  130  may be in close contact with the contact surface  120   a  of the body  120 . When the pressing member  30  presses the fluid supplying part  42 , the close contact between the pressing member  30  and the fluid supplying part  42  occurs at a plurality of portions, and thus a sealed state of the fluid supplying part  42  may be effectively maintained. That is, in the process in which the pressing member  30  presses the fluid supplying part  42 , since one end of the pressing member  30  is in close contact with the seating part  110   a  of the base  110 , and the at least one rib  130  is in close contact with the contact surface  120   a  of the body  120 , the loss of pressure acting on the fluid supplying part  42  may be prevented. In other words, the pressing member  30  presses the side surface of the fluid supplying part  42 , and thus pressure may be more effectively transmitted to the fluid supplying part  42 . 
         [0122]    An upper surface of the fluid supplying part  42  is relatively vulnerable to a cracking or a deposit of a foreign substance. Therefore, when the pressing member  30  presses only the upper surface of the fluid supplying part  42 , it is difficult to maintain the sealed state of the fluid supplying part  42  due to the crack or the foreign substance. Therefore, the pressing member  30  may press at least one additional surface of the fluid supplying part  42  as well as the upper surface of the fluid supplying part  42 , and thus pressure may be effectively transmitted to the fluid supplying part  42 . 
         [0123]    According to one or more exemplary embodiments, instead of an up/down pressure transmission method of the pressing member with respect to the fluid supplying part, a side pressure transmission method is applied, and thus the loss of pressure acting on the fluid supplying part by the coupling with the pressing member can be prevented. 
         [0124]    Also, since at least one rib is formed in the pressing member, the close contact between the pressing member and the fluid supplying part can be increased, and, thus, sealing performance of the fluid supplying part can be enhanced by the contact with the pressing member. 
         [0125]    Although a few exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in these exemplary embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the claims and their equivalents.