Abstract:
An analysis device  1  includes an analysis sample preparation section, a specimen sampling implement conveyance member, an analysis section, and a control section. The analysis sample preparation section uses a specimen and an analysis sample preparation member to prepare an analysis sample of the specimen. A specimen sampling implement, which retains the specimen, is mounted to the specimen sampling implement conveyance member from externally thereto, and the specimen sampling implement conveyance member conveys the specimen sampling implement. The analysis section analyzes the analysis sample. The control section controls the specimen sampling implement conveyance member so as to convey the specimen sampling implement to the analysis sample preparation section and directly transfer the specimen from the specimen sampling implement to the analysis sample preparation member at the analysis sample preparation member.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present invention relates to an analysis device, a specimen sampling implement, and an analysis process. 
       BACKGROUND ART 
       [0002]    When only a small amount of blood can be collected from a test subject, the blood is collected with a capillary. 
         [0003]    Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open (JP-U) No. H6-7042 discloses a process such that a blood specimen sampled by a capillary in this manner can be placed as it is in an automatic analysis device. JP-U No. H6-7042 discloses a technology in which capillaries are accommodated in holders of the same size as sample cups of the automatic analysis device. In this technology, the holders are placed, one-to-one, in sample locations of the automatic analysis device, each holder is fixed in position in the device, and the blood sample is sucked from the capillary in the holder by a nozzle. 
         [0004]    Meanwhile, Japanese Patent No. 4,807,587 discloses an adapter that functions as a gripping portion for holding a capillary. The adapter includes a tapered nozzle insertion hole that widens at an opening at the opposite end of the capillary from an end thereof at which a blood collection opening is formed. In this technology, the adapter is connected to a capillary blood collection tube, the distal end of a nozzle of an automatic analysis device is inserted into the nozzle insertion hole, and the blood in the capillary is sucked up by the nozzle. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     Technical Problem 
       [0005]    With these technologies, however, a mechanism for sucking a blood sample from a capillary with a nozzle is complicated, and a procedure for sucking the blood sample from the capillary with the nozzle is also complicated. 
         [0006]    An object of the present invention is to provide an analysis device that can simply prepare an analysis sample from a specimen sampling implement that samples a specimen, and to provide the specimen sampling implement, and an analysis process. 
       Solution to Problem 
       [0007]    According to one aspect of the present invention, an analysis device is provided that includes: an analysis sample preparation section that utilizes a specimen and an analysis sample preparation member to prepare an analysis sample of the specimen, a specimen sampling implement conveyance member at which a specimen sampling implement that retains the specimen is attached from externally thereto, the specimen sampling implement conveyance member conveying the specimen sampling implement; an analysis section that analyzes the analysis sample; and a control section that controls the specimen sampling implement conveyance member so as to: convey the specimen sampling implement to the analysis sample preparation section and directly transfer the specimen from the specimen sampling implement to the analysis sample preparation member at the analysis sample preparation section. 
         [0008]    According to another aspect of the present invention, an analysis device is provided that includes: an analysis sample preparation section that utilizes a specimen and an analysis sample preparation member to prepare an analysis sample of the specimen; a specimen sampling implement conveyance member that conveys a specimen sampling implement to the analysis sample preparation section, the specimen sampling implement sampling the specimen, and directly transfers the specimen from the specimen sampling implement to the analysis sample preparation member at the analysis sample preparation section; and an analysis section that analyzes the analysis sample. 
         [0009]    According to still another aspect of the present invention, a specimen sampling implement is provided that includes: a specimen sampling portion that utilizes the capillary effect to sample a specimen; and an attachment member that attaches the specimen sampling implement to a specimen sampling implement conveyance member that conveys the specimen sampling implement. 
         [0010]    According to still another aspect of the present invention, an analysis process is provided that includes: attaching a specimen sampling implement that retains a specimen to a specimen sampling implement conveyance member from externally thereto, the specimen sampling implement conveyance member conveying the specimen sampling implement; with the specimen sampling implement conveyance member, conveying the specimen to an analysis sample preparation section that utilizes the specimen and an analysis sample preparation member to prepare an analysis sample of the specimen; directly transferring the specimen from the specimen sampling implement to the analysis sample preparation member at the analysis sample preparation section; and analyzing the analysis sample. 
         [0011]    According to still another aspect of the present invention, an analysis process is provided that includes: in a state in which a specimen sampling implement that retains a specimen has been attached from externally to a specimen sampling implement conveyance member that conveys the specimen sampling implement, conveying the specimen sampling implement to an analysis sample preparation section that utilizes the specimen and an analysis sample preparation member to prepare an analysis sample of the specimen; causing the specimen sampling implement conveyance member to directly transfer the specimen from the specimen sampling implement to the analysis sample preparation member at the analysis sample preparation section; and analyzing the analysis sample. 
         [0012]    According to still another aspect of the present invention, an analysis program is provided that causes a computer to execute a process comprising: in a state in which a specimen sampling implement that retains a specimen has been attached from externally to a specimen sampling implement conveyance member that conveys the specimen sampling implement, conveying the specimen sampling implement to an analysis sample preparation section that utilizes the specimen and an analysis sample preparation member to prepare an analysis sample of the specimen; causing the specimen sampling implement conveyance member to directly transfer the specimen from the specimen sampling implement to the analysis sample preparation member at the analysis sample preparation section; and analyzing the analysis sample. 
       Advantageous Effects of Invention 
       [0013]    An analysis device that can simply prepare an analysis sample from a specimen sampling implement that samples a specimen, the specimen sampling implement, and an analysis process may be provided. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  is a schematic perspective view for describing a blood analysis device according to a first exemplary embodiment. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  is a schematic perspective view for describing a capillary conveyance member of the blood analysis device according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  is a schematic perspective view for describing a capillary component to be favorably used in the blood analysis device according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  is a schematic perspective view for describing the structure of a capillary component attachment portion of the capillary conveyance member of the blood analysis device according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is a schematic perspective view for describing a structure for attachment of the capillary component to the capillary conveyance member of the blood analysis device according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart for describing a process of performing an analysis using the capillary component in the blood analysis device according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7A  is a flowchart for describing a process of performing an analysis using a blood collection tube in the blood analysis device according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7B  is a flowchart for describing the process of performing the analysis using the blood collection tube in the blood analysis device according to the first exemplary embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a schematic perspective view for describing a blood analysis device according to a second exemplary embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a schematic perspective view for describing a blood analysis device according to a third exemplary embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a portion of  FIG. 9 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged schematic perspective view for describing a first variant example of the blood analysis device according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged schematic perspective view for describing a second variant example of the blood analysis device according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged schematic perspective view for describing a third variant example of the blood analysis device according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged schematic perspective view for describing a fourth variant example of the blood analysis device according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 15  is an enlarged schematic perspective view for describing a fifth variant example of the blood analysis device according to the third exemplary embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 16  is a schematic perspective view for describing a blood analysis device according to a fourth exemplary embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 17  is a schematic perspective view for describing a sample analysis device according to a fifth exemplary embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 18  is a schematic perspective view for describing a sample analysis device according to a sixth exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    Now, a blood analysis device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is described with reference to the attached drawings. This blood analysis device is an example of the analysis device. According to the blood analysis device in the exemplary embodiment described below, measurements may be carried out using specimens of very small quantities: 0.5 μL to 10 μL. That is, the blood analysis device in the following exemplary embodiment is useful for measurements of minute-amount specimens of, for example, 1 μL to 8 μL, and furthermore is useful for measurements of minute-amount specimens of, for example, 2 μL to 5 μL. 
       First Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0034]    In the case of an infant child, amounts of blood that can be collected are extremely small. Accordingly, a blood sample from an infant can be accommodated in a capillary, which is formed in a tube shape, and used for blood testing. The amount of blood accommodated in a capillary is of the order of a few μL (microliters). In the case of an adult, the amount of blood that can be collected is large, and blood samples from adults can be accommodated in blood collection tubes and used for blood testing. The blood analysis device according to the present exemplary embodiment may automatically analyze both blood samples accommodated in capillaries and blood samples accommodated in blood collection tubes. 
         [0035]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a blood analysis device  1  according to the present exemplary embodiment is equipped with a blood analysis device main body  100 , a control section  102 , a cover  103 , and a blood collection tube rack loading portion  104 . The control section  102  is mounted at a left-side upper portion of a front face  101  of the blood analysis device main body  100 . The cover  103  is mounted at a right-side upper portion of the front face  101  of the blood analysis device main body  100 . The blood collection tube rack loading portion  104  is mounted at a lower portion of the front face  101  of the blood analysis device main body  100 . The blood collection tube rack loading portion  104  is equipped with a movable platform  105 . A blood collection tube rack  107 , on which a plural number of blood collection tubes  106  stand upright, is loaded on the movable platform  105 . The movable platform  105  is controlled by a controller  102   c , which is described below, and is moved to front, rear, left and right. 
         [0036]    The control section  102  is equipped with a display and control portion  102   b , which is provided at a front face  102   a  of the control section  102 , and a controller  102   c , which is provided at the inside of the control section  102 . The controller  102   c  is structured by, for example, a microcomputer. The display and control portion  102   b  is connected to a CPU of the controller  102   c  via an internal bus of the controller  102   c . The display and control portion  102   b  displays control states and analysis results, receives control signals, and so forth. The controller  102   c  is an example of a control section. 
         [0037]    Inside the blood analysis device main body  100 , an analysis box  110 , a disposal box  112 , a dilution tank  113  and a washing tank  114  are provided. The dilution tank  113  and the analysis box  110  are connected by piping  115 . A pump  116  is provided partway along the piping  115 . The analysis box  110  and the pump  116  are controlled by the controller  102   c . A blood sample is diluted in the dilution tank  113  with a diluting fluid. The diluted blood sample is fed to the analysis box  110  by the pump  116 . The diluting fluid is an example of an analysis sample preparation member, and the diluted blood specimen is an example of an analysis sample. The dilution tank  113  is an example of an analysis sample preparation section, and the analysis box  110  is an example of an analysis section. The analysis box  110  is equipped for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 
         [0038]    The blood analysis device  1  is equipped with a nozzle conveyance line  120  and a capillary component conveyance line  130 . 
         [0039]    The nozzle conveyance line  120  is equipped with a nozzle  121  and a nozzle conveyance portion  123 . The nozzle conveyance portion  123  conveys the nozzle  121  between a blood collection position  122 , the dilution tank  113  and the washing tank  114 . 
         [0040]    The capillary component conveyance line  130  is equipped with an attachment rod  131  and a capillary component conveyance portion  133 . A capillary component  150  (see  FIG. 3 ), which is described below, is attached to the attachment rod  131 . The capillary component conveyance portion  133  conveys the capillary attachment part  151  attached to the attachment rod  131  between a capillary component attachment position  132 , the dilution tank  113  and the disposal box  112 . The capillary component conveyance line  130  is an example of a specimen sampling implement conveyance member, the capillary component  150  is an example of a specimen sampling implement, and the attachment rod  131  is an example of a specimen sampling implement attachment portion. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , the nozzle conveyance portion  123  is equipped with a vertical conveyance portion  124  and a horizontal conveyance portion  125 . The vertical conveyance portion  124  is provided with a pulley  124   a , a pulley  124   b , a belt  124   c  that is wound between the pulley  124   a  and pulley  124   b , a motor  124   d  that is directly connected to the pulley  124   a , and a nozzle attachment member  124   e . The nozzle attachment member  124   e  is fixed to the belt  124   c  and the nozzle  121  is mounted vertically at the nozzle attachment member  124   e . The horizontal conveyance portion  125  is equipped with a pulley  125   a  and a pulley  125   b , a belt  125   c  that is wound between the pulleys  125   a  and  125   b , and a motor  125   d  that is directly connected to the pulley  125   a . The vertical conveyance portion  124  is fixed to the belt  125   c . The vertical conveyance portion  124  is moved in the horizontal direction by driving of the motor  125   d , and thus the nozzle  121  mounted at the vertical conveyance portion  124  is moved in the horizontal direction. The nozzle  121  is moved in the vertical direction by driving of the motor  124   d . A pump  126   a  is attached to the nozzle  121  via a tube  126   b . The controller  102   c  (see  FIG. 1 ) controls the motor  124   d  and the motor  125   d , and controls the nozzle conveyance portion  123  and the nozzle conveyance line  120 . The controller  102   c  also controls the pump  126   a.    
         [0042]    The capillary component conveyance portion  133  is equipped with a vertical conveyance portion  134  and a horizontal conveyance portion  135 . The vertical conveyance portion  134  is provided with a pulley  134   a , a pulley  134   b , a belt  134   c  that is wound between the pulleys  134   a  and  134   b , a motor  134   d  that is directly connected to the pulley  134   a , and a rod attachment member  134   e . The rod attachment member  134   e  is fixed to the belt  134   c  and the attachment rod  131  is mounted vertically at the rod attachment member  134   e . The horizontal conveyance portion  135  is equipped with a pulley  135   a  and a pulley  135   b , a belt  135   c  that is wound between the pulleys  135   a  and  135   b , and a motor  135   d  that is directly connected to the pulley  135   a . The vertical conveyance portion  134  is fixed to the belt  135   c . The vertical conveyance portion  134  is moved in the horizontal direction by driving of the motor  135   d , and thus the attachment rod  131  mounted at the vertical conveyance portion  134  is moved in the horizontal direction. The attachment rod  131  is moved in the vertical direction by driving of the motor  134   d . The controller  102   c  (see  FIG. 1 ) controls the motor  134   d  and the motor  135   d , and controls the capillary component conveyance portion  133  and the capillary component conveyance line  130 . 
         [0043]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , the capillary component  150  is equipped with a blood sampling portion  160  and a capillary attachment part  151 . The blood sampling portion  160  is an example of a specimen sampling portion, and the capillary attachment part  151  is an example of an attachment member. The blood sampling portion  160  is provided with a capillary  161 . Openings  161   a  and  161   b  are formed at the two ends of the capillary  161 , opening up the two ends of the capillary  161 . When the opening  161   a  of the capillary  161  is dipped in a specimen of blood or the like, the specimen of blood or the like is sucked into the capillary  161  by the capillary effect. 
         [0044]    The diameter of the capillary  161  is, for example, 1.2 mm and the length is, for example, 5.5 mm. Because the diameter of this capillary  161  is large and the length is short, the suction speed is high, in addition to which the specimen of blood or the like disperses easily in the diluting fluid. It is preferable if the diameter of the capillary  161  is in the range from 0.2 mm to 2.0 mm, and a diameter from 0.8 mm to 2.0 mm is more preferable. It is preferable if the length is in the range from 1 mm to 10 mm, and a length from 1 mm to 7 mm is more preferable. Accordingly, a minute-amount specimen from 1 μL to 8 μL may be sampled by the specimen sampling implement. 
         [0045]    The capillary attachment part  151  is equipped with an attachment base  152  and a holding member  153 . One end portion  153   a  of the holding member  153  is attached to one end portion  152   a  of the attachment base  152 . An indentation portion  153   c  is provided at a side of the holding member  153  at which an other end portion  153   d  thereof is disposed. A protrusion portion  153   b  is provided between the one end portion  153   a  and the indentation portion  153   c  of the holding member  153 . When the protrusion portion  153   b  is pushed, the holding member  153  moves in a direction away from the attachment base  152 , pivoting about the one end portion  153   a . In this state, the capillary attachment part  151  is inserted, leading with the side of the attachment base  152  at which an other end portion  152   d  thereof is disposed, such that the attachment rod  131  is sandwiched between the attachment base  152  and the holding member  153 . The attachment rod  131  is stopped by stoppers  152   e  of the attachment base  152  and stoppers  153   e  of the holding member  153 . When the pushing on the protrusion portion  153   b  of the holding member  153  is ended, the capillary attachment part  151  is attached to the attachment rod  131  in a state in which the attachment rod  131  is tightly fitted between an indentation portion  152   c  of the attachment base  152  and the indentation portion  153   c  of the holding member  153  and the attachment rod  131  is held by the holding member  153  at the side thereof at which the attachment base  152  is disposed. In the present mode, the blood sampling portion  160  and the capillary attachment part  151  are integrated, but a mode in which the blood sampling portion  160  and the capillary attachment part  151  are separate bodies and are assembled for use is also possible. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , an attachment rod-far side stopper member  136  is provided at the capillary component attachment position  132 , at a far side of the attachment rod  131 . Thus, deformation of the attachment rod  131  when the capillary component  150  is pushed onto the attachment rod  131  from the near side is prevented. Walls  137   a  and  137   b  for suppressing tilting of the capillary component  150  are provided at both sides at the far side of the attachment rod  131 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , the capillary component  150  is pushed onto the attachment rod  131  from the near side and attached thereto. 
         [0047]    Now, a process of using the blood analysis device  1  according to the present exemplary embodiment to perform a blood analysis is described. 
         [0048]    Firstly, referring to  FIG. 6 , a case of using the capillary component  150  (see  FIG. 3 ) to perform an analysis of a minute-amount blood specimen from an infant or the like is described. 
         [0049]    First, a small quantity of blood is extracted from a fingertip, an earlobe or the like. The opening  161   a  of the capillary  161  of the capillary component  150  (see  FIG. 3 ) is dipped in this blood specimen, and the blood specimen is sucked into the capillary  161  by the capillary effect. 
         [0050]    The controller  102   c  controls the capillary component conveyance line  130  (step S 301 ) to move the attachment rod  131  to the capillary component attachment position  132  (see  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 4 ). 
         [0051]    Then the capillary component  150  at which the blood is accommodated in the capillary  161  is attached to the attachment rod  131  disposed at the capillary component attachment position  132 . For this attachment, the protrusion portion  153   b  of the capillary component  150  is pushed to the state in which the holding member  153  and the attachment base  152  are opened up, and the capillary attachment part  151  is inserted such that the attachment rod  131  is sandwiched between the attachment base  152  and the holding member  153  (see  FIG. 3  to  FIG. 5 ). 
         [0052]    Next, the controller  102   c  controls the capillary component conveyance line  130  (step S 302 ) to move the attachment rod  131  to which the capillary component  150  has been attached to above the dilution tank  113 . 
         [0053]    The controller  102   c  then controls the capillary component conveyance line  130  to lower the attachment rod  131 , dip the capillary  161  in the diluting fluid in the dilution tank  113 , and reciprocate the capillary  161  up and down in the diluting fluid. The blood specimen in the capillary  161  is directly transferred into the diluting fluid in the dilution tank  113  by the capillary  161  being dipped in the diluting fluid (step S 303 ). Although the blood specimen may be transferred into the diluting fluid in the dilution tank  113  just by the capillary  161  being dipped in the diluting fluid, the blood specimen may be transferred more quickly by the capillary  161  being moved up and down in the diluting fluid. 
         [0054]    The controller  102   c  then controls the capillary component conveyance line  130  to raise the attachment rod  131  and remove the capillary  161  from the diluting fluid in the dilution tank  113  (step S 304 ). 
         [0055]    Next, the controller  102   c  controls the pump  116  to feed the diluting fluid into which the blood specimen has been transferred to the analysis box  110  (step S 311 ). 
         [0056]    The controller  102   c  then controls the analysis box  110  to perform an analysis of the diluted blood specimen (step S 312 ). 
         [0057]    Meanwhile, the controller  102   c  controls the capillary component conveyance line  130  to move the attachment rod  131  to which the capillary component  150  is attached to above the disposal box  112  (step S 305 ). 
         [0058]    The controller  102   c  then controls the capillary component conveyance line  130  to lower the attachment rod  131  and dispose of the capillary component  150  in the disposal box  112  (step S 306 ). 
         [0059]    Now, referring to  FIG. 7A  and  FIG. 7B , a case of using one of the blood collection tubes  106  to perform an analysis of a blood specimen from an adult or the like, which has a larger quantity than a blood specimen from an infant or the like, is described. 
         [0060]    First, the blood collection tube rack  107  retaining a plural number of the blood collection tubes  106 , in which blood specimens from adults and the like have been collected, is loaded onto the movable platform  105  of the blood collection tube rack loading portion  104  (see  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0061]    The controller  102   c  controls the movable platform  105  to move the blood collection tube  106  that is to be the object of measurement to the blood collection position  122  (step S 101 ). 
         [0062]    The controller  102   c  then controls the nozzle conveyance line  120  to move the nozzle  121  to above the measurement object blood collection tube  106  (step S 102 ). 
         [0063]    The controller  102   c  controls the nozzle conveyance line  120  to lower the nozzle  121  and dip the nozzle  121  in the blood specimen inside the blood collection tube  106  (step S 103 ). 
         [0064]    The controller  102   c  controls the pump  126   a  to transfer the blood specimen in the blood collection tube  106  into the nozzle  121  (step S 104 ). 
         [0065]    The controller  102   c  controls the nozzle conveyance line  120  to move the nozzle  121  to above the blood collection tubes  106  (step S 105 ). 
         [0066]    The controller  102   c  then controls the nozzle conveyance line  120  to move the nozzle  121  to above the dilution tank  113  (step S 106 ). 
         [0067]    The controller  102   c  controls the nozzle conveyance line  120  to lower the nozzle  121 . The nozzle  121  is dipped in the diluting fluid in the dilution tank  113  and reciprocated up and down in the diluting fluid, and the blood specimen in the nozzle  121  is transferred into the diluting fluid in the dilution tank  113  (step S 107 ). 
         [0068]    The controller  102   c  then controls the nozzle conveyance line  120  to raise the nozzle  121  and remove the nozzle  121  from the diluting fluid in the dilution tank  113  (step S 108 ). 
         [0069]    The controller  102   c  controls the pump  116  to feed the diluting fluid into which the blood specimen has been transferred to the analysis box  110  (step S 111 ). 
         [0070]    The controller  102   c  controls the analysis box  110  to perform an analysis of the diluted blood specimen (step S 112 ). 
         [0071]    Meanwhile, the controller  102   c  controls the nozzle conveyance line  120  to move the nozzle  121  to above the washing tank  114  (step S 109 ). 
         [0072]    The controller  102   c  then controls the nozzle conveyance line  120  to lower the nozzle  121 , dip the nozzle  121  in the wash in the washing tank  114 , and wash the nozzle  121  (step S 110 ). 
         [0073]    The controller  102   c  controls the nozzle conveyance line  120  to move the nozzle  121  to above the washing tank  114  (step S 111 ). 
         [0074]    The controller  102   c  then controls the nozzle conveyance line  120  to move the nozzle  121  to the blood collection position  122  (step S 112 ). 
         [0075]    Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, an analysis sample may be prepared simply, by attaching the capillary component  150  provided with the capillary  161  to the attachment rod  131  and directly transferring the blood specimen in the capillary  161  from the capillary  161  to the diluting fluid. 
         [0076]    Because the blood specimen in the capillary  161  is transferred directly from the capillary  161  to the diluting fluid, there is no need to use a nozzle or the like for transferring the blood specimen in the capillary. Moreover, there is no loss of the specimen consequent to suction by a nozzle or the like. That is, if only a quantity required for measurement is collected from a person and the specimen is accommodated in a separate container, then when the specimen is sucked from this container, some of the specimen is left in the container after nozzle suction, this part of the specimen is ultimately lost, and the quantity cannot be assured. In contrast, according to the process of direct transfer in a capillary of the present invention, this situation does not occur and the quantity can be assured. 
         [0077]    Moreover, because the attachment rod  131  to which the capillary component  150  is attached is used separately from the nozzle  121  that collects blood from the blood collection tubes  106 , contamination of the nozzle  121  does not occur. 
       First Variant Example of the First Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0078]    In the present exemplary embodiment, the capillary component  150  including the capillary  161  is used as an example of the specimen sampling implement. However, a fluid-absorbent material such as filter paper or the like may be used for the specimen sampling portion. In that case, a paper attachment portion (not shown in the drawings) is used in place of the capillary attachment part  151 , the filter paper is attached to the attachment rod  131 , and the blood specimen is absorbed by the filter paper. Then, the filter paper that has absorbed the blood specimen is dipped in the diluting fluid in the dilution tank  113  by the capillary component conveyance line  130 , is preferably reciprocated up and down in the diluting fluid, and the blood specimen absorbed in the filter paper is transferred to the diluting fluid in the dilution tank  113 . 
       Second Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0079]    Referring to  FIG. 8 , the present exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the attachment rod  131  is not used and the capillary component  150  is attached to the nozzle  121 . In other respects the present exemplary embodiment is similar to the first exemplary embodiment. However, because the capillary component  150  is attached to the nozzle  121 , in the present exemplary embodiment a single nozzle conveyance line  220  is used in common. Accordingly, the disposal box  112 , the dilution tank  113  and the washing tank  114  are arranged in a straight line. Thus, because the capillary component  150  is attached to the nozzle  121 , the blood analysis device  1  has a simpler structure. 
       Third Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0080]    Referring to  FIG. 9  and  FIG. 10 , the present exemplary embodiment differs from the first exemplary embodiment in that the attachment rod  131  includes a capillary component attachment portion  131   a , and in including an attachment member  300  that attaches the capillary component  150  to the capillary component attachment portion  131   a . In other respects the present exemplary embodiment is similar to the first exemplary embodiment. The capillary component attachment portion  131   a  is an example of the specimen sampling implement attachment portion. 
         [0081]    Referring to  FIG. 10 , the attachment member  300  includes an O-ring  301 . The capillary component  150  is attached to the attachment rod  131  by an attachment object portion  350  of the capillary component  150  being tightly fitted into the O-ring  301 . 
       First Variant Example of the Third Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0082]    Referring to  FIG. 11 , the attachment member  300  includes a sandwiching member  302 . A sandwiching portion  302   a  and a sandwiching portion  302   b  of the sandwiching member  302  are opened apart and an attachment object portion  351  of the capillary component  150  is sandwiched between the sandwiching portions  302   a  and  302   b . Thereafter, the sandwiching portions  302   a  and  302   b  are closed up, the sandwiching portions  302   a  and  302   b  are urged inward by a spring member  303 , and the capillary component  150  is attached to the attachment rod  131 . 
       Second Variant Example of the Third Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 12 , the attachment member  300  includes a fitting portion  304 . The capillary component  150  is attached to the attachment rod  131  by a fitting  352  of the capillary component  150  being tightly fitted into the fitting portion  304  of the attachment member  300 . 
       Third Variant Example of the Third Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0084]    Referring to  FIG. 13 , the attachment member  300  includes an attachment portion  305 . A protrusion portion  353   a  and protrusion portion  353   b  at an attachment portion  353  of the capillary component  150  are inserted into a recess portion  305   a  and a recess portion  305   b , respectively, at the attachment portion  305  of the attachment member  300 . Thereafter, the attachment member  300  or the capillary component  150  is turned. Thus, the capillary component  150  is attached to the attachment rod  131 . 
       Fourth Variant Example of the Third Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0085]    Referring to  FIG. 14 , the attachment member  300  includes an attachment portion  306 . The capillary component  150  is attached to the attachment rod  131  by a protrusion portion  354   a  at an attachment portion  354  of the capillary component  150  being inserted into a hole  306   a  at the attachment portion  306  of the attachment member  300 . 
       Fifth Variant Example of the Third Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , the attachment member  300  includes an attachment portion  307  fabricated of rubber. An attachment portion  355  of the capillary component  150  is inserted into a hole  307   a  in the attachment portion  307  of the attachment member  300 , and is sucked in by a vacuum pump  308  that is connected to the attachment rod  131 . Thus, the capillary component  150  is attached to the attachment rod  131 . Note that the interior of the attachment rod  131  is hollow. 
       Fourth Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0087]    The third exemplary embodiment is equipped with the nozzle conveyance line  120  and the capillary component conveyance line  130 . The nozzle  121  is used at the nozzle conveyance line  120 , and the attachment rod  131  to which the capillary component  150  is attached is used at the capillary component conveyance line  130 . Referring to  FIG. 16 , the present exemplary embodiment differs from the third exemplary embodiment in that the nozzle  121  and the nozzle conveyance line  120  are not used but only the capillary component conveyance line  130  is used. In other respects the present exemplary embodiment is similar to the third exemplary embodiment. As an example, in the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in the drawing, a plural number of the capillary component  150  may be accommodated in a capillary component rack  360 . The capillary component rack  360  may be moved to successively move capillary components  150  that are to be objects of analysis to the capillary component attachment position  132 , the capillary components  150  may be successively attached to the attachment rod  131 , and respective blood specimens collected in the plural capillary components  150  may be successively analyzed. However, the present exemplary embodiment is not limited to this. As in the example according to the first exemplary embodiment, an individual capillary component  150  may be attached to the attachment rod  131 . 
       Fifth Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0088]    In the first to fourth exemplary embodiments described above, the capillary  161  of the capillary component  150  or a fluid-absorbent material such as filter paper or the like is dipped in the diluting fluid in the dilution tank  113 , the blood specimen is transferred directly into the diluting fluid, and the diluted blood specimen is fed to the analysis box  110  and analyzed. Referring to  FIG. 17 , in the present exemplary embodiment a dot of the specimen in the capillary  161  is applied directly from the capillary  161  to a test plate  171 , which serves as the analysis sample preparation member. In a state in which the specimen has permeated into the test plate  171 , an optical measurement is conducted by an optical measuring instrument  175 . A dot of a specimen sucked into the nozzle  121  is also applied directly from the nozzle  121  to a test plate  172  that serves as the analysis sample preparation member, and an optical measurement is conducted by the optical measuring instrument  175  in the state in which this specimen has permeated into the test plate  172 . 
       Sixth Exemplary Embodiment 
       [0089]    In the fifth exemplary embodiment described above, a dot of a specimen in the capillary  161  is directly applied to the test plate  171  and an optical measurement is conducted by the optical measuring instrument  175  in the state in which the specimen has permeated into the test plate  171 . Referring to  FIG. 18 , in the present exemplary embodiment, a specimen in the capillary  161  is directly transferred from the capillary  161  to a reaction field  173  that serves as the analysis sample preparation member. Then, depending on the type of specimen, a measurement is conducted by a measurement instrument  176 , which is a measurement field, such as colorimetry, an electrochemical measurement, an ionic activity measurement, a capillary electrophoresis measurement or the like. In other respects the present exemplary embodiment is similar to the fifth exemplary embodiment. A sample sucked into the nozzle  121  can also be directly transferred from the nozzle  121  to the reaction field  173  that serves as the analysis sample preparation member, and a measurement then conducted by the measurement instrument  176 . 
         [0090]    For example, when the measurement by the measurement instrument  176  is colorimetry, a test plate including a reagent film is used as the reaction field  173 , and the specimen in the capillary  161  is transferred directly from the capillary  161  to the reaction field  173  by the distal end of the capillary  161  being brought into contact with the reagent film of the test plate. Thereafter, the test plate is disposed at an optical measurement portion of the measurement instrument  176 , and a colorimetry analysis is conducted by the measurement instrument  176 . When the measurement by the measurement instrument  176  is an electrochemical measurement, a tube structure in which electrodes and a reaction reagent are arranged is used as the reaction field  173 . The specimen in the capillary  161  is transferred directly from the capillary  161  to the reaction field  173  by the distal end of the capillary  161  being aligned with an inlet of the tube structure. Then, a voltage is applied to the electrodes and an electrochemical measurement analysis is conducted by the measurement instrument  176 . When the measurement by the measurement instrument  176  is an ionic activity measurement, and when the measurement by the measurement instrument  176  is a capillary electrophoresis management, analyses are conducted by the measurement instrument  176  in appropriate similar modes. 
         [0091]    In the exemplary embodiment described above, the reaction field  173  and the measurement field are separate, but they may coincide. 
         [0092]    In the present Description, the specimen sampling implement—the capillary component  150  or the like—is preferably an implement that samples a minute-amount specimen into the specimen sampling implement and is capable of retaining the minute-amount specimen. The term “minute amount” as used in “minute-amount specimen” is intended to include an amount that can be sampled and retained in the specimen sampling implement, and may be any amount provided the amount is at least a minimum required for implementing the analysis. As an example, the minute amount is 0.5 μL to 10 μL, as another example 1 μL to 8 μL, and as a further example 2 μL to 5 μL. In the present Description, the term “specimen” is intended to include a sample that is to be an object of analysis, and is, for example, a fluid from a test subject such as blood, urine, saliva or the like, or another liquid or such. However, specimens are not limited thus and may be, for example, a mixed liquid of a bodily fluid and another fluid (a diluting fluid or the like), and as another example, a suspension in which a solid material collected from the natural environment is suspended in a liquid, or the like. 
         [0093]    While a number of representative embodiments of the present invention have been described hereabove, the present invention is not to be limited by these embodiments. The above embodiments may be applied to cases other than analyzing bodily fluids from humans, and may be applied to, for example, cases of analyses such as radiation analyses using samples collected from soil and so forth. 
         [0094]    The disclosures of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2013-164250 filed Aug. 7, 2013 and 2014-157937 filed Aug. 1, 2014 are incorporated into the present specification by reference in their entirety. 
         [0095]    All references, patent applications and technical specifications cited in the present specification are incorporated by reference into the present specification to the same extent as if the individual references, patent applications and technical specifications were specifically and individually recited as being incorporated by reference.