Patent Description:
Immunological test methods (particularly, immunochromatography) are frequently used these days since the operation is easy and measurement can be carried out in a short time.

For example, in a case where an antigen such as influenza virus is detected by immunochromatography, the following operation is carried out.

First, a label modified with an antibody (labeled antibody) is prepared and mixed with a specimen containing an antigen. The labeled antibody binds to an antigen, whereby composite bodies are formed. In this state, in a case where these composite bodies are spread on an insoluble carrier having a detection line (a test line) onto which an antibody that specifically reacts with an antigen is applied, the composite bodies react with the antibody on the detection line and are captured, and detection is confirmed visually or in other manners.

Examples of such immunochromatography include the immunochromatography disclosed in <CIT>.

<CIT> discloses a sample applicator for transferring a fluid sample including a syringe body defining a hollow bore with an open end and an outlet, a plunger having a piston at one end and being effective to fit within the hollow bore, and a second end extending out of the open end when the piston is located within the hollow bore. The syringe applicator further includes at least one of a reagent and a concentrating material and a fluid dye material, located between the piston and the outlet.

<CIT> discloses decontaminant-doped dry hydrogel particles and a method for realizing mass concentration of a macromolecular liquid sample and specific activity improvement of a protein liquid sample by utilizing the decontaminant-doped dry hydrogel particles.

<CIT> discloses method for concentrating one or more target compounds in a liquid sample, a device for carrying out this method and a kit for processing a biological sample comprising such a device.

<NPL> discloses detection and quantification of pathogens in water is critical for the protection of human health and for drinking water safety and security using superabsorbent polymer (SAP) beads.

<CIT> discloses a chromatography method including a step of forming a composite with a test substance and a labeling substance containing a metal modified by a first binding substance of the test substance and then developing the composite on an insoluble carrier; a step of capturing the test substance and the labeling substance in a detection site on the insoluble carrier including a second binding substance of the test substance or a substance having a binding property to the first binding substance of the test substance; and a step of amplifying the captured labeling substance using a first amplification reagent and a second amplification reagent to detect the test substance.

<CIT> discloses a sample container which contains a hygroscopic substance and which makes it possible to directly conserve samples and/or assign material containing DNA/RNA at the location of extraction. The invention also relates to the use of said container for storing/preserving samples that contain DNA/RNA.

These days, there is a demand for an immunodiagnostic method that can be applied to a sample solution having an extremely low antigen concentration. For this reason, regarding immunological test methods such as immunochromatography, there is also a demand for a method having higher sensitivity than the method in the related art, as disclosed in <CIT>.

In consideration of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide an immunological test method having high detection sensitivity. Against this background, the invention proposes an immunological test method according to claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims as well as the following description.

As a result of intensive studies with regard to the above object, inventors of the present invention have found that the above object can be achieved by using a sample solution concentrated according to a predetermined method and have reached the present invention.

That is, the inventors of the present invention have found that the object can be achieved by the following configurations.

As shown below, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an immunological test method that has a high detection sensitivity and a concentration jig that is used for this immunological test method. The concentration jig is useful for practising embodiments of the invention, but is not claimed as such.

Hereinafter, an immunological test method according to the embodiment of the present invention and a concentration jig that is used in the immunological test method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. Only methods are claimed. The jig is useful for practising embodiments of the invention but is not claimed as such.

In the present specification, the numerical value range indicated by using "to" means a range including the numerical values before and after "to" as the lower limit value and the upper limit value, respectively.

In addition, in the present specification, one kind of each component may be used alone, or two or more kinds thereof may be used in combination. In a case where two or more kinds of each component are used in combination, a content of the component indicates a total content unless otherwise specified.

Further, in the present specification, "the detection sensitivity and the signal/noise ratio (the S/N ratio) are further improved" is also described as "the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent".

The immunological test method according to the embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, also referred to as "the method according to the embodiment of the present invention") is an immunological test method including;.

It is presumed that since the method according to the embodiment of the present invention has such a configuration, the above effects can be obtained. The reason for this is not clear; however, it is conceived to be as follows.

As described above, in the method according to the embodiment of the present invention, an antigen-containable solution (a sample solution) is concentrated using a superabsorbent polymer having a specific swelling ratio. In a case where the sample solution and the superabsorbent polymer are mixed, the water in the sample solution is incorporated into the superabsorbent polymer, whereas an antigen in the sample solution is hardly incorporated into the superabsorbent polymer since the antigen has a certain degree of hydrodynamic radius and thus the network structure on the surface of the superabsorbent polymer exhibits a sieving effect. As a result, the antigen in the sample solution is concentrated, which leads to the improvement in detection sensitivity.

On the other hand, the sample solution generally contains impurities such as low molecular weight components and salts. For example, in a case where the sample solution is urine, it contains impurities such as urea. From the studies by inventors of the present invention, it was found that in a case where these impurities are concentrated together with an antigen, the antigen-antibody reaction is inhibited and the detection sensitivity is decreased. That is, it is known that the effect of improving the detection sensitivity by concentration cannot be sufficiently obtained.

The method according to the embodiment of the present invention is based on the above findings. That is, in the method according to the embodiment of the present invention, these impurities are incorporated into the superabsorbent polymer together with water since a superabsorbent polymer having a specific swelling ratio is used as the superabsorbent polymer. For this reason, the above-described decrease in detection sensitivity hardly occurs. As a result, it is conceived that an extremely high detection sensitivity is achieved.

Hereinafter, each of the steps included in the method according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The concentration step is a step of concentrating an antigen-containable solution (a sample solution) by mixing the antigen-containable solution with a superabsorbent polymer to obtain an antigen-concentrated solution (a solution in which an antigen is concentrated). Here, the swelling ratio of the superabsorbent polymer ranges from including <NUM>/g to including <NUM>/g.

The sample solution that is used in the concentration step is not particularly limited as long as it is an antigen-containable solution including urea.

The sample solution is urine due to the reason that the effects of the present invention are more excellent.

As the sample solution is urine, the concentration of urea in the antigen-concentrated solution obtained in the concentration step is <NUM> times or less with respect to the concentration of urea in the sample solution due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent.

Examples of the antigen include a fungus, a bacterium (for example, tubercle bacillus or lipoarabinomannan (LAM) included in the tubercle bacillus), a virus (for example, an influenza virus), and a nuclear protein thereof. LAM is a major antigen in tuberculosis and a glycolipid which is a major constitutional component of the cell membrane and the cell wall.

The antigen is more preferably a virus (particularly, an influenza virus) or LAM and still more preferably LAM due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent.

Regarding the sample solution, it is possible to use a sample solution as it is or in a form of an extraction solution obtained by extracting an antigen using an appropriate solvent for extraction, in a form of a diluent solution obtained by diluting an extraction solution with an appropriate diluent, or in a form in which an extraction solution has been concentrated by an appropriate method.

As the solvent for extraction, it is possible to use a solvent (for example, water, physiological saline, and a buffer solution) that is used in a general immunological analysis method, or a water-miscible organic solvent with which a direct antigen-antibody reaction can be carried out by being diluted with such a solvent.

The superabsorbent polymer that is used in the concentration step is a polymer having a swelling ratio that ranges from including <NUM>. g/g to including <NUM>/g (hereinafter, also referred to as a "specific superabsorbent polymer"). Here, the swelling ratio is a value defined as "a mass (g) of water retained by <NUM> of a superabsorbent polymer".

The specific superabsorbent polymer is not particularly limited as long as the swelling ratio thereof ranges from including <NUM>/g to including <NUM>/g; however, due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent, the superabsorbent polymer is a polyacrylic acid-based, polyacrylamide-based, cellulose-based, or polyethylene oxide-based polymer.

As described above, the swelling ratio of the specific superabsorbent polymer ranges from including <NUM>/g to including <NUM>/g. Among the above, due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent, it is preferably <NUM>/g or less.

A mass of a superabsorbent polymer stored for <NUM> days at <NUM> and <NUM>% of relative humidity (RH) is measured, and immediately after the measurement, the superabsorbent polymer is immersed in a large amount of distilled water. After <NUM> minutes, the superabsorbent polymer is taken out, the water on the surface thereof is removed, the mass thereof is measured again, and the swelling ratio thereof is measured using the following expression.

The method of adjusting the swelling ratio to the above-described specific range is not particularly limited; however, examples thereof include changing the kind of the polymer, changing the molecular weight of the polymer, changing the degree of crosslinking of the polymer, and changing the particle diameter of the polymer.

The water absorption rate of the specific superabsorbent polymer is not particularly limited; however, due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent, it is preferably <NUM>/min or more and <NUM>/min or less per <NUM> of superabsorbent polymer, and more preferably <NUM>/min or more and <NUM>/min or less per <NUM> of superabsorbent polymer.

The water absorption rate is measured as follows.

A mass (a mass M<NUM>, unit: g) of a superabsorbent polymer stored for <NUM> days at <NUM> and <NUM>% of relative humidity (RH) is measured, and immediately after the measurement, the superabsorbent polymer is immersed in a large amount of distilled water. After <NUM> minutes, the superabsorbent polymer is taken out, the water on the surface thereof is removed, and the mass thereof (a mass M<NUM>) is measured. Immediately after the mass measurement, the superabsorbent polymer is immersed again in a large amount of distilled water. After <NUM> minutes, the superabsorbent polymer is taken out, the water on the surface thereof is removed, and the mass thereof (a mass M<NUM>) is measured again. Immediately after the measurement of mass M<NUM>, the superabsorbent polymer is immersed again in a large amount of distilled water. After <NUM> minutes, the superabsorbent polymer is taken out, the water on the surface thereof is removed, and the mass thereof (a mass M<NUM>) is measured again.

The water absorption amount is defined as follows.

Using the water absorption amount defined as described above, the water absorption rate is calculated as follows.

Three points are plotted on the X-Y plane as the horizontal axis of time (x = <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, unit: minute) and the vertical axis of water absorption amount (y = ΔM10, ΔM20, ΔM30, unit: g (water)/g (polymer amount)), to obtain a linear approximate expression of the water absorption amount with respect to the time by using the least squares method, and the slope of the linear approximate expression is defined as the water absorption rate per unit time (minute).

The specific superabsorbent polymer preferably has a particle shape, and the particle diameter in such a case is preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, and still more preferably <NUM> or less, due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent. The lower limit of the particle diameter of the specific superabsorbent polymer is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and still more preferably <NUM> or more, due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent. According to a method of measuring a particle diameter of a specific superabsorbent polymer having a particle shape, the diameters of <NUM> particles of the polymer having a particle shape are measured with an optical microscope, and the arithmetic mean value thereof can be used as the particle diameter.

The using amount of the specific superabsorbent polymer is not particularly limited; however, it is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM> with respect to <NUM> of the sample solution due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent.

The procedure of the concentration step is not particularly limited; however, examples thereof include a method of mixing the sample solution and the specific superabsorbent polymer to recover a sample solution (an antigen-concentrated solution) that has not been absorbed by the specific superabsorbent polymer.

The method of mixing the sample solution and the specific superabsorbent polymer is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a method of blending the sample solution with the specific superabsorbent polymer and stirring the blended mixture followed by being allowed to stand.

In the concentration step, it is preferable to use a concentration jig described later due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent.

The detection step is a step of detecting an antigen in the antigen-concentrated solution obtained in the concentration step described above, by using an antigen-antibody reaction. Here, the antibody that is used in the antigen-antibody reaction is a monoclonal antibody. Accordingly, there is little concern of false positiveness in the method according to the embodiment of the present invention.

The detection step is not particularly limited as long as an antigen-antibody reaction is used, and examples thereof include an enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (EIA), a solid phase enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA), a radioimmunoassay (RIA), a fluorescent immunoassay (FIA), a Western blot method, and immunochromatography. Among the above, immunochromatography is preferable due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent. That is, the method according to the embodiment of the present invention is preferably immunochromatography.

Hereinafter, a suitable aspect in a case where the detection step is immunochromatography will be described.

Due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent, the detection step preferably includes;.

Here, at least one of the first binding substance or the second binding substance is a monoclonal antibody. It is preferable that both the first binding substance and the second binding substance are a monoclonal antibody due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent.

Hereinafter, each of the steps included in the above suitable aspect will be described.

The spreading step is a step of spreading gold particle composite bodies on an insoluble carrier having a reaction site at which a second binding substance capable of binding to an antigen in the antigen-concentrated solution obtained in the above-described concentration step has been immobilized, in a state where the gold particle composite body which are composite bodies of the antigen and modified gold particles which are gold particles modified with a first binding substance capable of binding to the antigen are formed.

As described above, in the spreading step, first, the gold particle composite body which is a composite body of the antigen in the antigen-concentrated solution obtained in the above-described concentration step and a modified gold particle which is a gold particle modified with a first binding substance capable of binding to the antigen is formed.

The modified gold particle is a gold particle modified with the first binding substance capable of binding to an antigen.

Gold particle is not particularly limited.

The gold particle acts as a catalyst that reduces silver ions in the silver amplification step described later.

The particle diameter of the gold particles is preferably <NUM> or less, more preferably <NUM> or less, still more preferably <NUM> or less, and particularly preferably <NUM> or less, due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent.

The lower limit of the particle diameter of the gold particles is not particularly limited; however, it is preferably <NUM> or more, more preferably <NUM> or more, and still more preferably <NUM> or more, due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent.

The particle diameter can be measured with a commercially available particle diameter distribution meter or the like. As a method of measuring the particle size distribution, optical microscopy, confocal laser microscopy, electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, static light scattering method, laser diffraction method, dynamic light scattering method, centrifugal sedimentation method, electric pulse measurement method, chromatography method, ultrasonic attenuation method, and the like are known, and apparatuses corresponding to the respective principles are commercially available. As the method of measuring a particle diameter, a dynamic light scattering method can be preferably used due to the particle diameter range and the ease of measurement. Examples of the commercially available measuring device using dynamic light scattering include NANOTRAC UPA (Nikkiso Co. ), a dynamic light scattering type particle size distribution measuring device LB-<NUM> (HORIBA, Ltd. ), and a Fiber-Optics Particle Analyzer FPAR-<NUM> (Otsuka Electronics Co. In the present invention, the average particle size is obtained as a value of a median diameter (d = <NUM>) measured at a measurement temperature of <NUM>.

The first binding substance is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of binding to the above antigen; however, due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent, it is preferably a protein, more preferably an antibody (for example, a polyclonal antibody or a monoclonal antibody), and from the viewpoint of achieving higher detection sensitivity, it is still more preferably a monoclonal antibody.

The above antibody is not particularly limited. However, it is possible to use, for example, an antiserum prepared from a serum of an animal immunized with an antigen, or an immunoglobulin fraction purified from an antiserum. In addition, it is possible to use a monoclonal antibody obtained by cell fusion using spleen cells of an animal immunized with an antigen, or a fragment thereof [for example, F(ab')<NUM>, Fab, Fab', or Fv]. The preparation of these antibodies can be carried out by a conventional method.

In a case where the antigen is LAM, examples of the first binding substance include the A194-<NUM> antibody described in <CIT>.

In a case where the antigen is LAM, other examples of the first binding substance include the antibody having a sequence described as MoAb1 in paragraph No. [<NUM>] of <CIT>.

The method of manufacturing the modified gold particle is not particularly limited, and a known method can be used.

Examples thereof include a chemical bonding method such as a method in which an SH group is introduced into an antibody, and the fact that gold and an SH group are chemically bonded is utilized so that the SH bond of the antibody is cleaved to generate an Au-S bond on the Au surface when the antibody approaches gold particles, whereby the antibody is immobilized.

The above-described insoluble carrier is an insoluble carrier having a reaction site (a test line) at which a second binding substance capable of binding to the antigen is immobilized. The insoluble carrier may have a plurality of test lines depending on the kinds of antigens (for example, a test line for influenza A type virus and a test line for influenza B type virus). In addition, the insoluble carrier may have a control line on the downstream side of the test line in order to check the spreading of the gold particle composite bodies. Further, in a case where a reducing agent solution is used in the silver amplification step described later, a coloring reagent immobilization line may be provided downstream of the test line in order to detect the reducing agent solution.

Examples of the specific aspect of the insoluble carrier include a nitrocellulose membrane <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, which has from the upstream side; a gold colloid holding pad <NUM>, a test line <NUM>, a control line <NUM>, and a coloring reagent immobilization line <NUM>. Here, the gold colloid holding pad <NUM> is a pad that holds gold particles (modified gold particles) modified with the first binding substance, the test line <NUM> is a line on which the second binding substance is immobilized, the control line <NUM> is a line for checking the spreading, and the coloring reagent immobilization line <NUM> is a line for detecting the reducing agent solution described later. Here, the upstream side and the downstream side mean descriptions intended to indicate the spreading from the upstream side to the downstream side at the time when gold particle composite bodies are spread.

The more specific aspect of the insoluble carrier (or an immunochromatographic kit having the insoluble carrier) include, for example, the insoluble carrier or the immunochromatographic kit disclosed in <CIT>.

The insoluble carrier is preferably a porous carrier. In particular, due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent, it is preferably a nitrocellulose film (a nitrocellulose membrane), a cellulose membrane, an acetyl cellulose membrane, a polysulfone membrane, a polyether sulfone membrane, a nylon membrane, a glass fiber, a non-woven fabric, a cloth, a thread, or the like is preferable, and a nitrocellulose film is more preferable.

The second binding substance is not particularly limited as long as it is capable of binding to the above antigen.

Specific examples and the suitable aspect of the second binding substance are respectively the same as those of the above-described first binding substance.

The second binding substance may be the same as or different from the above-described first binding substance; however, an aspect in which the second binding substance is a different substance is preferable due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent.

In addition, in a case where the first binding substance and the second binding substance are antibodies, an aspect in which the antibody which is the first binding substance and the antibody which is the second binding substance are different from each other is preferable due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent.

Further, in a case where the first binding substance and the second binding substance are antibodies, an aspect in which an epitope (a part of the antigen recognized by the first binding substance) of the first binding substance and an epitope (a part of the antigen recognized by the second binding substance) of the second binding substance are different from each other is preferable due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent. The difference in epitope between antibodies can be confirmed by, for example, an enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA).

The method of spreading gold particle composite bodies on an insoluble carrier having a test line in a state where the gold particle composite bodies are formed is not particularly limited; however, examples thereof include a method in which the above nitrocellulose membrane <NUM> (or an immunochromatographic kit having the nitrocellulose membrane <NUM>) as illustrated in <FIG> is prepared, and the antigen-concentrated solution obtained in the above-described concentration step is dropwise added onto a gold colloid holding pad and moved from the upstream side to the downstream side by using the capillary phenomenon as illustrated in <FIG>.

The capturing step is a step of capturing the gold particle composite bodies at the reaction site of the insoluble carrier.

As described above, since the second binding substance capable of binding to an antigen is immobilized at the reaction site of the insoluble carrier, the gold particle composite bodies (the composite bodies of an antigen and modified gold particles) spread on the insoluble carrier in the spreading step is captured at the reaction site (the test line) of the insoluble carrier.

In a case where a sample solution does not contain an antigen, the above gold particle composite bodies are not formed, and thus the gold particle composite bodies are not captured at the reaction site of the insoluble carrier.

The silver amplification step is a step of silver-amplifying the gold particle composite body captured in the capturing step.

The silver amplification step is a step of forming large silver particles in the gold particle composite body captured at the reaction site of the insoluble carrier by providing silver ions to the insoluble carrier after the capturing step. More specifically, it is a step in which silver ions are reduced using gold particles of the gold particle composite body as a catalyst to form silver particles (for example, a diameter of <NUM> or more).

This significantly improves the detection sensitivity of the captured gold particle composite body.

The method of providing silver ions to the insoluble carrier after the capturing step is not particularly limited; however, it is preferably a method in which the following reducing agent solution and the following silver amplification solution are used, due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent.

Further, in addition to the reducing agent solution and the silver amplification solution, a washing solution may be used to wash the composite body remaining on the insoluble carrier except for the specific binding reaction. The reducing agent solution may also serve as a washing solution.

The reducing agent solution contains a reducing agent capable of reducing silver ions. As the reducing agent capable of reducing silver ions, any inorganic or organic material or a mixture thereof can be used as long as it can reduce silver ions to silver. Preferred examples of the inorganic reducing agent include a reducing metal salt and a reducing metal complex salt, of which the atomic valence is capable of being changed with a metal ion such as Fe<NUM>+, V<NUM>+, or Ti<NUM>+. In a case where an inorganic reducing agent is used, it is necessary to remove or detoxify oxidized ions by complexing or reducing the oxidized ions. For example, in a system in which Fe<NUM>+ is used as the reducing agent, a complex of Fe<NUM>+, which is an oxide, is formed using citric acid or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and therefore detoxification is possible. In the present invention, it is preferable to use such an inorganic reducing agent, and as a more preferable aspect of the present invention, it is preferable to use a metal salt of Fe<NUM>+ as the reducing agent.

It is also possible to use, as the reducing agent, a main developing agent (for example, methyl gallate, hydroquinone, substituted hydroquinone, <NUM>-pyrazolidones, p-aminophenols, p-phenylenediamines, hindered phenols, amidoximes, azines, catechols, pyrogallols, ascorbic acid (or derivatives thereof), or leuco dyes) that is used in a wet-type light-sensitive silver halide photographic material, and other materials obvious to those who are skilled in the technology in the present field, such as a material disclosed in <CIT>.

As the reducing agent, an ascorbic acid reducing agent is also preferable. The useful ascorbic acid reducing agent includes ascorbic acid, an analog thereof, an isomer thereof, and a derivative thereof. Preferred examples thereof include D- or L-ascorbic acid and a sugar derivative thereof (for example, γ-lactoascorbic acid, glucoascorbic acid, fucoascorbic acid, glucoheptoascorbic acid, or maltoascorbic acid), a sodium salt of ascorbic acid, a potassium salt of ascorbic acid, isoascorbic acid (or L-erythroascorbic acid), a salt thereof (for example, an alkali metal salt, an ammonium salt, or a salt known in the related technical field), ascorbic acid of the enediol type, ascorbic acid of the enaminol type, ascorbic acid of the thioenol type. Particularly preferred examples thereof include D-, L-, or D,L-ascorbic acid (and an alkali metal salt thereof) or isoascorbic acid (or an alkali metal salt thereof), and a sodium salt is a preferred salt. A mixture of these reducing agents can be used as necessary.

Due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent, the reducing agent solution is preferably allowed to flow so that the angle between the spreading direction in the spreading step and the spreading direction of the reducing agent solution is <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees, and more preferably allowed to flow so that the angle between the spreading direction in the spreading step and the spreading direction of the reducing agent solution is <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

Examples of the method of regulating the angle between the spreading direction in the spreading step and the spreading direction of the reducing agent solution include the method described in Examples of <CIT>.

The silver amplification solution is a solution containing a compound containing silver ions. As the compound containing silver ions, it is possible to use, for example, organic silver salts, inorganic silver salts, or silver complexes. Preferred examples thereof include silver ion-containing compounds having a high solubility in a solvent such as water, such as silver nitrate, silver acetate, silver lactate, silver butyrate, and silver thiosulfate. Silver nitrate is particularly preferable. The silver complex is preferably a silver complex in which silver is coordinated with ligands having a water-soluble group such as a hydroxyl group or a sulfone group, and examples thereof include silver hydroxythioether.

As the silver, the organic silver salt, the inorganic silver salt, or the silver complex is preferably contained in the silver amplification solution at a concentration of <NUM> mol/L to <NUM> mol/L, preferably <NUM> mol/L to <NUM> mol/L, and more preferably <NUM> mol/L to <NUM> mol/L.

Examples of the auxiliary agent of the silver amplification solution include a buffer, a preservative such as an antioxidant or an organic stabilizer, and a rate regulating agent. As the buffer, it is possible to use, for example, a buffer formed of acetic acid, citric acid, sodium hydroxide, or one of salts of these compounds, or formed of tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane, or other buffers that are used in general chemical experiments. These buffers are appropriately used to adjust the pH of the amplification solution to an optimum pH thereof. In addition, as the antifogging agent, an alkyl amine can be used as an auxiliary agent, and dodecyl amine is particularly preferable. In addition, a surfactant can be used for the intended purpose of improving the solubility of this auxiliary agent, and C<NUM>H<NUM>-C<NUM>H<NUM>-O-(CH<NUM>CH<NUM>O)<NUM>H is particularly preferable.

Due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent, the silver amplification solution is preferably allowed to flow from the direction opposite to the spreading direction in the spreading step described above and more preferably allowed to flow so that the angle between the spreading direction in the spreading step and the spreading direction of the silver amplification solution is <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

Examples of the method of regulating the angle between the spreading direction in the spreading step and the spreading direction of the silver amplification solution include the method described in Examples of <CIT>.

According to an embodiment of the present invention in the concentration step described above of the immunological test method a concentration jig that is used, and it is a concentration jig including a container that accommodates the above-described specific superabsorbent polymer, where the container has an incorporation part for incorporating the above-described antigen-containable solution and a discharge unit for discharging the above-described antigen-concentrated solution.

By using the concentration in the above-described concentration step, the recovery time of the concentrated solution is shortened and the concentration step can be completed in a short time. In addition to this, the antigen-concentrated solution can be obtained quantitatively, and the variation in the concentration rate for each measurement can be suppressed to a low level. Furthermore, since the concentration time, the concentration amount, and the concentration rate can be controlled, it is possible to carry out high reproducible concentration more easily and repeatedly.

Hereinafter, suitable aspects of the concentration jig used in the concentration step described above will be described.

A suitable aspect <NUM> of the concentration jig a is a concentration jig including a cylinder that is the above-described container and a piston that is insertable into the cylinder.

The above suitable aspect <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawing.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating a concentration jig that is one aspect of the above suitable aspect <NUM>.

As illustrated in (A) of <FIG>, a concentration jig <NUM> includes a cylinder <NUM> and a piston <NUM> that is insertable into the cylinder <NUM>.

Here, the cylinder <NUM> has a nozzle part <NUM>, an opening portion <NUM>, and a gradation <NUM>, and it accommodates a specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>.

First, an antigen-containable solution (a sample solution) <NUM> is incorporated into the cylinder <NUM>.

Examples of the method of incorporating the sample solution <NUM> include (i) a method of plugging the nozzle part <NUM> and then placing the sample solution <NUM> in the cylinder <NUM> through the opening portion <NUM>, and (ii) a method of inserting the piston <NUM> into the cylinder <NUM>, subsequently immersing the nozzle part <NUM> in the sample solution <NUM>, and incorporating the sample solution <NUM> into the cylinder <NUM> from the nozzle part <NUM> by pulling the piston in a state where the nozzle part <NUM> is immersed in the sample solution <NUM>.

In the case of the above (i), the opening portion <NUM> serves as the above-described incorporation part. Alternatively, in the case of the above (ii), the nozzle part <NUM> serves as the above-described incorporation part.

In the above cases, the sample solution <NUM> is incorporated to reach a predetermined position of the cylinder <NUM> (for example, the upper end of the gradation <NUM>). In this manner, a predetermined amount of the sample solution <NUM> can be incorporated into the cylinder <NUM> ((B) of <FIG>).

In <FIG>, the gradation <NUM> is marked on the cylinder <NUM>; however, a stopper for incorporating a predetermined amount of the sample solution <NUM> may be provided instead of the gradation <NUM>.

Next, the state of (B) of <FIG> is continued to be left for a predetermined time. As a result, mainly the liquid (particularly water) and impurities in the sample solution <NUM> are absorbed by the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>, and the sample solution <NUM> is concentrated to become an antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> (the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM> becomes a swollen specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>) ((C) of <FIG>).

Then, the piston <NUM> in the state of (C) of <FIG> is pushed to discharge the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> from the nozzle part <NUM> ((D) of <FIG>). The discharged antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> is recovered to obtain the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM>.

At the time of discharging the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM>, a predetermined amount of the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> is discharged by using the gradation <NUM> of the cylinder <NUM>. Alternatively, the entire amount of the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> is discharged. In this manner, a predetermined amount of the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> can be recovered.

In <FIG>, the gradation <NUM> is marked on the cylinder <NUM>; however, a stopper for discharging a predetermined amount of the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> may be provided instead of the gradation <NUM>.

As described above, the cylinder <NUM> has the nozzle part <NUM>, the opening portion <NUM>, and the gradation <NUM>, and it accommodates the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>.

The material of the cylinder <NUM> is not particularly limited; however, it is preferably a thermoplastic resin since thermoplastic resin can be subjected to injection molding, is inexpensive, and can be produced on a large scale. Specifically, it is preferably polypropylene, acryl, polyacetal, polyamide, polyethylene, polyethylene terephthalate, polycarbonate, polystyrene, polyphenylene sulfide, polybutylene terephthalate, polyvinyl chloride, an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer resin (an ABS resin), or an acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer resin (an AS resin) since this has a certain degree of hardness.

The nozzle part <NUM> is a portion that discharges the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM>.

The nozzle part <NUM> preferably has a structure in which the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM> is not discharged. Examples of the method of forming such a structure include a method of making an inner diameter 12a of the nozzle part <NUM> smaller than a particle diameter 30a of the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM> (before swelling) (preferably <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the particle diameter 30a, more preferably <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the particle diameter 30a, and still more preferably <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the particle diameter 30a), a method of installing a mesh for preventing the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM> from being discharged from the nozzle part <NUM> (the pore diameter of the mesh is smaller than the particle diameter 30a of the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM> (before swelling), preferably <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the particle diameter 30a, more preferably <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the particle diameter 30a, and still more preferably <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the particle diameter 30a), a method of plugging the nozzle part <NUM> (a plug is removed at the time of recovering the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM>), and a method obtained by combining these.

The tip of the nozzle part <NUM> is preferably slanted from the viewpoint of easy recovery of the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM>.

As described above, the concentration jig <NUM> includes the piston <NUM>.

The material of the piston <NUM> is not particularly limited, and the suitable aspect thereof is the same as that of the cylinder <NUM> described above. It is preferable that a rubber material (for example, silicone rubber) is attached to a tip part <NUM> of the piston <NUM>, on a side to be inserted into the cylinder.

A diameter 22a of the tip part <NUM> of the piston <NUM> is not particularly limited; however, it is preferably <NUM> times or more, more preferably <NUM> times or more, and still more preferably <NUM> times or more with respect to the particle diameter 30a of the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>.

A suitable aspect <NUM> of the concentration jig according used in the concentration step as described above is a concentration jig including an inner tube which is the above-described container and an outer tube into which the inner tube is insertable and from which the inner tube is removable.

The suitable aspect <NUM> will be described with reference to the drawing.

<FIG> is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an aspect of the suitable aspect <NUM>.

As illustrated in (A) of <FIG>, a concentration jig <NUM> includes an inner tube <NUM> and an outer tube <NUM> into which the inner tube <NUM> is insertable and from which the inner tube is removable.

Here, at least a part of a bottom surface <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> has a mesh shape (not illustrated in the drawing). In addition, the inner tube <NUM> accommodates the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>.

In addition, the outer tube <NUM> has the gradation <NUM>. One end of the outer tube <NUM> is closed by a bottom surface <NUM>, and the other end is opened.

First, the sample solution <NUM> is incorporated into the inner tube <NUM>.

Examples of the method of incorporating the sample solution <NUM> include (i) a method of placing the sample solution <NUM> in the inner tube <NUM> through an opening portion of the inner tube <NUM> in a case where the inner tube <NUM> has the opening portion (not illustrated in the drawing) above the inner tube <NUM>, and (ii) a method of placing the sample solution <NUM> through an opening portion <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM> in a state where the inner tube <NUM> is taken out of the outer tube <NUM> and then inserting the inner tube <NUM> into the outer tube <NUM> to incorporate the sample solution <NUM> into the inner tube <NUM> from a mesh-shaped portion of the inner tube <NUM>.

In the case of the above (i), the opening portion of the inner tube <NUM> serves as the above-described incorporation part. Alternatively, in the case of the above (ii), the mesh-shaped portion of the inner tube <NUM> serves as the incorporation part.

In the above cases, the sample solution <NUM> is incorporated to reach a predetermined position of the outer tube <NUM> (for example, the upper end of the gradation <NUM>). In this manner, a predetermined amount of the sample solution <NUM> can be incorporated into the inner tube <NUM> ((B) of <FIG>).

Then, the inner tube <NUM> in the state of (C) of <FIG> is taken out to discharge the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> from the mesh-shaped portion of the inner tube <NUM>. The discharged antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> is collected in the outer tube <NUM>. In this manner, a predetermined amount of the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> can be recovered.

As described above, at least a part of the bottom surface <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> has a mesh shape (not illustrated in the drawing). In addition, the inner tube <NUM> accommodates the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>.

It is preferable that the entire bottom surface <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> has a mesh shape. Further, it is preferable that a side surface <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> also has a mesh shape; however, in a case where the sample solution <NUM> is incorporated by the method of the above (i), it is preferable that a portion (an upper portion) of the inner tube <NUM>, which is exposed from the outer tube <NUM> when the inner tube <NUM> is inserted into the outer tube <NUM>, does not have a mesh shape due to the reason that the sample solution <NUM> does not flow out from the inner tube <NUM> when the sample solution <NUM> is placed in the inner tube <NUM> through the opening portion of the inner tube <NUM>.

The material of the inner tube <NUM> is not particularly limited. However, due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent, it is preferably a metal, a thermoplastic resin (a suitable aspect thereof is the same as that of the cylinder <NUM> described above), or a cloth, and more preferably a thermoplastic resin.

Due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent, the pore diameter of the mesh-shaped portion of the inner tube <NUM> is preferably smaller than the particle diameter 30a of the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM> (before swelling), more preferably <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the particle diameter 30a, still more preferably <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the particle diameter 30a, and particularly preferably <NUM>/<NUM> or less of the particle diameter 30a.

Due to the reason that the effects and the like of the present invention are more excellent, the pore diameter of the mesh-shaped portion is preferably <NUM> to <NUM> and more preferably <NUM> to <NUM>.

As described above, the concentration jig <NUM> includes the outer tube <NUM>.

The material of the outer tube <NUM> is not particularly limited, and the suitable aspect thereof is the same as that of the cylinder <NUM> described above.

The inner tube <NUM> and/or the outer tube <NUM> may have a stopper so that the bottom surface <NUM> of the inner tube <NUM> and the bottom surface <NUM> of the outer tube <NUM> do not come into contact with each other.

A suitable aspect <NUM> of the concentration jig used in the concentration step as described above is a dropper-shaped concentration jig having a tube part and a pump part. Here, the tube part is the container described above.

As illustrated in <FIG>, a concentration jig <NUM> is dropper-shaped and has a tube part <NUM> and a pump part <NUM>.

Here, the tube part <NUM> has a nozzle part <NUM> and the gradation <NUM>, and accommodates the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>.

First, the sample solution <NUM> is incorporated into the tube part <NUM>. Specifically, the nozzle part <NUM> is immersed in the sample solution <NUM> in a state where the pump part <NUM> is pressed, and the sample solution <NUM> is incorporated into the tube part <NUM> from the nozzle part <NUM> by releasing the pressing of the pump part <NUM> in a state where the nozzle part <NUM> is immersed in the sample solution <NUM>.

At that time, the sample solution <NUM> is incorporated to reach a predetermined position (for example, the gradation <NUM>) of the tube part <NUM>. In this manner, a predetermined amount of the sample solution <NUM> can be incorporated into the tube part <NUM>.

Next, a predetermined time is allowed to pass. As a result, mainly the liquid (particularly water) and impurities in the sample solution <NUM> are absorbed by the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>, and the sample solution <NUM> is concentrated to become an antigen-concentrated solution (the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM> becomes a swollen specific superabsorbent polymer).

Then, the pump part <NUM> is pressed to discharge the antigen-concentrated solution from the nozzle part <NUM>. The discharged antigen-concentrated solution is recovered to obtain the antigen-concentrated solution.

At the time of discharging the antigen-concentrated solution, the antigen-concentrated solution is discharged so that the entire amount is discharged or the antigen-concentrated solution is discharged to reach a predetermined gradation (a gradation other than the gradation <NUM>) (not illustrated in the drawing). In this manner, a predetermined amount of the antigen-concentrated solution can be recovered.

As described above, since the sample solution <NUM> is incorporated into the tube part <NUM> from the nozzle part <NUM> and the antigen-concentrated solution is discharged from the nozzle part <NUM>, the nozzle part <NUM> serves as the above-described incorporation part and the above-described discharge unit.

As described above, the tube part <NUM> has the nozzle part <NUM> and the gradation <NUM>, and accommodates the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>.

The material of the tube part <NUM> is not particularly limited, and the suitable aspect thereof is the same as that of the cylinder <NUM> described above.

As described above, the tube part <NUM> accommodates the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>.

The specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM> is preferable to be arranged to stay inside the tube part <NUM> and more preferable to be present on the inner wall of the tube part <NUM>. Examples of the method of arranging the superabsorbent polymer <NUM> to stay inside the tube part <NUM> include a method of fixing the superabsorbent polymer <NUM> to the inner wall of the tube part <NUM> with an adhesive, a method of making the inner diameter of the nozzle <NUM> smaller than the particle diameter of the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>, and a method of installing a mesh having a pore diameter smaller than the particle diameter of the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM> in the nozzle part.

Further, it is preferable that the position where the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM> is accommodated is closer to the nozzle part <NUM> than to a predetermined position (for example, the gradation <NUM>) for incorporating the sample solution. Such an aspect makes it possible to bring the entire accommodated specific superabsorbent polymers <NUM> into contact with the sample solution <NUM>, and thus it is possible to achieve a concentration rate having good reproducibility.

As described above, the concentration jig <NUM> includes the pump part <NUM>.

The material of the pump part <NUM> is not particularly limited, and the suitable aspect thereof is the same as that of the cylinder <NUM> described above.

In addition to the tube part <NUM>, the pump part <NUM> may accommodate the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM>; however, in such a case, it is preferable that the sample solution <NUM> is incorporated so that the sample solution <NUM> comes into contact with the specific superabsorbent polymer <NUM> accommodated in the pump part <NUM>.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to Examples; however, the present invention is not limited thereto.

A sample solution (an antigen-containable solution) was prepared using a Quick S-Influ A·B "SEIKEN" negative/positive control solution (product number: <NUM>, manufactured by DENKA SEIKEN Co.

Specifically, the above positive control solution was subjected to serial <NUM>-time dilutions with a phosphate buffered salts (PBS) buffer containing <NUM>% by mass bovine serum albumin (BSA), and sample solutions (antigen-containable solutions) with the respective dilution rates were prepared.

Immunochromatography of Example A1 was carried out as follows.

Commercially available superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles (model number: <NUM>-<NUM>, manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation) were graded to obtain a superabsorbent polymer that would be used in the concentration step. The superabsorbent polymer had a particle diameter of <NUM>, a swelling ratio of <NUM>/g, and a water absorption rate of <NUM>/min.

<NUM> of the superabsorbent polymer was added dropwise to <NUM> of the sample solution described above. After the dropwise addition, the resultant mixture was stirred with a spatula for about <NUM> seconds and allowed to stand. After a standing time of <NUM> minutes, a solution (an influenza virus-concentrated solution) (an antigen-concentrated solution) that was not absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer was recovered with a pipette (manufactured by Eppendorf).

The nitrocellulose membrane <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> was prepared, which has from the upstream side; the gold colloid holding pad <NUM>, the test line <NUM>, the control line <NUM>, and the coloring reagent immobilization line <NUM>. The gold colloid holding pad <NUM> is a pad that holds gold colloids (modified gold particles) modified with an anti-influenza A type monoclonal antibody, the test line <NUM> is a line on which the anti-influenza A type monoclonal antibody is immobilized, the control line <NUM> is a line for checking the spreading, and the coloring reagent immobilization line <NUM> is a line for detecting the reducing agent solution described later.

The above influenza virus-concentrated solution was dropwise added onto the gold colloid holding pad. As a result, gold particle composite bodies, which are composite bodies of the influenza A type virus in the solution and the gold colloid particles (modified gold particles) modified with the anti-influenza A type monoclonal antibody in the gold colloid holding pad, were formed. In this state, the gold particle composite bodies were spread toward the downstream side of the nitrocellulose membrane.

The gold particle composite bodies that are spread in the spreading step is captured on the test line.

The silver amplification step was carried out as follows.

<NUM> of an aqueous solution of <NUM> mol/L iron nitrate, which was produced by dissolving iron (III) nitrate nonahydrate (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation) in water, and <NUM> of citric acid (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation) were dissolved in <NUM> of water. After all of the substances were dissolved, <NUM> of nitric acid (<NUM>% by mass) was added thereto while stirring with a stirrer, <NUM> of ammonium iron (II) sulfate hexahydrate (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation) was added thereto, and the resultant solution was used as the reducing agent solution.

<NUM> of a silver nitrate solution (including <NUM> of silver nitrate) and <NUM> of an aqueous solution of <NUM> mol/L iron nitrate were added to <NUM> of water. Further, this solution was mixed with a solution obtained by dissolving <NUM> of nitric acid (<NUM>% by mass), <NUM> of dodecyl amine (manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation), and <NUM> of a surfactant C<NUM>H<NUM>-C<NUM>H<NUM>-O-(CH<NUM>CH<NUM>O)<NUM>H in <NUM> of water in advance, and the resultant solution was used as the silver amplification solution.

In the nitrocellulose membrane, the reducing agent solution prepared as described above was allowed to flow from the same direction as that of the spreading step described above (from the upstream side).

After the coloring reagent immobilization line was discolored, the silver amplification solution prepared as described above was allowed to flow from the direction opposite to the spreading direction (from the downstream side) in the spreading step. In this manner, the gold particle composite body captured on the test line was silver amplified.

The coloration of the test line was visually checked, and the lowest dilution rate (the minimum detection sensitivity) at which coloration was confirmed was investigated. The results are shown in Table <NUM>. It means that as the minimum detection sensitivity is lower, an antigen can be detected even in a specimen having a low antigen concentration, which means the detection sensitivity is high.

Immunochromatography was carried out and evaluated according to the same procedure as in Example A1 except that in the concentration step, the following superabsorbent polymer was used. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

Commercially available superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles (manufactured by M2 Polymer Technologies Inc. ; SAP Sphere <NUM>) were graded to obtain a superabsorbent polymer that would be used in the concentration step. The superabsorbent polymer had a particle diameter of <NUM>, a swelling ratio of <NUM>/g, and a water absorption rate of <NUM>/min.

Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles were prepared with reference to the methods of Example <NUM> and Comparative Example <NUM> disclosed in <CIT>, and for particles having a different particle diameter, classification was carried out using a <NUM> sieve to obtain superabsorbent polymer particles having a particle diameter of <NUM> and a swelling ratio of <NUM>/g.

The superabsorbent polymer was prepared according to the same procedure except that a <NUM> sieve was used in the preparation of the superabsorbent polymer used in Example A3. As a result, superabsorbent polymer particles having a particle diameter of <NUM> and a swelling ratio of <NUM>/g were obtained.

Immunochromatography was carried out and evaluated according to the same procedure as in Example A1 except that without carrying out the concentration step, the above-described sample solution itself was used instead of the influenza virus-concentrated solution in the spreading step. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

Immunochromatography was carried out and evaluated according to the same procedure as in Example A1 except that in the concentration step, the following superabsorbent polymer was used.

As a result, coloration could not be confirmed in Comparative Example A2. It is presumed to be because the antibody-antigen reaction was inhibited by the impurities.

Polyacrylic acid <NUM> manufactured by FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation was graded to obtain a superabsorbent polymer that would be used in the concentration step. The superabsorbent polymer had a particle diameter of <NUM>, a swelling ratio of <NUM>,<NUM>/g, and a water absorption rate of <NUM>/min.

A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution of <NUM>% by mass was prepared and this solution was dropwise added to <NUM> HCl to prepare particles. The obtained particles were graded and used as the superabsorbent polymer that would be used in the concentration step. The superabsorbent polymer had a particle diameter of <NUM>, a swelling ratio of <NUM>/g, and a water absorption rate of <NUM>/min.

As can be seen from Table <NUM> and the like, as compared with Comparative Example A1 in which the concentration step was not carried out and Comparative Examples A2 and A3 in which the concentration step was carried out using a superabsorbent polymer of which the swelling ratio was out of a specific range, Examples A1 to A4 in which the concentration step was carried out using a superabsorbent polymer of which the swelling ratio was in the specific range (a specific superabsorbent polymer) exhibited high detection sensitivity. Among them, Examples A1 and Examples A3 and A4, in which the swelling ratio of the specific superabsorbent polymer was <NUM>/g or more, exhibited higher detection sensitivity. Among them, Examples A3 and A4 in which the swelling ratio of the specific superabsorbent polymer was <NUM>/g or less exhibited further higher detection sensitivity.

Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) (<NUM>-<NUM>, Nacalai Tesque, Inc. ) extracted from tubercle bacillus was added to a urine sample obtained by pooling urine samples (BioIVT LLC) of healthy subjects to prepare a sample solution (an antigen-containable solution) of a LAM concentration shown in Table <NUM>.

Immunochromatography of Example B1 was carried out as follows.

<NUM> of the same superabsorbent polymer as the superabsorbent polymer used in the above-described Example A1 was dropwise added to <NUM> of the above-described sample solution. After the dropwise addition, the resultant mixture was stirred for <NUM> seconds and allowed to stand. After a standing time of <NUM> minutes, a solution (a LAM-concentrated solution) (an antigen-concentrated solution) that was not absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer was recovered with a pipette (manufactured by Eppendorf). The concentration of urea in the LAM-concentrated solution was <NUM> times or less with respect to the concentration of urea in the sample solution.

The nitrocellulose membrane <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> was prepared, which has from the upstream side; the gold colloid holding pad <NUM>, the test line <NUM>, the control line <NUM>, and the coloring reagent immobilization line <NUM>. The gold colloid holding pad <NUM> is a pad that holds gold colloids (modified gold particles) modified with an anti-LAM monoclonal antibody, the test line <NUM> is a line on which the anti-LAM monoclonal antibody is immobilized, the control line <NUM> is a line for checking the spreading, and the coloring reagent immobilization line <NUM> is a line for detecting the reducing agent solution in the silver amplification step described later.

The above LAM-concentrated solution was dropwise added onto the gold colloid holding pad. As a result, gold particle composite bodies, which are composite bodies of the LAM in the solution and the gold colloid particles (modified gold particles) modified with the anti-LAM monoclonal antibody, were formed. In this state, the gold particle composite bodies were spread from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the nitrocellulose membrane.

The silver amplification step was carried out according to the same procedure as in Example A1.

In this manner, the gold particle composite body captured on the test line was silver amplified.

The coloration of the test line was visually checked and evaluated according to the following criteria.

The results are shown in Table <NUM>. It means that the lower the lowest LAM concentration (the minimum detection sensitivity) among the LAM concentrations of the sample solution evaluated as +++, ++, or +, the higher the detection sensitivity.

Immunochromatography was carried out and evaluated according to the same procedure as in Example B1 except that in the concentration step, the same superabsorbent polymer as the superabsorbent polymer used in Example A2 described above was used. The results are shown in Table <NUM>. The concentration of urea in the LAM-concentrated solution was <NUM> times or less with respect to the concentration of urea in the sample solution.

Immunochromatography was carried out and evaluated according to the same procedure as in Example B1 except that in the concentration step, the same superabsorbent polymer as the superabsorbent polymer used in Example A3 described above was used. The results are shown in Table <NUM>. The concentration of urea in the LAM-concentrated solution was <NUM> times or less with respect to the concentration of urea in the sample solution.

Immunochromatography was carried out and evaluated according to the same procedure as in Example B1 except that in the concentration step, the same superabsorbent polymer as the superabsorbent polymer used in Example A4 described above was used. The results are shown in Table <NUM>. The concentration of urea in the LAM-concentrated solution was <NUM> times or less with respect to the concentration of urea in the sample solution.

Immunochromatography was carried out and evaluated according to the same procedure as in Example B1 except that without carrying out the concentration step, the above-described sample solution itself was used instead of the LAM-concentrated solution in the spreading step. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

Immunochromatography was carried out and evaluated according to the same procedure as in Example B1 except that in the concentration step, the same superabsorbent polymer as the superabsorbent polymer used in Comparative Example A2 described above was used. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

The coloration could not be confirmed in Comparative Example B2. It is presumed to be because the antibody-antigen reaction was inhibited by the impurities such as urea.

Immunochromatography was carried out and evaluated according to the same procedure as in Example B1 except that in the concentration step, the same superabsorbent polymer as the superabsorbent polymer used in Comparative Example A3 described above was used. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

As can be seen from Table <NUM> and the like, as compared with Comparative Example B1 in which the concentration step was not carried out and Comparative Examples B2 and B3 in which the concentration step was carried out using a superabsorbent polymer of which the swelling ratio was out of a specific range, Examples B1 to B4 in which the concentration step was carried out using a superabsorbent polymer of which the swelling ratio was in the specific range (a specific superabsorbent polymer) exhibited high detection sensitivity. Among them, Examples B1 and Examples B3 and B4, in which the swelling ratio of the specific superabsorbent polymer was <NUM>/g or more, exhibited higher detection sensitivity. Among them, Examples B3 and B4 in which the swelling ratio of the specific superabsorbent polymer was <NUM>/g or less exhibited further higher detection sensitivity.

Individual urines (BioIVT LLC) to which LAM was not added were concentrated by the method of Example B1 and evaluated in the same manner. Five individual urines were used for evaluation by the above method and examined for the concern of false positiveness. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

Individual urine (BioIVT LLC) to which LAM was not added was concentrated by the method of Example B1 and evaluated in the same manner as in Example B1 except that an anti-LAM polyclonal antibody was used instead of the anti-LAM monoclonal antibody. Five individual urines were used for evaluation by the above method and examined for the concern of false positiveness. The results are shown in Table <NUM>.

As can be seen from Table <NUM>, no false positiveness was observed in a case where the monoclonal antibody was used; however, false positiveness was observed in a case where the polyclonal antibody was used.

As described below, immunochromatography was carried out using a concentration jig in the concentration step.

The syringe-shaped concentration jig <NUM> as illustrated in (A) of <FIG> was prepared.

Here, regarding the cylinder <NUM>, the inner diameter 10a is <NUM> mmφ, the length 10a is <NUM>, and the inner diameter 12a of the nozzle part <NUM> is <NUM> mmφ. In addition, the cylinder <NUM> accommodates the same superabsorbent polymer (<NUM>) as the superabsorbent polymer used in the above-described Example A1. In addition, the nozzle part <NUM> is plugged.

Further, silicone rubber is attached to a tip part <NUM> of a piston <NUM>.

Immunochromatography was carried out and evaluated according to the same procedure as in Example A1 except that the concentration step was carried out as follows. As a result, a high detection sensitivity was exhibited as in Example A1.

<NUM> of the above-described sample solution (the sample solution <NUM>) was added with a pipette from the opening portion <NUM> of the concentration jig <NUM> prepared as described above ((B) of <FIG>).

Next, the state of (B) of <FIG> was continued to be left for <NUM> minutes. As a result, mainly water and impurities in the sample solution were absorbed by the superabsorbent polymer, and the sample solution became the concentrated antigen-concentrated solution <NUM>. Then, the piston <NUM> was installed in the cylinder <NUM> through the opening portion <NUM> ((C) of <FIG>).

Then, the nozzle part <NUM> in the state of (C) of <FIG> was unplugged, and the piston <NUM> was pushed to recover <NUM>µL of the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> from the nozzle part <NUM> ((D) of <FIG>).

In the concentration step of Example D1, the time (the recovery time) required to recover the antigen-concentrated solution <NUM> was measured. It is noted that the above concentration step was carried out <NUM> times in total, and the recovery time was measured each time. Then, the average of the recovery times (the average recovery time) was determined.

In addition, the average recovery time was similarly determined for Example A1 described above.

The concentration rate in the concentration step of Example D1 was evaluated. The concentration rate was evaluated using test solutions subjected to <NUM>-time dilution, <NUM>-time dilution, <NUM>-time dilution, <NUM>-time dilution, <NUM>-time dilution, <NUM>-time dilution, <NUM>-time dilution, and so on. A dilution factor of a sample solution after concentration, at which the test solution is detectable, was examined as compared with a dilution factor of a sample solution before concentration, at which the test solution is detectable, whereby the concentration rate of each of the repeated experiments was calculated.

The concentration rates of the liquids recovered by the method of Example A1 and the method of Example D1 were evaluated at n = <NUM>.

The coefficient of variation of the result at n = <NUM> can be derived from the following expression.

Coefficient of variation CV: <MAT> (here, x_av. is the average value of <NUM> measurements).

As can be seen from Table <NUM>, the average recovery time was <NUM> minute in the method of Example A1; however, the average recovery time was shortened to <NUM> seconds by using the syringe-shaped concentration jig, and it was found that the antigen-concentrated solution can be recovered in a shorter time. In addition, regarding the variation in influenza virus concentration after concentration when the same operation had been repeated <NUM> times, the coefficient of variation of the concentration rate was reduced from <NUM>% to <NUM>%, and thus it was found that the variation for each measurement is suppressed to a low level and the method is excellent in measurement accuracy.

Further, when the concentration step was similarly carried out using the concentration jig illustrated in <FIG> and the concentration jig illustrated in <FIG>, and the average recovery time and the coefficient of variation of the concentration rate were determined, it was confirmed that similar to Example D1, the antigen-concentrated solution can be recovered in a shorter time and the method is excellent in measurement accuracy.

Claim 1:
An immunological test method comprising:
a concentration step of concentrating an antigen-containable solution by mixing the antigen-containable solution with a superabsorbent polymer (<NUM>) to obtain an antigen-concentrated solution by incorporating impurities including urea contained in the antigen-containable solution together with water into the superabsorbent polymer (<NUM>); and
a detection step of detecting an antigen in the antigen-concentrated solution using an antigen-antibody reaction,
wherein the swelling ratio of the superabsorbent polymer (<NUM>) ranges from including <NUM>/g to including <NUM>/g, wherein the swelling ration is defined as grams of water retained by one gram of the superabsorbent polymer, and
an antibody that is used in the antigen-antibody reaction is a monoclonal antibody,
wherein the superabsorbent polymer is a polyacrylic acid-based, polyacrylamide-based, cellulose-based, or polyethylene oxide-based polymer,
wherein the antigen-containable solution is urine,
wherein a concentration of urea in the antigen-concentrated solution is <NUM> times or less with respect to a concentration of urea in the antigen-containable solution.