US20110160614A1 - Blood test apparatus - Google Patents
Blood test apparatus Download PDFInfo
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- US20110160614A1 US20110160614A1 US13/043,972 US201113043972A US2011160614A1 US 20110160614 A1 US20110160614 A1 US 20110160614A1 US 201113043972 A US201113043972 A US 201113043972A US 2011160614 A1 US2011160614 A1 US 2011160614A1
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- blood
- holder
- sampling cartridge
- sensor
- blood sampling
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/157—Devices characterised by integrated means for measuring characteristics of blood
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/1468—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue using chemical or electrochemical methods, e.g. by polarographic means
- A61B5/1473—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue using chemical or electrochemical methods, e.g. by polarographic means invasive, e.g. introduced into the body by a catheter
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/14532—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/14535—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue for measuring haematocrit
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- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/145—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue
- A61B5/1486—Measuring characteristics of blood in vivo, e.g. gas concentration, pH value; Measuring characteristics of body fluids or tissues, e.g. interstitial fluid, cerebral tissue using enzyme electrodes, e.g. with immobilised oxidase
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
- A61B5/150274—Manufacture or production processes or steps for blood sampling devices
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150358—Strips for collecting blood, e.g. absorbent
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150374—Details of piercing elements or protective means for preventing accidental injuries by such piercing elements
- A61B5/150381—Design of piercing elements
- A61B5/150412—Pointed piercing elements, e.g. needles, lancets for piercing the skin
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- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150374—Details of piercing elements or protective means for preventing accidental injuries by such piercing elements
- A61B5/150381—Design of piercing elements
- A61B5/150503—Single-ended needles
- A61B5/150519—Details of construction of hub, i.e. element used to attach the single-ended needle to a piercing device or sampling device
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
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- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150374—Details of piercing elements or protective means for preventing accidental injuries by such piercing elements
- A61B5/150534—Design of protective means for piercing elements for preventing accidental needle sticks, e.g. shields, caps, protectors, axially extensible sleeves, pivotable protective sleeves
- A61B5/15058—Joining techniques used for protective means
- A61B5/150595—Joining techniques used for protective means by snap-lock (i.e. based on axial displacement)
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- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150374—Details of piercing elements or protective means for preventing accidental injuries by such piercing elements
- A61B5/150534—Design of protective means for piercing elements for preventing accidental needle sticks, e.g. shields, caps, protectors, axially extensible sleeves, pivotable protective sleeves
- A61B5/150633—Protective sleeves which are axially extensible, e.g. sleeves connected to, or integrated in, the piercing or driving device; pivotable protective sleeves
- A61B5/150641—Protective sleeves which are axially extensible, e.g. sleeves connected to, or integrated in, the piercing or driving device; pivotable protective sleeves comprising means to impede repositioning of protection sleeve from covering to uncovering position
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- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150374—Details of piercing elements or protective means for preventing accidental injuries by such piercing elements
- A61B5/150534—Design of protective means for piercing elements for preventing accidental needle sticks, e.g. shields, caps, protectors, axially extensible sleeves, pivotable protective sleeves
- A61B5/150694—Procedure for removing protection means at the time of piercing
- A61B5/150702—Procedure for removing protection means at the time of piercing fully automatically removed, i.e. the removing does not require any action by the user
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- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150374—Details of piercing elements or protective means for preventing accidental injuries by such piercing elements
- A61B5/150534—Design of protective means for piercing elements for preventing accidental needle sticks, e.g. shields, caps, protectors, axially extensible sleeves, pivotable protective sleeves
- A61B5/150694—Procedure for removing protection means at the time of piercing
- A61B5/150717—Procedure for removing protection means at the time of piercing manually removed
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
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- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150755—Blood sample preparation for further analysis, e.g. by separating blood components or by mixing
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/150007—Details
- A61B5/150847—Communication to or from blood sampling device
- A61B5/15087—Communication to or from blood sampling device short range, e.g. between console and disposable
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/151—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of capillary blood, e.g. by lancets, needles or blades
- A61B5/15101—Details
- A61B5/15115—Driving means for propelling the piercing element to pierce the skin, e.g. comprising mechanisms based on shape memory alloys, magnetism, solenoids, piezoelectric effect, biased elements, resilient elements, vacuum or compressed fluids
- A61B5/15117—Driving means for propelling the piercing element to pierce the skin, e.g. comprising mechanisms based on shape memory alloys, magnetism, solenoids, piezoelectric effect, biased elements, resilient elements, vacuum or compressed fluids comprising biased elements, resilient elements or a spring, e.g. a helical spring, leaf spring, or elastic strap
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/151—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of capillary blood, e.g. by lancets, needles or blades
- A61B5/15101—Details
- A61B5/15126—Means for controlling the lancing movement, e.g. 2D- or 3D-shaped elements, tooth-shaped elements or sliding guides
- A61B5/1513—Means for controlling the lancing movement, e.g. 2D- or 3D-shaped elements, tooth-shaped elements or sliding guides comprising linear sliding guides
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
- A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
- A61B5/151—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of capillary blood, e.g. by lancets, needles or blades
- A61B5/15186—Devices loaded with a single lancet, i.e. a single lancet with or without a casing is loaded into a reusable drive device and then discarded after use; drive devices reloadable for multiple use
- A61B5/15188—Constructional features of reusable driving devices
- A61B5/1519—Constructional features of reusable driving devices comprising driving means, e.g. a spring, for propelling the piercing unit
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
- G01N27/28—Electrolytic cell components
- G01N27/30—Electrodes, e.g. test electrodes; Half-cells
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N27/00—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means
- G01N27/26—Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating electrochemical variables; by using electrolysis or electrophoresis
- G01N27/416—Systems
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
- A61B2562/00—Details of sensors; Constructional details of sensor housings or probes; Accessories for sensors
- A61B2562/02—Details of sensors specially adapted for in-vivo measurements
- A61B2562/0295—Strip shaped analyte sensors for apparatus classified in A61B5/145 or A61B5/157
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a blood sampling cartridge. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus measuring the blood sugar level in blood.
- Diabetes patients need to measure the blood sugar level (glucose level) regularly, and inject insulin based on the blood sugar level to maintain a normal blood sugar level.
- diabetes patients need to measure the blood sugar level frequently, sample a small amount of blood from fingertips of the Patients using a blood test apparatus, and measure the blood sugar level of the sampled blood.
- FIG. 28 shows an example of the conventional blood test apparatus (see Patent Document 1).
- Blood test apparatus 1 has cylindrically-shaped housing 2 , plunger 3 that moves back and forth inside housing 2 , lancet 4 that has one end 4 a held by plunger 3 and the other end 4 b attached with blood collection needle 5 , and blood sensor (hereinafter “sensor”) 6 attached to one end 2 a of housing 2 .
- sensor blood sensor
- Sensor 6 of blood test apparatus 1 is made to abut on skin 7 of the patient. Latch between convex part 9 a of handle 9 connected to plunger 3 and concave part 2 b formed on housing 2 is disengaged. Plunger 3 urged by spring 10 is thereby propelled in the direction of arrow 8 . Lancet 4 held by plunger 3 and blood collection needle 5 attached to the lancet 4 are also propelled in the direction of arrow 8 .
- Blood collection needle 5 that is propelled forward goes through sensor 6 and makes a tiny prick on skin 7 .
- the blood flowing out from the prick is detected by a detecting section of sensor 6 , converted to an electric signal, and led to connection electrode 6 a .
- Connection electrode 6 a is connected with measuring circuit 12 via connector 11 .
- Measuring circuit 12 calculates the blood sugar level of the sampled blood and the calculation result is displayed on display section 13 .
- Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-524496
- Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-000231
- above-described blood test apparatus 1 needs to attach lancet 4 to which blood collection needle 5 is attached, to plunger 3 as preparation before use and attach sensor 6 to one end 2 a of housing 2 , and this work is troublesome.
- the body fluid measuring apparatus that has an apparatus body and an attachment with a sensor and a blood collection needle, disclosed in Patent Document 2, is not discussed sufficiently towards practical use.
- device for attaching an attachment to an apparatus body; device for puncturing the skin with a puncturing body (blood collection needle) stably; and mechanism for leading sampled blood to the sensor efficiently, are not discussed. Therefore, the body fluid measuring apparatus is not practical.
- the present invention provides a blood test apparatus that makes it possible to attach and remove a blood collection needle and a blood sensor in a simple manner, and an apparatus that alleviates the load and pain of the patient.
- a holder, lancet, blood collection needle and blood sensor are integrated as a blood sampling cartridge which can be inserted to and removed from the apparatus detachably, and, when the blood sampling cartridge is attached, a plunger included in the apparatus holds the lancet, and connectors included in the apparatus are arranged so as to contact with the blood sensor.
- a blood sampling cartridge is formed with a lancet, a blood collection needle and a blood sensor in an integrated manner, so that it is possible to change the blood collection needle and the blood sensor in a simple manner.
- the plunger of the blood test apparatus holds the lancet, and so, when the skin is punctured with the blood collection needle, the blood collection needle does not wobble and enables high linearity of movement, so that it is possible to puncture the skin with the blood collection needle stably.
- the blood collection needle can move straight backward from the puncturing part and come to a stop. Therefore, the pain of the patient upon sampling blood can be alleviated to a minimum.
- the plunger holds the lancet, and so a mechanism for preventing the blood collection needle from puncturing the patient's skin several times or a mechanism for adjusting the depth of puncturing, can be realized in a simple manner.
- a prevention mechanism and adjustment mechanism to the blood test apparatus instead of providing them to the blood sampling cartridge, it is possible to realize a smaller and lower-cost blood sampling cartridge.
- the blood collection needle is accommodated in a holder, so that the blood sampling cartridge can be changed securely without hurting the patient with the blood collection needle, and the patient does not feel fear. Furthermore, the blood collection needle does not allow direct touch to skin, and so is sanitary. Further, every time a test is performed, the blood sensor and the blood collection needle are changed together, and so the blood collection needle can not be used several times, and there is no fear of infection.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a blood test apparatus
- FIG. 2A is an assembly drawing of a blood sampling cartridge forming the blood test apparatus
- FIG. 2B is an assembly drawing of the blood sampling cartridge having a second holder
- FIG. 2C is an assembly drawing of the blood sampling cartridge having a cap
- FIG. 2D is an assembly drawing of the blood sampling cartridge having the second holder and the cap;
- FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic perspective view of the blood sampling cartridge
- FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic perspective view of the blood sampling cartridge having the second holder
- FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the blood sampling cartridge with a cap
- FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the blood sampling cartridge with the second holder and the cap;
- FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the blood sampling cartridge upon puncturing
- FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the blood sampling cartridge after puncturing is finished
- FIG. 6 is a plan view that expands the main part of a guide for inserting the blood sampling cartridge into an attaching part
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the attaching part into which the blood sampling cartridge is inserted
- FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the blood sampling cartridge is attached to the attaching part of the blood test apparatus, particularly, showing a state where a blood sensor of the blood sampling cartridge contacts with a connector of the blood test apparatus; a state where a holder of the blood sampling cartridge and a housing of the blood test apparatus are connected via a sealing material;
- FIG. 8B shows a state in detail where the holder of the blood sampling cartridge and the housing of the blood test apparatus are connected
- FIG. 8C shows a state in detail where the holder of the blood sampling cartridge and the housing of the blood test apparatus are connected
- FIG. 8D shows a state in detail where the holder of the blood sampling cartridge and the housing of the blood test apparatus are connected
- FIG. 8E shows a state in detail where the holder of the blood sampling cartridge and the housing of the blood test apparatus are connected
- FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the blood sensor
- FIGS. 9B and 9C are cross-sectional views of the blood sensor having a bank provided on a substrate;
- FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of the blood sensor having a hole provided on a cover in advance for allowing the blood collection needle to pass through;
- FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view of the blood sensor, part of the member being formed with a transparent member
- FIG. 10A is a plan view of the cover of the blood sensor
- FIG. 10B is a plan view of a spacer of the blood sensor
- FIG. 10C is a plan view of a substrate of the blood sensor
- FIG. 11A is a plan view of the cover of the blood sensor
- FIG. 11B is a plan view of the spacer of the blood sensor
- FIG. 11C is a plan view of the substrate of the blood sensor, to which the bank is provided;
- FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B show manufacturing process of the substrate on which the bank is provided
- FIG. 13 shows a ring member for forming the bank on the substrate
- FIGS. 14A to 14C are plan views that disassemble the blood sensor, part of the base plate being formed with transparent material;
- FIG. 14A is a plan view of the cover formed with transparent material, of the blood sensor (where a hole, which becomes a storing part, is formed);
- FIG. 14B is a plan view of the spacer of the blood sensor
- FIG. 14C is a plan view of the substrate of the blood sensor
- FIG. 15 is a perspective plan view of the blood sensor and shows arrangement of electrodes, and the like;
- FIG. 16 is a perspective plan view of another example of the blood sensor and shows arrangement of electrodes, and the like;
- FIG. 17 is a perspective plan view of still another example of the blood sensor and shows arrangement of electrodes, and the like;
- FIG. 18 shows a principle of glucose measurement in blood, of the blood test apparatus
- FIG. 19 is a characteristic diagram of glucose measurement
- FIG. 20A shows a relationship between the blood sensor and the operation of the blood collection needle
- FIG. 20B shows a relationship between the blood sensor to which the bank is provided and the operation of the blood collection needle
- FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the lancet before puncturing in a state where the blood sampling cartridge is attached to the blood test apparatus;
- FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the lancet upon sampling blood
- FIG. 21C is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the lancet after sampling blood
- FIG. 22 shows a flow of glucose measurement using the blood test apparatus
- FIG. 23 is a block diagram of the blood test apparatus
- FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the blood test apparatus having a negative pressure means
- FIG. 25A is a cross-sectional view of the blood test apparatus having the negative pressure means
- FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view of another blood test apparatus having the negative pressure means
- FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view near the blood sensor of the blood test apparatus having the negative pressure means
- FIG. 27 shows a state of use of the blood test apparatus
- FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the conventional blood test apparatus.
- the blood test apparatus has: (1) a housing; (2) a measuring circuit that is accommodated in the housing; (3) two or more connectors that are electrically connected to the measuring circuit; (4) an attaching part that is formed in one side of the housing; (5) a plunger that moves back and forth in the housing; (6) a lancet, one end of which is held by the plunger so as to allow the one end to be inserted and removed; (7) a blood collection needle that is attached to the other end of the lancet; (9) a holder that is inserted and fixed inside the attaching part, and inside which the lancet can move; and (10) a blood sensor that is attached to one end of the holder and that has two or more connection electrodes.
- FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of the blood test apparatus of the present invention.
- Blood test apparatus 20 in FIG. 1 has housing 21 formed with resin.
- Housing 21 is a frame of the apparatus and accommodates primary members of the apparatus.
- Housing 21 accommodates measuring circuit 32 .
- the measuring circuit is a member that receives a detection result of blood components by a blood sensor (described later) and measures the blood components. Information detected by the blood sensor is sent to measuring circuit 32 through connector 27 , terminal 33 , and the like.
- One side of housing 21 is cylindrically-shaped attaching part 21 a . Through end 21 b of attaching part 21 a , blood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted. Positioning concave part 21 h provided on the attaching part 21 a and positioning convex part 23 h provided in holder 23 on the blood sampling cartridge 22 are engaged, and thereby blood sampling cartridge 22 inserted to attaching part 21 a is fixed to a predetermined position in attaching part 21 a.
- Blood sampling cartridge 22 has: cylindrically-shaped holder 23 ; blood sensor 24 that is attached to one end 23 a of holder 23 ; lancet 25 that can slide in holder 23 freely; and blood collection needle 26 that is attached to the other end 25 b of lancet 25 .
- Blood sensor 24 includes a test electrode and a connection electrode connected to the test electrode. Connector 27 contacts with the connection electrode.
- Plunger 30 holds lancet 25 , so that, when the skin is punctured with blood collection needle 26 , blood collection needle 26 does not wobble and enables high linearity of movement, so that it is possible to puncture the skin with blood collection needle 26 stably.
- the other end 30 b of plunger 30 is connected to one end 31 a of handle 31 formed in the shape of a crank.
- Latch convex part 31 c is formed at the other end 31 b of handle 31 .
- Handle 31 goes through hole 21 c formed in housing 21 and is latched by the joint of latch convex part 31 c and latch concave part 21 d.
- a puncturing needle can move straight backward and come to a stop after puncturing, so that it is possible to alleviate the pain of the patient upon puncturing to a minimum, and, further, realize a mechanism for preventing the blood collection needle from puncturing the patient's skin several times and a mechanism for adjusting the depth of puncturing, in a simple manner.
- a prevention mechanism and an adjustment mechanism on the blood test apparatus, instead of providing on the blood sampling cartridge, it is possible to realize a smaller and lower-cost blood sampling cartridge.
- a pull spring one end of which is fixed, has the other end hooked on a lever for which rotation is partially limited and which is provided in the plunger.
- a forward force is given to the plunger by a contracting and restoring force of the pull spring.
- the plunger moves on by inertia to pass the position where the forward force is no longer given.
- the pull spring is extended and the plunger is given a force towards the rear end by the restoring force.
- puncturing depth adjusting knob 84 that has a receiving part which limits the amount of the move, is jointed rotatably (see FIG. 27 ).
- the receiving part (not shown) of puncturing depth adjusting knob 84 has a helical shape.
- measuring circuit 32 is stored inside housing 21 on the other end 21 e side. Measuring circuit 32 is connected to terminal 33 formed in attaching part 21 a . Further, terminal 33 is connected to connector 27 . Terminal 33 is configured with two or more (usually, four or five) terminals 33 a to 33 d (or 33 e ) and connected to corresponding connectors 27 a to 27 d (or 27 e ). As described above, connectors 27 contact with relevant connection electrodes, respectively.
- the housing accommodates battery 34 that supplies power to measuring circuit 32 .
- blood test apparatus 20 has blood sampling cartridge 22 that is integrated with built-in lancet 25 with blood collection needle 26 attached and built-in blood sensor 24 , and blood sampling cartridge 22 can be attached to and removed from attaching part 21 a . Therefore, the whole of blood sampling cartridge 22 , including the blood collection needle and the blood sensor, can be changed in a simple manner. Further, blood sensor 24 and blood collection needle 26 are changed together every test, so that there is no fear that blood collection needle 26 is used several times and there is no threat of infection.
- Blood collection needle 26 of blood sampling cartridge 22 is accommodated in holder 23 upon attachment, so that blood collection needle 26 does not hurt the patient and is secure and does not make the patient feel fear. Further, blood collection needle 26 accommodated in holder 23 does not allow being touched directly, and so is sanitary.
- FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of assembly of an example of a blood sampling cartridge.
- Blood sampling cartridge 22 - 1 shown in FIG. 2A has holder 23 , blood sensor 24 , lancet 25 and blood collection needle 26 .
- Lancet 25 and blood collection needle 26 are formed in an integrated manner so as not to disjoin easily.
- holder 23 and lancet 25 may be integrated after being manufactured separately, and may be separable from each other.
- Blood sampling cartridge 22 - 2 shown in FIG. 2B further has second holder 38
- blood sampling cartridge 22 - 3 shown in FIG. 2C further has cap 39
- blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 shown in FIG. 2D further has second holder 38 and cap 39 .
- Blood sensor 24 is attached to one end 23 a of holder 23 and examines the blood sampled by puncturing using blood collection needle 26 .
- a cross section of holder 23 on the side where the blood sensor 24 is attached has a cross shape.
- Connectors 27 (in the blood test apparatus) formed with conductive metal are guided between convex parts 23 c of a cross shape, and connectors 27 each contact with the connection electrodes of blood sensor 24 .
- the other end side 23 b of holder 23 has convex parts 23 d formed integrated with convex parts 23 c . Holes 23 e are provided at convex parts 23 d.
- Lancet 25 is inserted in holder 23 .
- Lancet 25 has guides 25 c for preventing reuse and guides 25 d for improving linearity, which are provided in an integrated manner. As shown in FIG. 2A , two guides 25 c and two guides 25 d are provided. Each of two guides 25 c and each of two guides 25 d face each other 180 degrees apart.
- Guides 25 d of lancet 25 are provided so as to slide in holes 23 e provided in convex parts 23 d of holder 23 .
- Convex parts 25 e are provided near one end 25 a of lancet 25 .
- grip part 25 f is provided between convex part 25 e and one end 25 a .
- Second holder 38 of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 2 shown in FIG. 2B has circular projecting part 38 a abutting on the skin of the patient.
- the inner diameter of projecting part 38 a is approximately 4 to 15 mm (more preferably 5 to 7 mm), and the height of the projecting part is approximately 0.5 to 5 mm (more preferably 1 to 2 mm).
- projecting part 38 a abuts on the skin, the skin is plumped up, so that the blood can be sampled more easily.
- projecting part 38 a has a circular and projecting shape, so that a negative pressure can be applied reliably. As a result, the blood can be sampled reliably to be brought to the sensor after puncturing.
- circular projecting part 38 a is provided in the second holder, the projecting part only has to be a concave part that forms space between the skin and blood sensor 24 .
- Cap 39 of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 3 shown in FIG. 2C is used to protect blood sensor 24 and fix lancet 25 of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 3 before attachment. That is, as shown in FIG. 4A , cap 39 passes through sensor 24 and can be connected to lancet 25 . Further, cap 39 can be connected with lancet 25 so as to encompass blood collection needle 26 attached to lancet 25 , so that it is possible to keep sterile blood collection needle 26 sanitary.
- cap 39 is fixed to lancet 25
- Blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 shown in FIG. 2D has both second holder 38 included in blood sampling cartridge 22 - 2 and cap 39 included in blood sampling cartridge 22 - 3 , and so has the benefits of both.
- FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 .
- FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of blood sampling cartridge 22 .
- the height of cross-shaped convex part 23 c formed on the one end side 23 a (blood sensor side) of holder 23 is higher than the height of cross-shaped convex part 23 d formed on the other end side 23 b of holder 23 . That is, the convex part side 23 d of holder 23 is thinner than the convex part side 23 c . In this way, the front part of the holder of the blood sampling cartridge with respect to the insertion direction is thinner than the rear part, so that blood sampling cartridge 22 can be inserted to attaching part 21 a readily.
- tip part 23 g on the side 23 b of convex part 23 d projects at an acute angle. This is important to make sure that connector 27 formed on the attaching part side 21 a contacts with a desired position of blood sensor 24 .
- the whole of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 1 can be attached to and removed from attaching part 21 a , and so blood collection needle 26 and blood sensor 24 can be attached to and removed from attaching part 21 a together. Therefore, blood sensor 24 and blood collection needle 26 can be attached and changed in a simple manner.
- Blood sampling cartridge 22 - 2 shown in FIG. 3B is the same as blood sampling cartridge 22 - 1 shown in FIG. 3A except that blood sampling cartridge 22 - 2 has second holder 38 (see FIG. 2B ) that covers blood sensor 24 .
- FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of blood sampling cartridge 22 upon puncturing
- FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of blood sampling cartridge 22 when puncturing is finished.
- blood collection needle 26 projects from blood sensor 24 and comes to a stop. At this time, convex part 25 e of lancet 25 is latched at latch part 23 f provided at the other end 23 b of holder 23 . Therefore, blood collection needle 26 does not project further from the blood sensor. As shown in FIG. 5B , when puncturing is finished, blood collection needle 26 is accommodated in holder 23 and comes to a stop. The roots of guides 25 c of lancet 25 are latched at latch part 23 f provided at the other end 23 b of holder 23 . Therefore, lancet 25 does not fall off from holder 23 .
- FIG. 6 is a plan view that expands the main part of guide 36 for inserting blood sampling cartridge 22 to attaching part 21 a .
- Guide 36 is formed with convex part 21 f provided on the internal surface of attaching part 21 a and convex part 23 d provided on the external surface of the holder.
- Tip part 21 g of convex part 21 f and tip part 23 g of convex part 23 d are preferably formed to have a sharp angle.
- Convex part 21 f and convex part 23 d face each other when blood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted into attaching part 21 a , and control the rotation angle with respect to the axis of the direction of inserting the blood sampling cartridge, adequately. That is, when blood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted into attaching part 21 a , even when the rotation angle with respect to the axis of the insertion direction, is off from a desired position, as shown by arrow 37 , blood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted along guide 36 while the rotation angle with respect to the axis is corrected.
- connector 27 provided at attaching part 21 a is made to contact with a desired position (contact part of the connection electrode) of blood sensor 24 of blood sampling cartridge 22 reliably.
- FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where blood sampling cartridge 22 is attached to inside of attaching part 21 a .
- blood sampling cartridge 22 is guided by guide 36 and inserted, and, as shown in FIG. 7 , convex part 21 f and convex part 23 c are engaged, and thereby blood sampling cartridge is fixed at a specific angle (angle at which connectors 27 abut on terminals 33 ) specified in attaching part 21 a . This is important to deliver signals of blood sensor 24 to measuring circuit 32 reliably.
- the outer periphery of blood sampling cartridge 22 or the inner periphery of attaching part 21 a does not have to be round and may be an elliptic or a polygonal. If the outer periphery of blood sampling cartridge 22 or the inner periphery of attaching part 21 a is round or regular polygon, blood sampling cartridge 22 can be inserted at an arbitrary rotation angle with respect to the axis of the insertion direction, so that the insertion is facilitated.
- blood sampling cartridge 22 and attaching part 21 asymmetrical and insert blood sampling cartridge 22 only in a fixed direction.
- FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a state where blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 shown in FIG. 4B is attached to attaching part 21 a of blood test apparatus 20 .
- Second holder 38 of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 and housing 21 of blood test apparatus 20 join together via seal material 55 .
- Seal material 55 may be provided in either blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 or the blood test apparatus.
- the airtightness inside the apparatus is improved by seal material 55 .
- FIG. 8A blood sensor 24 which contacts with connector 27 of the blood test apparatus, is supported by second holder 38 , so that the contact pressure between connector 27 and blood sensor 24 becomes stable.
- FIG. 8A seal material 55 is sandwiched between second holder 38 of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 and an end of housing 21 of blood test apparatus 20 .
- FIG. 8B and FIG. 8D show a mechanism of locking blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 in housing 21 . That is, not only by sandwiching seal material 55 , but also by making locking claw (moving side) 28 a provided in holder 38 of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 and locking claw (fixed side) 28 b provided in housing 21 fit in, blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 is locked. A pressure is applied to seal material 55 from both, and the position of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 is thereby fixed, so that the airtightness inside the apparatus improves and the stability improves significantly.
- Locking claw 28 a on the moving side or locking claw 28 b on the fixed side only have to be provided at either holder 38 of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 or housing 21 of apparatus 20 , and the same effect can be obtained.
- Locking is released in a simple manner with, for example, push button 29 a (see FIG. 8C ) or slide button 29 b (see FIG. 8E ), provided on the housing 21 , and workability of the releasing is good. It is also possible to use electric and pneumatic drive of an electromagnetic valve instead of the push button. Of course, it is also possible to add rubber or other seal material 29 c to maintain the seal effect at space and the moving part near the locking member.
- blood sampling cartridge 22 has blood sensor 24 .
- Blood sensor 24 has: a base plate; a storing part provided on the base plate; a supply channel, one end of which communicates with the storing part; a detecting section provided in the supply channel; and an air hole that communicates with the supply channel.
- One surface of the base plate abuts on the skin to be punctured, and the hole formed on the substrate surface which abuts on the skin is an opening part of the storing part. The blood flowing out from the skin by puncturing is led to the storing part from the opening part.
- FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of blood sensor 24 - 1 , which is an example of the blood sensor.
- Blood sensor 24 - 1 has substrate 41 , spacer 47 stacked on the upper surface of substrate 41 , and cover 48 stacked on the upper surface of spacer 47 .
- Hole 41 c provided in substrate 41 and hole 47 c provided in spacer 47 form blood storing part 49 .
- Supply channel 47 d is connected to storing part 49 .
- the tip of supply channel 47 d is connected to air hole 48 c.
- Reagent 50 is preferably placed on detecting section 40 .
- Detecting section 40 will be described later, but, for example, is on detection electrodes 42 and 44 (described later) on substrate 41 .
- Reagent 50 is selected as appropriate depending on the type of the blood component to be measured.
- reagent 50 is prepared by dropping in the detecting section reagent solution prepared by adding and dissolving PQQ-GDH (0.1 to 5.0 U/sensor), potassium ferricyanide (10 to 200 mM), maltitol (1 to 50 mM) and taurine (20 to 200 mM) to a 0.01 to 2.0 wt % aqueous solution of CMC, and drying the reagent solution.
- bank 51 may be provided near hole 41 c .
- Bank 51 may be formed integrated with substrate 41 by press working, and the like ( FIG. 9B ), or may be formed with separate members ( FIG. 9C ).
- Bank 51 in FIG. 9C may be formed by pasting ring member 54 shown in FIG. 13 to hole 41 c .
- Ring member 54 is pasted so that hole 54 a of ring member 54 is continuous with substrate hole 41 c forming storing part 49 .
- the diameter of substrate hole 41 c forming storing part 49 is preferably the same as the diameter of hole 54 a of ring member 54 .
- the other members may be made the same as in blood sensor 24 - 1 .
- storing part 49 is formed with lifting part 41 d and hole 41 c , which are provided in substrate 41 , and hole 47 c provided in spacer 47 .
- the height of the bank is preferably 0.5 to 5 mm (more preferably, 1 to 2 mm).
- Bank 51 prevents sampled blood from flowing out without being led to storing part 49 of the blood sensor.
- hole 52 may be provided in cover 48 . Blood collection needle 26 passes through hole 52 .
- hole 52 is provided in cover 48 in advance, it is not necessary to open a puncturing hole using puncturing needle 26 , so that less force is required upon puncturing, and the damage of the needle tip of puncturing needle 26 is minimized.
- blood sensor 24 - 5 shown in FIG. 9E it is also possible to form storing part 49 with cover 48 and spacer 47 and form air hole 48 c in substrate 41 .
- cover 48 for blood sensor 24 - 5 is made a transparent member, it is possible to check whether blood is supplied to supply channel 47 d or detecting section 40 from outside.
- FIG. 10 is a plan view that disassembles blood sensor 24 .
- Blood sensor 24 has cover 48 shown in FIG. 10A , spacer 47 shown in FIG. 10B and substrate 41 shown in FIG. 10C .
- FIG. 10C is a plan view of substrate 41 .
- substrate 41 has an octagon shape, the shape of the substrate is not particularly limited.
- the material of substrate 41 is preferably resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- the thickness of substrate 41 preferably falls within the range from 0.075 to 0.25 mm (preferably 0.188 mm).
- detection electrodes 42 to 45 and connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a connected to detection electrodes 42 to 45 , respectively, are formed in an integrated manner.
- Detection electrodes 42 to 45 and connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a are formed by forming a conductive layer through the sputtering method or the vapor deposition method, with gold, platinum, palladium as material and applying laser machining to this conductive layer.
- Hole 41 c is provided in approximately the center of substrate 41 , and its diameter may be approximately 2.0 mm.
- FIG. 10B is a plan view of spacer 47 .
- the thickness of spacer 47 may fall in a range of 0.05 to 0.15 mm (preferably 0.1 mm).
- Spacer 47 is preferably a polygonal (preferably a regular polygon) such as an approximate cross shape, because connector 27 (not shown) can be arranged easily in a dent of the cross-shape.
- Hole 47 c is provided at the position corresponding hole 41 c which is provided in approximately the center of spacer 47 on substrate 41 .
- the diameter of hole 47 c may be made the same (2.0 mm) as the diameter of hole 41 c .
- Slit 47 d is formed in the direction from hole 47 c to cross-shaped first convex part 47 e and corresponds to the blood supply channel.
- the cavity of supply channel 47 d may be set approximately 0.144 ⁇ L. In this way, the test can be performed with a small amount of blood, so that the load on the patient becomes small, and the patient does not feel fear.
- the material of spacer 47 may be resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
- FIG. 10A is a plan view of cover 48 .
- Cover 48 has an approximate cross shape, air hole 48 c is provided at cross-shape first convex part 48 d so as to correspond to the tip part of supply channel 47 d .
- the diameter of air hole 48 c is approximately 50 ⁇ m.
- cover 48 is plastic, and preferably polyethylene terephthalate.
- the thickness of cover 48 may fall in a range of 0.05 to 0.25 mm (preferably 0.075 mm).
- FIG. 11 is a plan view that disassembles the blood sensor (see FIG. 9B and FIG. 9C ) having a bank.
- FIG. 11A shows cover 48
- FIG. 11B shows spacer 47
- FIG. 11C shows substrate 41 - 1 on which bank 51 is formed.
- the blood sensor shown in FIG. 11 is the same as blood sensor 24 shown in FIG. 10 except substrate 41 - 1 , and so substrate 41 - 1 will be described.
- FIG. 11C is a plan view of substrate 41 - 1 forming blood sensor 24 , and substrate 41 - 1 has an octagon shape.
- Material of substrate 41 - 1 is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and its thickness can fall in a range of 0.075 to 0.25 mm and is preferably 0.188 mm.
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- detection electrodes 42 to 45 On the surface of substrate 41 - 1 , detection electrodes 42 to 45 , and connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a led from detection electrodes 42 to 45 , respectively, are formed in an integrated manner.
- Hole 41 c is provided in approximately the center of substrate 41 - 1 , and the diameter of hole 41 c may be 1.5 mm.
- Bank 51 is provided around hole 41 c of substrate 41 - 1 .
- Blood sensor 24 is made by stacking spacer 47 on the reverse side of the surface where bank 51 is formed, and further, stacking cover 48 on the upper surface of spacer 47 .
- Substrate 41 - 1 is produced through press working (see FIG. 12 ), or produced with pasting ring member 54 to substrate 41 (see FIG. 13 ).
- FIG. 12 shows a method of making substrate 41 - 1 on which bank 51 is formed in an integrated manner, through press working.
- FIG. 12A shows a state before bank 51 is formed.
- concave mold 90 has circular hole 90 a .
- the diameter of circular hole 90 a may be approximately 1.55 mm.
- the upper part of circular hole 90 a opens upward at an angle of 45 degrees.
- the diameter of the upper part of the opening part may be approximately 2 mm.
- Substrate 41 is mounted on the upper surface of concave mold 90 . Further, convex mold 91 is set above substrate 41 . On convex mold 91 , circular convex part 91 a that projects downward, is provided. The diameter of base part 91 b of convex part 91 a is made approximately 2 mm, and the diameter of tip part 91 c is made approximately 1.5 mm. Base part 91 b and tip part 91 c are connected via 45-degree taper 91 d . Taper 91 d forms lifting part 41 d and bank 51 .
- lifting part 41 d and bank forming part of storing part 49 can be formed on substrate 41 in an integrated manner.
- FIG. 13 shows ring member 54 to be pasted to the lower surface of substrate 41 .
- Ring member 54 has hole 54 a . It is also possible to stack spacer 47 and cover 48 after forming bank 51 by pasting ring member 54 to substrate 41 , or paste member 54 to form bank 51 after stacking substrate 41 , spacer 47 and cover 48 .
- the material of member 54 is preferably the same material as substrate 41 or spacer 47 in terms of manufacturing control.
- FIG. 14 is a plan view that disassembles blood sensor 24 - 5 (see FIG. 9E ), part of the base plate being formed with a transparent member.
- FIG. 14A shows cover 48
- FIG. 14B shows spacer 47
- FIG. 14C shows substrate 41 .
- FIG. 14B shows spacer 47 and is the same as FIG. 10B .
- FIG. 14A shows cover 48 , and its material is preferably transparent material.
- cover 48 is transparent, the blood sampled from the skin to the supply channel can be seen, which makes judgment as to whether or not the blood sampling cartridge is used more easily.
- hole 48 f which is part of the storing part, is formed.
- the thickness of substrate 41 , spacer 47 and cover 48 of blood sensor 24 , and its ratio are important for sampling the blood.
- the thickness of the spacer preferably falls within the range from 0.05 to 0.15 mm (preferably 0.1 mm).
- the thickness of cover 48 is preferably made less than the thickness of substrate 41 so that the total thickness of blood sensor 24 is preferably made thin. Therefore, the thickness of substrate 41 : the thickness of spacer 47 : the thickness of cover 48 may be 2.5:1.3:1 as a reference.
- the thickness of substrate 41 refers to the thickness of cover 48 of blood sensor 24 - 5 shown in FIG. 9E
- the term “the thickness of cover 48 ” refers to the thickness of substrate 41 of blood sensor 24 - 5 shown in FIG. 9E .
- blood sensor 24 has blood storing part 49 and blood supply channel 47 d , and the volume of blood storing part 49 is one to twenty times the volume of blood supply channel 47 d , preferably four to fifteen times, and, more preferably, five to seven times.
- the volume of blood storing part 49 of blood sensor 24 - 1 shown in FIG. 9A may be 0.904 ⁇ L, and the volume of blood supply channel 47 d may be 0.144 ⁇ L.
- the volume of blood storing part 49 of blood sensor 24 - 2 shown in FIG. 9B may be 0.766 ⁇ L, and the volume of blood supply channel 47 d may be approximately 0.144 ⁇ L.
- the speed of the blood flowing in the supply channel can be controlled to be constant and the flow rate of the blood flowing in the supply channel can be controlled adequately, so that the blood does not wash out reagent 50 and reacts with reagent 50 sufficiently, which realizes a correct test.
- the volume ratio between blood storing part 49 and blood supply channel 47 d it is possible to reduce their volumes. Therefore, the amount of the blood sampled for a test can be reduced, and the load on the patient can be also reduced.
- the diameter of air hole 48 c is preferably 50 to 500 ⁇ m (for example, 50 ⁇ m). If the diameter of air hole 48 c is made small, blood sampled excessively is less likely to flow out from air hole 48 c . Further, the area of air hole 48 c is preferably made smaller than the area of puncturing hole 48 e formed by blood collection needle 26 . When the area of air hole 48 c is made larger than the area of puncturing hole 48 e , the resistance of puncturing hole 48 e against the flow of blood 23 becomes smaller than the resistance of air hole 48 c . Therefore, most of blood 13 sampled excessively flows out from puncturing hole 48 e , and the amount of blood 13 flowing out from air hole 48 c becomes extremely small. Accordingly, even if the blood is sampled excessively, reagent 50 is not washed out. That is, reagent 50 does not move from detecting section 40 , and the components of blood 13 are examined correctly.
- the diameter of air hole 48 c is smaller than the diameter of blood collection needle 26 and approximately 10 to 80%, and, more preferably, approximately half.
- the area of hole 52 is preferably larger than the area of air hole 48 c . Further, the area of hole 52 is preferably smaller than the area of hole 41 c formed in substrate 41 .
- the reverse side of cover 48 (the surface pasted to the spacer) corresponding to “the inner surface of supply channel 47 d ” is preferably subjected to hydrophilicity treatment to make the blood smoothly flow in supply channel 47 d by capillary action. Further, the reverse side of cover 48 corresponding to “the upper side of storing part 49 ” is preferably less hydrophilic than the reverse side of cover 48 corresponding to the inner surface of supply channel 47 d to make the blood more smoothly flow in supply channel 47 d.
- the surface of cover 48 (the reverse side of the surface pasted to the spacer) is preferably subjected to water-repellency treatment to prevent the blood in storing part 49 from flowing out more than necessary from air hole 48 c or a hole of cover 48 (for example, puncturing hole 48 e by blood collection needle 26 ). Further, the reverse side of cover 48 corresponding to “the upper side of storing part 49 ” is preferably less water-repellent than the surface of cover 48 to prevent more effectively the blood in storing part 49 from flowing out.
- At least the periphery of hole 41 c is preferably water-repellent, and the whole surface may be preferably refers to a state where the surface free energy is less than 43 mN/m.
- the surface of substrate 41 which abuts on the skin is water-repellent, the blood sampled by puncturing the skin with blood collection needle 26 can be brought to storing part 49 more easily.
- the wall surface of hole 41 c and lifting part 41 d are preferably less hydrophilic than supply channel 47 d and less water-repellent than the surface of cover 48 (the reverse side of the surface pasted to the spacer).
- the level of the hydrophilicity or water-repellency is adjusted by performing hydrophilicity treatment or water-repellency treatment.
- hydrophilicity or water-repellency it is only necessary to mix hydrophilic material or water-repellent material in the material of member constituting the blood sensor or apply hydrophilic material or water-repellent material to the surface of the member.
- the level of hydrophilicity or water-repellency is also adjusted.
- hydrophilicity can be reduced.
- activity of the hydrophilic material can be adjusted by radiating UV.
- Blood sensor 24 for which the hydrophilicity or the water-repellency is controlled as described above is manufactured with, for example, the following method.
- water-repellent treatment is applied to the upper surface of cover 48
- hydrophilic treatment is applied to the lower surface of cover 48 .
- the whole or the periphery of hole 41 c of the reverse side of substrate 41 may be subjected to hydrophobic treatment.
- substrate 41 , spacer 47 and cover 48 are stacked (spacer 47 is stacked on the surface of cover 48 , where hydrophilicity treatment is applied).
- FIG. 15 is a perspective plan view of blood sensor 24 .
- Detection electrodes 42 , 43 , 44 and 45 are formed on substrate 41 , and these detection electrodes 42 to 45 function as, for example, an active electrode, a sensing electrode, a counter electrode and an Hct electrode, in that order.
- the “active electrode” refers to an electrode for measuring blood components
- the “sensing electrode” refers to an electrode for sensing whether or not the blood is supplied to the detecting section
- the “counter electrode” refers to a counterpart electrode of the active electrode
- the “Hct electrode” refers to an electrode for measuring the hematocrit level in the blood.
- Detection electrodes 42 to 45 are connected to relevant connection electrodes 42 a , 43 a , 44 a and 45 a , respectively, and connection electrodes 42 a , 43 a , 44 a and 45 a are arranged along the outer periphery of substrate 41 .
- Detecting section 40 is included on substrate 41 , and the reagent contacts with detecting section 40 .
- Detecting section 40 preferably includes detection electrode 42 which functions as an active electrode and detection electrode 44 which functions as a counter electrode, and, on the other hand, preferably does not include detection electrode 45 which functions as an Hct electrode.
- the blood flowing out from the skin punctured with blood collection needle 26 is brought to storing part 49 .
- the blood brought to storing part 49 flows in supply channel 47 d by capillary action, is led by detecting section 40 , and reacts with regent 50 in detecting section 40 .
- the result of the reaction is led to connection electrodes 42 a , 43 a , 44 a and 45 a connected to the detection electrodes, respectively.
- the result of the reaction is led to terminals 33 a , 33 b , 33 c and 33 d formed at attaching part 21 a via connectors 27 a , 27 b , 27 c and 27 d which contact with connection electrodes 42 a , 43 a , 44 a and 45 a . And further, the result of the reaction is led to measuring circuit 32 from terminals 33 a to 33 d.
- connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a have contact parts 42 b to 45 b , respectively, to contact with the connectors.
- Contact parts 42 b , 43 b , 44 b and 45 b contact with connectors 27 a , 27 b , 27 c and 27 d , respectively.
- Contact parts 42 b , 43 b , 44 b and 45 b are preferably arranged around a specific point so as to surround the specific point and arranged at equiangular intervals centered on the specific point.
- the “specific point” is preferably in storing part 49 (inside hole 41 c ) on the surface of the substrate, and, more preferably, near the center of storing part 49 . Further, the “specific point” may be on the surface of the substrate and on the axis where puncturing needle 26 moves. Still further, the specific point is preferably near the rotation center of the axis of the insertion direction for attaching the blood sampling cartridge to the attaching part, of the blood sampling cartridge.
- contact parts 42 b to 45 b are preferably arranged at approximately the same distance from the specific point.
- connector 27 of the test apparatus contacts with blood sensor 24 at equiangular intervals centered on the specific point, so that the connector and the blood sensor can be connected adequately regardless of the angle at which the blood sampling cartridge is attached. Therefore, the blood sampling cartridge can be attached more readily.
- each of connectors 27 a to 27 d between cross-shape convex parts 23 c or 23 d formed on the outer periphery of holder 23 , the contact parts can be arranged at equiangular intervals centered on the barycentric point of the cross shape of the holder.
- contact parts 42 b , 43 b , 44 b and 45 b are arranged at equiangular intervals centered on the specific point, when blood sampling cartridge 22 is attached to attaching part 21 a and the contact parts contact with the connectors, each of the contact parts can contact with one of the connectors respectively even if the rotation angle with respect to the axis of the insertion direction of the blood sampling cartridge is arbitrary.
- a “reference electrode” is preferably provided for specifying which contact parts of the connection electrodes contact with which connectors.
- FIG. 16 shows an example where blood sensor 24 has a reference electrode.
- Blood sensor 24 a shown in FIG. 16 has the “reference electrode” for specifying the positions of the connection electrodes in addition to connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a , as one of the connection electrodes.
- Blood sensor 24 a may be the same as blood sensor 24 shown in FIG. 15 except that the reference electrode is provided.
- the reference electrode shown in FIG. 16 is reference contact part 43 c , which is the position that contacts with the connector.
- Reference contact part 43 c is provided in connection electrode 43 a together with contact part 43 b , that is, contact part 43 b and reference contact part 43 c are connected via a conductor. Therefore, the resistance between contact part 43 b and reference contact part 43 c is zero.
- Reference contact part 43 c may be provided in one of connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a , and not always necessary provided in connection electrode 43 a.
- Contact parts 42 b to 45 b and reference contact part 43 c are preferably provided near the outer periphery of blood sensor 24 a , arranged around the specific point and arranged at equiangular intervals centered on the specific point. Therefore, five connectors 27 of attaching part 21 a are provided at equiangular intervals centered on the specific point so as to correspond to contact parts 42 b to 45 b and reference contact part 43 c , respectively.
- the holder in this case does not have the cross shape shown in FIG. 2 and preferably has a star shape or the shape of a pentagon, and connectors 27 are provided around the star-shaped or pentagon-shaped holder at the same angle.
- one of the connectors can contact with one of the contact parts or the reference contact part
- measuring circuit 32 can detect neighboring electrodes between which the electrical resistance is zero, specify connection electrodes including the reference contact part, specify the positions of connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a , and further specify the functions of the detection electrodes connected to the connection electrodes.
- FIG. 17 shows another example where blood sensor 24 has a reference electrode.
- Connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a of blood sensor 24 b shown in FIG. 17 each have a contact part that contacts with a pair of two connectors. That is, connection electrode 42 a has contact parts 42 d and 42 e , connection electrode 43 a has contact parts 43 d and 43 e , connection electrode 44 a has contact parts 44 d and 44 e , and connection electrode 45 a has contact parts 45 d and 45 e . Only contact part 43 e out of contact parts 43 d and 43 e is formed on insulating member 53 .
- 43 d and 43 e are electrically insulated and the resistance between 43 d and 43 e becomes infinite, while the resistance between 42 d and 42 e , 44 d and 44 e , 45 d and 45 e becomes zero.
- 43 d may be arranged on insulating member 53 provided on connection electrode 43 a , or 43 d and 43 e may be insulated by providing a slit around 43 d.
- connection electrodes can be identified as connection electrode 43 a , connection electrode 44 a , connection electrode 45 a and connection electrode 42 a , clockwise, for example, and the functions of the detection electrodes connected to the connection electrodes can be specified.
- connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a included in the blood sensor can be specified. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust and correct the insertion direction of the cartridge by visual checking, so that the insertion becomes simple.
- convex part 21 f and convex part 23 d of the guide shown in FIG. 6 do not have to be provided at regular intervals, but may be provided at different intervals.
- a groove (or a convex part) that runs from the front to the rear may be provided on the inner wall of attaching part 21 a
- a convex part (or a groove) matching the groove (or the convex part) may be provided on the surface of the holder of blood sampling cartridge 22 , and blood sampling cartridge 22 may be inserted by sliding in this groove (the convex part).
- FIG. 18 shows the measurement principle of blood test apparatus 20 that measures the blood sugar level of blood.
- Glucose 101 in blood reacts with glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) 103 specifically to give product 102 , and potassium ferricyanide 104 is reduced to generate potassium ferrocyanide 105 .
- GDH glucose dehydrogenase
- the amount of generated potassium ferrocyanide 105 is proportional to the concentration of glucose 101 .
- Potassium herrocyanide 105 is oxidized on detection electrode 42 (see FIG. 15 ) as an active electrode, and, at this time, oxidation response current 106 flowing toward detection electrode 44 as a counter electrode is proportional to the concentration of glucose 101 . Therefore, the blood sugar level can be measured based on this oxidation response current 106 .
- FIG. 19 shows an output example of the measurement result of blood test apparatus 20 .
- the horizontal axis shows the concentration (mg/dL) of glucose 101
- the vertical axis shows response current 106 ( ⁇ A).
- oxidation response current 106 is proportional to the concentration of glucose 101 .
- FIG. 20 shows the relationship between blood collection needle 26 and blood sensor 24 upon blood sampling by the blood test apparatus.
- substrate 41 of blood sensor 24 abuts on the skin of the patient (such as the skin of a finger).
- blood collection needle 26 projects from blood sensor 24 , and breaks through cover 48 in case that there is no opening part in cover 48 forming the upper side of storing part 49 , and further, punctures skin 7 .
- Blood 13 flows out from punctured skin 7 , and the outflow of blood 13 is led to storing part 49 .
- Blood 13 led to storing part 49 flows into supply channel 47 d , and, further, led to detecting section 40 by capillary action.
- Blood 13 is more likely to flow into supply channel 47 d , the inner surface of which is subjected to hydrophilicity treatment.
- the inner surface of storing part 49 is less hydrophilic than the inner surface of supply channel 47 d , blood 13 is more likely to flow into supply channel 47 d .
- the upper surface of cover 48 is subjected to water-repellency treatment, the outflow of blood 13 from puncturing hole 52 a is minimized, so that blood 13 is more likely to flow into supply channel 47 d.
- FIG. 20B shows the relationship between blood collection needle 26 and blood sensor 24 in which bank 51 is formed.
- sensor 24 is made to abut on skin 7 such as a finger of the patient and blood collection needle 26 is shot in the direction of the arrow, skin 7 is punctured and blood 13 flows out in the same way as in FIG. 20A .
- the outflow of blood 13 fills storing part 49 .
- bank 51 is formed near the opening, and so bank 51 is in close contact with skin 7 . Therefore, blood 13 flowing out from skin 7 is more likely to be led to storing part and less likely to leak.
- FIG. 21 shows cross-sectional views of blood sampling cartridge 22 and attaching part 21 a of blood test apparatus 20 into which blood sampling cartridge is inserted.
- plunger 30 is provided slidably in the front-back direction (in the figure, in the horizontal direction). Holding part 30 a of plunger 30 holds grip part 25 f of lancet 25 included in blood sampling cartridge 22 . Further, blood sampling cartridge 22 is held by elasticity of end 21 b of attaching part 21 a.
- the position where blood sampling cartridge 22 is fixed at attaching part 21 a is specified by a joint between positioning concave part 21 h provided in the cylinder of attaching part 21 a and positioning convex part 23 h provided in holder 23 forming blood sampling cartridge 22 .
- blood sampling cartridge 22 is fixed at a specified position of attaching part 21 a .
- the contact parts (including the reference contact part) of blood sensor 24 contact with connectors 27 , respectively. Terminals 33 are connected to connectors 27 , respectively.
- FIG. 21A shows a state where plunger 30 is pulled backward, and blood collection needle 26 is inside blood sampling cartridge 22 . That is, FIG. 21A shows a state before puncturing.
- FIG. 21B shows a state where plunger 30 projects forward. Blood collection needle 26 projects from blood sensor 24 (or blood sensor 24 a ). In this state, blood is sampled by puncturing the patient's skin.
- FIG. 21C shows a state where plunger 30 is pulled backward. Blood collection needle 26 is accommodated in blood sampling cartridge 22 . Except for the state where plunger 30 projects forward, blood collection needle 26 is accommodated in blood sampling cartridge 22 , so that blood collection needle 26 does not puncture the skin by error and is secure, and, further does not make the patient feel fear. Further, blood collection needle 26 does not allow direct touch, and so is secure.
- FIG. 22 shows an example of the flow of the test using blood test apparatus 20 .
- blood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted into attaching part 21 a to be attached to blood test apparatus 20 .
- holder 23 is pressed into attaching part 21 a and latched, and positioning concave part 21 h and positioning convex part 23 h are jointed to determine the position.
- grip part 25 f of lancet 25 is held by holding part 30 a of plunger 30 .
- step 62 blood sensor 24 of blood sampling cartridge 22 is pressed against the patient's skin and placed in close contact with the patient's skin.
- step 63 a locking mechanism of plunger 30 , formed by latch convex part 31 c provided in handle 31 and latch concave part 21 d provided in housing 21 , is disengaged.
- step 64 blood collection needle 26 attached to lancet 25 projects toward the skin by plunger 30 urged by the spring.
- step 65 after the patient's skin is punctured with blood collection needle 26 , blood collection needle 26 is moved backward and accommodated in blood sampling cartridge 22 .
- step 66 blood flows out and is sampled. The outflow of blood is brought to blood sensor 24 and led to detecting section 40 placed inside supply channel 47 d . Then, after detection electrode 43 as a sensing electrode determines that blood of the amount necessary for measurement is led to the detecting section, sampling blood is finished. In this way, blood is not sampled more than necessary, so that it is possible to alleviate the load on the patient significantly.
- step 67 the glucose in the sampled blood is measured. After the glucose in the blood and a glucose oxidation-reduction enzyme are reacted for a certain period, a voltage is applied between detection electrode 42 as an active electrode and detection electrode 44 as a counter electrode. The mediator in a reduction condition, produced on detection electrode 42 by enzyme reaction, is oxidized, and its oxidation current is detected.
- the reaction time of a glucose and an oxidation-reduction enzyme is normally 10 seconds or less
- the voltage applied in step 67 is normally 0.2 to 0.5 V
- the application time is normally 5 seconds or less. This application time is measured by timer 79 (described later).
- the hematocrit (Hct) level is measured.
- a voltage is applied between detection electrode 45 as an active electrode and detection electrode 42 as a counter electrode, a current that depends on the Hct level is detected.
- the Hct level is measured based on the detected current.
- the measured Hct level is used to correct the result of measuring the glucose.
- the relationship between the current and the Hct level may be calculated in advance as a calibration curve, and the detected current may be applied as is.
- the voltage applied in step 68 is approximately 2 to 3 V, and the application time is approximately 5 seconds or less.
- a mediator is not provided at detection electrode 45 , which is an active electrode, there is a certain interval between detection electrode 45 and detection electrode 42 , and only blood exists in this interval. Therefore, in step 68 , an oxidation current that depends on the Hct level can be detected without being influenced by reagent 50 .
- step 69 the measurement result of the blood components is corrected. That is, using the Hct level measured in step 68 , the glucose content calculated in step 67 is corrected. This correction is performed based on the calibration curve (including a calibration table) created in advance. The corrected glucose content is displayed on display section 75 of blood test apparatus 20 .
- used blood sampling cartridge 22 After going through steps 67 , 68 and 69 of blood sugar level measurement, used blood sampling cartridge 22 is collected or discarded every measurement.
- FIG. 23 is a block diagram of blood test apparatus 20 .
- Blood test apparatus 20 in FIG. 23 has blood sensor 24 a shown in FIG. 16 .
- Connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a of blood sensor 24 a are connected to terminals 33 a to 33 e .
- Terminals 33 a to 33 e are connected to switch circuit 71 , and the output of switch circuit 71 is connected to the input of current/voltage converter 72 .
- the output of current/voltage converter 72 is connected to the input of calculating section 74 via analogue/digital converter (hereinafter A/D converter) 73 .
- the output of calculating section 74 is connected to display section (for example, a liquid crystal display device) and also connected to the input of transmitting section 77 .
- reference voltage supply 78 is connected to switch circuit 71 .
- Reference voltage supply 78 may be a ground potential.
- the output of controlling section 76 is connected to a control terminal of switch circuit 71 , calculating section 74 , transmitting section 77 and timer 79 .
- connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a After the terminals connected to connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a are determined, the blood components are measured.
- blood sensor 24 (see FIG. 15 ) not having a reference electrode is used, terminals connected to connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a have already been determined, and so such a step is not necessary.
- switch circuit 71 is switched so that detection electrode 42 as an active electrode for measuring the amount of blood components is connected to current/voltage converter 72 via terminal 33 .
- detection electrode 43 which serves as a sensing electrode for detecting the inflow of blood is connected to reference voltage supply 78 via terminal 33 .
- a certain voltage is applied between detection electrode 42 and detection electrode 43 .
- a current flows between detection electrode 42 and detection electrode 43 .
- This current is converted to a voltage by current/voltage converter 72
- the voltage value is converted to a digital value by A/D converter 73 .
- the digital value is outputted to calculating section 74 .
- Calculating section 74 detects the inflow of blood based on the digital value.
- the glucose content is measured by, first, switching switch circuit 71 by the command of controlling section 76 so that detection electrode 42 , which is an active electrode for measuring the glucose content, is connected to current/voltage converter 72 via terminal 33 .
- detection electrode 44 which is a counter electrode for measuring the glucose content, is connected to reference voltage supply 78 via terminal 33 .
- current/voltage converter 72 and reference voltage supply 78 may be turned off.
- a certain voltage 0.2 to 0.5 V
- a current flows between detection electrode 42 and detection electrode 44 .
- This current is converted to a voltage by current/voltage converter 72
- the voltage value is converted to a digital value by A/D converter 73 and outputted to calculating section 74 .
- Calculating section 74 converts the digital value to a glucose content.
- the Hct level is measured.
- switch circuit 71 is switched to connect detection electrode 45 , which is an active electrode for measuring the Hct level, to current/voltage converter via terminal 33 .
- detection electrode 42 which is a counter electrode for measuring the Hct level, is connected to reference voltage supply 78 .
- a certain voltage (2 to 3 V) is applied between detection electrode 45 and detection electrode 42 from current/voltage converter 72 and reference voltage supply 78 .
- the current flowing between detection electrode 45 and detection electrode 42 is converted to a voltage by current/voltage converter 72 , and the voltage value is converted to a digital value by A/D converter 73 and outputted to calculating section 74 .
- Calculating section 74 measures the Hct level based on the digital value.
- the glucose content is corrected with the Hct level with reference to the calibration curve or the calibration table.
- the result after correction may be displayed on display section 75 or transmitted to an injection apparatus that injects a curative drug (for example, insulin) from transmitting section 77 .
- the result after correction may be transmitted by radio, but is preferably transmitted using optical communication which does not interfere with medical equipment.
- the injection apparatus for injecting curative drug can set a dose of the curative drug automatically based on the result after correction (measured data) transmitted from transmitting section 77 , the patient does not have to set a dose of the curative drug, which eliminates the inconvenience of setting a dose. Further, the amount of insulin can be set for the injection apparatus without involving an artificial means, so that it is possible to prevent setting errors.
- the blood test apparatus of the present invention may have a negative pressure means.
- a negative pressure is preferably applied near the part of the skin punctured with blood collection needle 26 . Therefore, blood test apparatus 20 with the negative pressure means preferably has a member for surrounding the neighborhood of the punctured part of the skin, and may apply a negative pressure to the space surrounded by the member.
- FIG. 24 is a block diagram of blood test apparatus 20 - 1 with a negative pressure means.
- Blood test apparatus 20 - 1 is different from blood test apparatus 20 shown in FIG. 23 in that blood test apparatus 20 - 1 has a negative pressure means, and so the difference will be mainly described.
- the same components as blood test apparatus 20 will be assigned the same reference numerals for ease of explanation.
- guard member 81 is provided so as to extend from end 21 b of attaching part 21 a .
- Controlling section 76 a is connected to negative pressure section 82 (for example, a vacuum generator), and the output of negative pressure means 82 is connected inside of guard member 81 via negative pressure path 83 . Therefore, negative pressure can be applied inside of guard member 81 by negative pressure means 82 .
- Negative pressure means 82 may be started up after step 62 in which blood sensor 24 a (which may be blood sensor 24 ) is made close contact with the measurement part, and stopped after step 66 in which blood is sampled. Upon sampling blood, by applying a negative pressure to the space between the skin punctured with the blood collection needle and blood sensor 24 a , the skin is put under a state of tension so as to enable fast and reliable blood sampling.
- blood sensor 24 a which may be blood sensor 24
- step 66 in which blood is sampled.
- FIG. 25A shows a cross-sectional view of blood test apparatus 20 - 1 .
- guard member 81 is provided so as to extend from end 21 b of attaching part 21 a .
- the output of negative pressure means 82 (for example, a vacuum generator) connected to controlling section 76 a is connected inside guard member 81 via negative pressure path 83 . Therefore, negative pressure means 82 can apply a negative pressure inside guard member 81 .
- FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view that expands the main part near guard member 81 of blood test apparatus 20 - 1 .
- air pressure within inner part 81 a of guard member 81 is reduced as shown by arrow 83 a , and skin 7 is brought in close contact with sensor 24 of guard member 81 and put under a state of tension.
- air pressure within inner part 22 a of blood sampling cartridge 22 is also reduced.
- skin 7 is preferably plumped up by inspiring air in the inner part of storing part 49 in a direction of arrow 83 b through air hole 48 c so as to apply negative pressure to the inner part.
- skin 7 is put under a state of tension to make puncturing easier.
- air hole 48 c and blood supply channel 47 d are also used as supply channels for negative pressure, so that it is possible to apply a negative pressure to the inner part of storing part 49 without providing a separate supply channel for negative pressure. Further, after puncturing, puncturing hole 52 a can be also used as a supply channel for negative pressure.
- Guard member 81 in blood test apparatus 20 - 1 with the negative pressure means shown in FIG. 24 , FIG. 25A and FIG. 26 may be used as second holder 38 shown in above-described FIG. 2B .
- the negative pressure means may apply a negative pressure to space formed by circular projecting part 38 a of second holder 38 and the skin.
- FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view showing a state where blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 (the same also applies to a case of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 2 ) with second holder 38 is attached to housing 21 of blood test apparatus 20 - 2 . How blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 is attached to attaching part 21 a of housing 21 is shown in FIG. 8A to FIG. 8E .
- negative pressure path 83 is formed in housing 21 and connected to the inside of blood sampling cartridge 22 - 4 .
- FIG. 27 shows a state where the patient tries to examine blood using blood test apparatus 20 .
- the patient is trying to sample the blood from the index finger of the patient's left hand and measure blood components (for example, the blood sugar level).
- attaching part 21 a is provided in one side of housing 21 .
- Blood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted and fixed at attaching part 21 a , and blood sensor 24 is attached to one end of blood sampling cartridge 22 .
- display section 75 is provided in the other side of housing 21 .
- As a mechanism for driving plunger 30 for example, the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-314718 can be adopted. By this means, it is possible to realize a mechanism for preventing sticking twice and a mechanism for adjusting the depth of puncturing.
- blood test apparatus 20 may have a mechanism for adjusting the depth of puncturing, and, as an example of this mechanism, FIG. 27 shows puncturing depth adjusting control 84 .
- the blood test apparatus of the present invention can be used to measure a glucose, and also is suitable for measuring blood components such as the lactate level and cholesterol.
- the blood test apparatus of the present invention can attach and remove a blood sampling cartridge including a blood collection needle and a blood sensor in a simple manner, and is applicable to medical equipment, and the like.
- Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-000354 Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-000355, Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-000356, Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-000357 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-000358, filed on Jan. 5, 2006, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-022040, filed on Jan. 31, 2006, including the specifications, drawings and abstracts are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Abstract
A blood sampling cartridge is attachable to and removable from an attaching part of a blood test apparatus that includes a housing. The attaching part is provided in one side of the housing. The blood sampling cartridge includes a holder, a blood sensor that is attachable to one end of the holder, a lancet that is movable inside the holder, a blood collection needle attached to one end of the lancet, and a guide provided on the lancet. The guide of the lancet is configured to latch with the holder after puncturing with the blood collection needle, such that the blood collection needle is prevented from projecting beyond the blood sensor.
Description
- This is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/159,904 filed Jul. 2, 2008, which was the National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2006/326262, filed Dec. 28, 2006.
- The present invention relates to a blood sampling cartridge. More particularly, the present invention relates to an apparatus measuring the blood sugar level in blood.
- Diabetes patients need to measure the blood sugar level (glucose level) regularly, and inject insulin based on the blood sugar level to maintain a normal blood sugar level. To maintain the normal blood sugar level, diabetes patients need to measure the blood sugar level frequently, sample a small amount of blood from fingertips of the Patients using a blood test apparatus, and measure the blood sugar level of the sampled blood.
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FIG. 28 shows an example of the conventional blood test apparatus (see Patent Document 1). Blood test apparatus 1 has cylindrically-shaped housing 2,plunger 3 that moves back and forth insidehousing 2,lancet 4 that has oneend 4 a held byplunger 3 and theother end 4 b attached withblood collection needle 5, and blood sensor (hereinafter “sensor”) 6 attached to oneend 2 a ofhousing 2. -
Sensor 6 of blood test apparatus 1 is made to abut onskin 7 of the patient. Latch between convexpart 9 a ofhandle 9 connected toplunger 3 andconcave part 2 b formed onhousing 2 is disengaged.Plunger 3 urged byspring 10 is thereby propelled in the direction ofarrow 8. Lancet 4 held byplunger 3 andblood collection needle 5 attached to thelancet 4 are also propelled in the direction ofarrow 8. -
Blood collection needle 5 that is propelled forward goes throughsensor 6 and makes a tiny prick onskin 7. The blood flowing out from the prick is detected by a detecting section ofsensor 6, converted to an electric signal, and led toconnection electrode 6 a.Connection electrode 6 a is connected withmeasuring circuit 12 viaconnector 11.Measuring circuit 12 calculates the blood sugar level of the sampled blood and the calculation result is displayed ondisplay section 13. - Further, a body fluid measuring apparatus that has an apparatus body and an attachment with a sensor and a blood collection needle, is reported (see Patent Document 2).
- Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2003-524496
- Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-000231
- However, above-described blood test apparatus 1 needs to attach
lancet 4 to whichblood collection needle 5 is attached, to plunger 3 as preparation before use and attachsensor 6 to oneend 2 a ofhousing 2, and this work is troublesome. - This preparatory work will be further described. First, used
sensor 6 attached to blood test apparatus 1 is removed. Next,plunger 3 is moved forward to oneend 2 a ofhousing 2. Lancet 4, to which newblood collection needle 5 is attached, is then attached toplunger 3. Next,plunger 3 is moved backward, andblood collection needle 5 is pulled insidehousing 2. In a state whereblood collection needle 5 is pulled insidehousing 2,new sensor 6 is attached to oneend 2 a ofhousing 2. In this way, preparation is not completed until such many manipulation steps are performed. - Further, the body fluid measuring apparatus that has an apparatus body and an attachment with a sensor and a blood collection needle, disclosed in
Patent Document 2, is not discussed sufficiently towards practical use. For example, device for attaching an attachment to an apparatus body; device for puncturing the skin with a puncturing body (blood collection needle) stably; and mechanism for leading sampled blood to the sensor efficiently, are not discussed. Therefore, the body fluid measuring apparatus is not practical. - The present invention provides a blood test apparatus that makes it possible to attach and remove a blood collection needle and a blood sensor in a simple manner, and an apparatus that alleviates the load and pain of the patient.
- In the blood test apparatus of the present invention, a holder, lancet, blood collection needle and blood sensor are integrated as a blood sampling cartridge which can be inserted to and removed from the apparatus detachably, and, when the blood sampling cartridge is attached, a plunger included in the apparatus holds the lancet, and connectors included in the apparatus are arranged so as to contact with the blood sensor.
- As described above, according to the present invention, a blood sampling cartridge is formed with a lancet, a blood collection needle and a blood sensor in an integrated manner, so that it is possible to change the blood collection needle and the blood sensor in a simple manner. Further, the plunger of the blood test apparatus holds the lancet, and so, when the skin is punctured with the blood collection needle, the blood collection needle does not wobble and enables high linearity of movement, so that it is possible to puncture the skin with the blood collection needle stably. Still further, after sampling blood, the blood collection needle can move straight backward from the puncturing part and come to a stop. Therefore, the pain of the patient upon sampling blood can be alleviated to a minimum. That is, the plunger holds the lancet, and so a mechanism for preventing the blood collection needle from puncturing the patient's skin several times or a mechanism for adjusting the depth of puncturing, can be realized in a simple manner. By providing such a prevention mechanism and adjustment mechanism to the blood test apparatus instead of providing them to the blood sampling cartridge, it is possible to realize a smaller and lower-cost blood sampling cartridge.
- Further, when the blood sampling cartridge is attached, the blood collection needle is accommodated in a holder, so that the blood sampling cartridge can be changed securely without hurting the patient with the blood collection needle, and the patient does not feel fear. Furthermore, the blood collection needle does not allow direct touch to skin, and so is sanitary. Further, every time a test is performed, the blood sensor and the blood collection needle are changed together, and so the blood collection needle can not be used several times, and there is no fear of infection.
-
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a blood test apparatus; -
FIG. 2A is an assembly drawing of a blood sampling cartridge forming the blood test apparatus; -
FIG. 2B is an assembly drawing of the blood sampling cartridge having a second holder; -
FIG. 2C is an assembly drawing of the blood sampling cartridge having a cap; -
FIG. 2D is an assembly drawing of the blood sampling cartridge having the second holder and the cap; -
FIG. 3A is a diagrammatic perspective view of the blood sampling cartridge; -
FIG. 3B is a diagrammatic perspective view of the blood sampling cartridge having the second holder; -
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of the blood sampling cartridge with a cap; -
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the blood sampling cartridge with the second holder and the cap; -
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of the blood sampling cartridge upon puncturing; -
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the blood sampling cartridge after puncturing is finished; -
FIG. 6 is a plan view that expands the main part of a guide for inserting the blood sampling cartridge into an attaching part; -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the attaching part into which the blood sampling cartridge is inserted; -
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view showing a state where the blood sampling cartridge is attached to the attaching part of the blood test apparatus, particularly, showing a state where a blood sensor of the blood sampling cartridge contacts with a connector of the blood test apparatus; a state where a holder of the blood sampling cartridge and a housing of the blood test apparatus are connected via a sealing material; -
FIG. 8B shows a state in detail where the holder of the blood sampling cartridge and the housing of the blood test apparatus are connected; -
FIG. 8C shows a state in detail where the holder of the blood sampling cartridge and the housing of the blood test apparatus are connected; -
FIG. 8D shows a state in detail where the holder of the blood sampling cartridge and the housing of the blood test apparatus are connected; -
FIG. 8E shows a state in detail where the holder of the blood sampling cartridge and the housing of the blood test apparatus are connected; -
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of the blood sensor; -
FIGS. 9B and 9C are cross-sectional views of the blood sensor having a bank provided on a substrate; -
FIG. 9D is a cross-sectional view of the blood sensor having a hole provided on a cover in advance for allowing the blood collection needle to pass through; -
FIG. 9E is a cross-sectional view of the blood sensor, part of the member being formed with a transparent member; -
FIG. 10A is a plan view of the cover of the blood sensor; -
FIG. 10B is a plan view of a spacer of the blood sensor; -
FIG. 10C is a plan view of a substrate of the blood sensor; -
FIG. 11A is a plan view of the cover of the blood sensor; -
FIG. 11B is a plan view of the spacer of the blood sensor; -
FIG. 11C is a plan view of the substrate of the blood sensor, to which the bank is provided; -
FIG. 12A andFIG. 12B show manufacturing process of the substrate on which the bank is provided; -
FIG. 13 shows a ring member for forming the bank on the substrate; -
FIGS. 14A to 14C are plan views that disassemble the blood sensor, part of the base plate being formed with transparent material; -
FIG. 14A is a plan view of the cover formed with transparent material, of the blood sensor (where a hole, which becomes a storing part, is formed); -
FIG. 14B is a plan view of the spacer of the blood sensor; -
FIG. 14C is a plan view of the substrate of the blood sensor; -
FIG. 15 is a perspective plan view of the blood sensor and shows arrangement of electrodes, and the like; -
FIG. 16 is a perspective plan view of another example of the blood sensor and shows arrangement of electrodes, and the like; -
FIG. 17 is a perspective plan view of still another example of the blood sensor and shows arrangement of electrodes, and the like; -
FIG. 18 shows a principle of glucose measurement in blood, of the blood test apparatus; -
FIG. 19 is a characteristic diagram of glucose measurement; -
FIG. 20A shows a relationship between the blood sensor and the operation of the blood collection needle; -
FIG. 20B shows a relationship between the blood sensor to which the bank is provided and the operation of the blood collection needle; -
FIG. 21A is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the lancet before puncturing in a state where the blood sampling cartridge is attached to the blood test apparatus; -
FIG. 21B is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the lancet upon sampling blood; -
FIG. 21C is a cross-sectional view showing a state of the lancet after sampling blood; -
FIG. 22 shows a flow of glucose measurement using the blood test apparatus; -
FIG. 23 is a block diagram of the blood test apparatus; -
FIG. 24 is a block diagram of the blood test apparatus having a negative pressure means; -
FIG. 25A is a cross-sectional view of the blood test apparatus having the negative pressure means; -
FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view of another blood test apparatus having the negative pressure means; -
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view near the blood sensor of the blood test apparatus having the negative pressure means; -
FIG. 27 shows a state of use of the blood test apparatus; and -
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the conventional blood test apparatus. - The blood test apparatus according to the present invention has: (1) a housing; (2) a measuring circuit that is accommodated in the housing; (3) two or more connectors that are electrically connected to the measuring circuit; (4) an attaching part that is formed in one side of the housing; (5) a plunger that moves back and forth in the housing; (6) a lancet, one end of which is held by the plunger so as to allow the one end to be inserted and removed; (7) a blood collection needle that is attached to the other end of the lancet; (9) a holder that is inserted and fixed inside the attaching part, and inside which the lancet can move; and (10) a blood sensor that is attached to one end of the holder and that has two or more connection electrodes.
-
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an example of the blood test apparatus of the present invention.Blood test apparatus 20 inFIG. 1 hashousing 21 formed with resin.Housing 21 is a frame of the apparatus and accommodates primary members of the apparatus. -
Housing 21 accommodates measuringcircuit 32. The measuring circuit is a member that receives a detection result of blood components by a blood sensor (described later) and measures the blood components. Information detected by the blood sensor is sent to measuringcircuit 32 throughconnector 27,terminal 33, and the like. One side ofhousing 21 is cylindrically-shaped attachingpart 21 a. Throughend 21 b of attachingpart 21 a,blood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted. Positioningconcave part 21 h provided on the attachingpart 21 a and positioningconvex part 23 h provided inholder 23 on theblood sampling cartridge 22 are engaged, and therebyblood sampling cartridge 22 inserted to attachingpart 21 a is fixed to a predetermined position in attachingpart 21 a. -
Blood sampling cartridge 22 has: cylindrically-shapedholder 23;blood sensor 24 that is attached to oneend 23 a ofholder 23;lancet 25 that can slide inholder 23 freely; andblood collection needle 26 that is attached to theother end 25 b oflancet 25.Blood sensor 24 includes a test electrode and a connection electrode connected to the test electrode.Connector 27 contacts with the connection electrode. -
Grip part 25 f formed near oneend 25 a oflancet 25 which is one member ofblood sampling cartridge 22, is held by holdingpart 30 a provided at one end ofplunger 30 that slides inside attachingpart 21 a.Plunger 30 holdslancet 25, so that, when the skin is punctured withblood collection needle 26,blood collection needle 26 does not wobble and enables high linearity of movement, so that it is possible to puncture the skin withblood collection needle 26 stably. - On the other hand, the
other end 30 b ofplunger 30 is connected to oneend 31 a ofhandle 31 formed in the shape of a crank. Latchconvex part 31 c is formed at theother end 31 b ofhandle 31.Handle 31 goes throughhole 21 c formed inhousing 21 and is latched by the joint of latchconvex part 31 c and latchconcave part 21 d. - As the drive mechanism of
plunger 30, for example, the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-314718 can be adopted. According to this method, a puncturing needle can move straight backward and come to a stop after puncturing, so that it is possible to alleviate the pain of the patient upon puncturing to a minimum, and, further, realize a mechanism for preventing the blood collection needle from puncturing the patient's skin several times and a mechanism for adjusting the depth of puncturing, in a simple manner. By providing such a prevention mechanism and an adjustment mechanism on the blood test apparatus, instead of providing on the blood sampling cartridge, it is possible to realize a smaller and lower-cost blood sampling cartridge. - An example of a mechanism for preventing a blood collection needle from puncturing the patient's skin several times, is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-314718.
- A pull spring, one end of which is fixed, has the other end hooked on a lever for which rotation is partially limited and which is provided in the plunger. A forward force is given to the plunger by a contracting and restoring force of the pull spring. The plunger moves on by inertia to pass the position where the forward force is no longer given. In this case, the pull spring is extended and the plunger is given a force towards the rear end by the restoring force. In this way, by configuring an urging means that gives a force towards the front end and a force towards the rear end to the plunger, with one pull spring, manufacturing process of a puncturing tool is simplified and a puncturing needle is prevented from puncturing the patient's skin several times (see unexamined patent publication).
- As an example of the mechanism for adjusting the depth of puncturing, when the plunger moves in the direction of the axis, puncturing
depth adjusting knob 84 that has a receiving part which limits the amount of the move, is jointed rotatably (seeFIG. 27 ). The receiving part (not shown) of puncturingdepth adjusting knob 84 has a helical shape. By rotating adjustingknob 84 with respect to attachingpart 21 a ofhousing 21, it is possible to change the amount of the move of the plunger in the direction of the axis. - As described above, measuring
circuit 32 is stored insidehousing 21 on theother end 21 e side. Measuringcircuit 32 is connected to terminal 33 formed in attachingpart 21 a. Further, terminal 33 is connected toconnector 27.Terminal 33 is configured with two or more (usually, four or five) terminals 33 a to 33 d (or 33 e) and connected to correspondingconnectors 27 a to 27 d (or 27 e). As described above,connectors 27 contact with relevant connection electrodes, respectively. - The housing accommodates
battery 34 that supplies power to measuringcircuit 32. - As described above,
blood test apparatus 20 hasblood sampling cartridge 22 that is integrated with built-inlancet 25 withblood collection needle 26 attached and built-inblood sensor 24, andblood sampling cartridge 22 can be attached to and removed from attachingpart 21 a. Therefore, the whole ofblood sampling cartridge 22, including the blood collection needle and the blood sensor, can be changed in a simple manner. Further,blood sensor 24 andblood collection needle 26 are changed together every test, so that there is no fear thatblood collection needle 26 is used several times and there is no threat of infection. -
Blood collection needle 26 ofblood sampling cartridge 22 is accommodated inholder 23 upon attachment, so thatblood collection needle 26 does not hurt the patient and is secure and does not make the patient feel fear. Further,blood collection needle 26 accommodated inholder 23 does not allow being touched directly, and so is sanitary. -
FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of assembly of an example of a blood sampling cartridge. Blood sampling cartridge 22-1 shown inFIG. 2A hasholder 23,blood sensor 24,lancet 25 andblood collection needle 26.Lancet 25 andblood collection needle 26 are formed in an integrated manner so as not to disjoin easily. On the other hand,holder 23 andlancet 25 may be integrated after being manufactured separately, and may be separable from each other. - Blood sampling cartridge 22-2 shown in
FIG. 2B further hassecond holder 38, blood sampling cartridge 22-3 shown inFIG. 2C further hascap 39, and blood sampling cartridge 22-4 shown inFIG. 2D further hassecond holder 38 andcap 39. -
Blood sensor 24 is attached to oneend 23 a ofholder 23 and examines the blood sampled by puncturing usingblood collection needle 26. - A cross section of
holder 23 on the side where theblood sensor 24 is attached has a cross shape. Connectors 27 (in the blood test apparatus) formed with conductive metal are guided betweenconvex parts 23 c of a cross shape, andconnectors 27 each contact with the connection electrodes ofblood sensor 24. Theother end side 23 b ofholder 23 hasconvex parts 23 d formed integrated withconvex parts 23 c.Holes 23 e are provided atconvex parts 23 d. -
Lancet 25 is inserted inholder 23.Lancet 25 hasguides 25 c for preventing reuse and guides 25 d for improving linearity, which are provided in an integrated manner. As shown inFIG. 2A , twoguides 25 c and twoguides 25 d are provided. Each of twoguides 25 c and each of twoguides 25 d face each other 180 degrees apart. -
Guides 25 d oflancet 25 are provided so as to slide inholes 23 e provided inconvex parts 23 d ofholder 23.Convex parts 25 e are provided near oneend 25 a oflancet 25. Betweenconvex part 25 e and oneend 25 a,grip part 25 f is provided. -
Second holder 38 of blood sampling cartridge 22-2 shown inFIG. 2B has circular projectingpart 38 a abutting on the skin of the patient. Preferably, the inner diameter of projectingpart 38 a is approximately 4 to 15 mm (more preferably 5 to 7 mm), and the height of the projecting part is approximately 0.5 to 5 mm (more preferably 1 to 2 mm). When projectingpart 38 a abuts on the skin, the skin is plumped up, so that the blood can be sampled more easily. Further, by applying a negative pressure inside of projectingpart 38 a, the skin can be in close contact withsensor 24, and so the depth of puncturing usingblood collection needle 26 can be adjusted more easily. And projectingpart 38 a has a circular and projecting shape, so that a negative pressure can be applied reliably. As a result, the blood can be sampled reliably to be brought to the sensor after puncturing. - Although, in
FIG. 2B , circular projectingpart 38 a is provided in the second holder, the projecting part only has to be a concave part that forms space between the skin andblood sensor 24. -
Cap 39 of blood sampling cartridge 22-3 shown inFIG. 2C is used to protectblood sensor 24 and fixlancet 25 of blood sampling cartridge 22-3 before attachment. That is, as shown inFIG. 4A , cap 39 passes throughsensor 24 and can be connected tolancet 25. Further,cap 39 can be connected withlancet 25 so as to encompassblood collection needle 26 attached tolancet 25, so that it is possible to keep sterileblood collection needle 26 sanitary. - Further, in case where
cap 39 is fixed tolancet 25, when blood sampling cartridge 22-3 is attached to the apparatus, it is possible to attachlancet 25 to holdingpart 30 a (seeFIG. 1 ) in a simple and reliable manner. - Blood sampling cartridge 22-4 shown in
FIG. 2D has bothsecond holder 38 included in blood sampling cartridge 22-2 and cap 39 included in blood sampling cartridge 22-3, and so has the benefits of both.FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of blood sampling cartridge 22-4. -
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view ofblood sampling cartridge 22. - In blood sampling cartridge 22-1 shown in
FIG. 3A , the height of cross-shapedconvex part 23 c formed on the oneend side 23 a (blood sensor side) ofholder 23 is higher than the height of cross-shapedconvex part 23 d formed on theother end side 23 b ofholder 23. That is, theconvex part side 23 d ofholder 23 is thinner than theconvex part side 23 c. In this way, the front part of the holder of the blood sampling cartridge with respect to the insertion direction is thinner than the rear part, so thatblood sampling cartridge 22 can be inserted to attachingpart 21 a readily. - Further,
tip part 23 g on theside 23 b ofconvex part 23 d projects at an acute angle. This is important to make sure thatconnector 27 formed on the attachingpart side 21 a contacts with a desired position ofblood sensor 24. - The whole of blood sampling cartridge 22-1 can be attached to and removed from attaching
part 21 a, and soblood collection needle 26 andblood sensor 24 can be attached to and removed from attachingpart 21 a together. Therefore,blood sensor 24 andblood collection needle 26 can be attached and changed in a simple manner. - Blood sampling cartridge 22-2 shown in
FIG. 3B is the same as blood sampling cartridge 22-1 shown inFIG. 3A except that blood sampling cartridge 22-2 has second holder 38 (seeFIG. 2B ) that coversblood sensor 24. -
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view ofblood sampling cartridge 22 upon puncturing, andFIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view ofblood sampling cartridge 22 when puncturing is finished. - As shown in
FIG. 5A , upon puncturing,blood collection needle 26 projects fromblood sensor 24 and comes to a stop. At this time,convex part 25 e oflancet 25 is latched atlatch part 23 f provided at theother end 23 b ofholder 23. Therefore,blood collection needle 26 does not project further from the blood sensor. As shown inFIG. 5B , when puncturing is finished,blood collection needle 26 is accommodated inholder 23 and comes to a stop. The roots ofguides 25 c oflancet 25 are latched atlatch part 23 f provided at theother end 23 b ofholder 23. Therefore,lancet 25 does not fall off fromholder 23. - In the state shown in
FIG. 5B ,blood sampling cartridge 22 is removed from attachingpart 21 a. In the state shown inFIG. 5B , even iflancet 25 is pushed in the direction ofarrow 35 by error, guides 25 c run ontoconvex parts 23 c fromholes 23 e ofholder 23 by their elasticity. The bases ofguides 25 c are then latched at the ends ofholes 23 e and come to a stop, and soblood collection needle 26 does not project fromblood sensor 24 again and is secure and does not make the patient feel fear. -
FIG. 6 is a plan view that expands the main part ofguide 36 for insertingblood sampling cartridge 22 to attachingpart 21 a.Guide 36 is formed withconvex part 21 f provided on the internal surface of attachingpart 21 a andconvex part 23 d provided on the external surface of the holder. Tip part 21 g ofconvex part 21 f and tippart 23 g ofconvex part 23 d are preferably formed to have a sharp angle. -
Convex part 21 f andconvex part 23 d face each other whenblood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted into attachingpart 21 a, and control the rotation angle with respect to the axis of the direction of inserting the blood sampling cartridge, adequately. That is, whenblood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted into attachingpart 21 a, even when the rotation angle with respect to the axis of the insertion direction, is off from a desired position, as shown byarrow 37,blood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted alongguide 36 while the rotation angle with respect to the axis is corrected. By this means,connector 27 provided at attachingpart 21 a is made to contact with a desired position (contact part of the connection electrode) ofblood sensor 24 ofblood sampling cartridge 22 reliably. -
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a state whereblood sampling cartridge 22 is attached to inside of attachingpart 21 a. As described above,blood sampling cartridge 22 is guided byguide 36 and inserted, and, as shown inFIG. 7 ,convex part 21 f andconvex part 23 c are engaged, and thereby blood sampling cartridge is fixed at a specific angle (angle at whichconnectors 27 abut on terminals 33) specified in attachingpart 21 a. This is important to deliver signals ofblood sensor 24 to measuringcircuit 32 reliably. - The outer periphery of
blood sampling cartridge 22 or the inner periphery of attachingpart 21 a does not have to be round and may be an elliptic or a polygonal. If the outer periphery ofblood sampling cartridge 22 or the inner periphery of attachingpart 21 a is round or regular polygon,blood sampling cartridge 22 can be inserted at an arbitrary rotation angle with respect to the axis of the insertion direction, so that the insertion is facilitated. - It is also possible to make the cross sections of
blood sampling cartridge 22 and attachingpart 21 a asymmetrical and insertblood sampling cartridge 22 only in a fixed direction. For example, it is also possible to form a convex part at part ofblood sampling cartridge 22, form a concave groove at attachingpart 21 a matching the convex part, and fit in the convex part along this groove. - [The State where the Blood Sampling Cartridge is Attached to the Blood Test Apparatus]
-
FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional view of a state where blood sampling cartridge 22-4 shown inFIG. 4B is attached to attachingpart 21 a ofblood test apparatus 20. -
Second holder 38 of blood sampling cartridge 22-4 andhousing 21 ofblood test apparatus 20 join together viaseal material 55.Seal material 55 may be provided in either blood sampling cartridge 22-4 or the blood test apparatus. The airtightness inside the apparatus is improved byseal material 55. By improving the airtightness, upon blood sampling, it is possible to apply a negative pressure (described later) near the puncturing position in the apparatus more simply, sample the blood after puncturing quickly and reliably, improve the stability and reliability of the measuring test, reduce the amount of sampled blood, and reduce the load on the patient substantially. - Further, in
FIG. 8A ,blood sensor 24 which contacts withconnector 27 of the blood test apparatus, is supported bysecond holder 38, so that the contact pressure betweenconnector 27 andblood sensor 24 becomes stable. - In
FIG. 8A ,seal material 55 is sandwiched betweensecond holder 38 of blood sampling cartridge 22-4 and an end ofhousing 21 ofblood test apparatus 20. On the other hand,FIG. 8B andFIG. 8D show a mechanism of locking blood sampling cartridge 22-4 inhousing 21. That is, not only by sandwichingseal material 55, but also by making locking claw (moving side) 28 a provided inholder 38 of blood sampling cartridge 22-4 and locking claw (fixed side) 28 b provided inhousing 21 fit in, blood sampling cartridge 22-4 is locked. A pressure is applied to sealmaterial 55 from both, and the position of blood sampling cartridge 22-4 is thereby fixed, so that the airtightness inside the apparatus improves and the stability improves significantly. - Locking
claw 28 a on the moving side or lockingclaw 28 b on the fixed side only have to be provided at eitherholder 38 of blood sampling cartridge 22-4 orhousing 21 ofapparatus 20, and the same effect can be obtained. - Locking is released in a simple manner with, for example,
push button 29 a (seeFIG. 8C ) orslide button 29 b (seeFIG. 8E ), provided on thehousing 21, and workability of the releasing is good. It is also possible to use electric and pneumatic drive of an electromagnetic valve instead of the push button. Of course, it is also possible to add rubber orother seal material 29 c to maintain the seal effect at space and the moving part near the locking member. - As described above,
blood sampling cartridge 22 hasblood sensor 24. -
Blood sensor 24 has: a base plate; a storing part provided on the base plate; a supply channel, one end of which communicates with the storing part; a detecting section provided in the supply channel; and an air hole that communicates with the supply channel. One surface of the base plate abuts on the skin to be punctured, and the hole formed on the substrate surface which abuts on the skin is an opening part of the storing part. The blood flowing out from the skin by puncturing is led to the storing part from the opening part. -
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of blood sensor 24-1, which is an example of the blood sensor. Blood sensor 24-1 hassubstrate 41,spacer 47 stacked on the upper surface ofsubstrate 41, and cover 48 stacked on the upper surface ofspacer 47.Hole 41 c provided insubstrate 41 andhole 47 c provided inspacer 47 formblood storing part 49.Supply channel 47 d is connected to storingpart 49. The tip ofsupply channel 47 d is connected toair hole 48 c. -
Reagent 50 is preferably placed on detectingsection 40. Detectingsection 40 will be described later, but, for example, is ondetection electrodes 42 and 44 (described later) onsubstrate 41.Reagent 50 is selected as appropriate depending on the type of the blood component to be measured. When the glucose level is measured,reagent 50 is prepared by dropping in the detecting section reagent solution prepared by adding and dissolving PQQ-GDH (0.1 to 5.0 U/sensor), potassium ferricyanide (10 to 200 mM), maltitol (1 to 50 mM) and taurine (20 to 200 mM) to a 0.01 to 2.0 wt % aqueous solution of CMC, and drying the reagent solution. - Like blood sensors 24-2 and 24-3 shown in
FIGS. 9B and 9C , on the skin contacting surface ofsubstrate 41,bank 51 may be provided nearhole 41 c.Bank 51 may be formed integrated withsubstrate 41 by press working, and the like (FIG. 9B ), or may be formed with separate members (FIG. 9C ).Bank 51 inFIG. 9C may be formed bypasting ring member 54 shown inFIG. 13 to hole 41 c.Ring member 54 is pasted so thathole 54 a ofring member 54 is continuous withsubstrate hole 41 c forming storingpart 49. The diameter ofsubstrate hole 41 c forming storingpart 49 is preferably the same as the diameter ofhole 54 a ofring member 54. The other members may be made the same as in blood sensor 24-1. - In
FIG. 9B , storingpart 49 is formed with liftingpart 41 d andhole 41 c, which are provided insubstrate 41, andhole 47 c provided inspacer 47. - The height of the bank is preferably 0.5 to 5 mm (more preferably, 1 to 2 mm).
Bank 51 prevents sampled blood from flowing out without being led to storingpart 49 of the blood sensor. - As in blood sensor 24-4 shown in
FIG. 9D ,hole 52 may be provided incover 48.Blood collection needle 26 passes throughhole 52. Whenhole 52 is provided incover 48 in advance, it is not necessary to open a puncturing hole using puncturingneedle 26, so that less force is required upon puncturing, and the damage of the needle tip of puncturingneedle 26 is minimized. - As in blood sensor 24-5 shown in
FIG. 9E , it is also possible to form storingpart 49 withcover 48 andspacer 47 andform air hole 48 c insubstrate 41. Whencover 48 for blood sensor 24-5 is made a transparent member, it is possible to check whether blood is supplied to supplychannel 47 d or detectingsection 40 from outside. -
FIG. 10 is a plan view that disassemblesblood sensor 24.Blood sensor 24 hascover 48 shown inFIG. 10A ,spacer 47 shown inFIG. 10B andsubstrate 41 shown inFIG. 10C . -
FIG. 10C is a plan view ofsubstrate 41. Althoughsubstrate 41 has an octagon shape, the shape of the substrate is not particularly limited. The material ofsubstrate 41 is preferably resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The thickness ofsubstrate 41 preferably falls within the range from 0.075 to 0.25 mm (preferably 0.188 mm). - On one surface of substrate 41 (surface that is pasted with spacer 47),
detection electrodes 42 to 45 andconnection electrodes 42 a to 45 a connected todetection electrodes 42 to 45, respectively, are formed in an integrated manner.Detection electrodes 42 to 45 andconnection electrodes 42 a to 45 a are formed by forming a conductive layer through the sputtering method or the vapor deposition method, with gold, platinum, palladium as material and applying laser machining to this conductive layer.Hole 41 c is provided in approximately the center ofsubstrate 41, and its diameter may be approximately 2.0 mm. - By using transparent material as material of
substrate 41, and making the detection electrodes thin transparent films, it is possible to observe the blood insupply channel 47 readily. -
FIG. 10B is a plan view ofspacer 47. The thickness ofspacer 47 may fall in a range of 0.05 to 0.15 mm (preferably 0.1 mm).Spacer 47 is preferably a polygonal (preferably a regular polygon) such as an approximate cross shape, because connector 27 (not shown) can be arranged easily in a dent of the cross-shape.Hole 47 c is provided at theposition corresponding hole 41 c which is provided in approximately the center ofspacer 47 onsubstrate 41. The diameter ofhole 47 c may be made the same (2.0 mm) as the diameter ofhole 41 c.Slit 47 d is formed in the direction fromhole 47 c to cross-shaped firstconvex part 47 e and corresponds to the blood supply channel. By setting the width of the groove ofslit 47 d 0.6 mm and setting the length in the flow channel direction 2.4 mm, the cavity ofsupply channel 47 d may be set approximately 0.144 μL. In this way, the test can be performed with a small amount of blood, so that the load on the patient becomes small, and the patient does not feel fear. The material ofspacer 47 may be resin such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET). -
FIG. 10A is a plan view ofcover 48.Cover 48 has an approximate cross shape,air hole 48 c is provided at cross-shape firstconvex part 48 d so as to correspond to the tip part ofsupply channel 47 d. Preferably, the diameter ofair hole 48 c is approximately 50 μm. - The material of
cover 48 is plastic, and preferably polyethylene terephthalate. The thickness ofcover 48 may fall in a range of 0.05 to 0.25 mm (preferably 0.075 mm). -
FIG. 11 is a plan view that disassembles the blood sensor (seeFIG. 9B andFIG. 9C ) having a bank.FIG. 11A showscover 48,FIG. 11B showsspacer 47, andFIG. 11C shows substrate 41-1 on whichbank 51 is formed. The blood sensor shown inFIG. 11 is the same asblood sensor 24 shown inFIG. 10 except substrate 41-1, and so substrate 41-1 will be described. -
FIG. 11C is a plan view of substrate 41-1 formingblood sensor 24, and substrate 41-1 has an octagon shape. Material of substrate 41-1 is polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and its thickness can fall in a range of 0.075 to 0.25 mm and is preferably 0.188 mm. - Like
substrate 41 ofFIG. 10C , on the surface of substrate 41-1,detection electrodes 42 to 45, andconnection electrodes 42 a to 45 a led fromdetection electrodes 42 to 45, respectively, are formed in an integrated manner.Hole 41 c is provided in approximately the center of substrate 41-1, and the diameter ofhole 41 c may be 1.5 mm. -
Bank 51 is provided aroundhole 41 c of substrate 41-1.Blood sensor 24 is made by stackingspacer 47 on the reverse side of the surface wherebank 51 is formed, and further, stackingcover 48 on the upper surface ofspacer 47. - Substrate 41-1 is produced through press working (see
FIG. 12 ), or produced withpasting ring member 54 to substrate 41 (seeFIG. 13 ). -
FIG. 12 shows a method of making substrate 41-1 on whichbank 51 is formed in an integrated manner, through press working.FIG. 12A shows a state beforebank 51 is formed. InFIG. 12A ,concave mold 90 hascircular hole 90 a. The diameter ofcircular hole 90 a may be approximately 1.55 mm. The upper part ofcircular hole 90 a opens upward at an angle of 45 degrees. The diameter of the upper part of the opening part may be approximately 2 mm. -
Substrate 41 is mounted on the upper surface ofconcave mold 90. Further,convex mold 91 is set abovesubstrate 41. Onconvex mold 91, circularconvex part 91 a that projects downward, is provided. The diameter ofbase part 91 b ofconvex part 91 a is made approximately 2 mm, and the diameter oftip part 91 c is made approximately 1.5 mm.Base part 91 b and tippart 91 c are connected via 45-degree taper 91 d.Taper 91 dforms lifting part 41 d andbank 51. - By pressing
convex part 91 a ofconvex mold 91 towardshole 90 a ofconcave mold 90, on whichsubstrate 41 is mounted (seeFIG. 12B ), liftingpart 41 d and bank forming part of storingpart 49 can be formed onsubstrate 41 in an integrated manner. -
FIG. 13 shows ring member 54 to be pasted to the lower surface ofsubstrate 41.Ring member 54 hashole 54 a. It is also possible to stackspacer 47 and cover 48 after formingbank 51 bypasting ring member 54 tosubstrate 41, orpaste member 54 to formbank 51 after stackingsubstrate 41,spacer 47 andcover 48. The material ofmember 54 is preferably the same material assubstrate 41 orspacer 47 in terms of manufacturing control. -
FIG. 14 is a plan view that disassembles blood sensor 24-5 (seeFIG. 9E ), part of the base plate being formed with a transparent member.FIG. 14A showscover 48,FIG. 14B showsspacer 47, andFIG. 14C showssubstrate 41. - In blood sensor 24-5 shown in
FIG. 9E ,substrate 41,spacer 47 and cover 48 are placed upside down with respect to blood sensor 24-1 shown inFIG. 9A . Therefore, detection electrodes are formed on the upper side of storingpart 49, onsubstrate 41 shown inFIG. 14C .Hole 41 e is provided atsubstrate 41, andconnection electrode 43 a passes throughhole 41 e fromdetection electrode 43 and is led to the opposite side of the surface in contact with the skin. Further,air hole 48 c is also provided insubstrate 41. -
FIG. 14B showsspacer 47 and is the same asFIG. 10B . -
FIG. 14A showscover 48, and its material is preferably transparent material. Whencover 48 is transparent, the blood sampled from the skin to the supply channel can be seen, which makes judgment as to whether or not the blood sampling cartridge is used more easily. In the center ofcover 48,hole 48 f, which is part of the storing part, is formed. - The thickness of
substrate 41,spacer 47 and cover 48 ofblood sensor 24, and its ratio are important for sampling the blood. First, to cause the capillary action insupply channel 47 d, the thickness of the spacer preferably falls within the range from 0.05 to 0.15 mm (preferably 0.1 mm). - Further, with blood sensors 24-1 to 24-4 shown in
FIG. 9A toFIG. 9D , to adjust the volume of storingpart 49 andsupply channel 47, it is necessary to adjust the thickness ofspacer 47 and the thickness ofsubstrate 41. The thickness of the substrate is preferably the same as the thickness of the spacer or greater, and preferably falls within the range where the thickness of substrate 41: the thickness ofspacer 47=1:1 to 5:1 (preferably, 2.5:1). Further, the thickness ofcover 48 is preferably made less than the thickness ofsubstrate 41 so that the total thickness ofblood sensor 24 is preferably made thin. Therefore, the thickness of substrate 41: the thickness of spacer 47: the thickness ofcover 48 may be 2.5:1.3:1 as a reference. - The term “the thickness of
substrate 41” refers to the thickness ofcover 48 of blood sensor 24-5 shown inFIG. 9E , and the term “the thickness ofcover 48” refers to the thickness ofsubstrate 41 of blood sensor 24-5 shown inFIG. 9E . - As described above,
blood sensor 24 hasblood storing part 49 andblood supply channel 47 d, and the volume ofblood storing part 49 is one to twenty times the volume ofblood supply channel 47 d, preferably four to fifteen times, and, more preferably, five to seven times. For example, the volume ofblood storing part 49 of blood sensor 24-1 shown inFIG. 9A may be 0.904 μL, and the volume ofblood supply channel 47 d may be 0.144 μL. Further, the volume ofblood storing part 49 of blood sensor 24-2 shown inFIG. 9B may be 0.766 μL, and the volume ofblood supply channel 47 d may be approximately 0.144 μL. In this way, by controlling the volume ratio betweenblood storing part 49 andblood supply channel 47 d adequately, the speed of the blood flowing in the supply channel can be controlled to be constant and the flow rate of the blood flowing in the supply channel can be controlled adequately, so that the blood does not wash outreagent 50 and reacts withreagent 50 sufficiently, which realizes a correct test. - Further, by controlling the volume ratio between
blood storing part 49 andblood supply channel 47 d, it is possible to reduce their volumes. Therefore, the amount of the blood sampled for a test can be reduced, and the load on the patient can be also reduced. - The diameter of
air hole 48 c is preferably 50 to 500 μm (for example, 50 μm). If the diameter ofair hole 48 c is made small, blood sampled excessively is less likely to flow out fromair hole 48 c. Further, the area ofair hole 48 c is preferably made smaller than the area of puncturing hole 48 e formed byblood collection needle 26. When the area ofair hole 48 c is made larger than the area of puncturing hole 48 e, the resistance of puncturing hole 48 e against the flow ofblood 23 becomes smaller than the resistance ofair hole 48 c. Therefore, most ofblood 13 sampled excessively flows out from puncturing hole 48 e, and the amount ofblood 13 flowing out fromair hole 48 c becomes extremely small. Accordingly, even if the blood is sampled excessively,reagent 50 is not washed out. That is,reagent 50 does not move from detectingsection 40, and the components ofblood 13 are examined correctly. - Further, preferably, the diameter of
air hole 48 c is smaller than the diameter ofblood collection needle 26 and approximately 10 to 80%, and, more preferably, approximately half. - Further, like blood sensor 24-4 shown in
FIG. 9D , also in a case wherehole 52 is formed incover 48 in advance, the area ofhole 52 is preferably larger than the area ofair hole 48 c. Further, the area ofhole 52 is preferably smaller than the area ofhole 41 c formed insubstrate 41. - First, the reverse side of cover 48 (the surface pasted to the spacer) corresponding to “the inner surface of
supply channel 47 d” is preferably subjected to hydrophilicity treatment to make the blood smoothly flow insupply channel 47 d by capillary action. Further, the reverse side ofcover 48 corresponding to “the upper side of storingpart 49” is preferably less hydrophilic than the reverse side ofcover 48 corresponding to the inner surface ofsupply channel 47 d to make the blood more smoothly flow insupply channel 47 d. - The surface of cover 48 (the reverse side of the surface pasted to the spacer) is preferably subjected to water-repellency treatment to prevent the blood in storing
part 49 from flowing out more than necessary fromair hole 48 c or a hole of cover 48 (for example, puncturing hole 48 e by blood collection needle 26). Further, the reverse side ofcover 48 corresponding to “the upper side of storingpart 49” is preferably less water-repellent than the surface ofcover 48 to prevent more effectively the blood in storingpart 49 from flowing out. - In the surface of
substrate 41 which abuts on the skin, at least the periphery ofhole 41 c is preferably water-repellent, and the whole surface may be preferably refers to a state where the surface free energy is less than 43 mN/m. When the surface ofsubstrate 41 which abuts on the skin is water-repellent, the blood sampled by puncturing the skin withblood collection needle 26 can be brought to storingpart 49 more easily. - Further, in blood sensors 24-2 and 24-3 shown in
FIG. 9B andFIG. 9C , the wall surface ofhole 41 c and liftingpart 41 d are preferably less hydrophilic thansupply channel 47 d and less water-repellent than the surface of cover 48 (the reverse side of the surface pasted to the spacer). - The level of the hydrophilicity or water-repellency is adjusted by performing hydrophilicity treatment or water-repellency treatment.
- To improve the hydrophilicity or water-repellency, it is only necessary to mix hydrophilic material or water-repellent material in the material of member constituting the blood sensor or apply hydrophilic material or water-repellent material to the surface of the member. By adjusting the amount of the hydrophilic material or water-repellent material to be mixed or applied, the level of hydrophilicity or water-repellency is also adjusted.
- Further, by dissolving or removing hydrophilic material applied on the surface of hydrophobic material (plastic, for example, polyethylene terephthalate), the hydrophilicity can be reduced. Still further, the activity of the hydrophilic material can be adjusted by radiating UV.
-
Blood sensor 24 for which the hydrophilicity or the water-repellency is controlled as described above is manufactured with, for example, the following method. In advance, water-repellent treatment is applied to the upper surface ofcover 48, and hydrophilic treatment is applied to the lower surface ofcover 48. Further, in advance, the whole or the periphery ofhole 41 c of the reverse side of substrate 41 (reverse side of the surface pasted to the spacer) may be subjected to hydrophobic treatment. Next,substrate 41,spacer 47 and cover 48 are stacked (spacer 47 is stacked on the surface ofcover 48, where hydrophilicity treatment is applied). -
FIG. 15 is a perspective plan view ofblood sensor 24.Detection electrodes substrate 41, and thesedetection electrodes 42 to 45 function as, for example, an active electrode, a sensing electrode, a counter electrode and an Hct electrode, in that order. The “active electrode” refers to an electrode for measuring blood components, the “sensing electrode” refers to an electrode for sensing whether or not the blood is supplied to the detecting section, the “counter electrode” refers to a counterpart electrode of the active electrode, and the “Hct electrode” refers to an electrode for measuring the hematocrit level in the blood.Detection electrodes 42 to 45 are connected torelevant connection electrodes connection electrodes substrate 41. - Detecting
section 40 is included onsubstrate 41, and the reagent contacts with detectingsection 40. Detectingsection 40 preferably includesdetection electrode 42 which functions as an active electrode anddetection electrode 44 which functions as a counter electrode, and, on the other hand, preferably does not includedetection electrode 45 which functions as an Hct electrode. - The blood flowing out from the skin punctured with
blood collection needle 26 is brought to storingpart 49. The blood brought to storingpart 49 flows insupply channel 47 d by capillary action, is led by detectingsection 40, and reacts withregent 50 in detectingsection 40. The result of the reaction is led toconnection electrodes - Further, the result of the reaction is led to terminals 33 a, 33 b, 33 c and 33 d formed at attaching
part 21 a viaconnectors connection electrodes circuit 32 from terminals 33 a to 33 d. - As shown in
FIG. 15 ,connection electrodes 42 a to 45 ahave contact parts 42 b to 45 b, respectively, to contact with the connectors. Contactparts connectors parts - The “specific point” is preferably in storing part 49 (inside
hole 41 c) on the surface of the substrate, and, more preferably, near the center of storingpart 49. Further, the “specific point” may be on the surface of the substrate and on the axis where puncturingneedle 26 moves. Still further, the specific point is preferably near the rotation center of the axis of the insertion direction for attaching the blood sampling cartridge to the attaching part, of the blood sampling cartridge. - Further,
contact parts 42 b to 45 b are preferably arranged at approximately the same distance from the specific point. - In this way,
connector 27 of the test apparatus contacts withblood sensor 24 at equiangular intervals centered on the specific point, so that the connector and the blood sensor can be connected adequately regardless of the angle at which the blood sampling cartridge is attached. Therefore, the blood sampling cartridge can be attached more readily. - As shown in
FIG. 2 described above, by arranging each ofconnectors 27 a to 27 d between cross-shapeconvex parts holder 23, the contact parts can be arranged at equiangular intervals centered on the barycentric point of the cross shape of the holder. - In case that
contact parts blood sampling cartridge 22 is attached to attachingpart 21 a and the contact parts contact with the connectors, each of the contact parts can contact with one of the connectors respectively even if the rotation angle with respect to the axis of the insertion direction of the blood sampling cartridge is arbitrary. On the other hand, it is not clear which connectors contact with which contact parts. Therefore, to insert readily the cartridge regardless of the rotation angle with respect to the axis of the insertion direction, a “reference electrode” is preferably provided for specifying which contact parts of the connection electrodes contact with which connectors. -
FIG. 16 shows an example whereblood sensor 24 has a reference electrode.Blood sensor 24 a shown inFIG. 16 has the “reference electrode” for specifying the positions of the connection electrodes in addition toconnection electrodes 42 a to 45 a, as one of the connection electrodes.Blood sensor 24 a may be the same asblood sensor 24 shown inFIG. 15 except that the reference electrode is provided. The reference electrode shown inFIG. 16 isreference contact part 43 c, which is the position that contacts with the connector.Reference contact part 43 c is provided inconnection electrode 43 a together withcontact part 43 b, that is,contact part 43 b andreference contact part 43 c are connected via a conductor. Therefore, the resistance betweencontact part 43 b andreference contact part 43 c is zero.Reference contact part 43 c may be provided in one ofconnection electrodes 42 a to 45 a, and not always necessary provided inconnection electrode 43 a. - Contact
parts 42 b to 45 b andreference contact part 43 c are preferably provided near the outer periphery ofblood sensor 24 a, arranged around the specific point and arranged at equiangular intervals centered on the specific point. Therefore, fiveconnectors 27 of attachingpart 21 a are provided at equiangular intervals centered on the specific point so as to correspond to contactparts 42 b to 45 b andreference contact part 43 c, respectively. The holder in this case does not have the cross shape shown inFIG. 2 and preferably has a star shape or the shape of a pentagon, andconnectors 27 are provided around the star-shaped or pentagon-shaped holder at the same angle. - By providing
reference contact part 43 c in addition tocontact parts 42 a to 45 b, even ifblood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted into attachingpart 21 a at an arbitrary rotation angle with respect to the axis of the insertion direction, (A) one of the connectors can contact with one of the contact parts or the reference contact part, and (B) measuringcircuit 32 can detect neighboring electrodes between which the electrical resistance is zero, specify connection electrodes including the reference contact part, specify the positions ofconnection electrodes 42 a to 45 a, and further specify the functions of the detection electrodes connected to the connection electrodes. -
FIG. 17 shows another example whereblood sensor 24 has a reference electrode.Connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a ofblood sensor 24 b shown inFIG. 17 each have a contact part that contacts with a pair of two connectors. That is,connection electrode 42 a hascontact parts connection electrode 43 a hascontact parts connection electrode 44 a hascontact parts connection electrode 45 a hascontact parts part 43 e out ofcontact parts member 53. Therefore, 43 d and 43 e are electrically insulated and the resistance between 43 d and 43 e becomes infinite, while the resistance between 42 d and 42 e, 44 d and 44 e, 45 d and 45 e becomes zero. To electrically insulate 43 d and 43 e, 43 d may be arranged on insulatingmember 53 provided onconnection electrode - In this way, 43 e insulated from 43 d can be used as the reference contact part of the reference electrode. When the electrical resistance between the contact parts in pairs is measured, the resistance in one pair is infinite, so that it is possible to specify
reference contact part 43 e. Using the specified reference contact position as a reference, the connection electrodes can be identified asconnection electrode 43 a,connection electrode 44 a,connection electrode 45 a andconnection electrode 42 a, clockwise, for example, and the functions of the detection electrodes connected to the connection electrodes can be specified. - Even if
cartridge 22 to which the blood sensor (illustrated inFIG. 16 andFIG. 17 ) is attached, is inserted to attachingpart 21 a of the blood test apparatus at an arbitrary rotation angle with respect to the axis of the insertion direction,connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a included in the blood sensor can be specified. Therefore, it is not necessary to adjust and correct the insertion direction of the cartridge by visual checking, so that the insertion becomes simple. - It is also possible to design
blood sampling cartridge 22 so as not to be inserted unless the rotation angle with respect to the axis of the insertion direction is a specific angle, and make the specific connectors contact with the specific contact parts. For example,convex part 21 f andconvex part 23 d of the guide shown inFIG. 6 do not have to be provided at regular intervals, but may be provided at different intervals. - Further, a groove (or a convex part) that runs from the front to the rear may be provided on the inner wall of attaching
part 21 a, a convex part (or a groove) matching the groove (or the convex part) may be provided on the surface of the holder ofblood sampling cartridge 22, andblood sampling cartridge 22 may be inserted by sliding in this groove (the convex part). - Further, it is also possible to provide a concave part (or a convex part) in holding
part 30 a ofplunger 30 and form a convex part (or a concave part) matching the concave part ingrip part 25 f oflancet 25. -
FIG. 18 shows the measurement principle ofblood test apparatus 20 that measures the blood sugar level of blood.Glucose 101 in blood reacts with glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) 103 specifically to giveproduct 102, andpotassium ferricyanide 104 is reduced to generatepotassium ferrocyanide 105. - The amount of generated
potassium ferrocyanide 105 is proportional to the concentration ofglucose 101.Potassium herrocyanide 105 is oxidized on detection electrode 42 (seeFIG. 15 ) as an active electrode, and, at this time, oxidation response current 106 flowing towarddetection electrode 44 as a counter electrode is proportional to the concentration ofglucose 101. Therefore, the blood sugar level can be measured based on this oxidation response current 106. -
FIG. 19 shows an output example of the measurement result ofblood test apparatus 20. The horizontal axis shows the concentration (mg/dL) ofglucose 101, and the vertical axis shows response current 106 (μA). In this way, oxidation response current 106 is proportional to the concentration ofglucose 101. -
FIG. 20 shows the relationship betweenblood collection needle 26 andblood sensor 24 upon blood sampling by the blood test apparatus. As shown inFIG. 20A ,substrate 41 ofblood sensor 24 abuts on the skin of the patient (such as the skin of a finger). Whenblood collection needle 26 is shot in the direction of the arrow,blood collection needle 26 projects fromblood sensor 24, and breaks throughcover 48 in case that there is no opening part incover 48 forming the upper side of storingpart 49, and further,punctures skin 7.Blood 13 flows out from puncturedskin 7, and the outflow ofblood 13 is led to storingpart 49.Blood 13 led to storingpart 49 flows intosupply channel 47 d, and, further, led to detectingsection 40 by capillary action. - When the surface of
substrate 41, that contacts with the skin, is subjected to water-repellency treatment, the blood flowing out from the skin can be led to storingpart 49 efficiently. -
Blood 13 is more likely to flow intosupply channel 47 d, the inner surface of which is subjected to hydrophilicity treatment. When the inner surface of storingpart 49 is less hydrophilic than the inner surface ofsupply channel 47 d,blood 13 is more likely to flow intosupply channel 47 d. Further, when the upper surface ofcover 48 is subjected to water-repellency treatment, the outflow ofblood 13 from puncturinghole 52 a is minimized, so thatblood 13 is more likely to flow intosupply channel 47 d. -
FIG. 20B shows the relationship betweenblood collection needle 26 andblood sensor 24 in whichbank 51 is formed. As shown inFIG. 19 , whensensor 24 is made to abut onskin 7 such as a finger of the patient andblood collection needle 26 is shot in the direction of the arrow,skin 7 is punctured andblood 13 flows out in the same way as inFIG. 20A . The outflow ofblood 13fills storing part 49. - At this time,
bank 51 is formed near the opening, and sobank 51 is in close contact withskin 7. Therefore,blood 13 flowing out fromskin 7 is more likely to be led to storing part and less likely to leak. -
FIG. 21 shows cross-sectional views ofblood sampling cartridge 22 and attachingpart 21 a ofblood test apparatus 20 into which blood sampling cartridge is inserted. As shown inFIG. 21 , inside cylindrically-shaped attachingpart 21 a,plunger 30 is provided slidably in the front-back direction (in the figure, in the horizontal direction). Holdingpart 30 a ofplunger 30 holdsgrip part 25 f oflancet 25 included inblood sampling cartridge 22. Further,blood sampling cartridge 22 is held by elasticity ofend 21 b of attachingpart 21 a. - The position where
blood sampling cartridge 22 is fixed at attachingpart 21 a, is specified by a joint between positioningconcave part 21 h provided in the cylinder of attachingpart 21 a and positioningconvex part 23 h provided inholder 23 formingblood sampling cartridge 22. By this means,blood sampling cartridge 22 is fixed at a specified position of attachingpart 21 a. The contact parts (including the reference contact part) ofblood sensor 24 contact withconnectors 27, respectively.Terminals 33 are connected toconnectors 27, respectively. -
FIG. 21A shows a state whereplunger 30 is pulled backward, andblood collection needle 26 is insideblood sampling cartridge 22. That is,FIG. 21A shows a state before puncturing. -
FIG. 21B shows a state whereplunger 30 projects forward.Blood collection needle 26 projects from blood sensor 24 (orblood sensor 24 a). In this state, blood is sampled by puncturing the patient's skin. -
FIG. 21C shows a state whereplunger 30 is pulled backward.Blood collection needle 26 is accommodated inblood sampling cartridge 22. Except for the state whereplunger 30 projects forward,blood collection needle 26 is accommodated inblood sampling cartridge 22, so thatblood collection needle 26 does not puncture the skin by error and is secure, and, further does not make the patient feel fear. Further,blood collection needle 26 does not allow direct touch, and so is secure. -
FIG. 22 shows an example of the flow of the test usingblood test apparatus 20. Instep 61,blood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted into attachingpart 21 a to be attached toblood test apparatus 20. By this insertion,holder 23 is pressed into attachingpart 21 a and latched, and positioningconcave part 21 h and positioningconvex part 23 h are jointed to determine the position. Further,grip part 25 f oflancet 25 is held by holdingpart 30 a ofplunger 30. - In
step 62,blood sensor 24 ofblood sampling cartridge 22 is pressed against the patient's skin and placed in close contact with the patient's skin. Instep 63, a locking mechanism ofplunger 30, formed by latchconvex part 31 c provided inhandle 31 and latchconcave part 21 d provided inhousing 21, is disengaged. Instep 64,blood collection needle 26 attached tolancet 25 projects toward the skin byplunger 30 urged by the spring. - In
step 65, after the patient's skin is punctured withblood collection needle 26,blood collection needle 26 is moved backward and accommodated inblood sampling cartridge 22. Instep 66, blood flows out and is sampled. The outflow of blood is brought toblood sensor 24 and led to detectingsection 40 placed insidesupply channel 47 d. Then, afterdetection electrode 43 as a sensing electrode determines that blood of the amount necessary for measurement is led to the detecting section, sampling blood is finished. In this way, blood is not sampled more than necessary, so that it is possible to alleviate the load on the patient significantly. - In
step 67, the glucose in the sampled blood is measured. After the glucose in the blood and a glucose oxidation-reduction enzyme are reacted for a certain period, a voltage is applied betweendetection electrode 42 as an active electrode anddetection electrode 44 as a counter electrode. The mediator in a reduction condition, produced ondetection electrode 42 by enzyme reaction, is oxidized, and its oxidation current is detected. The reaction time of a glucose and an oxidation-reduction enzyme is normally 10 seconds or less, the voltage applied instep 67 is normally 0.2 to 0.5 V, and the application time is normally 5 seconds or less. This application time is measured by timer 79 (described later). - In
step 68, the hematocrit (Hct) level is measured. When a voltage is applied betweendetection electrode 45 as an active electrode anddetection electrode 42 as a counter electrode, a current that depends on the Hct level is detected. The Hct level is measured based on the detected current. The measured Hct level is used to correct the result of measuring the glucose. The relationship between the current and the Hct level may be calculated in advance as a calibration curve, and the detected current may be applied as is. - Generally, the voltage applied in
step 68 is approximately 2 to 3 V, and the application time is approximately 5 seconds or less. A mediator is not provided atdetection electrode 45, which is an active electrode, there is a certain interval betweendetection electrode 45 anddetection electrode 42, and only blood exists in this interval. Therefore, instep 68, an oxidation current that depends on the Hct level can be detected without being influenced byreagent 50. - Then, in
step 69, the measurement result of the blood components is corrected. That is, using the Hct level measured instep 68, the glucose content calculated instep 67 is corrected. This correction is performed based on the calibration curve (including a calibration table) created in advance. The corrected glucose content is displayed ondisplay section 75 ofblood test apparatus 20. - After going through
steps blood sampling cartridge 22 is collected or discarded every measurement. -
FIG. 23 is a block diagram ofblood test apparatus 20. The same components will be assigned the same reference numerals for ease of explanation.Blood test apparatus 20 inFIG. 23 hasblood sensor 24 a shown inFIG. 16 .Connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a ofblood sensor 24 a are connected to terminals 33 a to 33 e. Terminals 33 a to 33 e are connected to switchcircuit 71, and the output ofswitch circuit 71 is connected to the input of current/voltage converter 72. The output of current/voltage converter 72 is connected to the input of calculatingsection 74 via analogue/digital converter (hereinafter A/D converter) 73. The output of calculatingsection 74 is connected to display section (for example, a liquid crystal display device) and also connected to the input of transmittingsection 77. - Further,
reference voltage supply 78 is connected to switchcircuit 71.Reference voltage supply 78 may be a ground potential. The output of controllingsection 76 is connected to a control terminal ofswitch circuit 71, calculatingsection 74, transmittingsection 77 andtimer 79. - When a test is conducted using
blood test apparatus 20 adoptingblood sensor 24 a, it is necessary to specify which of terminals 33 a to 33e connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a are connected to, before measuring the blood components. Therefore, by the command of controllingsection 76, out of terminals 33 a to 33 e, terminals having conductivity with the neighboring terminals are specified. When a terminal having conductivity is specified, the electrode connected to the terminal is determined to beconnection electrode 43 a. Based on the terminal connected toconnection electrode 43 a as a reference, terminals connected toconnection electrodes - In this way, after the terminals connected to
connection electrodes 42 a to 45 a are determined, the blood components are measured. When blood sensor 24 (seeFIG. 15 ) not having a reference electrode is used, terminals connected toconnection electrodes 42 a to 45 a have already been determined, and so such a step is not necessary. - Next,
switch circuit 71 is switched so thatdetection electrode 42 as an active electrode for measuring the amount of blood components is connected to current/voltage converter 72 viaterminal 33. On the other hand,detection electrode 43 which serves as a sensing electrode for detecting the inflow of blood is connected to referencevoltage supply 78 viaterminal 33. A certain voltage is applied betweendetection electrode 42 anddetection electrode 43. When the blood is led to the detecting section in this state, a current flows betweendetection electrode 42 anddetection electrode 43. This current is converted to a voltage by current/voltage converter 72, and the voltage value is converted to a digital value by A/D converter 73. The digital value is outputted to calculatingsection 74. Calculatingsection 74 detects the inflow of blood based on the digital value. - Next, the amount of blood components (glucose) is measured. The glucose content is measured by, first, switching
switch circuit 71 by the command of controllingsection 76 so thatdetection electrode 42, which is an active electrode for measuring the glucose content, is connected to current/voltage converter 72 viaterminal 33. On the other hand,detection electrode 44, which is a counter electrode for measuring the glucose content, is connected to referencevoltage supply 78 viaterminal 33. - While the glucose in blood and the oxidation-reduction enzyme are reacted for a certain period, current/
voltage converter 72 andreference voltage supply 78 may be turned off. After the glucose in blood and the oxidation-reduction enzyme are reacted for a certain period (10 seconds or less), when a certain voltage (0.2 to 0.5 V) is applied betweendetection electrodes section 76, a current flows betweendetection electrode 42 anddetection electrode 44. This current is converted to a voltage by current/voltage converter 72, and the voltage value is converted to a digital value by A/D converter 73 and outputted to calculatingsection 74. Calculatingsection 74 converts the digital value to a glucose content. - After the glucose content is measured, the Hct level is measured. First, by the command of controlling
section 76,switch circuit 71 is switched to connectdetection electrode 45, which is an active electrode for measuring the Hct level, to current/voltage converter viaterminal 33. On the other hand,detection electrode 42, which is a counter electrode for measuring the Hct level, is connected to referencevoltage supply 78. - Then, by the command of controlling
section 76, a certain voltage (2 to 3 V) is applied betweendetection electrode 45 anddetection electrode 42 from current/voltage converter 72 andreference voltage supply 78. The current flowing betweendetection electrode 45 anddetection electrode 42 is converted to a voltage by current/voltage converter 72, and the voltage value is converted to a digital value by A/D converter 73 and outputted to calculatingsection 74. Calculatingsection 74 measures the Hct level based on the digital value. - From the measured Hct level and the glucose content, the glucose content is corrected with the Hct level with reference to the calibration curve or the calibration table. The result after correction may be displayed on
display section 75 or transmitted to an injection apparatus that injects a curative drug (for example, insulin) from transmittingsection 77. The result after correction may be transmitted by radio, but is preferably transmitted using optical communication which does not interfere with medical equipment. - In case that the injection apparatus for injecting curative drug can set a dose of the curative drug automatically based on the result after correction (measured data) transmitted from transmitting
section 77, the patient does not have to set a dose of the curative drug, which eliminates the inconvenience of setting a dose. Further, the amount of insulin can be set for the injection apparatus without involving an artificial means, so that it is possible to prevent setting errors. - The blood test apparatus of the present invention may have a negative pressure means. By the negative pressure means, a negative pressure is preferably applied near the part of the skin punctured with
blood collection needle 26. Therefore,blood test apparatus 20 with the negative pressure means preferably has a member for surrounding the neighborhood of the punctured part of the skin, and may apply a negative pressure to the space surrounded by the member. -
FIG. 24 is a block diagram of blood test apparatus 20-1 with a negative pressure means. Blood test apparatus 20-1 is different fromblood test apparatus 20 shown inFIG. 23 in that blood test apparatus 20-1 has a negative pressure means, and so the difference will be mainly described. The same components asblood test apparatus 20 will be assigned the same reference numerals for ease of explanation. - In
FIG. 24 ,guard member 81 is provided so as to extend fromend 21 b of attachingpart 21 a. Controllingsection 76 a is connected to negative pressure section 82 (for example, a vacuum generator), and the output of negative pressure means 82 is connected inside ofguard member 81 vianegative pressure path 83. Therefore, negative pressure can be applied inside ofguard member 81 by negative pressure means 82. - Negative pressure means 82 may be started up after
step 62 in whichblood sensor 24 a (which may be blood sensor 24) is made close contact with the measurement part, and stopped afterstep 66 in which blood is sampled. Upon sampling blood, by applying a negative pressure to the space between the skin punctured with the blood collection needle andblood sensor 24 a, the skin is put under a state of tension so as to enable fast and reliable blood sampling. -
FIG. 25A shows a cross-sectional view of blood test apparatus 20-1. InFIG. 25A ,guard member 81 is provided so as to extend fromend 21 b of attachingpart 21 a. The output of negative pressure means 82 (for example, a vacuum generator) connected to controllingsection 76 a is connected insideguard member 81 vianegative pressure path 83. Therefore, negative pressure means 82 can apply a negative pressure insideguard member 81. -
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view that expands the main part nearguard member 81 of blood test apparatus 20-1. InFIG. 25 , as a result of the operation of negative pressure means 82, air pressure withininner part 81 a ofguard member 81 is reduced as shown byarrow 83 a, andskin 7 is brought in close contact withsensor 24 ofguard member 81 and put under a state of tension. At this time, air pressure withininner part 22 a ofblood sampling cartridge 22 is also reduced. - Before puncturing with blood collection needle 26 (see
FIG. 20 ),skin 7 is preferably plumped up by inspiring air in the inner part of storingpart 49 in a direction ofarrow 83 b throughair hole 48 c so as to apply negative pressure to the inner part. By this means,skin 7 is put under a state of tension to make puncturing easier. - After puncturing with
blood collection needle 26, air in the inner part of storingpart 49 is inspired through puncturinghole 36 in addition toair hole 48 c as shown byarrow 83 c, and a negative pressure is further applied to further plumpedskin 7 and helpblood 13 to be sampled. - In this way,
air hole 48 c andblood supply channel 47 d are also used as supply channels for negative pressure, so that it is possible to apply a negative pressure to the inner part of storingpart 49 without providing a separate supply channel for negative pressure. Further, after puncturing, puncturinghole 52 a can be also used as a supply channel for negative pressure. -
Guard member 81 in blood test apparatus 20-1 with the negative pressure means shown inFIG. 24 ,FIG. 25A andFIG. 26 may be used assecond holder 38 shown in above-describedFIG. 2B . Whensecond holder 38 is used, the negative pressure means may apply a negative pressure to space formed by circular projectingpart 38 a ofsecond holder 38 and the skin. -
FIG. 25B is a cross-sectional view showing a state where blood sampling cartridge 22-4 (the same also applies to a case of blood sampling cartridge 22-2) withsecond holder 38 is attached tohousing 21 of blood test apparatus 20-2. How blood sampling cartridge 22-4 is attached to attachingpart 21 a ofhousing 21 is shown inFIG. 8A toFIG. 8E . InFIG. 25B ,negative pressure path 83 is formed inhousing 21 and connected to the inside of blood sampling cartridge 22-4. By this means, it is possible to plump up the skin upon puncturing and sample blood fast after puncturing. -
FIG. 27 shows a state where the patient tries to examine blood usingblood test apparatus 20. The patient is trying to sample the blood from the index finger of the patient's left hand and measure blood components (for example, the blood sugar level). Inblood test apparatus 20, attachingpart 21 a is provided in one side ofhousing 21.Blood sampling cartridge 22 is inserted and fixed at attachingpart 21 a, andblood sensor 24 is attached to one end ofblood sampling cartridge 22. Further,display section 75 is provided in the other side ofhousing 21. As a mechanism for drivingplunger 30, for example, the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-314718 can be adopted. By this means, it is possible to realize a mechanism for preventing sticking twice and a mechanism for adjusting the depth of puncturing. - Further,
blood test apparatus 20 may have a mechanism for adjusting the depth of puncturing, and, as an example of this mechanism,FIG. 27 shows puncturingdepth adjusting control 84. - The blood test apparatus of the present invention can be used to measure a glucose, and also is suitable for measuring blood components such as the lactate level and cholesterol.
- The blood test apparatus of the present invention can attach and remove a blood sampling cartridge including a blood collection needle and a blood sensor in a simple manner, and is applicable to medical equipment, and the like.
- The disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-000354, Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-000355, Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-000356, Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-000357 and Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-000358, filed on Jan. 5, 2006, and Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-022040, filed on Jan. 31, 2006, including the specifications, drawings and abstracts are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Claims (12)
1. A blood sampling cartridge that is attachable to and removable from an attaching part of a blood test apparatus having a housing, the attaching part being provided in one side of the housing, the blood sampling cartridge comprising:
a holder;
a blood sensor that is attachable to one end of the holder;
a lancet that is movable inside the holder;
a blood collection needle attached to one end of the lancet; and
a guide provided on the lancet,
wherein the guide of the lancet is configured to latch with the holder after puncturing with the blood collection needle, such that the blood collection needle is prevented from projecting beyond the blood sensor.
2. The blood sampling cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein:
the holder has a hole,
the guide is provided on a side surface of the lancet, and
the guide is configured to latch with the hole of the holder.
3. The blood sampling cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein:
the holder has a cylindrical shape, and has a plurality of holes in an outer surface of the holder,
the lancet has a rod shape,
the guide of the lancet comprises a plurality of guides provided on an outer surface of the lancet,
the plurality of guides are configured to latch with the plurality of holes, respectively.
4. The blood sampling cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein the plurality of guides face each other.
5. The blood sampling cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein:
the holder has a convex part,
the guide is provided on a side surface of the lancet, and
the guide is configured to latch with the convex part of the holder.
6. The blood sampling cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein:
the blood collection needle is accommodated inside the holder above the blood sensor, and
the blood collection needle is configured to vertically pass through a surface of the blood sensor upon puncturing.
7. The blood sampling cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein:
a front part of the holder of the blood sampling cartridge, with respect to an insertion direction of the attaching part, is thinner than a rear part of the holder.
8. The blood sampling cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein:
the blood collection needle and the lancet of the blood sampling cartridge are integrated.
9. The blood sampling cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein:
the blood sampling cartridge is dividable into the integrated blood collection needle and lancet, and the holder to which the blood sensor is attached.
10. The blood sampling cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising a second holder that covers a surface of the blood sensor, the surface facing outwardly from the holder,
wherein the second holder includes a circular concave part of 4 to 15 mm in diameter on the surface facing outwardly from the holder.
11. The blood sampling cartridge according to claim 1 , further comprising a protective cap which covers the blood collection needle.
12. The blood sampling cartridge according to claim 10 , further comprising a protective cap which covers the second holder.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US13/043,972 US20110160614A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 | 2011-03-09 | Blood test apparatus |
Applications Claiming Priority (15)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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JP2006000354 | 2006-01-05 | ||
JP2006000356 | 2006-01-05 | ||
JP2006000357 | 2006-01-05 | ||
JP2006-000356 | 2006-01-05 | ||
JP2006000358 | 2006-01-05 | ||
JP2006-000357 | 2006-01-05 | ||
JP2006000355 | 2006-01-05 | ||
JP2006-000354 | 2006-01-05 | ||
JP2006-000358 | 2006-01-05 | ||
JP2006-000355 | 2006-01-05 | ||
JP2006022040 | 2006-01-31 | ||
JP2006-022040 | 2006-01-31 | ||
PCT/JP2006/326262 WO2007077930A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 | 2006-12-28 | Blood test apparatus |
US15990408A | 2008-07-02 | 2008-07-02 | |
US13/043,972 US20110160614A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 | 2011-03-09 | Blood test apparatus |
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PCT/JP2006/326262 Continuation WO2007077930A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 | 2006-12-28 | Blood test apparatus |
US15990408A Continuation | 2006-01-05 | 2008-07-02 |
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US20110160614A1 true US20110160614A1 (en) | 2011-06-30 |
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US12/159,904 Expired - Fee Related US7927290B2 (en) | 2006-01-05 | 2006-12-28 | Blood test apparatus |
US13/043,972 Abandoned US20110160614A1 (en) | 2006-01-05 | 2011-03-09 | Blood test apparatus |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/159,904 Expired - Fee Related US7927290B2 (en) | 2006-01-05 | 2006-12-28 | Blood test apparatus |
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EP (1) | EP1961382A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP4956443B2 (en) |
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CN (2) | CN102415888A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2635980C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2007077930A1 (en) |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CN102415888A (en) | 2012-04-18 |
WO2007077930A1 (en) | 2007-07-12 |
EP1961382A4 (en) | 2010-01-20 |
EP1961382A1 (en) | 2008-08-27 |
US20090281455A1 (en) | 2009-11-12 |
CA2635980C (en) | 2011-09-27 |
US7927290B2 (en) | 2011-04-19 |
KR20080073782A (en) | 2008-08-11 |
KR101010797B1 (en) | 2011-01-25 |
JPWO2007077930A1 (en) | 2009-06-11 |
CN101346101B (en) | 2011-11-09 |
CA2635980A1 (en) | 2007-07-12 |
CN101346101A (en) | 2009-01-14 |
JP4956443B2 (en) | 2012-06-20 |
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