WO2022190726A1 - Specimen sampling swab - Google Patents

Specimen sampling swab Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2022190726A1
WO2022190726A1 PCT/JP2022/004209 JP2022004209W WO2022190726A1 WO 2022190726 A1 WO2022190726 A1 WO 2022190726A1 JP 2022004209 W JP2022004209 W JP 2022004209W WO 2022190726 A1 WO2022190726 A1 WO 2022190726A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
specimen
rod
collecting
swab
hair
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/JP2022/004209
Other languages
French (fr)
Japanese (ja)
Inventor
智 池上
浩一 稲野
Original Assignee
デンカ株式会社
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by デンカ株式会社 filed Critical デンカ株式会社
Priority to JP2023505216A priority Critical patent/JP7466757B2/en
Publication of WO2022190726A1 publication Critical patent/WO2022190726A1/en

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/04—Devices for withdrawing samples in the solid state, e.g. by cutting
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N1/00—Sampling; Preparing specimens for investigation
    • G01N1/02—Devices for withdrawing samples
    • G01N1/10—Devices for withdrawing samples in the liquid or fluent state

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to specimen collection swabs.
  • Patent Document 1 describes a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod having a tip at its end covered with a hydrophilic fiber that absorbs the biological specimen. This sampling swab is characterized in that the fibers cover the chip in the form of a layer applied by flocking.
  • Specimen collection using the collection swab shown in Patent Document 1 and the like is performed, for example, by bringing the swab into contact with the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, etc. of the patient from whom the specimen is to be collected. At this time, the swab is pressed against the patient's mucous membrane in order to collect more than the minimum required amount of specimen. In this case, there is a problem that the patient feels discomfort, pain, etc. due to being pressed against the swab. Accordingly, an object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a specimen collection swab that allows sufficient specimen collection while reducing patient discomfort, pain, and the like.
  • a specimen collection swab is as follows. [1] A rod and a sample-collecting portion provided at the end of the rod, wherein the sample-collecting portion is a buffer portion that is deformable by external pressure and includes at least a napped body that constitutes the surface thereof; and the napped body has a substrate portion and a bristle-like body provided on the surface of the substrate portion in the form of a brush. [2] The specimen-collecting swab according to [1], wherein the cushioning section is fixed to the end of the rod or has a hollow molded portion integrally molded with the rod.
  • the hair-like body has a proximal portion protruding from the base portion, and an expanded portion provided at the tip of the proximal portion and having a maximum outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the proximal portion, The specimen-collecting swab according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the expanded portion has a hollow shape.
  • the hair-like body has a base portion projecting from the base portion, a tip portion extending toward the buffer portion, and a curved portion connecting the base portion and the tip portion, [1] to [5 ]
  • a specimen collection swab that can sufficiently collect a specimen while reducing patient discomfort and pain.
  • FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing the swab according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 1(a).
  • FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a napped body before being provided on a swab
  • FIG. 2(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the napped body.
  • FIG. 3(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a swab according to a first modified example of the first embodiment
  • FIG. 3(b) shows a swab according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. It is a schematic sectional view.
  • FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing the swab according to the first embodiment
  • FIG. 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 1(a).
  • FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a napped body before being provided
  • FIG. 4(a) is a schematic diagram showing a swab according to the second embodiment
  • FIG. 4(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a).
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a swab according to the third embodiment.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the napped body.
  • a swab according to each embodiment described below is, for example, a member (specimen-collecting swab) used for specimen collection.
  • a sample is a liquid biological sample obtained from a living organism such as a human body or an animal.
  • Biological specimens are, for example, pharyngeal swabs, nasal swabs, pharyngeal lavages, nasal lavages, nasal aspirates, saliva, serum, stool, stool suspensions, urine, culture fluids, and the like.
  • Biological specimens may include solids.
  • FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing a swab according to the first embodiment.
  • FIG. 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 1(a).
  • the swab 1 has a rod 2 and a specimen collecting portion 3.
  • the direction in which the rod 2 extends is defined as the axial direction X for description.
  • the rod 2 is a rod-shaped member that serves as a grip for the person who collects the sample, and has a pair of ends 2a and 2b in the axial direction X.
  • the end portion 2a is a portion used as a grip portion.
  • the surface of the end portion 2a may be provided with anti-slip processing, for example.
  • Anti-slip processing includes, for example, embossing and coating with an anti-slip member.
  • the end portion 2b is a portion where the specimen collecting portion 3 is provided. In the first embodiment, part of the end portion 2b is located inside the specimen collecting portion 3. As shown in FIG. At least the end 2b of the rod 2 may be flexible.
  • the rod 2 when a force is applied to the sample-collecting portion 3 during sample collection, the force concentrated on the boundary between the rod 2 and the sample-collecting portion 3 can be alleviated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the swab 1 from being damaged at the boundary or the like, and the rod 2 from being broken.
  • the rod 2 is broken corresponds to a state in which the rod 2 is irreversibly deformed. When the rod 2 is broken, the broken part of the rod 2 may come into contact with or damage the sample collection site or its vicinity. In addition, when the sample collection site is a part of a living organism, the living organism may feel pain or the like. Furthermore, there is also a possibility that the sample collecting section 3 cannot reach the sample collecting site.
  • the rod 2 has, for example, a columnar shape or a polygonal columnar shape, but is not limited to this.
  • the thickness (diameter or outer diameter) of the end portion 2a may be larger than the thickness of the end portion 2b. In this case, the rod 2 may become thinner as it approaches the end 2b along the axial direction of the rod 2 .
  • the diameter of the rod 2 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less.
  • the length of the rod 2 along the axial direction X is, for example, 30 mm or more and 200 mm or less.
  • the rod 2 is made of materials such as bamboo, wood, hard paper, metal, and resin, for example.
  • the rod 2 may be made of multiple materials.
  • a portion of the rod 2 including the end portion 2a may be made of hard paper or the like, and another portion of the rod 2 including the end portion 2b may be made of resin or the like.
  • part of the rod 2 can be made rigid and the other part of the rod 2 can be made flexible.
  • Resins include, for example, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), polyphenylene sulfide, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, vinyl chloride, nylon, polypropylene, Examples include ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer).
  • the resin may be heat-resistant polycarbonate, PET, ABS, or the like.
  • the resin may contain additives such as glass fibers.
  • the sample collecting part 3 is a part that collects a sample by contacting the mucous membrane of a living organism, and is fixed to the end 2b of the rod 2.
  • the sample collecting part 3 has, for example, a spherical shape, an oval shape, an egg shape, or the like.
  • the specimen collecting portion 3 has a substantially elliptical shape. Therefore, at least a part of the surface of the specimen collecting portion 3 has a smooth curved surface.
  • the specimen collecting part 3 has a buffer part 11 and a nap body 12 .
  • the buffer portion 11 is a molded member fixed to the end portion 2b of the rod 2 and deformable by external pressure.
  • the external pressure is, for example, the force applied when the specimen collecting section 3 is pressed against the specimen collecting site.
  • the force applied to the specimen collection site can be relieved by deforming the buffer part 11 along the shape of the specimen collection site due to external pressure.
  • the cushioning portion 11 can be deformed by applying a force of 0.01 N/mm 2 or more, for example.
  • the deformation of the buffer portion 11 may be elastic deformation or plastic deformation. In the former case, the buffer portion 11 has elasticity.
  • the hardness of buffer portion 11 may be lower than that of rod 2 or higher than that of rod 2 . At least part of the buffer portion 11 may be damaged by deformation.
  • the buffer portion 11 has a body portion 11a and an opening portion 11b.
  • the main body part 11a is a hollow molded part having, for example, a spherical shape, an oval shape, an egg shape, etc., and is fixed to the end portion 2b of the rod 2.
  • the maximum diameter of the body portion 11a along the direction orthogonal to the axial direction X is larger than the thickness of the rod 2, and is, for example, 3.5 mm or more and 10 mm or less.
  • the length of the main body portion 11a along the axial direction X is, for example, 3.5 mm or more and 10 mm or less.
  • the thickness of the body portion 11a is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less.
  • the thickness of the main body portion 11a may be smaller than the thickness of the rod 2, and may be 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less.
  • the surface of the main body portion 11a may be provided with irregularities, or may be provided with openings.
  • the main body portion 11a may be a mesh basket-like hollow lattice formed of metal wires or the like.
  • the body portion 11a is a resin molding formed by injection molding, balloon molding, or the like.
  • the resin contained in the main body portion 11a is, for example, a thermoplastic resin or the like. From the viewpoint of suppressing the influence of specimen collection, the main body 11a may have water repellency or waterproofness.
  • the opening 11b is a portion into which the end 2b of the rod 2 is inserted, and is provided at a position (base end) closest to the end 2a in the axial direction X of the main body 11a.
  • the end portion 2b is positioned inside the buffer portion 11 through the opening 11b, the end portion 2b is positioned closer to the end portion 2a than the center C of the buffer portion 11 in the axial direction X.
  • cushioning portion 11 is less likely to come into contact with end portion 2b.
  • the end portion 2b and the specimen collecting portion 3 are adhered to each other via an adhesive AD, for example.
  • the adhesive AD also functions as a filler that fills the gap between the end portion 2b and the opening portion 11b. As a result, the specimen can be prevented from entering the interior of the buffer section 11 .
  • the adhesive AD contains, for example, at least one of thermoplastic resin, thermosetting resin, and elastomer resin. From the viewpoint of hygiene and the like, the adhesive AD may contain a silicone resin, an acrylic resin, or the like. From the viewpoint of resistance to polar organic compounds such as alcohol, the main component of the adhesive AD may be a silicone resin.
  • the adhesive AD may contain additives as appropriate.
  • FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a napped body before being provided on a swab
  • FIG. 2(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the napped body.
  • the napped body 12 is a portion of the sample-collecting portion 3 that abuts on the sample-collecting site, and collects and temporarily holds the sample.
  • the napped body 12 before being attached to the swab 1 has a sheet shape.
  • the napped body 12 constitutes the surface of the cushioning portion 11 by covering the body portion 11 a of the cushioning portion 11 .
  • the napped body 12 may cover the entire surface of the buffer portion 11 . Moreover, the napped body 12 may cover a part of the rod 2 .
  • the napped body 12 is fixed to the buffer portion 11 via, for example, an adhesive (not shown).
  • the feeling of coolness to the touch of the napped body 12 can be indicated by the heat transfer rate q-max at the time of contact.
  • a larger q-max value indicates a colder temperature, and a smaller q-max value indicates a warmer temperature.
  • q-max may be 0.005 W/cm 2 or more and 0.500 W/cm 2 or less, or 0.200 W/cm 2 or more and 0.450 W/cm 2 or less .
  • the napped body 12 has a substrate portion 21 and hairy bodies 22 .
  • the base material portion 21 is a portion that is fixed to the buffer portion 11 and supports the hair-like body 22, and has a first surface 21a and a second surface 21b.
  • the first surface 21a is a surface facing the buffer portion 11 (see (b) of FIG. 1), and the second surface 21b is an exposed surface.
  • the base material portion 21 has a sheet shape, band shape, string shape, or thread shape. From the viewpoint of breakage prevention, ease of manufacture of the hairy bodies 22, manufacturing cost, etc., the thickness of the base material portion 21 may be 50 ⁇ m or more and 1000 ⁇ m or less, 100 ⁇ m or more and 900 ⁇ m or less, or 150 ⁇ m or more and 800 ⁇ m or less. .
  • the material of the base material portion 21 is not particularly limited as long as the hair-like body 22 is provided and can be fixed to the buffer portion 11 by winding or the like.
  • Examples of the material of the base material portion 21 include cloth, fiber, thread, non-woven fabric, natural resin, synthetic resin, paper, animal skin, and fur. From a sanitary point of view, the material of the base material portion 21 may be cloth, fiber, or synthetic resin, for example.
  • Examples of synthetic resins include thermoplastic resins. At least one of styrene-based resin, olefin-based resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, thermoplastic elastomer, fluorine-based resin, polyester-based resin, and nylon-based resin is used as the thermoplastic resin.
  • the base material portion 21 may have waterproof properties, antibacterial properties, chemical resistance, antistatic properties, and the like.
  • the surface of the base material portion 21 may be subjected to waterproof processing, antibacterial processing, antistatic processing, or the like.
  • the hair-like body 22 is a portion that holds the specimen, and is provided in the shape of a brush on the second surface 21b of the base material portion 21 .
  • the plurality of hair-like bodies 22 are arranged regularly or irregularly on the second surface 21b.
  • the sample-collecting part 3 is pressed against the sample-collecting site, the sample adheres between the hair-like bodies 22 .
  • sample collection with the swab 1 is performed.
  • the plurality of hair-like bodies 22 are regularly arranged, the plurality of hair-like bodies 22 are arranged orderly along one or more directions when viewed from the thickness direction of the base material portion 21 . This can improve the tactile sensation of the hair-like bodies 22 .
  • the tactile sensation of the hair-like body 22 is the feel given to a patient or the like who has the sample collection site.
  • the tactile properties of the hair-like bodies 22 are improved, the patient or the like to whom the swab 1 is pressed tends to obtain favorable tactile sensations such as moistness, softness, and airiness. Therefore, the more the tactile properties of the hair-like bodies 22 are improved, the less discomfort and pain the patient or the like against which the swab 1 is pressed.
  • the hair-like bodies 22 have a tapered shape that stands substantially upright along the thickness direction of the base material portion 21 .
  • the length of hairs 22 may correspond to the height of hairs 22 .
  • substantially upright means that the short fibers exist in a substantially upright state, although it is not required that the short fibers exist in a state perpendicular to the second surface 21b of the base material portion 21 . From the viewpoint of exhibiting the sample holding function of the napped body 12 well, even when the napped body 12 is fixed to the buffer part 11, the hairy body 22 stands upright with respect to the second surface 21b of the base material portion 21. .
  • the average height H1 of the hairy bodies 22 is, for example, 200 ⁇ m or more and 700 ⁇ m or less.
  • the average height H1 may be 300 ⁇ m or more from the viewpoint of the amount of sample to be collected, the improvement of the tactile sensation of the hair-like body 22, and the like.
  • the average height H1 may be 600 ⁇ m or less from the viewpoint of reducing the discomfort of the patient pressed against the swab 1 .
  • the average height H1 is obtained, for example, by cutting out cross-sections (samples) from arbitrary three locations of the napped body 12 and measuring the height of ten hairy bodies for each sample, a total of 30 measurement results.
  • the average diameter (average outer diameter) of the hairy bodies 22 is, for example, 10 ⁇ m or more and 200 ⁇ m or less. From the viewpoint of improving the tactile sensation of the hair-like bodies 22, the average diameter may be 20 ⁇ m or more. The average diameter may be 150 ⁇ m or less from the viewpoint of reducing the discomfort of the patient pressed against the swab 1 .
  • the average diameter is, for example, a value obtained by using the arithmetic mean value of the results of measuring the diameter of the intermediate height of the hair-like body 22 from several points on the napped body 12 .
  • the outer diameter of the hair-like body 22 is, for example, 1 ⁇ m or more and 250 ⁇ m or less.
  • An average interval P of the hair-like bodies 22 is, for example, 20 ⁇ m or more and 200 ⁇ m or less.
  • the interval between the hair-like bodies 22 corresponds to the distance between the center of one root and the center of the other of the two adjacent hair-like bodies 22 . From the viewpoint of sampling, etc., the average interval P may be 150 ⁇ m or less.
  • the number of hair-like bodies 22 per unit area of the base material portion 21 (that is, the density of the hair-like bodies 22) is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1000/cm 2 or more and 100000/cm 2 or less. There is a tendency that the higher the density of the hair-like bodies 22 is, the higher the specimen retention efficiency is. Therefore, the density of the hair-like bodies 22 per unit area may be 10000/cm 2 or more. For example, even if the sample is nasal mucus or the like, in order for the hair-like bodies 22 to exhibit the sample-holding function satisfactorily, it is necessary to maintain the raised state of the hair-like bodies 22 even in a viscous liquid.
  • the fibrous bodies 22 need to have fineness and surface area that can provide a certain level of strength.
  • the fineness of the hairs 22 is the weight in grams per unit length of a single fiber, line.
  • the fineness of the hair-like bodies 22 may be 1.0 dtex or more and 4.0 dtex, or 1.5 dtex or more and 3.0 dtex, depending on the strength, workability, bendability, etc. of the hair-like bodies 22 .
  • the base material portion 21 and the hair-like bodies 22 are integrally formed using a thermoplastic resin.
  • a thermoplastic resin there is no structural boundary between the substrate portion 21 and the hair-like bodies 22, forming a continuous phase.
  • No structural boundary means that there is no structurally distinct boundary between the substrate portion 21 and the hairs 22 .
  • forming a continuous phase means that there is no seam between the substrate portion 21 and the hair-like bodies 22, and there is no discontinuity.
  • the base material portion 21 and the hair-like members 22 are formed, for example, by melt extruding a thermoplastic resin from a die by extrusion molding, and then casting using a transfer roll and a touch roll having unevenness processing.
  • the thermoplastic resin has an elongation viscosity ⁇ (t) (unit: Pa S) measured at an elongation temperature at a strain rate of 0.5 (unit: S ⁇ 1 ) on the vertical axis, and an elongation time t (unit: S ) on the horizontal axis, there is a region where the slope (log ⁇ /logt) is 0.5 or less in the interval 0.1 ⁇ t ⁇ 1.0.
  • the temperature range in which the adhesive force of the thermoplastic resin is 0.05 N/mm 2 or more and 0.25 N/mm 2 or less overlaps at least partly with the elongation temperature.
  • the stretchable temperature refers to a temperature at which a thermoplastic resin exhibits plasticity and can be stretched (for example, stretchable).
  • the elongation temperature can be determined from the state of the strand (thermoplastic resin molding) set in a uniaxial elongation viscometer and elongated at various temperatures. When the temperature is low, the resin does not exhibit plasticity (in a rigid state), and the rolls fixing the strands will idle. In addition, when the temperature is high, the resin becomes a molten state and cannot be fixed to the roll, or the elongation viscosity when fixed and elongated is less than 1.0 ⁇ 10 4 (unit: Pa S). Strand breaks.
  • the elongational viscosity is measured using a commercially available elongational viscometer at a temperature at which the thermoplastic resin can be elongated (eg, 100°C, 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, 150°C or 160°C). It can be measured at strain rates of 17S ⁇ 1 , 0.5S ⁇ 1 or 0.83S ⁇ 1 .
  • Probe tack measurements include, for example, Wetzel's method, Kobe-Kamagata method, Hammond's method, and Lesca method.
  • the probe tack measurement other than the Lesca method first, the probe is approached from below to the sample placed with the adhesive surface of the sample facing downward. Subsequently, after contact between the sample and the probe, the probe is moved downward at a constant speed, and the force required to peel the probe off the adhesive surface is detected.
  • the Lesca method the sticky side of the sample faces up, the probe is pressed against the sticky side from above, and then the force to remove the probe from the sticky side is detected.
  • the Lesca method is preferably used.
  • the thermoplastic resin adheres appropriately to the transfer roll surface and forms the hair-like members 22.
  • the range of the adhesive force may be 0.05 N/mm 2 or more and 0.25 N/mm 2 or less.
  • a specimen is collected by bringing the specimen collection portion 3 of the swab 1 into contact with the specimen collection site.
  • the specimen collection section 3 may not only be brought into contact with the specimen collection site, but may also be rubbed against the specimen collection site.
  • the specimen is suspended or suspended in the specimen-treated liquid by immersing the specimen-collecting part 3 in the specimen-treated liquid.
  • the sample treatment liquid is appropriately prepared depending on the type of sample.
  • the sample treatment liquid contains, for example, a pH buffer, a surfactant, and the like.
  • the sample is filtered using a filtration filter to obtain a filtrate.
  • the filtrate is supplied to a substrate (for example, a membrane or the like) of an inspection device, and the substrate is immersed in the filtrate.
  • a capture reagent that captures the target substance by specifically binding to the target substance is bound to the surface of the base material. Therefore, the substance to be detected in the filtrate is trapped on the substrate.
  • a labeling substance which is a detection reagent that specifically binds to the substance to be detected, is added dropwise or the like onto the substrate.
  • the swab 1 can be used to measure the presence or absence of the analyte in the sample collected.
  • the sample-collecting part 3 has a buffer part 11 that can be deformed by external pressure, and a nap body 12 that constitutes the surface of the buffer part 11 .
  • the buffer unit 11 deforms along the shape of the mucous membrane or the like. In this case, it is possible to increase the area of the specimen-collecting part 3 that contacts the mucous membrane or the like without pressing the specimen-collecting part 3 strongly against the mucous membrane or the like for a long time.
  • the sample collecting part 3 when inserting the sample collecting part 3 into a nostril or the like, it becomes less likely to get caught before the target point.
  • the napped body 12 since the napped body 12 has the hair-like bodies 22 provided in a brush shape, the sample is efficiently retained by the hair-like bodies 22 . Therefore, by using the swab 1, it is possible to sufficiently collect a specimen while reducing patient discomfort and pain.
  • the buffer portion 11 has a main body portion 11a which is a hollow molded portion fixed to the end portion 2b of the rod 2. Therefore, the buffer portion 11 can be easily deformed by external pressure. Therefore, the patient's discomfort, pain, etc. can be reduced satisfactorily.
  • At least the end 2b of the rod 2 may have flexibility.
  • the force concentrated on the boundary between the rod 2 and the sample-collecting portion 3 can be alleviated.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a swab according to a first modified example of the first embodiment.
  • the entire rod 2A is located outside the specimen collecting portion 3A. That is, in the first modified example, part of the end portion 2b of the rod 2A is not positioned inside the buffer portion 11A. Therefore, the buffer portion 11A does not have an opening.
  • the buffer portion 11A is fixed to the end portion 2b by using an adhesive AD, for example, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the buffer portion 11A may be fixed to the end portion 2b by welding at least one of the buffer portion 11A and the end portion 2b to the other.
  • At least the end portion 2b may be flexible from the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of breakage at the boundary between the buffer portion 11A and the end portion 2b. Also in the first modified example described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are exhibited.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a swab according to a second modification of the first embodiment.
  • the buffering portion 11B of the specimen collecting portion 3B is formed integrally with the rod 2B.
  • the rod 2B and the buffer portion 11B are integrally molded by balloon molding. Therefore, the rod 2B is formed with a through hole 2c that communicates with the internal space of the buffer portion 11B.
  • the through hole 2c may be sealed at the end 2a of the rod 2B.
  • the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are exhibited. In addition, breakage at the boundary between the buffer portion 11B and the rod 2B is less likely to occur.
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a swab according to the second embodiment.
  • FIG. 4(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a).
  • the specimen collecting portion 3C of the swab 1C includes a buffer portion 11C different from the buffer portion 11 of the first embodiment, and a nap body 12 covering the buffer portion 11C.
  • the base-material part 21 of the nap body 12 has waterproofness.
  • the buffer section 11C has a porous body 31 that can be deformed by external pressure.
  • the porous body 31 may be a macroporous material or a mesoporous material.
  • the porous body 31 may be formed from a natural porous material (for example, activated carbon, pumice stone, wood, cork, etc.), or may be formed from an artificial porous material (for example, foamed polyurethane, zeolite, etc.). good.
  • the porous body 31 is made of an artificial porous material from the viewpoint of satisfactorily exhibiting the function (deformation function by external pressure) as the buffer portion 11C.
  • the porous body 31 can have a function of retaining liquid.
  • the buffer portion 11 ⁇ /b>C is covered with the base portion 21 .
  • the entire buffer portion 11 ⁇ /b>C may be reliably covered with the base portion 21 .
  • collection and retention of the specimen by the porous body 31 can be inhibited by the napped body 12 .
  • the porous body 31 is provided with a recess 31a into which the end portion 2b of the rod 2 is inserted.
  • the porous body 31 is fixed to the end portion 2b via, for example, an adhesive (not shown).
  • the specimen collecting portion 3C when the specimen collecting portion 3C is pressed against the mucous membrane of the human body, etc., a buffering effect is generated due to the deformation and/or breakage of the buffering portion 11C. For this reason, also in the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.
  • the entire buffer section 11C can be flexibly configured. In this case, when the patient's mucous membrane or the like is rubbed with the specimen collecting portion 3C in order to increase the amount of specimen collected, the patient is less likely to feel a foreign body sensation.
  • the buffer portion 11C is covered with the base material portion 21 having waterproofness. Therefore, the function of holding the specimen by the porous body 31 can be inhibited by the napped body 12 . Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the collection of excessive specimens. Further, in the second embodiment, the end portion 2b of the rod 2 is embedded in the recess 31a of the porous body 31. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the force concentrated on the boundary between the buffer portion 11C and the rod 2 can be dispersed.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a swab according to the third embodiment.
  • the buffer portion 11D included in the specimen collecting portion 3D of the swab 1D has a roll of napped body 12.
  • the sample collecting portion 3D is formed only from a roll of the strip-shaped napped body 12, and is formed by winding the napped body 12 around the end portion 2b. Therefore, in the sample collecting portion 3D, part of the napped body 12 forms the inside of the buffer part 11D, and the other part of the napped body 12 forms the surface of the buffer part 11D.
  • One end of the nap body 12 is fixed to the end portion 2b via an adhesive or the like.
  • a method of forming the wound body (that is, a method of winding the napped body 12 around the end portion 2b) is not particularly limited.
  • the wound body may be formed, for example, by winding the napped body 12 circularly like a loop band, or by spirally winding it like a spiral band, or a folded band. , or may be formed by winding in a figure-eight pattern.
  • An irregular-shaped gap (not shown) is provided inside the wound body.
  • the specimen collecting portion 3D when the specimen collecting portion 3D is pressed against the mucous membrane of the human body, a cushioning effect is generated due to the gaps in the wound body. For this reason, also in the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, by changing the number of turns of the napped body 12 with respect to the end portion 2b, the size of the specimen collecting portion 3D can be easily adjusted.
  • the specimen-collecting swab according to one aspect of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various other modifications are possible. Moreover, the above embodiment and the above modifications may be combined as appropriate.
  • the contents of the third embodiment may be combined with the first embodiment.
  • the buffer part of the specimen collecting part has a hollow molded part and a roll of nap.
  • the content of the third embodiment may be combined with the second embodiment.
  • the buffer part of the specimen collecting part has a porous body and a roll of napped body. In these cases, the cushioning action of the cushioning portion can be exhibited more satisfactorily.
  • the hair-like body has a tapered shape, but is not limited to this.
  • the hair-like body may have a columnar shape or the like.
  • the tips of the hairs may be thicker than the roots of the hairs.
  • the outer diameter of the hair-like bodies may gradually decrease as the distance from the substrate portion increases, and then the outer diameter may increase once.
  • the hair-like body has a proximal portion protruding from the base portion, and an expanded portion provided at the tip of the proximal portion and having a maximum outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the proximal portion. You may In this case, the function of holding the sample by the hairy body can be improved.
  • the expanding portion may have a hollow shape.
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of main parts showing another example of the napped body.
  • the hair-like body 22A of the napped body 12A shown in FIG. It has an extending distal portion 42 and a curved portion 43 connecting proximal portion 41 and distal portion 42 .
  • the base end portion 41 is inclined with respect to the second surface 21b of the base portion 21, but this is not restrictive.
  • the curved portion 43 extends from the distal end of the proximal portion 41 and is curved with a constant curvature or a gradual change in curvature.
  • the tip portion 42 is a portion extending from the tip of the curved portion 43 . At least part of the tip portion 42 may extend toward the buffer (not shown). Therefore, for example, the tips of the hair-like bodies 22A included in the tip portion 42 may face away from the cushioning portion (not shown). In this case, the tip portion 42 and the curved portion 43 of the hair-like body 22A easily hold the specimen, so that the holding function of the napped body 12A can be improved.
  • the base material portion and the hair-like body included in the napped body are integrally formed, but the present invention is not limited to this.
  • the napped body may be provided by fixing short fibers that form the hairy body to the base material portion.
  • one end of the short fiber is fixed to the second main surface of the base material portion.
  • a method for fixing the short fibers to the base material portion is not particularly limited.
  • short fibers are fixed to the substrate portion by electric flocking (flock method) using an electrostatic field.
  • the substrate portion may already cover the buffer prior to the flocking process.
  • the short fibers may be made of materials with high liquid absorption efficiency (eg, nylon, polyester, polyamide, etc.).
  • the material having a high liquid absorption efficiency may be a material having a higher liquid absorption efficiency than the material forming the base portion.

Landscapes

  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)

Abstract

This specimen sampling swab comprises a rod and a specimen sampling part provided on an end section of the rod. The specimen sampling part is a cushioning part which can be deformed by an external pressure, the specimen sampling part having a cushioning section including at least a napped body constituting the surface thereof, wherein the napped body has a base material portion and a hairy body provided in a brush shape on a surface of the base material portion.

Description

検体採取用スワブSpecimen collection swab
　本開示は、検体採取用スワブに関する。 The present disclosure relates to specimen collection swabs.
　生物学的検査、特に簡易測定検査では、検査に必要な毛髪、組織、体液等を効率よく採取することが重要である。従来から、検体採取にスワブ（綿棒）が用いられていた。下記特許文献１には、生物学的検体を吸収する親水性の繊維で覆われたチップを端部に有するロッドより成るタイプの、生物学的検体の採取用スワブが記載されている。この採取用スワブでは、前記繊維が、フロッキングにより被着した層の形状で、前記チップを覆うことを特徴としている。 In biological tests, especially simple measurement tests, it is important to efficiently collect the hair, tissues, body fluids, etc. required for the test. Conventionally, swabs (cotton swabs) have been used for sample collection. Patent Document 1 below describes a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod having a tip at its end covered with a hydrophilic fiber that absorbs the biological specimen. This sampling swab is characterized in that the fibers cover the chip in the form of a layer applied by flocking.
特表２００７－５２３６６３号公報Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-523663
　上記特許文献１等に示される採取用スワブを用いた検体採取は、例えば、検体を採取する患者の口、鼻等の粘膜にスワブを接触させることによって実施される。このとき、最低必要量以上の検体を採取するため、スワブは、患者の上記粘膜に押し付けられる。この場合、患者は、スワブを押し付けられることによる不快感、痛み等を感じてしまう問題がある。このため、本開示の一側面の目的は、患者の不快感、痛みなどを低減しつつ検体を十分に採取可能な検体採取用スワブを提供することである。 Specimen collection using the collection swab shown in Patent Document 1 and the like is performed, for example, by bringing the swab into contact with the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, etc. of the patient from whom the specimen is to be collected. At this time, the swab is pressed against the patient's mucous membrane in order to collect more than the minimum required amount of specimen. In this case, there is a problem that the patient feels discomfort, pain, etc. due to being pressed against the swab. Accordingly, an object of one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a specimen collection swab that allows sufficient specimen collection while reducing patient discomfort, pain, and the like.
　本開示の一側面に係る検体採取用スワブは、以下の通りである。
［１］ロッドと、ロッドの端部に設けられる検体採取部と、を備え、検体採取部は、外圧によって変形可能な緩衝部であって、少なくともその表面を構成する立毛体を含む緩衝部、を有し、立毛体は、基材部分と、基材部分の表面にてブラシ状に設けられる毛状体と、を有する、検体採取用スワブ。
［２］緩衝部は、ロッドの端部に固定、もしくは、ロッドと一体成形される中空状の成形部分を有する、［１］に記載の検体採取用スワブ。
［３］緩衝部は、立毛体の基材部分に覆われる多孔質体を有し、基材部分は、防水性を有する、［１］に記載の検体採取用スワブ。
［４］緩衝部は、立毛体の巻回体を有する、［１］～［３］のいずれかに記載の検体採取用スワブ。
［５］毛状体は、基材部分から突出する基端部分と、基端部分の先端に設けられ、当該基端部分の外径よりも大きい最大外径を有する膨張部分とを有し、膨張部分は、中空形状を有する、［１］～［４］のいずれかに記載の検体採取用スワブ。
［６］毛状体は、基材部分から突出する基端部分、緩衝部に向かうように延びる先端部分、及び、基端部分と先端部分とをつなぐ湾曲部分を有する、［１］～［５］のいずれかに記載の検体採取用スワブ。
［７］少なくともロッドの端部は、可撓性を有する、［１］～［６］のいずれかに記載の検体採取用スワブ。 A specimen collection swab according to one aspect of the present disclosure is as follows.
[1] A rod and a sample-collecting portion provided at the end of the rod, wherein the sample-collecting portion is a buffer portion that is deformable by external pressure and includes at least a napped body that constitutes the surface thereof; and the napped body has a substrate portion and a bristle-like body provided on the surface of the substrate portion in the form of a brush.
[2] The specimen-collecting swab according to [1], wherein the cushioning section is fixed to the end of the rod or has a hollow molded portion integrally molded with the rod.
[3] The swab for specimen collection according to [1], wherein the buffer part has a porous body covered with a base part of a nap body, and the base part has waterproofness.
[4] The specimen-collecting swab according to any one of [1] to [3], wherein the buffer part has a roll of nap.
[5] The hair-like body has a proximal portion protruding from the base portion, and an expanded portion provided at the tip of the proximal portion and having a maximum outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the proximal portion, The specimen-collecting swab according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the expanded portion has a hollow shape.
[6] The hair-like body has a base portion projecting from the base portion, a tip portion extending toward the buffer portion, and a curved portion connecting the base portion and the tip portion, [1] to [5 ] The specimen collection swab according to any one of ].
[7] The specimen-collecting swab according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein at least the end of the rod is flexible.
　本開示の一側面によれば、患者の不快感、痛みなどを低減しつつ検体を十分に採取可能な検体採取用スワブを提供できる。 According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a specimen collection swab that can sufficiently collect a specimen while reducing patient discomfort and pain.
図１の（ａ）は、第１実施形態に係るスワブを示す概略図であり、図１の（ｂ）は、図１の（ａ）の概略断面図である。FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing the swab according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 1(a). 図２の（ａ）は、スワブに設けられる前の立毛体の一例を示す模式図であり、図２の（ｂ）は、立毛体の概略要部断面図である。FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a napped body before being provided on a swab, and FIG. 2(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the napped body. 図３の（ａ）は、第１実施形態の第１変形例に係るスワブを示す概略断面図であり、図３の（ｂ）は、第１実施形態の第２変形例に係るスワブを示す概略断面図である。FIG. 3(a) is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a swab according to a first modified example of the first embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) shows a swab according to a second modified example of the first embodiment. It is a schematic sectional view. 図４の（ａ）は、第２実施形態に係るスワブを示す概略図であり、図４の（ｂ）は、図４の（ａ）の概略断面図である。FIG. 4(a) is a schematic diagram showing a swab according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 4(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a). 図５は、第３実施形態に係るスワブを示す概略図である。FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a swab according to the third embodiment. 図６は、立毛体の別例を示す概略断面図である。FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing another example of the napped body.
　以下、添付図面を参照して、本開示の一側面に係る実施形態について詳細に説明する。なお、以下の説明において、同一要素又は同一機能を有する要素には、同一符号を用いることとし、重複する説明は省略する。なお、本明細書における「同一」及びそれに類似する単語は、「完全同一」のみに限定されない。 Hereinafter, embodiments according to one aspect of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description, the same reference numerals are used for the same elements or elements having the same functions, and overlapping descriptions are omitted. In this specification, the terms "same" and words similar thereto are not limited to "exactly the same".
　以下にて説明する各実施形態に係るスワブは、例えば検体採取に用いられる部材（検体採取用スワブ）である。検体は、例えば人体、動物等の生物から得られる液体状の生物学的検体である。生物学的検体は、例えば、咽頭ぬぐい液、鼻腔ぬぐい液、咽頭洗浄液、鼻腔洗浄液、鼻腔吸引液、唾液、血清、便、便懸濁液、尿、培養液等である。生物学的検体には、固体が含まれてもよい。 A swab according to each embodiment described below is, for example, a member (specimen-collecting swab) used for specimen collection. A sample is a liquid biological sample obtained from a living organism such as a human body or an animal. Biological specimens are, for example, pharyngeal swabs, nasal swabs, pharyngeal lavages, nasal lavages, nasal aspirates, saliva, serum, stool, stool suspensions, urine, culture fluids, and the like. Biological specimens may include solids.
（第１実施形態）
　まず、図１の（ａ），（ｂ）を参照しながら、第１実施形態に係るスワブの構成を説明する。図１の（ａ）は、第１実施形態に係るスワブを示す概略図である。図１の（ｂ）は、図１の（ａ）の概略断面図である。図１の（ａ），（ｂ）に示されるように、スワブ１は、ロッド２と、検体採取部３とを有する。以下では、ロッド２が延在する方向を軸方向Ｘと定義して説明する。 (First embodiment)
First, the configuration of the swab according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b). FIG. 1(a) is a schematic diagram showing a swab according to the first embodiment. FIG. 1(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 1(a). As shown in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), the swab 1 has a rod 2 and a specimen collecting portion 3. As shown in FIGS. Below, the direction in which the rod 2 extends is defined as the axial direction X for description.
　ロッド２は、検体採取の実施者のための把持部となる棒状部材であり、軸方向Ｘにおける一対の端部２ａ，２ｂを有する。端部２ａは、把持部として用いられる部分である。端部２ａの表面には、例えば滑り止め加工がなされてもよい。滑り止め加工は、例えば、エンボス加工、滑り止め部材による被覆加工などである。端部２ｂは、検体採取部３が設けられる部分である。第１実施形態では、端部２ｂの一部は、検体採取部３の内部に位置している。ロッド２における少なくとも端部２ｂは、可撓性を有してもよい。この場合、検体採取時に検体採取部３に力が加えられたとき、ロッド２と検体採取部３との境界等に集中する力を緩和できる。このため、当該境界等にてスワブ１が破損すること、ロッド２が折れてしまうことなどを抑制できる。なお、「ロッド２が折れる」ことは、ロッド２が不可逆的に変形した状態に相当する。ロッド２が折れることによって、ロッド２の折れた箇所が、検体採取部位もしくはその近傍に接触して損傷を与えてしまうおそれがある。また、検体採取部位が生物の部位である場合、当該生物が痛み等を感じることもある。さらには、検体採取部３が検体採取部位に到達できなくなるおそれもある。 The rod 2 is a rod-shaped member that serves as a grip for the person who collects the sample, and has a pair of ends 2a and 2b in the axial direction X. The end portion 2a is a portion used as a grip portion. The surface of the end portion 2a may be provided with anti-slip processing, for example. Anti-slip processing includes, for example, embossing and coating with an anti-slip member. The end portion 2b is a portion where the specimen collecting portion 3 is provided. In the first embodiment, part of the end portion 2b is located inside the specimen collecting portion 3. As shown in FIG. At least the end 2b of the rod 2 may be flexible. In this case, when a force is applied to the sample-collecting portion 3 during sample collection, the force concentrated on the boundary between the rod 2 and the sample-collecting portion 3 can be alleviated. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the swab 1 from being damaged at the boundary or the like, and the rod 2 from being broken. Note that "the rod 2 is broken" corresponds to a state in which the rod 2 is irreversibly deformed. When the rod 2 is broken, the broken part of the rod 2 may come into contact with or damage the sample collection site or its vicinity. In addition, when the sample collection site is a part of a living organism, the living organism may feel pain or the like. Furthermore, there is also a possibility that the sample collecting section 3 cannot reach the sample collecting site.
　ロッド２は、例えば円柱形状もしくは多角柱形状であるが、これに限られない。例えば、端部２ａの太さ（直径または外径）は、端部２ｂの太さよりも大きくてもよい。この場合、ロッド２の軸方向に沿って端部２ｂに近づくほど、ロッド２が細くなってもよい。ロッド２の直径は、例えば０．５ｍｍ以上３ｍｍ以下である。軸方向Ｘに沿ったロッド２の長さは、例えば３０ｍｍ以上２００ｍｍ以下である。ロッド２は、例えば、竹、木材、硬質紙、金属、樹脂等の材料によって形成される。ロッド２は、複数の材料によって形成されてもよい。例えば、端部２ａを含むロッド２の一部は硬質紙等によって形成され、端部２ｂを含むロッド２の他の一部は樹脂等によって形成されてもよい。これにより、ロッド２の一部を剛体とし、ロッド２の他の一部を可撓性を有する部分とすることができる。樹脂は、例えば、ポリエチレン、ポリカーボネート、ポリアミド、ポリアセタール、ポリブチレンテレフタレート、ＰＥＴ（ポリエチレンテレフタレート）、ポリフェニレンスルフィド、ＰＥＥＫ（ポリエーテルエーテルケトン）、ポリテトラフルオロエチレン、ポリフッ化ビニリデン、塩化ビニル、ナイロン、ポリプロピレン、ＡＢＳ（アクリロニトリル－ブタジエン－スチレン共重合体）等である。スワブ１の製造時に熱処理を実施する場合、樹脂は、耐熱性を有するポリカーボネート、ＰＥＴ、ＡＢＳ等でもよい。樹脂には、ガラス繊維等の添加物が含まれてもよい。 The rod 2 has, for example, a columnar shape or a polygonal columnar shape, but is not limited to this. For example, the thickness (diameter or outer diameter) of the end portion 2a may be larger than the thickness of the end portion 2b. In this case, the rod 2 may become thinner as it approaches the end 2b along the axial direction of the rod 2 . The diameter of the rod 2 is, for example, 0.5 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The length of the rod 2 along the axial direction X is, for example, 30 mm or more and 200 mm or less. The rod 2 is made of materials such as bamboo, wood, hard paper, metal, and resin, for example. The rod 2 may be made of multiple materials. For example, a portion of the rod 2 including the end portion 2a may be made of hard paper or the like, and another portion of the rod 2 including the end portion 2b may be made of resin or the like. As a result, part of the rod 2 can be made rigid and the other part of the rod 2 can be made flexible. Resins include, for example, polyethylene, polycarbonate, polyamide, polyacetal, polybutylene terephthalate, PET (polyethylene terephthalate), polyphenylene sulfide, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyvinylidene fluoride, vinyl chloride, nylon, polypropylene, Examples include ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer). When the swab 1 is manufactured by heat treatment, the resin may be heat-resistant polycarbonate, PET, ABS, or the like. The resin may contain additives such as glass fibers.
　検体採取部３は、生物の粘膜等に接触することによって検体を採取する部分であり、ロッド２の端部２ｂに固定される。検体採取部３は、例えば、球形状、楕円球形状、卵形状等を有する。第１実施形態では、検体採取部３は、略楕円球形状を有する。このため、検体採取部３の表面の少なくとも一部は、なめらかな曲面を有する。検体採取部３は、緩衝部１１と、立毛体１２とを有する。 The sample collecting part 3 is a part that collects a sample by contacting the mucous membrane of a living organism, and is fixed to the end 2b of the rod 2. The sample collecting part 3 has, for example, a spherical shape, an oval shape, an egg shape, or the like. In the first embodiment, the specimen collecting portion 3 has a substantially elliptical shape. Therefore, at least a part of the surface of the specimen collecting portion 3 has a smooth curved surface. The specimen collecting part 3 has a buffer part 11 and a nap body 12 .
　緩衝部１１は、ロッド２の端部２ｂに固定される成形部材であり、外圧によって変形可能である。外圧は、例えば、検体採取部３が検体採取部位に押し当てられるときに加えられる力である。例えば、外圧により緩衝部１１が検体採取部位の形状に沿って変形することによって、当該検体採取部位に加わる力を緩和できる。緩衝部１１は、例えば０．０１Ｎ／ｍｍ２以上の力が加えられることによって変形可能である。緩衝部１１の変形は、弾性変形でもよいし、塑性変形でもよい。前者である場合、緩衝部１１は弾性を有する。なお、緩衝部１１の硬度は、ロッド２の硬度よりも低くてもよいし、ロッド２の硬度よりも高くてもよい。緩衝部１１の少なくとも一部は、変形によって破損してもよい。緩衝部１１は、本体部１１ａと、開口部１１ｂとを有する。 The buffer portion 11 is a molded member fixed to the end portion 2b of the rod 2 and deformable by external pressure. The external pressure is, for example, the force applied when the specimen collecting section 3 is pressed against the specimen collecting site. For example, the force applied to the specimen collection site can be relieved by deforming the buffer part 11 along the shape of the specimen collection site due to external pressure. The cushioning portion 11 can be deformed by applying a force of 0.01 N/mm 2 or more, for example. The deformation of the buffer portion 11 may be elastic deformation or plastic deformation. In the former case, the buffer portion 11 has elasticity. The hardness of buffer portion 11 may be lower than that of rod 2 or higher than that of rod 2 . At least part of the buffer portion 11 may be damaged by deformation. The buffer portion 11 has a body portion 11a and an opening portion 11b.
　本体部１１ａは、例えば、球形状、楕円球形状、卵形状等を有する中空状の成形部分であり、ロッド２の端部２ｂに固定される。軸方向Ｘに直交する方向に沿った本体部１１ａの最大直径は、ロッド２の太さよりも大きく、例えば３．５ｍｍ以上１０ｍｍ以下である。軸方向Ｘに沿った本体部１１ａの長さは、例えば３．５ｍｍ以上１０ｍｍ以下である。本体部１１ａの厚さは、例えば０．０５ｍｍ以上１．５ｍｍ以下である。外圧による変形容易性の観点から、本体部１１ａの厚さは、ロッド２の太さよりも小さく、０．１ｍｍ以上０．５ｍｍ以下でもよい。本体部１１ａの表面には、凹凸が設けられてもよいし、開口が設けられてもよい。本体部１１ａは、金属線等によって形成される網かご状の中空格子等でもよい。第１実施形態では、本体部１１ａは、射出成形、バルーン成形等によって形成される樹脂成形体である。本体部１１ａに含まれる樹脂は、例えば、熱可塑性樹脂等である。検体採取の影響を抑制する観点から、本体部１１ａは、撥水性もしくは防水性を有してもよい。 The main body part 11a is a hollow molded part having, for example, a spherical shape, an oval shape, an egg shape, etc., and is fixed to the end portion 2b of the rod 2. The maximum diameter of the body portion 11a along the direction orthogonal to the axial direction X is larger than the thickness of the rod 2, and is, for example, 3.5 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The length of the main body portion 11a along the axial direction X is, for example, 3.5 mm or more and 10 mm or less. The thickness of the body portion 11a is, for example, 0.05 mm or more and 1.5 mm or less. From the viewpoint of ease of deformation by external pressure, the thickness of the main body portion 11a may be smaller than the thickness of the rod 2, and may be 0.1 mm or more and 0.5 mm or less. The surface of the main body portion 11a may be provided with irregularities, or may be provided with openings. The main body portion 11a may be a mesh basket-like hollow lattice formed of metal wires or the like. In the first embodiment, the body portion 11a is a resin molding formed by injection molding, balloon molding, or the like. The resin contained in the main body portion 11a is, for example, a thermoplastic resin or the like. From the viewpoint of suppressing the influence of specimen collection, the main body 11a may have water repellency or waterproofness.
　開口部１１ｂは、ロッド２の端部２ｂが挿入される部分であり、本体部１１ａのうち軸方向Ｘにおいて最も端部２ａに近い位置（基端）に設けられる。端部２ｂが開口部１１ｂを介して緩衝部１１の内部に位置するとき、端部２ｂは、軸方向Ｘにおいて緩衝部１１の中心Ｃよりも端部２ａ側に位置する。これにより、スワブ１の先端（すなわち、緩衝部１１の先端）もしくはその近傍が、緩衝部１１の内部に向かって変形したとき、緩衝部１１が端部２ｂに接触しにくい。第１実施形態では、端部２ｂと検体採取部３とは、例えば接着剤ＡＤを介して接着される。接着剤ＡＤは、端部２ｂと開口部１１ｂとの隙間を埋める充填剤としても機能する。これにより、検体が緩衝部１１の内部に侵入することを防止できる。接着剤ＡＤは、例えば、熱可塑性樹脂、熱硬化性樹脂、及びエラストマー樹脂の少なくとも一種を含む。衛生面等の観点から、接着剤ＡＤは、シリコーン樹脂、アクリル樹脂等を含んでもよい。アルコール等の極性有機化合物に対する耐性の観点から、接着剤ＡＤの主成分は、シリコーン樹脂でもよい。接着剤ＡＤには、添加剤が適宜含まれてもよい。 The opening 11b is a portion into which the end 2b of the rod 2 is inserted, and is provided at a position (base end) closest to the end 2a in the axial direction X of the main body 11a. When the end portion 2b is positioned inside the buffer portion 11 through the opening 11b, the end portion 2b is positioned closer to the end portion 2a than the center C of the buffer portion 11 in the axial direction X. As a result, when the tip of swab 1 (that is, the tip of cushioning portion 11) or its vicinity deforms toward the inside of cushioning portion 11, cushioning portion 11 is less likely to come into contact with end portion 2b. In the first embodiment, the end portion 2b and the specimen collecting portion 3 are adhered to each other via an adhesive AD, for example. The adhesive AD also functions as a filler that fills the gap between the end portion 2b and the opening portion 11b. As a result, the specimen can be prevented from entering the interior of the buffer section 11 . The adhesive AD contains, for example, at least one of thermoplastic resin, thermosetting resin, and elastomer resin. From the viewpoint of hygiene and the like, the adhesive AD may contain a silicone resin, an acrylic resin, or the like. From the viewpoint of resistance to polar organic compounds such as alcohol, the main component of the adhesive AD may be a silicone resin. The adhesive AD may contain additives as appropriate.
　図２の（ａ）は、スワブに設けられる前の立毛体の一例を示す模式図であり、図２の（ｂ）は、立毛体の概略要部断面図である。立毛体１２は、検体採取部３において検体採取部位に当接する部分であり、検体を採取及び一時的に保持する。図２の（ａ），（ｂ）に示されるように、スワブ１に設けられる前の立毛体１２は、シート形状を有する。図１の（ｂ）に示されるように、立毛体１２は、緩衝部１１の本体部１１ａを覆うことによって、緩衝部１１の表面を構成する。検体採取効率等の観点から、立毛体１２は、緩衝部１１の表面の全体を覆ってもよい。また、立毛体１２は、ロッド２の一部を覆ってもよい。立毛体１２は、例えば図示しない接着剤を介して緩衝部１１に固定される。立毛体１２の接触冷温感は、接触時における熱移動速度ｑ－ｍａｘにより示すことができる。ｑ－ｍａｘの値が大きい程冷たく、ｑ－ｍａｘの値が小さい程暖かいことを示す。例えば、ｑ－ｍａｘは、０．００５Ｗ／ｃｍ２以上０．５００Ｗ／ｃｍ２以下でもよく、０．２００Ｗ／ｃｍ２以上０．４５０Ｗ／ｃｍ２以下でもよい。この場合、例えば患者の粘膜等に立毛体１２を接触させたとき、立毛体１２の温度に起因する当該患者の不快感を低減できる。立毛体１２は、基材部分２１と、毛状体２２とを有する。 FIG. 2(a) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a napped body before being provided on a swab, and FIG. 2(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of the main part of the napped body. The napped body 12 is a portion of the sample-collecting portion 3 that abuts on the sample-collecting site, and collects and temporarily holds the sample. As shown in FIGS. 2(a) and 2(b), the napped body 12 before being attached to the swab 1 has a sheet shape. As shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the napped body 12 constitutes the surface of the cushioning portion 11 by covering the body portion 11 a of the cushioning portion 11 . From the viewpoint of sample collection efficiency, etc., the napped body 12 may cover the entire surface of the buffer portion 11 . Moreover, the napped body 12 may cover a part of the rod 2 . The napped body 12 is fixed to the buffer portion 11 via, for example, an adhesive (not shown). The feeling of coolness to the touch of the napped body 12 can be indicated by the heat transfer rate q-max at the time of contact. A larger q-max value indicates a colder temperature, and a smaller q-max value indicates a warmer temperature. For example, q-max may be 0.005 W/cm 2 or more and 0.500 W/cm 2 or less, or 0.200 W/cm 2 or more and 0.450 W/cm 2 or less . In this case, for example, when the napped body 12 is brought into contact with the patient's mucous membrane or the like, the patient's discomfort due to the temperature of the napped body 12 can be reduced. The napped body 12 has a substrate portion 21 and hairy bodies 22 .
　基材部分２１は、緩衝部１１に固定されると共に毛状体２２を支持する部分であり、第１面２１ａ及び第２面２１ｂを有する。第１面２１ａは、緩衝部１１に対する対向面（図１の（ｂ）を参照）であり、第２面２１ｂは露出面である。基材部分２１は、シート形状、帯形状、紐形状、もしくは糸形状を有する。破損防止、毛状体２２の製造容易性、製造コスト等の観点から、基材部分２１の厚さは、５０μｍ以上１０００μｍ以下でもよいし、１００μｍ以上９００μｍ以下でもよいし、１５０μｍ以上８００μｍ以下でもよい。 The base material portion 21 is a portion that is fixed to the buffer portion 11 and supports the hair-like body 22, and has a first surface 21a and a second surface 21b. The first surface 21a is a surface facing the buffer portion 11 (see (b) of FIG. 1), and the second surface 21b is an exposed surface. The base material portion 21 has a sheet shape, band shape, string shape, or thread shape. From the viewpoint of breakage prevention, ease of manufacture of the hairy bodies 22, manufacturing cost, etc., the thickness of the base material portion 21 may be 50 μm or more and 1000 μm or less, 100 μm or more and 900 μm or less, or 150 μm or more and 800 μm or less. .
　基材部分２１の材料は、毛状体２２が設けられ、且つ、緩衝部１１に巻き付け等により固定できるものであれば、特に限定されない。基材部分２１の材料として、例えば、布、繊維、糸、不織布、天然樹脂、合成樹脂、紙、動物の皮、毛皮等が挙げられる。衛生面などの観点から、基材部分２１の材料は、例えば、布、繊維、もしくは合成樹脂でもよい。合成樹脂としては、熱可塑性樹脂などが挙げられる。熱可塑性樹脂としては、スチレン系樹脂、オレフィン系樹脂、ポリ塩化ビニル樹脂、熱可塑性エラストマー、フッ素系樹脂、ポリエステル系樹脂、及びナイロン系樹脂の少なくとも一つが用いられる。検体の緩衝部１１への影響等を抑制する観点から、基材部分２１は、防水性、抗菌性、耐薬品性、帯電防止性等を有してもよい。もしくは、基材部分２１の表面には、防水加工、抗菌加工、帯電防止加工等が施されてもよい。 The material of the base material portion 21 is not particularly limited as long as the hair-like body 22 is provided and can be fixed to the buffer portion 11 by winding or the like. Examples of the material of the base material portion 21 include cloth, fiber, thread, non-woven fabric, natural resin, synthetic resin, paper, animal skin, and fur. From a sanitary point of view, the material of the base material portion 21 may be cloth, fiber, or synthetic resin, for example. Examples of synthetic resins include thermoplastic resins. At least one of styrene-based resin, olefin-based resin, polyvinyl chloride resin, thermoplastic elastomer, fluorine-based resin, polyester-based resin, and nylon-based resin is used as the thermoplastic resin. From the viewpoint of suppressing the influence of the specimen on the buffer section 11 and the like, the base material portion 21 may have waterproof properties, antibacterial properties, chemical resistance, antistatic properties, and the like. Alternatively, the surface of the base material portion 21 may be subjected to waterproof processing, antibacterial processing, antistatic processing, or the like.
　毛状体２２は、検体を保持する部分であり、基材部分２１の第２面２１ｂにてブラシ状に設けられる。複数の毛状体２２は、第２面２１ｂ上において規則的もしくは不規則的に配置される。検体採取部３が検体採取部位に押し当てられるとき、毛状体２２同士の間に検体が付着する。これにより、スワブ１による検体採取が実施される。複数の毛状体２２が規則的に配置される場合、複数の毛状体２２は、基材部分２１の厚さ方向から見て、一方向又は複数の方向に沿って整然と配置される。これにより、毛状体２２の触感性が向上し得る。毛状体２２の触感性は、検体採取部位を有する患者等に与える感触である。毛状体２２の触感性が向上するほど、スワブ１を押し当てられた患者等は、しっとり感、やわらか感、ふんわり感などの好意的な感触を得る傾向がある。このため、毛状体２２の触感性が向上するほど、スワブ１を押し当てられた患者等は、不快感及び痛みを感じにくくなる。 The hair-like body 22 is a portion that holds the specimen, and is provided in the shape of a brush on the second surface 21b of the base material portion 21 . The plurality of hair-like bodies 22 are arranged regularly or irregularly on the second surface 21b. When the sample-collecting part 3 is pressed against the sample-collecting site, the sample adheres between the hair-like bodies 22 . As a result, sample collection with the swab 1 is performed. When the plurality of hair-like bodies 22 are regularly arranged, the plurality of hair-like bodies 22 are arranged orderly along one or more directions when viewed from the thickness direction of the base material portion 21 . This can improve the tactile sensation of the hair-like bodies 22 . The tactile sensation of the hair-like body 22 is the feel given to a patient or the like who has the sample collection site. As the tactile properties of the hair-like bodies 22 are improved, the patient or the like to whom the swab 1 is pressed tends to obtain favorable tactile sensations such as moistness, softness, and airiness. Therefore, the more the tactile properties of the hair-like bodies 22 are improved, the less discomfort and pain the patient or the like against which the swab 1 is pressed.
　毛状体２２は、基材部分２１の厚さ方向に沿って略直立する先細り形状を有する。よって、毛状体２２の長さは、毛状体２２の高さに相当し得る。なお、略直立とは、短繊維が基材部分２１の第２面２１ｂに対して垂直状態で存在することまでは要求されないが、ほぼ直立した状態で存在することを意味する。立毛体１２による検体保持機能を良好に発揮する観点から、立毛体１２が緩衝部１１に固定された場合においても、毛状体２２は、基材部分２１の第２面２１ｂに対して直立する。 The hair-like bodies 22 have a tapered shape that stands substantially upright along the thickness direction of the base material portion 21 . Thus, the length of hairs 22 may correspond to the height of hairs 22 . Note that "substantially upright" means that the short fibers exist in a substantially upright state, although it is not required that the short fibers exist in a state perpendicular to the second surface 21b of the base material portion 21 . From the viewpoint of exhibiting the sample holding function of the napped body 12 well, even when the napped body 12 is fixed to the buffer part 11, the hairy body 22 stands upright with respect to the second surface 21b of the base material portion 21. .
　毛状体２２の平均高さＨ１は、例えば２００μｍ以上７００μｍ以下である。検体採取量、毛状体２２の触感性向上等の観点から、平均高さＨ１は、３００μｍ以上でもよい。スワブ１を押し当てられた患者の不快感低減等の観点から、平均高さＨ１は、６００μｍ以下でもよい。平均高さＨ１は、例えば、立毛体１２の任意の３箇所より断面切片（試料）を切り出し、それぞれの試料について毛状体１０個の高さを測定することで得られる、合計３０の測定結果の算術平均値とする。毛状体２２の平均径（平均外径）は、例えば１０μｍ以上２００μｍ以下である。毛状体２２の触感性向上等の観点から、平均径は、２０μｍ以上でもよい。スワブ１を押し当てられた患者の不快感低減等の観点から、平均径は、１５０μｍ以下でもよい。平均径は、例えば、立毛体１２の数箇所から毛状体２２の中間高さの径を測定した結果の算術平均値を用いた値とする。毛状体２２の外径は、例えば１μｍ以上２５０μｍ以下である。毛状体２２の平均間隔Ｐは、例えば２０μｍ以上２００μｍ以下である。毛状体２２の間隔は、互いに隣接する２つの毛状体２２において、一方の根元の中心と、他方の根元の中心との距離に相当する。検体採取等の観点から、平均間隔Ｐは、１５０μｍ以下でもよい。 The average height H1 of the hairy bodies 22 is, for example, 200 μm or more and 700 μm or less. The average height H1 may be 300 μm or more from the viewpoint of the amount of sample to be collected, the improvement of the tactile sensation of the hair-like body 22, and the like. The average height H1 may be 600 μm or less from the viewpoint of reducing the discomfort of the patient pressed against the swab 1 . The average height H1 is obtained, for example, by cutting out cross-sections (samples) from arbitrary three locations of the napped body 12 and measuring the height of ten hairy bodies for each sample, a total of 30 measurement results. shall be the arithmetic mean of The average diameter (average outer diameter) of the hairy bodies 22 is, for example, 10 μm or more and 200 μm or less. From the viewpoint of improving the tactile sensation of the hair-like bodies 22, the average diameter may be 20 μm or more. The average diameter may be 150 μm or less from the viewpoint of reducing the discomfort of the patient pressed against the swab 1 . The average diameter is, for example, a value obtained by using the arithmetic mean value of the results of measuring the diameter of the intermediate height of the hair-like body 22 from several points on the napped body 12 . The outer diameter of the hair-like body 22 is, for example, 1 μm or more and 250 μm or less. An average interval P of the hair-like bodies 22 is, for example, 20 μm or more and 200 μm or less. The interval between the hair-like bodies 22 corresponds to the distance between the center of one root and the center of the other of the two adjacent hair-like bodies 22 . From the viewpoint of sampling, etc., the average interval P may be 150 μm or less.
　基材部分２１の単位面積あたりに占める毛状体２２の数（すなわち、毛状体２２の密度）は、特に限定されないが、例えば１０００本／ｃｍ２以上１０００００本／ｃｍ２以下である。毛状体２２の密度が高いほど、検体の保持効率が高い傾向がある。このため、単位面積あたりの毛状体２２の密度は、１００００本／ｃｍ２以上でもよい。例えば検体が鼻汁等であっても毛状体２２の検体保持機能を良好に発揮するためには、毛状体２２の立毛状態は、粘性液体中でも維持される必要がある。よって、毛状体２２にはある程度の強度を付与できる繊度と表面積が必要になる。毛状体２２の繊度は、単一の繊維、線状の単位長さ当たりのグラム重量である。毛状体２２の強度、加工性、曲げやすさ等から、毛状体２２の繊度は、１．０ｄｔｅｘ以上４．０ｄｔｅｘでもよく、１．５ｄｔｅｘ以上３．０ｄｔｅｘでもよい。 The number of hair-like bodies 22 per unit area of the base material portion 21 (that is, the density of the hair-like bodies 22) is not particularly limited, but is, for example, 1000/cm 2 or more and 100000/cm 2 or less. There is a tendency that the higher the density of the hair-like bodies 22 is, the higher the specimen retention efficiency is. Therefore, the density of the hair-like bodies 22 per unit area may be 10000/cm 2 or more. For example, even if the sample is nasal mucus or the like, in order for the hair-like bodies 22 to exhibit the sample-holding function satisfactorily, it is necessary to maintain the raised state of the hair-like bodies 22 even in a viscous liquid. Therefore, the fibrous bodies 22 need to have fineness and surface area that can provide a certain level of strength. The fineness of the hairs 22 is the weight in grams per unit length of a single fiber, line. The fineness of the hair-like bodies 22 may be 1.0 dtex or more and 4.0 dtex, or 1.5 dtex or more and 3.0 dtex, depending on the strength, workability, bendability, etc. of the hair-like bodies 22 .
　第１実施形態では、基材部分２１と毛状体２２とは、熱可塑性樹脂を用いて一体的に形成される。これにより、基材部分２１と毛状体２２との間には構造的な境界がなく、連続相を形成している。構造的に境界がないことは、基材部分２１と毛状体２２との間には構造的に明確な境界部がないことを意味している。また、連続相を形成していることは、基材部分２１と毛状体２２との間に継ぎ目がなく、不連続でないことを意味する。基材部分２１及び毛状体２２は、例えば、押出成形法によって熱可塑性樹脂をダイスから溶融押出した後、凹凸加工が成された転写ロールとタッチロールを用いてキャスティングすることによって形成される。上記熱可塑性樹脂は、歪み速度０．５（単位：Ｓ－１）で伸長可能温度において測定される伸長粘度η（ｔ）（単位：Ｐａ・Ｓ）を縦軸、伸長時間ｔ（単位：Ｓ）を横軸とした両対数グラフにおいて、０．１＜ｔ＜１．０の区間で傾き（ｌｏｇη／ｌｏｇｔ）が０．５以下となる領域を有する。また、プローブタック測定において、熱可塑性樹脂の付着力が０．０５Ｎ／ｍｍ２以上０．２５Ｎ／ｍｍ２以下となる温度範囲が伸長可能温度と少なくとも一部重複する。 In the first embodiment, the base material portion 21 and the hair-like bodies 22 are integrally formed using a thermoplastic resin. As a result, there is no structural boundary between the substrate portion 21 and the hair-like bodies 22, forming a continuous phase. No structural boundary means that there is no structurally distinct boundary between the substrate portion 21 and the hairs 22 . Also, forming a continuous phase means that there is no seam between the substrate portion 21 and the hair-like bodies 22, and there is no discontinuity. The base material portion 21 and the hair-like members 22 are formed, for example, by melt extruding a thermoplastic resin from a die by extrusion molding, and then casting using a transfer roll and a touch roll having unevenness processing. The thermoplastic resin has an elongation viscosity η (t) (unit: Pa S) measured at an elongation temperature at a strain rate of 0.5 (unit: S −1 ) on the vertical axis, and an elongation time t (unit: S ) on the horizontal axis, there is a region where the slope (logη/logt) is 0.5 or less in the interval 0.1<t<1.0. In the probe tack measurement, the temperature range in which the adhesive force of the thermoplastic resin is 0.05 N/mm 2 or more and 0.25 N/mm 2 or less overlaps at least partly with the elongation temperature.
　伸長可能温度とは、熱可塑性樹脂が可塑性を示し、伸長可能（例えば延伸成形可能）となる温度を指す。伸長可能温度は、一軸伸長粘度計にストランド（熱可塑性樹脂の成形物）をセットし、様々な温度で伸長させたときのストランドの状態から判断できる。温度が低い場合には樹脂が可塑性を示さず（剛直状態）、ストランドを固定するロールが空転してしまう。また、温度が高い場合には樹脂が溶融状態となり、ロールに固定することができない、もしくは固定して伸長させたときの伸長粘度が１．０×１０４（単位：Ｐａ・Ｓ）に満たずストランドが破断してしまう。 The stretchable temperature refers to a temperature at which a thermoplastic resin exhibits plasticity and can be stretched (for example, stretchable). The elongation temperature can be determined from the state of the strand (thermoplastic resin molding) set in a uniaxial elongation viscometer and elongated at various temperatures. When the temperature is low, the resin does not exhibit plasticity (in a rigid state), and the rolls fixing the strands will idle. In addition, when the temperature is high, the resin becomes a molten state and cannot be fixed to the roll, or the elongation viscosity when fixed and elongated is less than 1.0 × 10 4 (unit: Pa S). Strand breaks.
　伸長粘度は、市販の伸長粘度測定機を用いて、熱可塑性樹脂が伸長可能である温度（例えば１００℃、１１０℃、１２０℃、１３０℃、１４０℃、１５０℃又は１６０℃）において、０．１７Ｓ－１、０．５Ｓ－１又は０．８３Ｓ－１の歪み速度で測定できる。 The elongational viscosity is measured using a commercially available elongational viscometer at a temperature at which the thermoplastic resin can be elongated (eg, 100°C, 110°C, 120°C, 130°C, 140°C, 150°C or 160°C). It can be measured at strain rates of 17S −1 , 0.5S −1 or 0.83S −1 .
　プローブタック測定としては、例えば、Wetzelの方法、神戸・鎌形の方法、Hammondの方法、レスカ法がある。レスカ法を除くプローブタック測定では、まず、試料の粘着面を下にして配置された試料に対して、下からプローブを接近させる。続いて、試料とプローブとの接触後、下方に一定の速度でプローブを移動させて粘着面からプローブを引き剥がすのに要する力を検出する。レスカ法では、試料の粘着面を上にし、上部からプローブを粘着面に押しつけた後、粘着面からプローブを引き剥がす力を検出する。加工途中の溶融高分子材料表面の粘着性を測定する場合には、レスカ法が好適に用いられる。第１実施形態において、上記付着力が０．０５Ｎ／ｍｍ２以上０．２５Ｎ／ｍｍ２以下の範囲内であれば、熱可塑性樹脂が転写ロール表面に適度に付着し、毛状体２２を形成できる。上記付着力の範囲は、０．０５Ｎ／ｍｍ２以上０．２５Ｎ／ｍｍ２以下でもよい。 Probe tack measurements include, for example, Wetzel's method, Kobe-Kamagata method, Hammond's method, and Lesca method. In the probe tack measurement other than the Lesca method, first, the probe is approached from below to the sample placed with the adhesive surface of the sample facing downward. Subsequently, after contact between the sample and the probe, the probe is moved downward at a constant speed, and the force required to peel the probe off the adhesive surface is detected. In the Lesca method, the sticky side of the sample faces up, the probe is pressed against the sticky side from above, and then the force to remove the probe from the sticky side is detected. When measuring the stickiness of the surface of a molten polymer material during processing, the Lesca method is preferably used. In the first embodiment, when the adhesive force is within the range of 0.05 N/mm 2 or more and 0.25 N/mm 2 or less, the thermoplastic resin adheres appropriately to the transfer roll surface and forms the hair-like members 22. can. The range of the adhesive force may be 0.05 N/mm 2 or more and 0.25 N/mm 2 or less.
　次に、第１実施形態に係るスワブ１を用いて採取された検体中の被検出物の検出方法の一例を簡潔に説明する。まず、スワブ１の検体採取部３を検体採取部位に接触させることによって、検体を採取する。このとき、検体を確実に採取する観点から、検体採取部３は、検体採取部位に単に接触させるだけではなく、当該検体採取部位に対して擦過させてもよい。続いて、検体採取部３を検体処理液に浸漬させることによって、当該検体処理液に検体を浮遊または懸濁させる。これにより、検体中の被検出物を検出するための試料を作成する。検体処理液は、検体の種類によって適宜調製される。検体処理液は、例えばｐＨ緩衝剤、界面活性剤等を含む。続いて、上記試料を、ろ過フィルターを用いてろ過することによって、ろ液を得る。続いて、当該ろ液を検査装置の基材（例えば、メンブレン等）に供給し、当該基材がろ液に浸漬される。ここで、当該基材の表面には、被検出物に対して特異的に結合することによって当該被検出物を捕捉する捕捉試薬が結合している。このため、基材上にろ液中の被検出物が捕捉される。続いて、基材上に、被検出物に特異的に結合する検出試薬である標識物質を滴下等により添加する。これにより、捕捉試薬と、被検出物と、標識物質との複合体を形成させる。続いて、複合体中の標識物質を検出することにより、複合体の存在を検出する。以上により、スワブ１を用いて採取された検体中の被検出物の有無を測定できる。 Next, an example of a method for detecting a substance to be detected in a specimen collected using the swab 1 according to the first embodiment will be briefly described. First, a specimen is collected by bringing the specimen collection portion 3 of the swab 1 into contact with the specimen collection site. At this time, from the viewpoint of reliably collecting the specimen, the specimen collection section 3 may not only be brought into contact with the specimen collection site, but may also be rubbed against the specimen collection site. Subsequently, the specimen is suspended or suspended in the specimen-treated liquid by immersing the specimen-collecting part 3 in the specimen-treated liquid. Thus, a sample is prepared for detecting the substance to be detected in the specimen. The sample treatment liquid is appropriately prepared depending on the type of sample. The sample treatment liquid contains, for example, a pH buffer, a surfactant, and the like. Subsequently, the sample is filtered using a filtration filter to obtain a filtrate. Subsequently, the filtrate is supplied to a substrate (for example, a membrane or the like) of an inspection device, and the substrate is immersed in the filtrate. Here, a capture reagent that captures the target substance by specifically binding to the target substance is bound to the surface of the base material. Therefore, the substance to be detected in the filtrate is trapped on the substrate. Subsequently, a labeling substance, which is a detection reagent that specifically binds to the substance to be detected, is added dropwise or the like onto the substrate. This forms a complex of the capture reagent, the substance to be detected, and the labeling substance. Subsequently, the presence of the complex is detected by detecting the labeling substance in the complex. Thus, the swab 1 can be used to measure the presence or absence of the analyte in the sample collected.
　以上に説明した第１実施形態に係るスワブ１では、検体採取部３は、外圧によって変形可能な緩衝部１１と、緩衝部１１の表面を構成する立毛体１２と、を有する。これにより、例えば、検体採取部３が患者の粘膜等（検体採取部位）に押し当てられるとき、緩衝部１１が粘膜等の形状に沿って変形する。この場合、検体採取部３を粘膜等に長時間ならびに強く押し当てることなく、検体採取部３において粘膜等に接触する部分を増加できる。加えて、例えば検体採取部３を鼻の穴等に挿入するとき、目的地点よりも前にて引っかかりにくくなる。ここで、立毛体１２は、ブラシ状に設けられる毛状体２２を有するので、検体は毛状体２２によって効率よく保持される。したがって、スワブ１を用いることによって、患者の不快感、痛みなどを低減しつつ検体を十分に採取可能になる。 In the swab 1 according to the first embodiment described above, the sample-collecting part 3 has a buffer part 11 that can be deformed by external pressure, and a nap body 12 that constitutes the surface of the buffer part 11 . As a result, for example, when the sample-collecting unit 3 is pressed against a patient's mucous membrane or the like (sample-collecting site), the buffer unit 11 deforms along the shape of the mucous membrane or the like. In this case, it is possible to increase the area of the specimen-collecting part 3 that contacts the mucous membrane or the like without pressing the specimen-collecting part 3 strongly against the mucous membrane or the like for a long time. In addition, for example, when inserting the sample collecting part 3 into a nostril or the like, it becomes less likely to get caught before the target point. Here, since the napped body 12 has the hair-like bodies 22 provided in a brush shape, the sample is efficiently retained by the hair-like bodies 22 . Therefore, by using the swab 1, it is possible to sufficiently collect a specimen while reducing patient discomfort and pain.
　第１実施形態では、緩衝部１１は、ロッド２の端部２ｂに固定される中空状の成形部分である本体部１１ａを有する。このため、緩衝部１１は、外圧によって容易に変形可能である。したがって、患者の不快感、痛み等を良好に低減できる。 In the first embodiment, the buffer portion 11 has a main body portion 11a which is a hollow molded portion fixed to the end portion 2b of the rod 2. Therefore, the buffer portion 11 can be easily deformed by external pressure. Therefore, the patient's discomfort, pain, etc. can be reduced satisfactorily.
　第１実施形態では、少なくともロッド２の端部２ｂは、可撓性を有してもよい。この場合、検体採取時に検体採取部３に力が加えられたとき、ロッド２と検体採取部３との境界等に集中する力を緩和できる。これにより、当該境界等にてスワブ１が破損すること、ロッド２が折れてしまうことなどを抑制できる。 In the first embodiment, at least the end 2b of the rod 2 may have flexibility. In this case, when a force is applied to the sample-collecting portion 3 during sample collection, the force concentrated on the boundary between the rod 2 and the sample-collecting portion 3 can be alleviated. As a result, it is possible to prevent the swab 1 from being damaged at the boundary or the like, and the rod 2 from being broken.
　以下では、図３の（ａ），（ｂ）を参照しながら、第１実施形態の各変形例について説明する。以下の変形例において、第１実施形態と重複する箇所の説明は省略する。したがって以下では、第１実施形態と異なる箇所を主に説明する。 Each modification of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b). In the following modified examples, descriptions of parts that overlap with the first embodiment will be omitted. Therefore, below, a different part from 1st Embodiment is mainly demonstrated.
　図３の（ａ）は、第１実施形態の第１変形例に係るスワブを示す概略断面図である。図３の（ａ）に示されるように、第１変形例に係るスワブ１Ａでは、ロッド２Ａの全体は、検体採取部３Ａの外側に位置する。すなわち、第１変形例では、ロッド２Ａの端部２ｂの一部は、緩衝部１１Ａの内側に位置していない。このため、緩衝部１１Ａは、開口部を有さない。緩衝部１１Ａは、例えば接着剤ＡＤを用いて端部２ｂに固定されるが、これに限られない。例えば、緩衝部１１Ａ及び端部２ｂの少なくとも一方が他方に溶着することによって、緩衝部１１Ａが端部２ｂに固定されてもよい。第１変形例では、緩衝部１１Ａと端部２ｂとの境界における破損の発生を抑制する観点から、少なくとも端部２ｂが可撓性を有してもよい。以上に説明した第１変形例においても、上記実施形態と同様の作用効果が奏される。 (a) of FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a swab according to a first modified example of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3(a), in the swab 1A according to the first modified example, the entire rod 2A is located outside the specimen collecting portion 3A. That is, in the first modified example, part of the end portion 2b of the rod 2A is not positioned inside the buffer portion 11A. Therefore, the buffer portion 11A does not have an opening. The buffer portion 11A is fixed to the end portion 2b by using an adhesive AD, for example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the buffer portion 11A may be fixed to the end portion 2b by welding at least one of the buffer portion 11A and the end portion 2b to the other. In the first modification, at least the end portion 2b may be flexible from the viewpoint of suppressing the occurrence of breakage at the boundary between the buffer portion 11A and the end portion 2b. Also in the first modified example described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are exhibited.
　図３の（ｂ）は、第１実施形態の第２変形例に係るスワブを示す概略断面図である。図３の（ｂ）に示されるように、第２変形例に係るスワブ１Ｂでは、検体採取部３Ｂの緩衝部１１Ｂは、ロッド２Ｂと一体成形されている。例えば、ロッド２Ｂと緩衝部１１Ｂとは、バルーン成形によって一体成形される。このため、ロッド２Ｂには、緩衝部１１Ｂの内部空間に連通する貫通孔２ｃが形成される。なお、ロッド２Ｂの端部２ａにおいて、貫通孔２ｃは封止されてもよい。以上に説明した第２変形例においても、上記実施形態と同様の作用効果が奏される。加えて、緩衝部１１Ｂとロッド２Ｂとの境界における破損が発生しにくくなる。 (b) of FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a swab according to a second modification of the first embodiment. As shown in (b) of FIG. 3, in the swab 1B according to the second modification, the buffering portion 11B of the specimen collecting portion 3B is formed integrally with the rod 2B. For example, the rod 2B and the buffer portion 11B are integrally molded by balloon molding. Therefore, the rod 2B is formed with a through hole 2c that communicates with the internal space of the buffer portion 11B. The through hole 2c may be sealed at the end 2a of the rod 2B. Also in the second modification described above, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment are exhibited. In addition, breakage at the boundary between the buffer portion 11B and the rod 2B is less likely to occur.
（第２実施形態）
　以下では、図４の（ａ），（ｂ）を参照しながら、第２実施形態について説明する。第２実施形態において、第１実施形態及び第１，第２変形例と重複する箇所の説明は省略する。したがって以下では、第１実施形態及び第１，第２変形例と異なる箇所を主に説明する。 (Second embodiment)
The second embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b). In the second embodiment, descriptions of portions that overlap those of the first embodiment and the first and second modifications are omitted. Therefore, the points different from the first embodiment and the first and second modifications will be mainly described below.
　図４の（ａ）は、第２実施形態に係るスワブを示す概略図である。図４の（ｂ）は、図４の（ａ）の概略断面図である。図４の（ａ），（ｂ）に示されるように、スワブ１Ｃの検体採取部３Ｃは、第１実施形態の緩衝部１１とは異なる緩衝部１１Ｃと、緩衝部１１Ｃを覆う立毛体１２とを有する。第２実施形態では、立毛体１２の基材部分２１は、防水性を有する。 (a) of FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a swab according to the second embodiment. FIG. 4(b) is a schematic cross-sectional view of FIG. 4(a). As shown in FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b), the specimen collecting portion 3C of the swab 1C includes a buffer portion 11C different from the buffer portion 11 of the first embodiment, and a nap body 12 covering the buffer portion 11C. have In 2nd Embodiment, the base-material part 21 of the nap body 12 has waterproofness.
　緩衝部１１Ｃは、外圧によって変形可能な多孔質体３１を有する。多孔質体３１は、マクロポーラス材料でもよいし、メソポーラス材料でもよい。多孔質体３１は、天然の多孔質材料（例えば、活性炭、軽石、木材、コルクなど）から形成されてもよいし、人工の多孔質材料（例えば、発泡ポリウレタン、ゼオライトなど）によって形成されてもよい。第２実施形態では、緩衝部１１Ｃとしての機能（外圧による変形機能）を良好に発揮する観点から、多孔質体３１は、人工の多孔質材料によって形成される。多孔質体３１は、液体を保持する機能を奏し得る。このため、緩衝部１１Ｃは、基材部分２１に覆われる。緩衝部１１Ｃの全体は、基材部分２１によって確実に覆われてもよい。これにより、多孔質体３１による検体の採取及び保持を立毛体１２によって阻害できる。多孔質体３１には、ロッド２の端部２ｂが挿入されるための窪み３１ａが設けられる。多孔質体３１は、例えば、図示しない接着剤を介して端部２ｂに固定される。 The buffer section 11C has a porous body 31 that can be deformed by external pressure. The porous body 31 may be a macroporous material or a mesoporous material. The porous body 31 may be formed from a natural porous material (for example, activated carbon, pumice stone, wood, cork, etc.), or may be formed from an artificial porous material (for example, foamed polyurethane, zeolite, etc.). good. In the second embodiment, the porous body 31 is made of an artificial porous material from the viewpoint of satisfactorily exhibiting the function (deformation function by external pressure) as the buffer portion 11C. The porous body 31 can have a function of retaining liquid. Therefore, the buffer portion 11</b>C is covered with the base portion 21 . The entire buffer portion 11</b>C may be reliably covered with the base portion 21 . Thereby, collection and retention of the specimen by the porous body 31 can be inhibited by the napped body 12 . The porous body 31 is provided with a recess 31a into which the end portion 2b of the rod 2 is inserted. The porous body 31 is fixed to the end portion 2b via, for example, an adhesive (not shown).
　以上に説明した第２実施形態において、例えば、検体採取部３Ｃが人体の粘膜等に押し付けられたとき、緩衝部１１Ｃの変形及び／又は破損に起因する緩衝効果が発生する。このため、第２実施形態においても、上記第１実施形態と同様の作用効果が奏される。加えて、例えば多孔質体３１を発泡ポリウレタン等にて形成することによって、緩衝部１１Ｃの全体を柔軟に構成できる。この場合、検体の採取量を増やすために検体採取部３Ｃを患者の粘膜等に擦過するとき、患者が異物感を感じにくくなる。 In the second embodiment described above, for example, when the specimen collecting portion 3C is pressed against the mucous membrane of the human body, etc., a buffering effect is generated due to the deformation and/or breakage of the buffering portion 11C. For this reason, also in the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, for example, by forming the porous body 31 with foamed polyurethane or the like, the entire buffer section 11C can be flexibly configured. In this case, when the patient's mucous membrane or the like is rubbed with the specimen collecting portion 3C in order to increase the amount of specimen collected, the patient is less likely to feel a foreign body sensation.
　第２実施形態では、緩衝部１１Ｃは、防水性を有する基材部分２１に覆われる。このため、多孔質体３１による検体の保持機能を立毛体１２によって阻害できる。したがって、過剰な検体が採取されることを良好に防止できる。また、第２実施形態では、多孔質体３１の窪み３１ａにロッド２の端部２ｂが埋め込まれる。このため、緩衝部１１Ｃとロッド２との境界等に集中する力を分散できる。 In the second embodiment, the buffer portion 11C is covered with the base material portion 21 having waterproofness. Therefore, the function of holding the specimen by the porous body 31 can be inhibited by the napped body 12 . Therefore, it is possible to satisfactorily prevent the collection of excessive specimens. Further, in the second embodiment, the end portion 2b of the rod 2 is embedded in the recess 31a of the porous body 31. As shown in FIG. Therefore, the force concentrated on the boundary between the buffer portion 11C and the rod 2 can be dispersed.
（第３実施形態）
　以下では、図５を参照しながら、第３実施形態について説明する。第３実施形態において、第１，第２実施形態及び第１，第２変形例と重複する箇所の説明は省略する。したがって以下では、第１，第２実施形態及び第１，第２変形例と異なる箇所を主に説明する。 (Third Embodiment)
The third embodiment will be described below with reference to FIG. In the third embodiment, descriptions of parts overlapping with the first and second embodiments and the first and second modifications will be omitted. Therefore, the points different from the first and second embodiments and the first and second modifications will be mainly described below.
　図５は、第３実施形態に係るスワブを示す概略図である。図５に示されるように、スワブ１Ｄの検体採取部３Ｄに含まれる緩衝部１１Ｄは、立毛体１２の巻回体を有する。第３実施形態では、検体採取部３Ｄは、帯形状を有する立毛体１２の巻回体のみから形成されており、端部２ｂに対して立毛体１２を巻き付けることによって形成される。このため、検体採取部３Ｄにおいて、立毛体１２の一部が緩衝部１１Ｄの内部を形成し、立毛体１２の他部が緩衝部１１Ｄの表面を構成する。立毛体１２の一端は、接着剤などを介して端部２ｂに固定される。これにより、検体採取部３Ｄのロッド２からの脱着を防止できる。また、検体採取部３Ｄの最外面の一部を構成する立毛体１２の他端は、接着剤などを介して立毛体１２の他部に固定される。これにより、検体採取中等に立毛体１２がほどけにくくなる。上記巻回体の形成方法（すなわち、端部２ｂに対する立毛体１２の巻き方）は、特に限定されない。巻回体は、例えば、環行帯のように立毛体１２を環状に巻くことによって形成されてもよいし、螺旋帯のようにらせん状に巻くことによって形成されてもよいし、折転帯のように一巻きもしくは複数巻きごとに折り返して巻くことによって形成されてもよいし、８の字を描くように巻くことによって形成されてもよい。上記巻回体の内部には、不定形な隙間（不図示）が設けられる。 FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a swab according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5, the buffer portion 11D included in the specimen collecting portion 3D of the swab 1D has a roll of napped body 12. As shown in FIG. In the third embodiment, the sample collecting portion 3D is formed only from a roll of the strip-shaped napped body 12, and is formed by winding the napped body 12 around the end portion 2b. Therefore, in the sample collecting portion 3D, part of the napped body 12 forms the inside of the buffer part 11D, and the other part of the napped body 12 forms the surface of the buffer part 11D. One end of the nap body 12 is fixed to the end portion 2b via an adhesive or the like. As a result, it is possible to prevent the specimen collecting section 3D from being detached from the rod 2 . Also, the other end of the napped body 12 forming part of the outermost surface of the specimen collecting portion 3D is fixed to the other part of the napped body 12 via an adhesive or the like. This makes it difficult for the napped body 12 to unravel during sample collection or the like. A method of forming the wound body (that is, a method of winding the napped body 12 around the end portion 2b) is not particularly limited. The wound body may be formed, for example, by winding the napped body 12 circularly like a loop band, or by spirally winding it like a spiral band, or a folded band. , or may be formed by winding in a figure-eight pattern. An irregular-shaped gap (not shown) is provided inside the wound body.
　以上に説明した第３実施形態においては、例えば、検体採取部３Ｄが人体の粘膜等に押し付けられたとき、巻回体の隙間に起因する緩衝効果が発生する。このため、第３実施形態においても、上記第１実施形態と同様の作用効果が奏される。加えて、端部２ｂに対する立毛体１２の巻数を変更することによって、検体採取部３Ｄの大きさを容易に調整できる。 In the third embodiment described above, for example, when the specimen collecting portion 3D is pressed against the mucous membrane of the human body, a cushioning effect is generated due to the gaps in the wound body. For this reason, also in the third embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, by changing the number of turns of the napped body 12 with respect to the end portion 2b, the size of the specimen collecting portion 3D can be easily adjusted.
　本開示の一側面に係る検体採取用スワブは、上記実施形態及び上記変形例に限定されず、他に様々な変形が可能である。また、上記実施形態及び上記変形例は、適宜組み合わされてもよい。例えば、上記第１実施形態に、上記第３実施形態の内容を組み合わせてもよい。この場合、検体採取部の緩衝部は、中空状の成形部分と、立毛体の巻回体とを有する。また、例えば、上記第２実施形態に、上記第３実施形態の内容を組み合わせてもよい。この場合、検体採取部の緩衝部は、多孔質体と、立毛体の巻回体とを有する。これらの場合、緩衝部による緩衝作用がより良好に発揮され得る。 The specimen-collecting swab according to one aspect of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and various other modifications are possible. Moreover, the above embodiment and the above modifications may be combined as appropriate. For example, the contents of the third embodiment may be combined with the first embodiment. In this case, the buffer part of the specimen collecting part has a hollow molded part and a roll of nap. Further, for example, the content of the third embodiment may be combined with the second embodiment. In this case, the buffer part of the specimen collecting part has a porous body and a roll of napped body. In these cases, the cushioning action of the cushioning portion can be exhibited more satisfactorily.
　上記実施形態及び上記変形例では、毛状体は、先細り形状を有するが、これに限られない。例えば、毛状体は、柱状形状などでもよい。もしくは、毛状体の先端は、毛状体の根元よりも太くてもよい。例えば、基材部分から離れるにつれて毛状体の外径が漸次小さくなった後、当該外径が一旦大きくなってもよい。具体例としては、毛状体は、基材部分から突出する基端部分と、基端部分の先端に設けられ、当該基端部分の外径よりも大きい最大外径を有する膨張部分とを有してもよい。この場合、毛状体による検体の保持機能を向上できる。加えて、膨張部分は、中空形状を有してもよい。 In the above embodiment and modification, the hair-like body has a tapered shape, but is not limited to this. For example, the hair-like body may have a columnar shape or the like. Alternatively, the tips of the hairs may be thicker than the roots of the hairs. For example, the outer diameter of the hair-like bodies may gradually decrease as the distance from the substrate portion increases, and then the outer diameter may increase once. As a specific example, the hair-like body has a proximal portion protruding from the base portion, and an expanded portion provided at the tip of the proximal portion and having a maximum outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the proximal portion. You may In this case, the function of holding the sample by the hairy body can be improved. Additionally, the expanding portion may have a hollow shape.
　上記実施形態及び上記変形例では、毛状体は、基材部分の厚さ方向に沿って略直立しているが、これに限られない。図６は、立毛体の別例を示す概略要部断面図である。図６に示される立毛体１２Ａの毛状体２２Ａは、緩衝部（不図示）に対して離隔するように基材部分２１から突出する基端部分４１、緩衝部（不図示）に向かうように延びる先端部分４２、及び、基端部分４１と先端部分４２とをつなぐ湾曲部分４３を有する。図６では、基端部分４１は、基材部分２１の第２面２１ｂに対して傾いているが、これに限られない。湾曲部分４３は、基端部分４１の先端から延在しており、一定の曲率もしくは漸次曲率を変化させて曲がった部分である。先端部分４２は、湾曲部分４３の先端から延在する部分である。先端部分４２の少なくとも一部が緩衝部（不図示）に向かうように延びていればよい。このため、例えば、先端部分４２に含まれる毛状体２２Ａの先端は、緩衝部（不図示）から離れる方向を向いていてもよい。この場合、毛状体２２Ａの先端部分４２及び湾曲部分４３によって検体が保持されやすくなるので、立毛体１２Ａの保持機能を向上できる。 In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the hair-like bodies are substantially upright along the thickness direction of the base material portion, but the present invention is not limited to this. FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of main parts showing another example of the napped body. The hair-like body 22A of the napped body 12A shown in FIG. It has an extending distal portion 42 and a curved portion 43 connecting proximal portion 41 and distal portion 42 . In FIG. 6, the base end portion 41 is inclined with respect to the second surface 21b of the base portion 21, but this is not restrictive. The curved portion 43 extends from the distal end of the proximal portion 41 and is curved with a constant curvature or a gradual change in curvature. The tip portion 42 is a portion extending from the tip of the curved portion 43 . At least part of the tip portion 42 may extend toward the buffer (not shown). Therefore, for example, the tips of the hair-like bodies 22A included in the tip portion 42 may face away from the cushioning portion (not shown). In this case, the tip portion 42 and the curved portion 43 of the hair-like body 22A easily hold the specimen, so that the holding function of the napped body 12A can be improved.
　上記実施形態及び上記変形例では、立毛体に含まれる基材部分及び毛状体は一体的に形成されているが、これに限られない。例えば、基材部分に対して毛状体となる短繊維を固定することによって、立毛体が設けられてもよい。この場合、基材部分の第２主面に、短繊維の一端を固定する。基材部分への短繊維の固定方法は、特に限定されない。例えば、静電場を利用した電気植毛（フロック法）により、基材部分に短繊維を固定する。フロック法の実施前に、基材部分は、既に緩衝部を覆っていてもよい。短繊維は、液体に対する吸収効率の高い材料（例えば、ナイロン、ポリエステル、ポリアミド等）によって形成されてもよい。液体に対する吸収効率の高い材料は、基材部分を形成する材料よりも液体に対する吸収効率が高い材料であればよい。 In the above-described embodiment and modified example, the base material portion and the hair-like body included in the napped body are integrally formed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the napped body may be provided by fixing short fibers that form the hairy body to the base material portion. In this case, one end of the short fiber is fixed to the second main surface of the base material portion. A method for fixing the short fibers to the base material portion is not particularly limited. For example, short fibers are fixed to the substrate portion by electric flocking (flock method) using an electrostatic field. The substrate portion may already cover the buffer prior to the flocking process. The short fibers may be made of materials with high liquid absorption efficiency (eg, nylon, polyester, polyamide, etc.). The material having a high liquid absorption efficiency may be a material having a higher liquid absorption efficiency than the material forming the base portion.
　１，１Ａ～１Ｄ…スワブ、２，２Ａ，２Ｂ…ロッド、２ａ，２ｂ…端部、３，３Ａ～３Ｄ…検体採取部、１１，１１Ａ～１１Ｄ…緩衝部、１２，１２Ａ…立毛体、２１…基材部分、２２…毛状体、３１…多孔質体。 1, 1A to 1D ... swab, 2, 2A, 2B ... rod, 2a, 2b ... end, 3, 3A to 3D ... specimen collection part, 11, 11A to 11D ... buffer part, 12, 12A ... nap body, 21 ... base material portion, 22 ... hair-like body, 31 ... porous body.

Claims (7)

  1. 　ロッドと、
    　前記ロッドの端部に設けられる検体採取部と、を備え、
    　前記検体採取部は、外圧によって変形可能な緩衝部であって、少なくともその表面を構成する立毛体を含む前記緩衝部を有し、
    　前記立毛体は、基材部分と、前記基材部分の表面にてブラシ状に設けられる毛状体と、を有する、
    検体採取用スワブ。     a rod;
    and a specimen collecting portion provided at the end of the rod,
    The specimen collecting part is a buffer part that is deformable by external pressure, and has a buffer part that includes at least a napped body that constitutes the surface thereof,
    The napped body has a substrate portion and a hair-like body provided in a brush shape on the surface of the substrate portion,
    Specimen collection swab.
  2. 　前記緩衝部は、前記ロッドの前記端部に固定、もしくは、前記ロッドと一体成形される中空状の成形部分を有する、請求項１に記載の検体採取用スワブ。 The specimen-collecting swab according to claim 1, wherein the cushioning portion has a hollow molded portion fixed to the end portion of the rod or integrally molded with the rod.
  3. 　前記緩衝部は、前記立毛体の前記基材部分に覆われる多孔質体を有し、
    　前記基材部分は、防水性を有する、請求項１に記載の検体採取用スワブ。     The buffer portion has a porous body covered with the base material portion of the napped body,
    The specimen collection swab of claim 1, wherein the base portion is waterproof.
  4. 　前記緩衝部は、前記立毛体の巻回体を有する、請求項１～３のいずれか一項に記載の検体採取用スワブ。 The specimen-collecting swab according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the buffer part has the napped body.
  5. 　前記毛状体は、前記基材部分から突出する基端部分と、前記基端部分の先端に設けられ、前記基端部分の外径よりも大きい最大外径を有する膨張部分とを有し、
    　前記膨張部分は、中空形状を有する、請求項１～４のいずれか一項に記載の検体採取用スワブ。     The hair-like body has a base end portion protruding from the base portion, and an expanded portion provided at the tip of the base end portion and having a maximum outer diameter larger than the outer diameter of the base end portion,
    The specimen-collecting swab according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the expanded portion has a hollow shape.
  6. 　前記毛状体は、前記基材部分から突出する基端部分、前記緩衝部に向かうように延びる先端部分、及び、前記基端部分と前記先端部分とをつなぐ湾曲部分を有する、請求項１～４のいずれか一項に記載の検体採取用スワブ。 1-, wherein the hair-like body has a proximal end portion projecting from the base portion, a distal end portion extending toward the cushioning portion, and a curved portion connecting the proximal end portion and the distal end portion. 5. The specimen collection swab according to any one of 4.
  7. 　少なくとも前記ロッドの前記端部は、可撓性を有する、請求項１～６のいずれか一項に記載の検体採取用スワブ。 The specimen-collecting swab according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least the end of the rod is flexible.
PCT/JP2022/004209 2021-03-11 2022-02-03 Specimen sampling swab WO2022190726A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2023505216A JP7466757B2 (en) 2021-03-11 2022-02-03 Sample collection swabs

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP2021039172 2021-03-11
JP2021-039172 2021-03-11

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2022190726A1 true WO2022190726A1 (en) 2022-09-15

Family

ID=83227836

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/JP2022/004209 WO2022190726A1 (en) 2021-03-11 2022-02-03 Specimen sampling swab

Country Status (2)

Country Link
JP (1) JP7466757B2 (en)
WO (1) WO2022190726A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4707450A (en) * 1986-09-25 1987-11-17 Nason Frederic L Specimen collection and test unit
JP2002263108A (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-17 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Sampling tool
JP2009058260A (en) * 2007-08-30 2009-03-19 Sato Kasei Kogyosho:Kk Swab shank
JP2013224951A (en) * 2013-06-13 2013-10-31 Denka Seiken Co Ltd Swab for collecting biological specimen, method for manufacturing the swab, and kit using the swab
JP2019076060A (en) * 2017-10-26 2019-05-23 学校法人 創価大学 Culture vessel for photosynthetic microorganism

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2011133129A1 (en) 2010-04-21 2011-10-27 Puritan Medical Products Company, Llc Collection device and material

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4707450A (en) * 1986-09-25 1987-11-17 Nason Frederic L Specimen collection and test unit
JP2002263108A (en) * 2001-03-13 2002-09-17 Olympus Optical Co Ltd Sampling tool
JP2009058260A (en) * 2007-08-30 2009-03-19 Sato Kasei Kogyosho:Kk Swab shank
JP2013224951A (en) * 2013-06-13 2013-10-31 Denka Seiken Co Ltd Swab for collecting biological specimen, method for manufacturing the swab, and kit using the swab
JP2019076060A (en) * 2017-10-26 2019-05-23 学校法人 創価大学 Culture vessel for photosynthetic microorganism

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP7466757B2 (en) 2024-04-12
JPWO2022190726A1 (en) 2022-09-15

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
AU2002337786B2 (en) Method and apparatus for collecting and testing biological samples
JP5453529B2 (en) Harvesting devices and materials
JP4579902B2 (en) Swab for collecting biological specimens
US7749173B2 (en) Apparatus for simultaneously collecting exocervical and endocervical samples
Gao et al. Soft pin-shaped dry electrode with bristles for EEG signal measurements
EP3033994B1 (en) Electrode for biopotential sensing
US8323211B2 (en) Sexually transmitted infection sampling device
JP6686244B2 (en) Electrode element and electrode production method, and production of measurement system using the electrode
JP5686853B2 (en) Swab for collecting biological specimen, method for producing the swab, and kit using the swab
WO2022190726A1 (en) Specimen sampling swab
US11553866B2 (en) Nanofiber mesh bioelectrode, and method for producing the same
JPH04500320A (en) Brush and its manufacturing method
KR20180013899A (en) Nonwoven fabric for absorbent articles
US20130198987A1 (en) Interdental cleaning member and manufacturing method thereof
JP4602097B2 (en) Elastic nonwoven fabric for patch
CN217447856U (en) Cervical cell is from sampling device
CN113243921B (en) Flexible bioelectricity dry electrode, manufacturing method thereof and manufacturing method of flexible substrate film
KR20160102149A (en) Toothbrush
EP3745912B1 (en) An improved bristle for brushes
KR102518074B1 (en) Device for collecting oral epithelial cells
WO2022138449A1 (en) Nonwoven fabric for skin care products, face mask and cleansing sheet
CN217611158U (en) Disposable medical swab
US20210169416A1 (en) Slip-Resistance Patch for Oral Devices
CN215424818U (en) Flexible swab
CN208212141U (en) Early warning diagnoses paper nappy

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 22766691

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2023505216

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 22766691

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1