Device and method for analyizing a sample

Abstract

This invention provides a device for analyzing a sample which is capable of performing rapid and precise analysis of a small amount of sample, and whose gradient in a measuring apparatus is not limited. This device comprises approximately a rectangular plate shaped body comprising a base member made of resin and a transparent covering. A first depressed cylindrical concave portion is formed in the upper surface of the base member, and a groove is formed in communication with the first depressed cylindrical concave portion, the groove extending to the end of the protrusion portion 5 c , and a second depressed cylindrical concave portion which is smaller than the first depressed cylindrical concave portion is formed in a certain position in the groove, the end of the groove opening to the outside at the end of the protrusion portion 5 c . Then, the transparent covering is placed over the upper surface of the base member and then integrated together. As a result, the first depressed cylindrical concave portion, the groove, the second depressed cylindrical concave portion, and the opening at the end of the groove are formed into a suction pressure generating chamber, a drawing channel, an analytical section, and an opening for drawing a sample, respectively.

1 - 27 . (canceled)  
     
     
         28 . A device for collecting a sample for analysis, comprising: 
 a main body dimensioned to manipulated by hand;    a suction pressure generator comprising a chamber formed in the main body;    a drawing channel formed in the main body in communication with the chamber of the suction pressure generator, an opening in the main body being formed at the end of said drawing channel distal with respect to said suction pressure generator,    a flexible cover on the main body, whereby changes in pressure in the chamber of the suction pressure generator are created by movement of the flexible cover, and    an analytical section formed in said drawing channel between the suction generator and the opening, the analytical section communicating directly with the exterior of the device through the drawing channel,    wherein in use a sample is drawn into the main body through the opening by suction pressure developed by said suction pressure generator, and then the sample is transferred by the suction pressure through the drawing channel into the analytical section.    
     
     
         29 . A device as claimed in  claim 28  wherein the device has at least one dimension selected from: an overall length of 15 to 100 mm; a width of 20 to 50 mm; a width of 5 to 20 mm; or a thickness of 1 to 5 mm.  
     
     
         30 . A device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the device is designed to be discarded after a single use.  
     
     
         31 . A device as claimed in  claim 30 , wherein a liquid flow resistance in a first portion of the drawing channel between said analytical section and said suction pressure generator is greater than a liquid flow resistance in the bypass channel and a liquid flow resistance in a second portion of the drawing channel between said analytical section and a position at which said bypass channel branches.  
     
     
         32 . A device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein a positive pressure can be generated to return a sample withdrawn from the analytical section to the analytical section.  
     
     
         33 . A device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the opening has a shape enlarging toward the end.  
     
     
         34 . A device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein a liquid pooling portion is formed between the opening and the drawing channel, and an air vent passage branches from a portion of the drawing channel between the liquid pooling portion and the analytical section, the end of the air vent passage opening to the outside.  
     
     
         35 . A device as claimed in  claim 34 , wherein the liquid flow resistance in the air vent passage is larger than the liquid flow resistance in the liquid pooling portion.  
     
     
         36 . A device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the analytical section formed in the drawing channel serves as a reagent positioning section and a reagent reaction section.  
     
     
         37 . A device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein a reagent positioning section, a reagent reaction section and an analytical section are provided independently in certain positions in the drawing channel.  
     
     
         38 . A device as claimed in  claim 37 , wherein a plurality of reagent positioning section are provided in certain positions in the drawing channel.  
     
     
         39 . A device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein a concave portion with a cylindrical inner shape is formed in the main body as the chamber of the suction pressure generator and the flexible cover is disposed over the concave portion.  
     
     
         40 . A device as claimed in  claim 28 , wherein the analytical section is wider than the drawing channel and the drawing channel extends from the analytical section to the suction pressure generator.