Method of Sampling Specimen, Test Method and Dropping Pipette and Specimen Sampler to be Used Therein

Abstract

A method for taking a sample according to the present invention includes the steps of drawing blood B 1 into a vacuum blood collection tube Cn and transferring at least part of the blood B 1 from the vacuum blood collection tube Cn to a sample storage space 10 a of a dropper A 1 . The vacuum blood collection tube Cn includes a sample storage portion Sr and a stopper St sealing the sample storage portion, and the drawing is performed by stabbing a hollow needle into the stopper St. The dropper A 1 includes an internal space 10 at least part of which is the sample storage space 10 a for storing a sample and which includes a volume changeable space 10 b defined by an elastically deformable portion 12 having flexibility. The dropper further includes an insertion portion 21 including a through-hole 21 a connected to the internal space 10 , and the transfer of the sample is performed by inserting the insertion portion 21 into a through-hole H 1 formed in the stopper by the stabbing of the hollow needle into the stopper. With this method, hygiene in taking a sample is properly maintained.

1 . A method for taking a sample, the method comprising the steps of:
 drawing a sample into a sample container, the sample container including a sample storage portion and a stopper sealing the sample storage portion, the drawing being performed by stabbing a hollow needle into the stopper; and   transferring at least part of the sample from the sample container to a sample storage space of a dropper, the dropper including an internal space at least part of which is the sample storage space for storing the sample and which includes a volume changeable space defined by an elastically deformable portion, the dropper further including an insertion portion including a through-hole connected to the internal space, the transfer of the sample being performed by inserting the insertion portion into a through-hole formed in the stopper by the stabbing of the hollow needle into the stopper.   
   
   
       2 . A method for testing a sample, the method comprising the step of testing the sample stored in the sample storage space after the sample taking method as set forth in  claim 1  is performed. 
   
   
       3 . A dropper comprising an internal space at least part of which is a sample storage space for storing a sample and which includes a volume changeable space defined by an elastically deformable portion having flexibility; and
 an insertion portion including a through-hole connected to the internal space;   wherein the insertion portion is capable of being inserted into a through-hole formed in a stopper by stabbing a hollow needle into the stopper.   
   
   
       4 . The dropper according to  claim 3 , wherein the insertion portion includes a portion whose cross sectional area reduces as progressing toward an end of the insertion portion. 
   
   
       5 . The dropper according to  claim 3 , wherein the insertion portion includes an end having a periphery comprising a curved surface. 
   
   
       6 . The dropper according to  claim 3 , wherein the insertion portion includes an end formed with a surface inclined with respect to an axial direction of the through-hole. 
   
   
       7 . The dropper according to  claim 3 , wherein the insertion portion includes a large-cross-section portion which is larger in cross sectional area than adjacent portions in an axial direction of the through-hole. 
   
   
       8 . The dropper according to  claim 3 , wherein dimension of the insertion portion in a cross section perpendicular to an axial direction of the through-hole is not more than 3 mm. 
   
   
       9 . The dropper according to  claim 3 , wherein the insertion portion has a length of not more than 30 mm. 
   
   
       10 . The dropper according to  claim 3 , wherein the insertion portion is made of resin. 
   
   
       11 . The dropper according to  claim 10 , wherein the resin is polypropylene, polystyrene-based resin or nylon-based resin. 
   
   
       12 . The dropper according to  claim 10 , wherein the resin is a self-lubricating material such as polyacetal or polyamide (nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 11 or nylon 12) or a material containing silicone. 
   
   
       13 . A dropper comprising an internal space at least part of which is a sample storage space for storing a sample and which includes a volume changeable space defined by an elastically deformable portion having flexibility; and
 an insertion portion including a through-hole connected to the internal space;   wherein the dropper further includes a rigid portion defining part of the internal space, located between the insertion portion and the elastically deformable portion and formed integrally with at least the elastically deformable portion.   
   
   
       14 . The dropper according to  claim 13 , wherein the rigid portion comprises a portion formed with a plurality of grooves extending in a direction along a central axis of the through-hole. 
   
   
       15 . The dropper according to  claim 13 , wherein the insertion portion includes a portion whose cross sectional area reduces as progressing toward an end of the insertion portion. 
   
   
       16 . The dropper according to  claim 13 , wherein the insertion portion includes an end having a periphery comprising a curved surface. 
   
   
       17 . The dropper according to  claim 13 , wherein the insertion portion includes an end formed with a surface inclined with respect to an axial direction of the through-hole. 
   
   
       18 . The dropper according to  claim 13 , wherein the insertion portion includes a large-cross-section portion which is larger in cross sectional area than adjacent portions in an axial direction of the through-hole. 
   
   
       19 . The dropper according to  claim 13 , wherein dimension of the insertion portion in a cross section perpendicular to an axial direction of the through-hole is not more than 3 mm. 
   
   
       20 . The dropper according to  claim 13 , wherein the insertion portion has a length of not more than 30 mm. 
   
   
       21 . The dropper according to  claim 13 , wherein the insertion portion is made of resin. 
   
   
       22 . The dropper according to  claim 21 , wherein the resin is polypropylene, polystyrene-based resin or nylon-based resin. 
   
   
       23 . The dropper according to  claim 21 , wherein the resin is a self-lubricating material such as polyacetal or polyamide (nylon 6, nylon 66, nylon 11 or nylon 12) or a material containing silicone. 
   
   
       24 . A sample collecting tool comprising: a dropper as set forth in  claim 3 ; and
 a guide which is generally cylindrical and capable of being fitted to the dropper to accommodate the insertion portion on a central axis in an internal space thereof.