TEST INSTRUMENT AND OPTICAL MEASUREMENT APPARATUS

• US 20110058994A1
• Filed: 11/20/2008
• Published: 03/10/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/20/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc
• Original Assignee: ARKRAY, Inc
• Inventors: Kasai, Tokuo, Nakajima, Shinya, Nakagawa, Takashi
• Granted Patent: US 8,182,761 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 422/401
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/03 Cuvette constructions
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/78 producing a change of colour
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/8483 Investigating reagent band test-element handling not specific to a test method G01N33/4875; analytical elements specific to chemical analysis of biological material G01N33/52; autometer with reagent band G01N35/04
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/54386 Analytical elements
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/54388 based on lateral flow
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 33/558 using diffusion or migration of antigen or antibody immunochromatographic test strips G01N33/54387
• CPC Class Codes: G16H 40/63 for local operation

Abstract

It is an object to provide a test instrument and an optical measurement apparatus which enable easy matching of test results when tests by optical measurement are performed with respect to a large number of patients.

To the above end, a test instrument B is provided, which includes reagent retaining portions 8A, 8B, 8C retaining a reagent which reacts with a sample to produce a color reaction. The test instrument B includes a patient information entry section 64 as an example of patient identifying information region in which patient identifying information is to be written.

Claims

1. A test instrument comprising at least one reagent retaining portion retaining a reagent which reacts with a sample to produce a color reaction,

wherein the test instrument includes a patient identifying information region for entering patient identifying information.

2. The test instrument according to claim 1, further comprising a carrier to which a sample is to be applied;

wherein said at least one reagent retaining portion comprises part of the carrier which retains the reagent.

3. The test instrument according to claim 2, wherein:

the test instrument is a test piece for immunochromatography;

the carrier comprises a porous film;

the reagent retaining portion is provided by fixing an immunologic substance to the porous film; and

the patient identifying information region is provided at part of the porous film.

4. The test instrument according to claim 2, wherein:

the test instrument is a test piece for immunochromatography;

the carrier comprises a porous film;

the reagent retaining portion is provided by fixing an immunologic substance to the porous film;

the test instrument further comprises a case accommodating the carrier and including a measurement window exposing the reagent retaining portion; and

the patient identifying information region is provided at part of the case.

5. The test instrument according to claim 2, wherein:

the test instrument is a test strip to be dipped in a liquid;

the carrier comprises a porous film;

the reagent retaining portion is provided by fixing an immunologic substance in a dry state to the porous film;

the test instrument further comprises a base to which the reagent retaining portion is bonded; and

the patient identifying information region is provided on the base.

6. The test instrument according to claim 2, wherein:

the test instrument is a test piece which is so designed that a sample is to be dropped onto the reagent retaining portion;

the carrier comprises at least one of a high polymer compound and a porous film;

the reagent retaining portion is provided by fixing the reagent in a dry state to said at least one of the high polymer compound and the porous film;

the test instrument further comprises a base to which the reagent retaining portion is bonded; and

the patient identifying information region is provided on the base.

7. The test instrument according to claim 2, wherein:

the test instrument is a light-transmitting cuvette including a plurality of compartments;

the carrier comprises a light-transmitting compartment;

the reagent retaining portion is provided by sealing the reagent in a liquid or solid state in the compartment;

the test instrument further comprises a sealing member for hermetically sealing the compartment; and

the patient identifying information region is provided on the sealing member.

8. The test instrument according to claim 2, wherein:

the test instrument is a light-transmitting cuvette including a plurality of compartments;

the carrier comprises a light-transmitting compartment;

the reagent retaining portion is provided by sealing the reagent in a liquid or solid state in the compartment; and

the patient identifying information region is provided on a side surface of the light-transmitting compartment.

9. The test instrument according to claim 1, wherein the patient identifying information region is raised relative to a surrounding portion.

10. The test instrument according to claim 1, wherein the patient identifying information region has a surface which is rougher than a surface of a surrounding portion.

11. An optical measurement apparatus to which at least one test instrument as set forth in claim 1 is set, the optical measurement apparatus comprising:

a reader for reading color development of the reagent retaining portion; and

a controller for performing drive control of the reader and test processing;

wherein the reader is configured to read the patient identifying information region; and

wherein the controller generates test result output data using image data of the patient identifying information region obtained by the reading operation of the reader.

12. The optical measurement apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising a printer for data output;

wherein the printer performs printing based on the test result output data transmitted from the controller.

13. The optical measurement apparatus according to claim 11, further comprising an external connector for data output;

wherein the controller is configured to transmit the test result output data through the external connector.

14. The optical measurement apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the optical measurement apparatus is configured to allow setting of a plurality of said test instruments thereto.