Sample preparation device, cell analyzer, and filter member

This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/JP2013/076053 filed on Sep. 26, 2013, entitled “SAMPLE PREPARATION DEVICE, CELL ANALYZER, AND FILTER MEMBER”, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. Section 119 of Japanese Patent Application No. 2012-217631 filed on Sep. 28, 2012, entitled “SAMPLE PREPARATION DEVICE AND CELL ANALYZER”. The disclosure of the above applications is incorporated herein by reference.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a sample preparation device which prepares a measurement sample from cells collected from a subject, a cell analyzer which analyzes the prepared sample, and a filter member for preparing the measurement sample.

2. Disclosure of Related Art

To date, there have been known cell analyzers which analyze cells contained in a biological sample collected from a living body. For example, there is known a cell analyzer which measures, by use of a flow cytometer, epidermal cells contained in a sample collected from the uterine cervix of a subject and which determines the state of advancement of canceration based on the result of the measurement.

Such a cell analyzer analyzes individual cells. Thus, in order to increase the accuracy of the analysis, it is desirable that the number of cells being an analysis target is larger. For example, there is known a sample preparation device that can increase the concentration of cells contained in the sample, thereby being able to increase the number of cells being the analysis target while suppressing the amount of the sample.

This sample preparation device includes: a storage chamber whose upper face is open and which stores a sample therein; a cylindrical piston which is inserted in this storage chamber and whose lower end face has a filter mounted thereto; an aspiration tube which aspirates a liquid that has entered the piston through the filter; and a stirrer disposed in a bottom portion of the storage chamber. In a step of concentrating a sample, first, the sample is put into the storage chamber, and then, the piston is inserted into the storage chamber until the filter is immersed in the sample. At this time, liquid that has leaked into the piston is aspirated by the aspiration tube, to be removed from the storage chamber. Cells being the analysis target do not pass through the filter and attach to the lower face of the filter. The cells attached to the lower face of the filter are removed from the filter, by the stirrer being driven as appropriate. As a result, the sample having an increased concentration of cells being the analysis target remains in the storage chamber.

However, in this sample preparation device, liquid that has leaked into the piston in association with insertion of the piston into the storage chamber is discharged by use of the aspiration tube. Thus, it is difficult to completely aspirate the liquid in the storage chamber. This may cause a large amount of cells other than cells being the analysis target to remain in the storage chamber. In addition, with this sample preparation device, in order to perform the process of concentrating cells being the analysis target, the piston needs to be moved up and down many times in the storage chamber. Thus, the concentrating process may take time.

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a sample preparation device. The sample preparation device according to this aspect includes: a filter member including a filter configured to separate cells being an analysis target from other components in a sample; a first receptacle and a second receptacle configured to be connected to each other via the filter; a third receptacle capable of holding the sample therein; a communication hole formed in the first receptacle and configured to allow the sample to go into and out of the first receptacle; a flow path configured to allow the third receptacle to be communicated with the communication hole; a negative pressure section configured to apply a negative pressure into the second receptacle, thereby to move the sample in the third receptacle toward the filter via the flow path and the first receptacle, and thereby to move components other than the analysis target into the second receptacle via the filter; and a positive pressure section configured to apply a positive pressure from the second receptacle side to the filter to which cells being the analysis target are attached.

The sample preparation device according to this aspect includes a configuration that moves the sample in the first receptacle through the filter into the second receptacle by use of a negative pressure. Therefore, the liquid present in the first receptacle can be completely aspirated to the second receptacle side, and the amount of components other than the analysis target remaining in the first receptacle can be reduced as much as possible. In addition, in this sample preparation device, the process of concentrating cells being the analysis target can be performed by use of a negative pressure and a positive pressure without moving the filter, and thus, the concentrating process can be performed quickly. Accordingly, it is possible to increase efficiency in generating the sample in which cells being the analysis target are concentrated.

A second aspect of the present invention relates to a cell analyzer. The cell analyzer according to this aspect includes: the sample preparation device according to the first aspect; and an analysis section configured to analyze cells contained in a measurement sample prepared by the sample preparation device.

With the cell analyzer according to this aspect, effects similar to those in the first aspect can be obtained. Since the efficiency in generating the sample is increased, a larger amount of the concentrated sample can be collected, and a larger amount of the sample can be subjected to the analysis. Accordingly, the accuracy of analysis can be increased.

A third aspect of the present invention relates to a filter member. The filter member according to this aspect includes: a filter configured to separate cells being an analysis target from other components in a sample; a filter holding member including a through-hole having a first opening and a second opening; and an elastic body located at a distance from a boundary of the first opening. The filter is located at a position displaced inwardly from an edge of a cylindrical portion formed by the through-hole.

With the filter member according to this aspect, it is possible to improve the liquid tightness between the filter member and the receptacle located to the first opening side, by means of the elastic body. Since the elastic body is located so as to be distanced from the boundary of the first opening, it is possible to avoid contact between the elastic body and the rotating member for removing cells attached to the filter. Thus, drive of the rotating member can be smoothly performed. In addition, since the filter is located at a position displaced inwardly from the edge of the cylindrical portion, the rotating member for removing cells attached to the filter can be driven while being brought close to the filter.

The above and other objects and new features of the present invention will be fully clarified by the following description of the embodiment, when read in conjunction with accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of a canceration information providing apparatus according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of the inside of a measurement apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a separation/substitution section according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are respectively a side view of a motor and a plan view of a mechanism for driving a piston viewed from above according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 5A to 5C are respectively a perspective view showing a configuration of a receptacle body, a perspective view of the receptacle body when cut, and a side view of the receptacle body, according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 6A to 6D are perspective views showing a configuration of a filter member and perspective views showing a configuration of a stirrer, according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 7A to 7C show a detailed configuration of the filter member according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 8A to 8E show a detailed configuration of the filter member according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are respectively a side view and a perspective view showing a configuration of the piston according to the embodiment;

FIG. 10 is cross-sectional views of the piston, a support member, the filter member, the stirrer, and the receptacle body according to the embodiment, when they are cut along a plane that passes a central axis;

FIGS. 11A to 11D illustrate a procedure of setting the filter member according to the embodiment;

FIG. 12 shows a fluid processing section of the measurement apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 13 shows a configuration of the measurement apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing analysis operation performed by the canceration information providing apparatus according to the embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing a separation/substitution process according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 16A to 16I are schematic diagrams showing states of liquids in the receptacles and spaces according to the embodiment;

FIGS. 17A to 17F show configurations of filter members according to modifications;

FIGS. 18A and 18B show configurations of filter members according to modifications; and

FIGS. 19A to 19C show examples of processes and a display when a filter member according to a modification is set in an erroneous manner.

It should be noted that the drawings are solely for description and do not limit the scope of the present invention by any degree.

The present embodiment is realized by applying the present invention to a canceration information providing apparatus (cell analyzer) that prepares a measurement sample which contains cells (biological sample) collected from a subject (patient), the canceration information providing apparatus obtaining information regarding canceration of cells based on the prepared measurement sample. Hereinafter, a canceration information providing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

In the present embodiment, a canceration information providing apparatus 1 corresponds to “cell analyzer” described in claims. A measurement apparatus 2 corresponds to “analysis section” described in claims. A data processing apparatus 3 corresponds to “display section” and “analysis section” described in claims. A separation/substitution section 14 corresponds to “sample preparation device” described in claims. A preparation control section 28 corresponds to “display section” described in claims. A hole 120 b corresponds to “insertion hole” described in claims. A sensor 122 corresponds to “light source” and “light receiver” described in claims. A piston 160 corresponds to “pressing mechanism” described in claims. A recess 162 corresponds to “second receptacle” described in claims. A receptacle 210 corresponds to “third receptacle” described in claims. A recess 230 corresponds to “first receptacle” described in claims. A pneumatic source 294 corresponds to “negative pressure section” and “positive pressure section” described in claims. A face F 11 corresponds to “abutment portion” described in claims. A hole F 3 corresponds to “cylindrical portion” and “through-hole” described in claims. Rubbers F 51 and F 52 correspond to “elastic body” described in claims. A bar code label F 8 corresponds to “identification body” described in claims. A RFID tag F 9 corresponds to “identification body” described in claims. An upper end portion F 102 corresponds to “deformed portion” described in claims. A ridge portion F 103 corresponds to “deformed portion” described in claims. A hole F 120 corresponds to “cylindrical portion” and “through-hole” described in claims. A face F 151 corresponds to “abutment portion” described in claims. A hole F 220 corresponds to “cylindrical portion” and “through-hole” described in claims. A hole H 22 corresponds to “communication hole” described in claims. A hole H 23 corresponds to “liquid supply part” and “substitution liquid inlet” described in claims. A hole H 32 corresponds to “vent hole” described in claims. A negative pressure source P 11 corresponds to “negative pressure section” described in claims. A positive pressure source P 12 corresponds to “positive pressure section” described in claims. A regulator P 13 corresponds to “negative pressure section” described in claims. A stirrer R corresponds to “rotating member” described in claims. A face R 2 corresponds to “restraining portion” described in claims. A protrusion R 21 corresponds to “inner circular portion” described in claims. However, the correspondence between the claims and the present embodiment is merely an example, and does not limit the claims to the present embodiment.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an external configuration of the canceration information providing apparatus 1 .

The canceration information providing apparatus 1 flows, into a flow cell, a measurement sample containing cells (hereinafter, referred to as “analysis target cells”) collected from a subject, and emits a laser beam to the measurement sample flowing in the flow cell. Then, the canceration information providing apparatus 1 detects lights (forward scattered light, side scattered light, and side fluorescence) from the measurement sample and analyzes light signals thereof, to determine whether the cells include cells that are cancerous or becoming cancerous. Specifically, in a case where cervical cancer is to be screened by use of epidermal cells of the uterine cervix collected from a subject, the canceration information providing apparatus 1 is used.

The canceration information providing apparatus 1 includes: a measurement apparatus 2 which performs measurement and the like of analysis target cells; and a data processing apparatus 3 which is connected to the measurement apparatus 2 and performs analysis and the like of measurement results. To the front face of the measurement apparatus 2 , a specimen setting section 2 a is provided in which to set a plurality of sample containers 4 (see FIG. 2 ) each containing a mixed liquid (sample) composed of cells collected from the uterine cervix of a subject and a preservative liquid whose major component is methanol. The measurement apparatus 2 is provided with a cover 2 b , and a user can access the inside of the measurement apparatus 2 by opening the cover 2 b upwardly. The measurement apparatus 2 is also provided with an opening 2 c for allowing a specimen pipette section 11 described later to come out of and go into the measurement apparatus 2 . The data processing apparatus 3 includes an input section 31 which receives instructions from the user, and a display section 32 which displays analysis results and the like.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a configuration of the inside of the measurement apparatus 2 .

The specimen setting section 2 a sequentially transports a rack 4 a on which a plurality of sample containers 4 are set, to a sample aspiration position for the specimen pipette section 11 . The specimen pipette section 11 includes a pipette 11 a extending in the vertical direction, and is configured to move the pipette 11 a in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction, thereby to be able to aspirate and discharge a sample.

When a sample container 4 is located at the aspiration position in the specimen setting section 2 a , the sample contained in this sample container 4 is aspirated by the specimen pipette section 11 , to be discharged into a sample receptacle 12 a of a first dispersion section 12 . By applying a shearing force, the first dispersion section 12 disperses aggregated cells contained in the sample. The sample for which the process (first dispersion process) has been completed by the first dispersion section 12 is aspirated by the specimen pipette section 11 , to be discharged into a sample taking-in section 13 a of a secondary detection section 13 . The secondary detection section 13 includes a flow cytometer, and measures the concentration of the sample by detecting (pre-measurement) the number of analysis target cells. Based on this concentration measurement, an aspiration amount of the sample necessary for a primary detection section 22 to perform primary measurement is determined.

Next, the sample held in the sample receptacle 12 a of the first dispersion section 12 is aspirated by the specimen pipette section 11 by the aspiration amount as determined above, and the aspirated sample is discharged into a receptacle 210 (see FIG. 5A ) of a separation/substitution section 14 . Two separation/substitution sections 14 are provided so as to perform the process in parallel.

The separation/substitution section 14 substitutes, with a diluent, the preservative liquid whose major component is methanol and which is included in the sample. That is, the separation/substitution section 14 performs a process of diluting, with the diluent, the concentration of methanol included in the sample, such that a cell staining process being a post-step can be appropriately performed. As the diluent, Tris-HCl (tris buffer) is used. In addition, the separation/substitution section 14 separates analysis target cells (epidermal cells of the uterine cervix) contained in the sample from the other cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, bacteria, and the like) and contaminants. Accordingly, a concentrate is obtained in which analysis target cells are concentrated so as to include cells by a number necessary for detecting cancerous cells. A detailed configuration of the separation/substitution section 14 will be described later.

Next, a measurement sample container 5 set in a holder 18 b of a reaction section 18 is gripped by a pincers-like gripper 15 a of a container transfer section 15 , to be located at sample loading section 11 b . Subsequently, the concentrate held in the receptacle 210 of the separation/substitution section 14 is aspirated by the specimen pipette section 11 , to be discharged into a measurement sample container 5 located at the sample loading section 11 b . The container transfer section 15 transfers this measurement sample container 5 to a second dispersion section 16 .

The second dispersion section 16 applies ultrasonic vibration to the sample concentrated in the separation/substitution section 14 . Accordingly, aggregated cells remaining after the first dispersion process are dispersed into single cells. The measurement sample container 5 for which the process (second dispersion process) by the second dispersion section 16 has been completed is set in a liquid removing section 17 by the container transfer section 15 . The liquid removing section 17 removes (dries out) liquid attached to the external surface of the measurement sample container 5 . The measurement sample container 5 for which the process by the liquid removing section 17 has been completed is set in a holder 18 b of the reaction section 18 by the container transfer section 15 .

The reaction section 18 heats the measurement sample container 5 set in the holder 18 b to a predetermined temperature (about 37 degrees), to accelerate the reaction between the sample in the measurement sample container 5 and reagents added by a first reagent adding section 19 and a second reagent adding section 20 . In addition, the reaction section 18 includes a round turn table 18 a configured to be rotatable. In an outer periphery portion of the turn table 18 a , a plurality of holders 18 b are provided such that measurement sample containers 5 can be set therein.

The first reagent adding section 19 and the second reagent adding section 20 respectively include supply parts 19 a and 20 a movable to positions P 1 and P 2 above measurement sample containers 5 set in the turn table 18 a . The first reagent adding section 19 and the second reagent adding section 20 respectively add predetermined amounts of reagents from the supply parts 19 a and 20 a into a measurement sample container 5 when the measurement sample container 5 has been transported to the position P 1 , P 2 by the turn table 18 a.

The reagent to be added by the first reagent adding section 19 is a RNase for performing an RNA removing process on cells, and the reagent to be added by the second reagent adding section 20 is a staining liquid for performing a DNA staining process on cells. Through the RNA removing process, RNA is degraded in each cell, which makes it possible to measure only DNA in the cell nucleus. The DNA staining process is performed by means of propidium iodide (P 1 ) which is a fluorescent staining liquid that contains a dye. Through the DNA staining process, the nucleus in each cell is selectively stained. Accordingly, it becomes possible to detect fluorescence from the nucleus.

A sample aspiration section 21 includes a pipette 21 a movable to a position P 3 above a measurement sample container 5 set in the turn table 18 a , and aspirates the measurement sample in a measurement sample container 5 when the measurement sample container 5 has been transported to the position P 3 by the turn table 18 a . The sample aspiration section 21 is connected to a flow cell of the primary detection section 22 , via a flow path not shown, and supplies the measurement sample aspirated by the pipette 21 a to the flow cell of the primary detection section 22 .

The primary detection section 22 includes a flow cytometer for detecting lights (forward scattered light, side scattered light, and side fluorescence) from the measurement sample, and outputs signals based on the respective lights, to a circuit in a later stage. A container cleaning section 23 discharges a cleaning liquid into a measurement sample container 5 set in the turn table 18 a , thereby to clean the inside of the measurement sample container 5 after the measurement sample thereof has been supplied to the sample aspiration section 21 to the primary detection section 22 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the separation/substitution section 14 . In FIG. 3 , the Z axis direction is the vertical direction, and the Z axis positive direction and the Z axis negative direction are the upward direction and the downward direction, respectively.

A base 100 is a plate-shaped member which is parallel to the XY plane. On the base 100 , a receptacle body 200 , support members 110 , 130 , and 170 , and a rail 150 are provided. In addition to these, various mechanisms and the like are provided on the base 100 , but in FIG. 3 , such mechanisms and the like are not shown for convenience.

The support member 110 is a plate-shaped member which is parallel to the XZ plane. In the support member 110 , a hole 111 (see FIG. 10 ) which passes therethrough in the Y axis direction is formed. On the upper faces of the receptacle body 200 and the support member 110 , a top plate 120 is provided. The top plate 120 is located inside the measurement apparatus 2 so as to allow the user to access the top plate 120 when the cover 2 b (see FIG. 1 ) of the measurement apparatus 2 is opened upwardly.

In the top plate 120 , holes 120 a and 120 b which pass therethrough in the up-down direction are formed. Via the hole 120 a , the pipette 11 a of the specimen pipette section 11 performs aspiration and discharge of a sample with respect to the receptacle 210 of the receptacle body 200 described later. The user opens the cover 2 b provided to the measurement apparatus 2 , and sets or takes out a filter member F with respect to a receptacle 220 of the receptacle body 200 described later, along the broken line arrow (vertical direction) via the hole 120 b.

The top plate 120 is a translucent member, and is provided with sensors 121 and 122 each composed of a light emitter and a light receiver. When the filter member F is correctly set, light emitted from the light emitter of the sensor 121 is blocked by the filter member F, and light emitted from the light emitter of the sensor 122 passes through a cutout F 6 ( FIGS. 6A and 6B ) of the filter member F. When the filter member F is set with its faces F 1 and F 2 (see FIGS. 6A and 6B ) reversed, lights emitted from the light emitters of the sensors 121 and 122 are blocked by the filter member F. Accordingly, whether the filter member F is correctly set can be detected.

The support member 130 supports a motor 141 . On the rail 150 , a support member 151 is provided so as to be slidable in the Y axis direction. On the support member 151 , a flange portion 152 and a piston 160 are provided. To the piston 160 , tubes T 1 to T 4 are connected. The support member 170 is provided with sensors 171 and 172 each composed of a light emitter and a light receiver.

FIG. 4A is a side view of the motor 141 . The rotation axis of the motor 141 is parallel to the Y axis, and is aligned with a central axis A described later. At the end on the Y axis negative direction side of the motor 141 , a magnet 142 is provided. By the motor 141 being driven and the magnet 142 rotating in the XZ plane, a stirrer R described later is rotated via a wall of the receptacle body 200 .

FIG. 4B is a plan view of a mechanism for driving the piston 160 viewed from above. In FIG. 4B , the piston 160 is not shown for convenience. The support member 151 is fixed to a belt 181 . The belt 181 is supported by pulleys 182 and 183 . The pulley 182 is connected to the rotating shaft of a stepping motor provided on the lower face side of the base 100 . When this stepping motor is driven, the support member 151 is caused to slide on the rail 150 in the Y axis direction, and the piston 160 is driven in the Y axis direction. The sensors 171 and 172 are set at positions at which the sensors 171 and 172 can detect a light blocking portion 152 a of the flange portion 152 provided on the support member 151 . Based on detection signals from the sensors 171 and 172 , that the piston 160 is located at the leftmost side and that the piston 160 is located at the rightmost side are detected, respectively.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view showing a configuration of the receptacle body 200 . FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the receptacle body 200 cut along a plane including a wall portion 222 in FIG. 5A . FIG. 5C is a side view of the receptacle body 200 shown in FIG. 5B , viewed in the Y axis positive direction.

With reference to FIG. 5A , in the receptacle body 200 , the receptacles 210 and 220 are formed. An insertion hole 211 located in an upper portion of the receptacle 210 is connected to the hole 120 a of the top plate 120 . An insertion hole 221 located in an upper portion of the receptacle 220 is connected to the hole 120 b of the top plate 120 . The receptacle 220 has the wall portion 222 which is parallel to the XZ plane. In the wall portion 222 , a recess 230 in which the stirrer R described later is accommodated is formed. A bottom face 223 of the receptacle 220 has a curved surface, and at the lowest position of the bottom face 223 , a hole H 21 is formed. The Y axis negative direction side of the receptacle 220 is open.

With reference to FIGS. 5B and 5C , the recess 230 includes: an opening 231 which makes the recess 230 open on the Y axis negative direction side; an inner side face 232 which is circular when viewed in the Y axis direction; a reservoir 233 which is formed in a lower portion of the inner side face 232 ; and a wall portion 234 which is parallel to the XZ plane. The recess 230 is distanced from the receptacle 210 in a plane view, i.e., in directions (horizontal direction) on the XY plane. The central axis A indicated by the dotted line in FIG. 5B is an axis that passes the center of a circular shape of the inner side face 232 when viewed in the Y axis direction and that is parallel to the Y axis direction. The reservoir 233 is formed in the inner side face 232 so as to be recessed in a direction away from the central axis A. At the lowest position of the reservoir 233 , a hole H 22 is formed. In the wall portion 234 , a hole H 23 is formed at a position where the central axis A crosses the wall portion 234 .

The receptacle 210 has a shape whose inside is gradually narrowed in the depth direction (downward direction). In an upper portion of the inner side face of the receptacle 210 , holes H 11 to H 13 are formed. In a deepest portion of the receptacle 210 , holes H 14 and H 15 are formed. The hole H 14 is connected, via a flow path 241 , to the hole H 22 of the reservoir 233 . The hole H 15 is connected, via a flow path 242 , to a hole H 16 formed in the outer face of the receptacle body 200 . Arrangement among the receptacle 210 , the recess 230 , and the flow path 241 is adjusted such that the hole H 14 is located lower than the hole H 22 . It should be noted that the hole H 16 is connected to a valve V 25 (see FIG. 12 ), and the diameter of the flow path 242 is sufficiently small. Thus, the sample held in the receptacle 210 does not flow downwardly from the hole H 15 .

In the receptacle 210 , pins 212 to 214 are provided. The pins 212 to 214 are connected to a liquid level sensor section 293 (see FIG. 13 ) of a resistance-type. The liquid level sensor section 293 detects, based on the energized states of the pins 212 and 214 , whether the level of the liquid held in the receptacle 210 is above the height position of the pin 212 , and detects, based on the energized states of the pins 213 and 214 , whether the level of the liquid held in the receptacle 210 is above the height position of the top of the pin 213 .

FIGS. 6A and 6B are perspective views showing a configuration of the filter member F. FIGS. 6A and 6B also show coordinate axes of a state where the filter member F is appropriately set in the receptacle 220 .

The filter member F includes: the faces F 1 and F 2 which are parallel to the XZ plane; a hole F 3 passing through the filter member F in the Y axis direction; a filter F 4 ; a rubber F 51 having a thin-film shape provided on the face F 1 ; and a rubber F 52 having a thin-film shape provided on the face F 2 . The faces F 1 and F 2 are on the Y axis positive direction side and the Y axis negative direction side, respectively. The hole F 3 includes an inner side face F 31 having a cylindrical shape.

The filter F 4 is set to the inner side face F 31 of the hole F 3 such that the filtering face thereof is parallel to the XZ plane. The filter F 4 has holes having a diameter that allows a cell or the like (red blood cell, white blood cell, bacterium, or contaminant) having a diameter smaller than the diameter of an analysis target cell (epidermal cell of the uterine cervix) to pass therethrough, and that does not allow an analysis target cell to pass therethrough.

The size of an epidermal cell of the uterine cervix is about 20 to 80 μm (about 60 μm in average). The size of a red blood cell, which is a cell smaller than the measurement target cell, is about 7 to 10 μm. Similarly, the size of a white blood cell, which is a cell smaller than the measurement target cell, is about 8 to 15 μm. Further, the size of a contaminant such as a bacterium is about 1 to several μm.

Thus, the filter F 4 in the present embodiment is made of metal, and has holes having a diameter that is greater than or equal to 8 μm and smaller than 20 μm so as not to allow epidermal cells to pass through the holes of the filter F 4 . When the diameter of each hole is smaller than 8 μm, a phenomenon where cells and contaminants are clogged in the holes is often observed. When the diameter of each hole is greater than or equal to 20 μm, there is a risk that epidermal cells pass through the holes of the filter F 4 . Preferably, the diameter of each hole of the filter F 4 is about 10 μm.

Such a filter can be made by a known method, and can be made by, for example, an electro fine forming technology or CVD (chemical vapor deposition).

In the Y axis direction, the distance between the filter F 4 and the face F 1 is smaller than the distance between the filter F 4 and the face F 2 . The rubber F 51 is provided around the opening on the face F 1 side of the hole F 3 . Between the opening on the face F 1 side of the hole F 3 and the rubber F 51 , a face F 11 being a part of the face F 1 is exposed. The rubber F 52 is provided around the opening on the face F 2 side of the hole F 3 .

In more detail, the filter member F shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B are configured as shown in FIG. 7A to FIG. 8E . In the following, with reference to FIG. 7A to FIG. 8E , the detailed configuration of the filter member F will be described.

FIG. 7A is an exploded view of the filter member F, FIG. 7B shows a configuration of an end portion on the Z axis negative direction side of a holding member F 100 , and FIG. 7C shows a configuration of a holding member F 200 . FIGS. 8A and 8B show states where the filter F 4 is sandwiched by the holding members F 100 and F 200 . FIGS. 8C and 8D show the filter member F that has been completed. FIG. 8E is a cross-sectional view of the filter member F cut along a face that is inclined by 45 degrees relative to the X axis and the Z axis.

As shown in FIG. 7A , the filter member F includes: the holding member F 100 having a plate-like shape; the holding member F 200 which is round; the filter F 4 having a circular shape; and the rubbers F 51 and 52 each having a ring shape. As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , on the Y axis negative direction side in a lower portion (Z axis negative direction side) of the holding member F 100 , a recess F 110 having a face F 111 recessed relative to the face therearound is formed. In the center of the face F 111 , a hole F 120 passing through the holding member F 100 in the Y axis direction is formed. The hole F 120 includes an inner side face F 121 having a cylindrical shape. In the outer periphery of the face F 111 , four holes F 130 passing through the holding member F 100 in the Y axis direction are formed.

As shown in FIG. 7B and FIG. 8E , the face on the outer periphery side of each hole F 130 is shaped so as to be recessed outwardly relative to the inner wall of the recess F 110 . Accordingly, a step is formed in the inner wall of the recess F 110 , and this step serves as an engagement portion F 131 which engages with a stopper F 231 described later. It should be noted that each hole F 130 passes through the recess F 110 to the back surface of the holding member F 100 . This is caused by pulling out the die portion for forming the engagement portion F 131 in the Y axis positive direction, at the time of molding the holding member F 100 . That is, by causing each hole F 130 to pass through the holding member F 100 to the back surface thereof in this manner, it is possible to easily form each engagement portion F 131 .

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B , in the outer periphery on the Y axis negative direction side of the hole F 120 , an elastic body F 140 is molded by two-color molding. The upper face of the elastic body F 140 is recessed relative to the face F 111 . In addition, the outer diameter of the elastic body F 140 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the filter F 4 . Thus, when assembling the filter member F, it is possible to position the filter F 4 only by placing the filter F 4 on the elastic body F 140 .

As shown in FIG. 8A , in the outer periphery on the Y axis positive direction side of the hole F 120 , a face F 151 having an annular shape is formed. In the outer periphery of the face F 151 , a face F 152 recessed relative to the face F 151 is formed. The outer diameter of the face F 151 is substantially the same as the diameter of a hole F 51 a of the rubber F 51 . Thus, when assembling the filter member F, it is possible to position the rubber F 51 only by placing the rubber F 51 on the face F 152 .

As shown in FIG. 7A and FIG. 8A , in the holding member F 100 , a face F 101 recessed relative to the face therearound is formed. Thus, in the holding member F 100 , the thickness near an upper end portion F 102 which is distanced in the Z axis positive direction (longitudinal direction) from the position where the filter F 4 is mounted is greater than the thickness of the portion of the face F 101 which is on the inner side in the longitudinal direction (Z axis negative direction side) relative to the upper end portion F 102 . In addition, as shown in FIG. 3 , it is configured such that, when the filter member F is mounted to the receptacle 220 , the upper end portion F 102 protrudes above the hole 120 b of the top plate 120 , together with an upper portion of the filter member F. As described above, in the end portion on the X axis positive direction side of the holding member F 100 , the cutout F 6 passing through the holding member F 100 in the Y axis direction is formed.

As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7C , on the Y axis negative direction side of the holding member F 200 , a face F 210 which is parallel to the XZ plane is formed. In the center of the face F 210 , a hole F 220 which is circular and which passes through the holding member F 200 in the Y axis direction is formed. The hole F 220 includes an inner side face F 221 having a cylindrical shape. The diameter of the hole F 220 is substantially the same as the diameter of a hole F 52 a of the rubber F 52 . On the Y axis positive direction side of the holding member F 200 , four projecting pieces F 230 are formed. At an end of each projecting piece F 230 , a stopper F 231 protruding toward the outer periphery side is formed.

In the outer periphery on the Y axis positive direction side of the hole F 220 , an elastic body F 240 is molded by two-color molding. The upper face of the elastic body F 240 is raised relative to the face therearound of the elastic body F 240 . The outer diameter of the elastic body F 240 is substantially the same as the outer diameter of the filter F 4 .

As shown in FIG. 7A , the filter F 4 is composed of a center portion F 41 and a thick portion F 42 . As described above, the center portion F 41 has holes having a diameter that allows a cell or the like (red blood cell, white blood cell, bacterium, or contaminant) having a diameter smaller than the diameter of an analysis target cell (epidermal cell of the uterine cervix) to pass therethrough, and that does not allow an analysis target cell to pass therethrough. The thickness of the center portion F 41 is about 10 μm. The thick portion F 42 is formed by electroforming in the outer periphery of the center portion F 41 . The thickness of the thick portion F 42 is configured so as to be greater than the thickness of the center portion F 41 , and is about 0.1 mm.

The rubbers F 51 and F 52 have the holes F 51 a and F 52 a formed in the centers thereof, respectively. The outer diameters of the rubbers F 51 and F 52 are substantially the same as the outer diameter of the face F 152 of the holding member F 100 and the outer diameter of the holding member F 200 , respectively.

When the filter member F is to be assembled, first, the filter F 4 is placed on the elastic body F 140 of the holding member F 100 . At this time, the thick portion F 42 of the filter F 4 comes into contact with the elastic body F 140 . Subsequently, the holding member F 200 is fitted into the recess F 110 of the holding member F 100 such that the projecting pieces F 230 of the holding member F 200 face the holes F 130 of the holding member F 100 , respectively. At this time, the projecting pieces F 230 come into contact with the inner wall of the recess F 110 and elastically deform inwardly. Thereafter, when the stoppers F 231 of the projecting pieces F 230 reach the positions of the engagement portions F 131 , respectively, the projecting pieces F 230 elastically return outwardly as shown in FIG. 8E , whereby the stoppers F 231 engage with the engagement portions F 131 , respectively. Accordingly, the thick portion F 42 of the filter F 4 is sandwiched by the elastic bodies F 140 and F 240 . In this manner, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B , the filter F 4 is sandwiched by the holding members F 100 and F 200 .

Next, the rubber F 51 is attached to the face F 152 of the holding member F 100 by means of a double-sided adhesive tape, and the rubber F 52 is attached to the face F 210 of the holding member F 200 by means of a double-sided adhesive tape. Accordingly, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D , the filter member F is completed.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B , the face F 11 corresponds to the face F 151 of the holding member F 200 . The hole F 3 is formed by the hole F 120 of the holding member F 100 and the hole F 220 of the holding member F 200 . The inner side face F 31 is formed by the inner side face F 121 of the holding member F 100 and the inner side face F 221 of the holding member F 200 . In the following, description will be given, using the filter member F shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B for convenience.

FIGS. 6C and 6D are perspective views showing a configuration of the stirrer R. FIGS. 6C and 6D also show coordinate axes of a state where the stirrer R is accommodated in the recess 230 .

The stirrer R includes: a barrel portion R 1 having a cylindrical shape; faces R 2 and R 3 which are parallel to the XZ plane; and a magnet R 4 . The faces R 2 and R 3 are on the Y axis negative direction side and the Y axis positive direction side, respectively. On the face R 2 , a protrusion R 21 having a cylindrical shape that protrudes in the Y axis negative direction side relative to the face R 2 is formed. The diameter of the protrusion R 21 is smaller than the outer diameter of the face R 2 . In addition, on the protrusion R 21 , a flange portion R 21 a is formed. In the face R 3 , grooves R 31 which cross each other at the center of the face R 3 are formed. The magnet R 4 is provided so as to pass the center of the stirrer R and pass through the stirrer R in the XZ plane. Accordingly, when the magnet 142 shown in FIG. 4A is rotated by the motor 141 , the stirrer R rotates about the Y axis.

FIGS. 9A and 9B are a side view and a perspective view showing a configuration of the piston 160 .

The piston 160 has a leading end portion 161 having a cylindrical shape on the Y axis positive direction side. On the Y axis positive direction side of the leading end portion 161 , a recess 162 , an opening 163 which makes the recess 162 open on the Y axis positive direction side, and a face 164 are formed. On the face on the Y axis negative direction side of the recess 162 , holes H 31 to H 34 are formed. The holes H 31 to H 34 are respectively connected to the tubes T 1 to T 4 via flow paths provided inside the piston 160 . To the hole H 31 , a pipe 165 of an L-shape is connected. The leading end of the pipe 165 is located in an upper portion (Z axis positive direction side) in the recess 162 . The face 164 is parallel to the XZ plane, and is formed around the opening 163 .

FIG. 10 shows cross-sectional views of the piston 160 , the support member 110 , the filter member F, the stirrer R, and the receptacle body 200 , cut along the YZ plane that passes the central axis A. For convenience, FIG. 10 shows the respective members spaced from each other in the Y axis direction. d 11 to d 16 denote the lengths in the Z axis direction, respectively, and the magnitude of their values increases in this order. d 21 to d 26 denote the lengths in the Y axis direction, respectively, and the magnitude of their values increases in this order.

In the piston 160 , the diameter of the recess 162 is d 12 , and the outer diameter of the face 164 is d 15 . In the support member 110 , the diameter of the hole 111 is d 16 . In the filter member F, the diameter the hole F 3 is d 12 , the outer diameter of the face F 11 is d 14 , the interval between the face F 1 and the filter F 4 is d 22 , the interval between the face F 2 and the filter F 4 is d 23 , and the interval between the faces F 1 and F 2 is d 24 . In the stirrer R, the diameter of the barrel portion R 1 is d 13 , the diameter of the protrusion R 21 is d 11 , the width of the barrel portion R 1 is d 25 , and the width of the protrusion R 21 including the flange portion R 21 a is d 21 . In the receptacle body 200 , the diameter of the inner side face 232 is d 14 , and the width of the recess 230 is d 26 .

In the case of the filter member F shown in FIG. 7A to FIG. 8E , the diameter of each of the holes F 120 and F 220 is d 12 , the outer diameter (the diameter of the hole F 51 a of the rubber F 51 ) of the face F 151 is d 14 , the interval between the face F 151 and the filter F 4 is d 22 , the interval between the upper face of the rubber F 52 and the filter F 4 is d 23 , and the interval between the upper face of the rubber F 51 and the upper face of the rubber F 52 is d 24 .

It should be noted that each of the recess 162 , the outer circumference of the face 164 , the hole 111 , the hole F 3 , the outer circumference of the face F 11 , the barrel portion R 1 , the protrusion R 21 , and the recess 230 when viewed in the Y axis direction has a circular shape. The centers of these circular shapes are aligned with the central axis A.

FIGS. 11A to 11D illustrate a procedure of setting the filter member F in the receptacle 220 . FIGS. 11A to 11D are cross-sectional views similar to those in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 11A shows a state where the filter member F has not yet been set in the receptacle 220 . At this time, the piston 160 is located at the leftmost side, and the face R 3 of the stirrer R is in contact with the wall portion 234 by being pulled in the right direction by the magnet 142 (see FIG. 4A ). From the state of FIG. 11A , when the filter member F is inserted into the receptacle 220 through the hole 120 b of the top plate 120 and the insertion hole 221 of the receptacle 220 , the state shown in FIG. 11B is established. At this time, the filter member F is supported in the upward direction by the bottom face 223 of the receptacle 220 .

From the state shown in FIG. 11B , when the piston 160 is located at the rightmost side, then, as shown in FIG. 11C , the face 164 of the piston 160 is pushed against the rubber F 52 of the filter member F, and the rubber F 51 of the filter member F is pushed against the wall portion 222 of the receptacle 220 . Accordingly, the recess 230 and the recess 162 are connected to each other via the filter F 4 . At this time, by the opening 231 of the recess 230 being closed by the filter member F, a space S 1 which is closed from the outside is formed. In addition, by the opening 163 of the recess 162 being closed by the filter member F, a space S 2 which is closed from the outside is formed.

Specifically, the space S 1 is formed by the side face on the recess 230 side of the filter F 4 , the inner side face F 31 , the face F 11 , the rubber F 51 , the inner side face 232 , the reservoir 233 , and the wall portion 234 . At this time, the space S 1 is connected to the outside structurally, via the holes H 22 and H 23 . However, during the process of separation/substitution, the sample is reserved in the deepest portion, of the receptacle 210 , that is located at the lower end of the flow path 241 extending from the hole 1122 . Therefore, the hole H 22 is in a substantially closed state. In addition, the flow path extending from the hole H 23 is provided with a valve V 24 (see FIG. 12 ) which can close this flow path, and through the hole H 23 , only the diluent flows into the space S 1 from the outside. Therefore, the hole H 23 is in a substantially closed state. Accordingly, the space S 1 becomes a space closed from the outside.

In addition, as described above, the filter F 4 has holes having a diameter that allows a cell or the like having a diameter smaller than the diameter of an analysis target cell to pass therethrough, and that does not allow an analysis target cell to pass therethrough. Accordingly, cells and the like having diameters smaller than the diameters of analysis target cells in the space S 1 will pass through the filter F 4 , but analysis target cells in the space S 1 will remain in the space S 1 .

The space S 2 is specifically formed by: the side face, on the opposite side to the recess 230 , of the filter F 4 ; the inner side face F 31 ; the rubber F 52 ; and the recess 162 . At this time, the space S 2 is connected to the outside structurally, via the holes H 31 to H 34 . However, the flow paths extending from the holes H 31 to H 34 are provided with valves that can respectively close these flow paths, and thus, the holes H 31 to H 34 are in substantially closed states. Accordingly, the space S 2 becomes a space closed from the outside.

In the state shown in FIG. 11C , by the magnet 142 (see FIG. 4A ) being rotated, the stirrer R is rotated about the central axis A along the side face (filtering face) on the recess 230 side of the filter F 4 . At this time, as shown in FIG. 6D , the face R 3 of the stirrer R has the grooves R 31 formed therein. Thus, the diluent smoothly flows from the hole H 23 into the space S 1 .

There are cases where, while the stirrer R is being rotated by the magnet 142 , the stirrer R is moved toward the filter member F away from the wall portion 234 as shown in FIG. 11D . However, as shown in FIG. 10 , the width d 21 of the protrusion R 21 including the flange portion R 21 a is smaller than the interval d 22 between the face F 11 and the filter F 4 , the diameter d 11 of the protrusion R 21 is smaller than the diameter d 12 of the hole F 3 , and the outer diameter d 13 of the face R 2 (the barrel portion R 1 ) is greater than the diameter d 12 of the hole F 3 . Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11D , the face R 2 abuts against the face F 11 , and thus, it is possible to prevent damage of the filter F 4 which may be caused by the protrusion R 21 including the flange portion R 21 a coming into contact with the filter F 4 .

FIG. 12 shows a fluid processing section FL of the measurement apparatus 2 .

Valves V 11 to V 15 and V 21 to V 26 are each configured to be switchable between a state of opening a flow path and a state of closing the flow path. Valves V 16 and V 17 are each configured to be able to connect either one of flow paths connected thereto on the left side, to the single flow path on the right side. The holes H 31 to H 34 are connected to the valve V 15 , the valve V 17 , the valve V 11 , and the valves V 12 and V 14 , respectively. The holes H 11 to H 13 are connected to the valves V 21 to V 23 , respectively. The holes H 23 , H 16 , and H 21 are connected to the valves V 24 , V 25 , V 26 , respectively. A negative pressure source P 11 is connected to each of the valves V 12 , V 13 , V 23 , V 25 , and V 26 , and a positive pressure source P 12 is connected to the valve V 17 . A regulator P 13 for keeping the pressure constant is connected to the valves V 13 to V 15 . The drive of the fluid processing section FL and the flow of the fluid in the fluid processing section FL will be described later with reference to FIG. 15 .

FIG. 13 shows a configuration of the measurement apparatus 2 .

The measurement apparatus 2 includes the primary detection section 22 and the secondary detection section 13 shown in FIG. 2 , and a preparation device section 29 including sections for automatically performing preparation of a sample as described above. The measurement apparatus 2 also includes a signal processing section 24 , a measurement control section 25 , an I/O interface 26 , a signal processing section 27 , and a preparation control section 28 .

The primary detection section 22 outputs a forward scattered light signal (FSC), a side scattered light signal (SSC), and a side fluorescence signal (SFL) based on a measurement sample. The signal processing section 24 processes the signals FSC, SSC, and SFL outputted from the primary detection section 22 , and outputs the resultant signals to the measurement control section 25 . The measurement control section 25 includes a microprocessor 251 and a storage section 252 . The microprocessor 251 is connected to the data processing apparatus 3 and the preparation control section 28 , via the I/O interface 26 . The signals FSC, SSC, and SFL are transmitted by the microprocessor 251 to the data processing apparatus 3 .

The data processing apparatus 3 obtains characteristic parameters such as forward scattered light intensity and side fluorescence intensity based on the signals FSC, SSC, and SFL, and based on these characteristic parameters, creates frequency distribution data for analyzing cells and nuclei. Then, based on this frequency distribution data, the data processing apparatus 3 performs a discrimination process of particles in the measurement sample, and determines whether the analysis target cells are abnormal, specifically, whether the analysis target cells are cancerous cells (atypical cells).

The secondary detection section 13 is configured to obtain forward scattered light signals (FSC), and outputs signals for counting the number of cells having the sizes that correspond to surface layer cells and middle layer cells based on the signals FSC. The signal processing section 27 processes the signals FSC outputted from the secondary detection section 13 , and outputs the resultant signals to the preparation control section 28 . The preparation control section 28 includes a microprocessor 281 and a storage section 282 . The microprocessor 281 is connected to the preparation device section 29 , and is connected to the data processing apparatus 3 and the measurement control section 25 via the I/O interface 26 .

The preparation device section 29 includes a sensor section 291 , a motor section 292 , the liquid level sensor section 293 , a pneumatic source 294 , a valve driving section 295 , and the specimen pipette section 11 and the sample aspiration section 21 shown in FIG. 2 . A mechanism section 296 includes other mechanisms shown in FIG. 2 . The respective sections in the preparation device section 29 are controlled by the preparation control section 28 , and signals outputted from the respective sections in the preparation device section 29 are outputted to the preparation control section 28 .

The sensor section 291 includes the sensors 121 , 122 , 171 , and 172 shown in FIG. 3 . The motor section 292 includes the motor 141 shown in FIG. 4A , and the stepping motor connected to the pulley 182 shown in FIG. 4B . The liquid level sensor section 293 is connected to the pins 212 to 214 shown in FIG. 5C . The pneumatic source 294 includes the negative pressure sources P 11 , the positive pressure source P 12 , and positive pressure sources for flowing liquids (diluent, cleaning liquid, and the like) in the fluid processing section FL. The valve driving section 295 includes mechanisms for electromagnetically driving the regulator P 13 and the valves in the fluid processing section FL shown in FIG. 12 .

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing analysis operation performed by the canceration information providing apparatus 1 .

Prior to analysis performed by the canceration information providing apparatus 1 , a sample container 4 containing a mixed liquid (sample) composed of cells collected from a subject and a preservative liquid whose major component is methanol is set in the specimen setting section 2 a (see FIG. 2 ) by a user, and then, analysis by the canceration information providing apparatus 1 is started.

When measurement is started, the preparation control section 28 of the measurement apparatus 2 causes the first dispersion section 12 to perform the first dispersion process on aggregated cells in the sample (S 11 ). When the first dispersion process ends, the preparation control section 28 causes the secondary detection section 13 to perform detection (pre-measurement) of the number of analysis target cells (S 12 ), to calculate the concentration of this sample, based on the number of analysis target cells obtained through the pre-measurement and the volume of the sample supplied to the secondary detection section 13 . Then, based on the calculated concentration, the preparation control section 28 determines an aspiration amount of the sample necessary for the primary measurement to be performed (S 13 ). Subsequently, the preparation control section 28 causes the separation/substitution section 14 to perform a separation/substitution process (S 14 ). The separation/substitution process will be described later with reference to FIG. 15 .

Next, the preparation control section 28 causes the second dispersion section 16 to perform the second dispersion process on aggregated cells in the sample (S 15 ). Subsequently, the preparation control section 28 causes the first reagent adding section 19 to add a reagent (RNase) to the sample, and causes the reaction section 18 to heat a measurement sample container 5 containing this sample, thereby to perform the RNA removing process on the analysis target cells in the measurement sample container 5 (S 16 ). Subsequently, the preparation control section 28 causes the second reagent adding section 20 to add a reagent (staining liquid) to the sample, and causes the reaction section 18 to heat the measurement sample container 5 containing this sample, thereby to perform the DNA staining process on the analysis target cells in the measurement sample container 5 (S 17 ).

Next, the preparation control section 28 causes the sample aspiration section 21 to aspirate the measurement sample having been subjected to the DNA staining process and to send the aspirated measurement sample to the primary detection section 22 , and the measurement control section 25 causes the primary detection section 22 to perform the primary measurement on the cells in the measurement sample (S 18 ). The measurement control section 25 transmits measurement data obtained through the primary measurement to the data processing apparatus 3 (S 19 ). Upon receiving the measurement data from the measurement apparatus 2 , the data processing apparatus 3 performs an analysis process based on the received measurement data (S 20 ), and displays an analysis result on the display section 32 .

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing the separation/substitution process. FIGS. 16A to 16I are schematic diagrams showing states of the liquid in the receptacle 210 and the spaces S 1 and S 2 .

At the start of the separation/substitution process, the piston 160 and the filter member F are in the state shown in FIG. 11C , and the insides of the receptacle 210 and the spaces S 1 and S 2 are cleaned. With reference to FIG. 12 , in the cleaning operation, the diluent is supplied into the spaces S 1 and S 2 through the holes H 23 and H 33 , respectively, and the cleaning liquid and the diluent are supplied into the receptacle 210 through the holes H 11 and H 12 , respectively. The waste liquid in the space S 1 is sent to the receptacle 210 through the holes H 22 and H 14 . The waste liquid in the receptacle 210 is discarded through the holes H 13 , H 15 , and H 16 . The waste liquid in the space S 2 is discarded through the holes H 31 and H 34 . Accordingly, the state of the liquid becomes the state shown in FIG. 16A .

The preparation control section 28 closes the valves V 11 to V 15 and V 21 to V 26 , closes the flow path on the open-to-atmosphere side of the valve V 16 , closes the flow path on the positive pressure source P 12 side of valve V 17 , and then, starts rotation of the stirrer R (S 101 ). Subsequently, the preparation control section 28 fills the space S 1 with the diluent (S 102 ).

Specifically, in S 101 , first, the valve V 24 is opened, and then, the diluent is supplied into the space S 1 through the hole H 23 . At this time, the diluent moves into the receptacle 210 through the flow path 241 . Then, when a predetermined time period has elapsed after the liquid level reached the height of the pin 212 , the valve V 24 is closed and the supply of the diluent is stopped. Accordingly, the liquid level enters the state shown in FIG. 16B . Then, the valves V 13 and V 15 are opened, and a negative pressure is applied by the negative pressure source P 11 into the space S 2 through the hole H 31 , whereby the diluent in the space S 1 and the receptacle 210 is aspirated toward the space S 2 side through the filter F 4 . When the space S 2 is filled with the diluent, the valves V 13 and V 15 are closed. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 16C , the space S 2 is filled with the diluent.

Next, the preparation control section 28 causes the specimen pipette section 11 to aspirate the sample from the sample receptacle 12 a of the first dispersion section 12 , by the aspiration amount determined in S 13 in FIG. 14 (S 103 ). Subsequently, the preparation control section 28 causes the pipette 11 a to be inserted into the receptacle 210 from above the top plate 120 through the hole 120 b and the insertion hole 211 , and causes the sample aspirated in S 103 to be discharged into the receptacle 210 (S 104 ). Accordingly, the liquid level enters the state shown in FIG. 16D .

Next, the preparation control section 28 causes a negative pressure to be applied into the space S 2 , to start aspiration of the liquid (diluent and sample) in the space 51 and the receptacle 210 (S 105 ). Specifically, the valves V 13 and V 15 are opened, a negative pressure is applied into the space S 2 by the negative pressure source P 11 , whereby the liquid in the space S 1 and the receptacle 210 is aspirated toward the space S 2 side through the filter F 4 . Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 16E , when the liquid level in the receptacle 210 has reached the height of the pin 213 (S 106 : YES), then, after a predetermined time period has elapsed, the preparation control section 28 closes the valves V 13 and V 15 , to stop aspiration under the negative pressure (S 107 ). Accordingly, the liquid level enters the state shown in FIG. 16F .

Next, the preparation control section 28 causes a counter pressure (positive pressure) to be applied into the space S 2 , to push cells clogged in holes of the filter F 4 and cells attached to the face on the space S 1 side of the filter F 4 , into the space S 1 (S 108 ). Specifically, the flow path on the positive pressure source P 12 side of the valve V 17 is opened, and a positive pressure is applied into the space S 2 by the positive pressure source P 12 , whereby the above cells are pushed into the space S 1 . When the pushing under the counter pressure ends, the flow path on the positive pressure source P 12 side of the valve V 17 is closed.

Next, when the process from S 105 to S 108 is in the first round or the second round (S 109 : NO), the preparation control section 28 causes the diluent to be supplied to the receptacle 210 (S 110 ). Specifically, the valve V 24 is opened, and the diluent is supplied into the space Si through the hole H 23 . At this time, the diluent moves to the receptacle 210 through the flow path 241 . Then, when a predetermined time period has elapsed after the liquid level reached the height of the pin 212 , the valve V 24 is closed and the supply of the diluent is stopped. Accordingly, the liquid level enters the state shown in FIG. 16D . Then, the process is returned to S 105 , and the process from S 105 to S 108 is repeated three times in total.

In this manner, the preservative liquid whose major component is methanol and which is included in the sample is substituted with the diluent, and contaminants and cells other than analysis target cells contained in the sample are separated. In addition, in the space S 1 , a concentrate in which analysis target cells are concentrated is generated.

Next, when the process from S 105 to S 108 has been performed three times (S 109 : YES), the preparation control section 28 opens the space S 2 to the atmosphere (S 111 ). Specifically, from the state of the liquid level shown in FIG. 16F , the flow path on the open-to-atmosphere side of the valve V 17 and the valve V 16 are opened, and accordingly the inside of the space S 2 is made to have the atmospheric pressure, whereby the liquid in the space S 1 moves toward the receptacle 210 side. Subsequently, when the liquid level in the receptacle 210 has reached the height of the pin 213 (S 112 : YES), the preparation control section 28 closes the flow path on the open-to-atmosphere side of the valve V 17 and the valve V 16 , stops allowing the space S 2 to be open to the atmosphere (S 113 ), and stops rotation of the stirrer R (S 114 ).

Accordingly, the concentrate of analysis target cells generated in the space S 1 is moved from the space S 1 toward the receptacle 210 , and the liquid level enters the state shown in FIG. 16G . As a result, in a lower portion of the receptacle 210 , the concentrate of analysis target cells is reserved. At this time, the concentration of the concentrate is highest at the lower portion of the receptacle 210 , and decreases from the lower portion of the receptacle 210 toward the space S 1 .

Next, as shown in FIG. 16H , the preparation control section 28 causes the pipette 11 a to be inserted from above the top plate 120 through the hole 120 b and the insertion hole 211 into the deepest portion of the receptacle 210 . Then, the preparation control section 28 causes the pipette 11 a to aspirate the concentrate reserved at the deepest portion of the receptacle 210 (S 115 ). Accordingly, the liquid level enters the state shown in FIG. 16I . Then, the separation/substitution process ends, and based on the concentrate aspirated by the pipette 11 a in S 115 , the process after S 15 in FIG. 14 is performed.

It should be noted that in the state shown in FIG. 16H , the space S 2 is not open to the atmosphere. Thus, there are cases where, when the aspiration by the pipette 11 a ends, very small amounts of the concentrate remain in the space S 1 and the flow path 241 , as shown in FIG. 16I .

As described above, the present embodiment includes a configuration that moves the liquid in the space S 1 through the filter F 4 into the space S 2 by use of a negative pressure. Therefore, the liquid present in the space S 1 can be completely aspirated to the space S 2 side, and the amount of cells other than analysis target cells remaining in the space S 1 can be reduced as much as possible. In addition, in this separation/substitution section 14 , the process of concentrating analysis target cells can be performed by use of a negative pressure and a positive pressure without moving the filter F 4 , and thus, the concentrating process can be performed quickly. Accordingly, it is possible to increase efficiency in generating a concentrate in which analysis target cells are concentrated. In addition, a greater amount of the concentrate can be collected, and thus, a greater amount of the concentrate can be subjected to the analysis. Therefore, accuracy of analysis of cells can be increased.

According to the present embodiment, before aspiration under a negative pressure is started (S 105 in FIG. 15 ), the space S 1 formed by the recess 230 and the space S 2 formed by the recess 162 are connected to each other via the filter F 4 in a liquid tight manner. Accordingly, the liquid and the sample in the space Si can be moved to the space S 2 without leak by use of a negative pressure.

According to the present embodiment, in a state where the spaces S 1 and S 2 are filled with the diluent via the hole H 23 , aspiration under a negative pressure is performed. Accordingly, the liquid and the sample in the space S 1 can be moved to the filter F 4 side under a low negative pressure, and thus, analysis target cells can be prevented from passing through the filter F 4 .

According to the present embodiment, the flow path connected to the hole H 32 formed in the recess 162 is opened to the atmosphere by the valves V 16 and V 17 , whereby the space S 2 is made to have the atmospheric pressure. Accordingly, the liquid including analysis target cells in the space S 1 moves to the receptacle 210 through the hole H 22 .

According to the present embodiment, the stirrer R provided in the recess 230 is rotated along the side face (filtering face) on the recess 230 side of the filter F 4 . Thus, a flow of the sample rotating along the face of the filter F 4 on the space Si side can be generated. Accordingly, analysis target cells attached to the filter F 4 can be smoothly removed from the filter F 4 .

According to the present embodiment, the recess 230 has the inner side face 232 which is round, the stirrer R is rotated about the central axis A of the inner side face 232 , and the reservoir 233 is formed in the inner side face 232 so as to be recessed in a direction away from the central axis A. Accordingly, during the separation/substitution process, analysis target cells contained in the sample in the space S 1 gather in the reservoir 233 due to the rotation of the stirrer R. Therefore, a concentrate in which analysis target cells are concentrated can be efficiently taken out through the hole H 22 formed in the reservoir 233 .

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10 , the filter F 4 is set in the cylindrical inner side face F 31 of the filter member F such that the interval between the filter F 4 and the face F 1 is d 22 , and the diameter d 12 of the inner side face F 31 is greater than the diameter d 11 of the protrusion R 21 including the flange portion R 21 a of the stirrer R, and smaller than the outer diameter d 13 of the face R 2 of the stirrer R. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 11D , even when the stirrer R has moved toward the filter member F side, the face R 2 restrains the protrusion R 21 from coming into contact with the filter F 4 , and thus, the filter F 4 can be prevented from being damaged. In addition, since the protrusion R 21 is prevented from coming into contact with the filter F 4 , the widths in the Y axis direction of the recess 230 and the stirrer R can be set such that the protrusion R 21 is located close to the filter F 4 . Accordingly, analysis target cells attached to the filter F 4 can be effectively removed.

According to the present embodiment, the filter F 4 is provided in the filter member F, and the filter member F is inserted between the recess 230 and the recess 162 through the hole 120 b shown in FIG. 3 and the insertion hole 221 of the receptacle 220 shown in FIG. 5A . At this time, the filter F 4 is located at a position (Y axis negative direction side) facing the opening 231 of the recess 230 . Accordingly, the filter member F being a consumable article can be easily exchanged via the hole 120 b and the insertion hole 221 .

According to the present embodiment, the piston 160 forming the recess 162 is moved in the Y axis positive direction, whereby the filter member F inserted between the recess 230 and the recess 162 through the insertion hole 221 is pressed against the recess 230 . Accordingly, the recess 230 and the recess 162 are connected together via the filter member F, and as shown in FIG. 11C , the space S 1 which is closed can be easily generated in the recess 230 .

According to the present embodiment, the filter member F is arranged such that the filtering face of the filter F 4 is parallel to the XZ plane. When the filtering face of the filter F 4 is arranged so as to be parallel to the vertical direction, compared with a case where the filtering face of the filter F 4 is arranged so as to be parallel to the horizontal direction, the separation/substitution section 14 can be downsized in the horizontal direction. Accordingly, the measurement apparatus 2 can be downsized in the horizontal direction, and the installation area for the canceration information providing apparatus 1 including the measurement apparatus 2 can be reduced. In addition, analysis target cells attached to the filter F 4 can be easily removed from the filter F 4 due to gravity.

According to the present embodiment, the hole H 22 is formed at a position below the recess 230 . This facilitates analysis target cells having been removed from the filter F 4 to gather in the vicinity of the hole H 22 due to gravity. Therefore, analysis target cells can be efficiently collected via the hole H 22 .

According to the present embodiment, a mixed liquid (sample) composed of cells collected from a subject and a preservative liquid whose major component is methanol is discharged into the receptacle 210 . The sample discharged into the receptacle 210 passes through the flow path 241 and flows into the recess 230 through the hole H 22 . In addition, by the valve V 24 being opened, the diluent (substitution liquid) is flowed into the recess 230 through the hole H 23 . Accordingly, the preservative liquid can be substituted with the substitution liquid in the space S 1 . In addition, by closing the valve V 24 , it is possible to make the space S 1 to be a space closed from the outside.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A , with the filter F 4 interposed between the holding member F 100 and the holding member F 200 , the holding member F 200 is fitted to the holding member F 100 , to integrate the holding members F 100 and F 200 together. Accordingly, the filter F 4 is sandwiched by the holding members F 100 and F 200 , to be mounted to the filter member F. At this time, the elastic bodies F 140 and F 240 are brought into close contact with the filter F 4 , and thus, the filter F 4 is sandwiched by the holding members F 100 and F 200 firmly and in a highly liquid tight manner. Thus, according to the filter member F of the present embodiment, it is possible to mount the filter F 4 to the filter member F inexpensively and through simple work, while increasing the mounting strength of the filter F 4 to the filter member F. Therefore, it is possible to keep the production costs of the filter member F low.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8E , the stoppers F 231 of the projecting pieces F 230 are engaged with the engagement portions F 131 , respectively. Accordingly, the holding member F 200 is fixed to the holding member F 100 , and thus, the filter F 4 can be more firmly mounted to the filter member F.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A , the filter F 4 is provided with the thick portion F 42 on the contact face with the elastic bodies F 140 and F 240 . Accordingly, the thickness of the filter F 4 is greater in the portion thereof sandwiched by the holding members F 100 and F 200 , and thus, damage of the filter F 4 can be prevented.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , and FIGS. 8C and 8D , by the cutout F 6 being formed, the filter member F has an asymmetric shape in the X axis direction (width direction). Accordingly, when the filter member F is mounted to the receptacle 220 , the asymmetry of the filter member F is detected by the sensors 121 and 122 . Therefore, it is possible to determine whether the filter member F has been appropriately mounted with its front and back sides correctly oriented.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7A to FIG. 8E , the holes F 120 and F 220 are each formed in a circular shape. Thus, when the holding members F 100 and F 200 are integrated together, the holes F 120 and F 220 form a cylindrical portion having the inner side faces F 121 and F 221 of a cylindrical shape. Accordingly, when the stirrer R is rotated, cells attached to the filter F 4 can be easily and efficiently removed from the filter F 4 .

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C , the rubber F 51 is attached to the face F 152 of the holding member F 100 . Accordingly, the liquid tightness between the filter F 4 and the wall portion 222 of the receptacle 220 is improved.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8C , the rubber F 51 is attached so as to be distanced from the boundary (inner circumference of the face F 151 ) of the hole F 120 . Accordingly, the drive of the stirrer R can be smoothly performed without being hindered by the rubber F 51 , while the liquid tightness between the filter F 4 and the wall portion 222 of the receptacle 220 is improved.

According to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8B and 8D , the rubber F 52 is attached to the face F 210 of the holding member F 200 . Accordingly, the liquid tightness between the filter F 4 and the face 164 of the piston 160 is improved.

According to the present embodiment, the upper end portion F 102 is formed in an upper portion of the holding member F 100 . In addition, it is configured such that, when the filter member F is mounted to the receptacle 220 , the upper end portion F 102 protrudes above the hole 120 b of the top plate 120 , together with an upper portion of the filter member F. Therefore, when the filter F 4 is to be taken out from the receptacle 220 , if the upper end portion F 102 is gripped, the upper end portion F 102 abuts against fingers, and accordingly, the holding member F 100 can be easily caught by the fingers. Thus, the filter member F can be easily taken out.

An embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made to the above embodiment of the present invention.

For example, in the above embodiment, epidermal cells of the uterine cervix are the analysis target. However, cells of the oral cavity, other epidermal cells such as of the bladder or the pharynx, and further, epidermal cells of an organ may be the analysis target, and canceration of these cells may be determined.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11D , the face R 2 of the stirrer R restrains the protrusion R 21 from coming into contact with the filter F 4 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It may be configured such that: the diameter of the barrel portion R 1 is the same as the diameter d 11 of the protrusion R 21 ; and a plurality of projections radially projecting relative to the central axis A are provided between the protrusion R 21 and the barrel portion R 1 . In this case, these projections restrain the protrusion R 21 from coming into contact with the filter F 4 .

In the above embodiment, the reservoir 233 is formed in a lower portion of the inner side face 232 of the recess 230 . Instead, the reservoir 233 may not be formed in the inner side face 232 , and the hole H 22 may be provided in a lower portion of the inner side face 232 . Also in this case, the rotation of the stirrer R causes analysis target cells contained in the sample in the space S 1 to gather in the vicinity of the hole H 22 due to gravity. However, analysis target cells can be more effectively collected when the reservoir 233 is provided as in the above embodiment.

In the above embodiment, the measurement apparatus 2 performs measurement of analysis target cells and the data processing apparatus 3 performs analysis based on measurement data. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. These two apparatuses may be integrated together, and measurement and analysis of analysis target cells may be performed together.

In the above embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 , the preparation control section 28 , the secondary detection section 13 , the signal processing section 27 , and the preparation device section 29 perform preparation of a measurement sample, and the measurement control section 25 , the primary detection section 22 , and the signal processing section 24 perform measurement of the measurement sample obtained through the preparation. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The above mechanism for performing preparation of the measurement sample and the above mechanism for performing the measurement may be realized by different devices.

In the above embodiment, the projecting pieces F 230 are provided in the holding member F 200 , and the engagement portions F 131 to be engaged with the stoppers F 231 of the projecting pieces F 230 are provided in the holding member F 100 . However, the present invention is not limited thereto. Projecting pieces may be provided in the holding member F 100 , and engagement portions to be engaged with stoppers of the projecting pieces provided in the holding member F 100 may be provided in the holding member F 200 .

In the above embodiment, by the cutout F 6 being formed, the filter member F has an asymmetric shape in the X axis direction (width direction). However, the present invention is not limited thereto. The filter member F may have an asymmetric shape in the Y axis direction (thickness direction). For example, as shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B , it may be configured such that, in the filter member F shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D , the cutout F 6 is not formed and a flange portion F 7 is formed on the face F 101 on the Y axis positive direction side of the filter member F. In this case, instead of the sensors 121 and 122 , a limit-type sensor is provided near the top plate 120 . Accordingly, by means of the limit-type sensor, it is possible to determine whether the filter member F has been appropriately mounted with its front and back sides correctly oriented.

In the above embodiment, the face F 101 recessed relative to the face therearound is formed in the filter member F, whereby the upper end portion F 102 whose thickness is greater than that of the portion on the inner side in the longitudinal direction is provided in an upper portion of the filter member F. However, the configuration that allows the filter member F to be easily taken out is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIGS. 17C and 17D , a ridge portion F 103 protruding in the Y axis positive and negative directions may be formed at the upper end of the holding member F 100 . Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 17E and 17F , a deformed portion F 104 having a concaved shape near the center thereof in the Z axis direction may be formed in an upper portion of the holding member F 100 . As in the cases of the upper end portion F 102 , the ridge portion F 103 , and the deformed portion F 104 , the arrangement position of the structure that can be easily caught by fingers may be another position as long as the structure is exposed to the outside when the filter member F has been mounted to the receptacle 220 .

In the above embodiment, a bar code, an RFID, or the like for identifying an individual filter member F may be affixed to an upper portion of the filter member F. This makes it easy to perform quality control of the filter member F, and thus, it is possible to appropriately perform exchange or the like of the filter member F.

FIG. 18A shows the filter member F to which a bar code label F 8 is affixed. The bar code label F 8 has a bar code printed thereon in which information (for example, expiration date) regarding this filter member F is recorded. When this filter member F is used, a bar code reader connected to the data processing apparatus 3 is used to read the bar code of the bar code label F 8 , and then, the filter member F is mounted in the receptacle 220 . Accordingly, in the data processing apparatus 3 , the filter member F can be individually recognized and the expiration date of the filter member F can be managed.

FIG. 18B shows the filter member F to which a RFID tag F 9 is affixed. In the RFID tag F 9 , information (for example, expiration date) regarding this filter member F is recorded. In this configuration example, when the filter member F is mounted to the receptacle 220 , the RFID tag F 9 is automatically read by an antenna provided near the receptacle 220 . Accordingly, in the data processing apparatus 3 , the filter member F can be individually recognized and the expiration date of the filter member F can be managed.

In the above embodiment, based on outputs from the sensors 121 and 122 , it is possible to detect whether the filter member F is correctly set. However, this detection result may be displayed on the display section 32 of the data processing apparatus 3 . For example, when the set state of the filter member F is not appropriate, information indicating this may be displayed on the display section 32 .

FIG. 19A is a flow chart showing a process example performed in the measurement apparatus 2 when the set state of the filter member F is to be determined. FIG. 19B is a flow chart showing a process example performed in the data processing apparatus 3 when the set state of the filter member F is to be determined. FIG. 19C shows a display example when the set state of the filter member F is not appropriate. The process shown in FIG. 19A is performed by the preparation control section 28 of the measurement apparatus 2 .

With reference to FIG. 19A , first, based on signals supplied from the sensor section 291 , the preparation control section 28 determines whether the light receiver of the sensor 121 has stopped receiving light (S 201 ). When the light receiver of the sensor 121 has stopped receiving light (S 201 : YES), the preparation control section 28 activates a timer (S 202 ), and determines whether a predetermined time period has elapsed from the timing when the light receiver of the sensor 121 stopped receiving light (S 203 ). When the predetermined time period has elapsed from the activation of the timer (S 203 : YES), the preparation control section 28 determines whether the light receiver of the sensor 122 has received light at that timing (S 204 ).

When the light receiver of the sensor 122 has received light (S 204 : YES), the preparation control section 28 determines that the filter member F has been correctly set, and ends the process. On the other hand, when the light receiver of the sensor 122 has not received light (S 204 : NO), the preparation control section 28 determines that the set state of the filter member F is not appropriate, and transmits setting error data indicating this to the data processing apparatus 3 .

With reference to FIG. 19B , upon receiving the setting error data (S 301 : YES), the data processing apparatus 3 causes the display section 32 to display a setting error screen shown in FIG. 19C (S 302 ). By viewing this screen, the user can know that the set state of the filter member F is not appropriate. The user sets the filter member F again with the orientation of the filter member F changed as appropriate, and then, pushes an OK button on the screen by operating the input section 31 . When the OK button is pushed (S 303 : YES), the data processing apparatus 3 deletes the setting error screen, and transmits, to the measurement apparatus 2 , data indicating that the OK button has been pushed (S 304 ).

With reference back to FIG. 19A , upon receiving the data indicating that the OK button has been pushed (S 206 : YES), the preparation control section 28 of the measurement apparatus 2 returns the process to S 201 , and performs the process from S 201 and thereafter, again. Then, when the determination in step S 204 becomes YES, the preparation control section 28 determines that the filter member F has been correctly set, and ends the process. It should be noted that the operation explained with reference to FIGS. 11A to 11D is performed after the determination in S 204 in FIG. 19A has become YES.

According to this configuration example, it is possible to notify the user that the filter member F is not appropriately set, and thus, it is possible to prevent the filter member F from being set in an erroneous manner. In addition, by viewing the screen shown in FIG. 19C , the user can smoothly take measures thereafter.

In addition to the above, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the scope of the technology idea defined by the claims.