U.S. patent application number 16/079271 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-21 for blood staining patch, method and device for blood test using the same.
The applicant listed for this patent is NOUL CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Kyung Hwan Kim, Dong Young Lee, Chan Yang Lim, Young Min Shin, Hyun Jeong YANG.
Application Number | 20190056296 16/079271 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59923756 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-21 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190056296 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lee; Dong Young ; et
al. |
February 21, 2019 |
BLOOD STAINING PATCH, METHOD AND DEVICE FOR BLOOD TEST USING THE
SAME
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to a blood staining patch, a
method and device for a blood test using the same, and more
particularly, to a patch configured to contain a staining reagent
for staining blood and a method and device for economically testing
blood using the same. A blood testing method according to an aspect
of the present disclosure, which is a blood testing method in which
a patch, which includes a mesh structure forming micro-cavities and
is configured to contain a staining reagent for staining staining
targets present in blood in the micro-cavities, is used to perform
a blood test through staining of the staining target, includes
placing blood in a reaction region, and providing the staining
reagent to the reaction region using the patch configured to
contain the staining reagent.
Inventors: |
Lee; Dong Young; (Yongin,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Lim; Chan Yang; (Seongnam,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Kim; Kyung Hwan; (Yongin,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; Shin; Young Min; (Yongin,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) ; YANG; Hyun Jeong; (Seongnam,
Gyeonggi-do, KR) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NOUL CO., LTD. |
Yongin, Gyeonggi-do |
|
KR |
|
|
Family ID: |
59923756 |
Appl. No.: |
16/079271 |
Filed: |
February 23, 2017 |
PCT Filed: |
February 23, 2017 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/KR2017/002030 |
371 Date: |
August 23, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62298959 |
Feb 23, 2016 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 13/0093 20130101;
G01N 33/49 20130101; C12Q 1/6848 20130101; C12Q 1/701 20130101;
G06T 7/0014 20130101; G01N 1/312 20130101; G01N 33/60 20130101;
G01N 33/558 20130101; B01L 3/505 20130101; G01N 33/5082 20130101;
G01N 2015/0693 20130101; G06T 7/0012 20130101; C12Q 1/6844
20130101; G01N 15/14 20130101; Y02P 20/582 20151101; G01N 33/4833
20130101; G01N 2021/7786 20130101; B01L 3/00 20130101; G01N 33/533
20130101; G01N 2015/0065 20130101; G01N 33/5304 20130101; G01N
33/52 20130101; G01N 2001/302 20130101; G01N 2021/7723 20130101;
C12Q 1/686 20130101; G01N 15/06 20130101; G01N 21/77 20130101; C07K
16/3061 20130101; G01N 1/31 20130101; B01L 7/52 20130101; G01N 1/30
20130101; C12Q 1/6848 20130101; C12Q 2563/159 20130101; C12Q
2565/625 20130101; C12Q 1/6844 20130101; C12Q 2563/159 20130101;
C12Q 2565/518 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 1/31 20060101
G01N001/31; G01N 33/49 20060101 G01N033/49 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 4, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0069936 |
Jun 4, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0069937 |
Jun 4, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0069938 |
Jul 27, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0095739 |
Sep 13, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0118462 |
Nov 1, 2016 |
KR |
10-2016-0144551 |
Feb 23, 2017 |
KR |
10-2017-0024391 |
Claims
1. A staining patch comprising: a staining reagent configured to
stain staining targets present in blood; and a mesh structural body
provided in a mesh structure forming micro-cavities in which the
staining reagent is contained that is configured to come into
contact with a reaction region in which the blood is placed and
deliver a part of the contained staining reagent to the reaction
region.
2. The staining patch of claim 1, wherein the staining reagent
configured to stain the staining target includes at least one of an
acidic staining reagent, a basic staining reagent, and a neutral
staining reagent.
3. The staining patch of claim 1, wherein the staining reagent
includes a fluorescent staining reagent configured to allow the
staining target to develop fluorescent color.
4. The staining patch of claim 1, wherein: the staining target
includes at least one of blood cells, bacteria, and parasites
present in the blood; and the staining reagent stains at least one
of a cytoplasm, a nucleus, and a granule of the staining
target.
5. The staining patch of claim 1, wherein: there are a plurality of
staining targets; and the staining reagent includes a first
staining reagent configured to stain a first staining target of the
staining targets and a second staining reagent configured to stain
a second staining target of the staining targets.
6. A blood testing method, in which a patch, which includes a mesh
structural body forming micro-cavities and is configured to contain
a staining reagent for staining staining targets present in blood
in the micro-cavities, is used to perform a blood test through
staining of the staining target, the blood testing method
comprising: placing blood in a reaction region; and providing the
staining reagent to the reaction region using the patch configured
to contain the staining reagent.
7. The blood testing method of claim 6, further comprising
acquiring an image of the blood stained by the provided staining
reagent.
8. The blood testing method of claim 7, wherein: the staining
targets are blood cells in the blood; and the blood testing method
further comprises acquiring at least one of a type information of
the blood cells, a count information of the blood cells, and a
morphological information of the blood cells on the basis of the
image.
9. The blood testing method of claim 8, further comprising
performing a complete blood cell count (CBC) on the basis of the
acquired information.
10. The blood testing method of claim 6, wherein: the staining
targets are parasites or bacteria in the blood; and the blood
testing method further comprises acquiring at least one of an
information related to presence of the parasites or bacteria, an
information related to a type of the parasites or bacteria, an
information related to a number of the parasites or bacteria, and a
morphological information on the parasites or bacteria.
11. The blood testing method of claim 10, further comprising
performing a peripheral blood smear examination (CBC) on the basis
of the acquired information.
12. The blood testing method of claim 6, wherein the placing of the
blood is performed by any one of a method of fixing the blood to a
plate, a method of smearing a sample on a plate, or a method of
smearing a sample on a plate and fixing the sample to the
plate.
13. The blood testing method of claim 6, wherein the providing of
the staining reagent to the reaction region using the patch
includes: contacting the patch with the reaction region so that the
staining reagent is movable to the reaction region; and separating
the patch from the reaction region; wherein, when the patch is
separated from the reaction region, an residual staining reagent
that has not reacted with the staining targets is removed from the
reaction region.
14. The blood testing method of claim 6, further comprising
absorbing the residual staining reagent and a foreign substance
remaining in the reaction region from the reaction region using a
washing patch configured to contain a washing liquid.
15. The blood testing method of claim 6, wherein the providing of
the staining reagent to the reaction region using the patch
includes: using a first patch configured to contain a first
staining reagent for staining any one of a cytoplasm and a nucleus
in staining targets and providing the first staining reagent to the
reaction region; and using a second patch configured to contain a
second staining reagent for staining the other one of the cytoplasm
and the nucleus in the staining targets and providing the second
staining reagent to the reaction region.
16. The blood testing method of claim 15, further comprising
providing an optimal pH for the reaction region using a first
buffer patch configured to contain a buffer solution.
17. The blood testing method of claim 16, wherein the providing of
the optimal pH is performed during at least one time point of a
time point between the providing of the first staining reagent and
the providing of the second staining reagent and a time point after
the providing of the second staining reagent.
18. The blood testing method of claim 6, wherein: the staining
patch contains the first staining reagent configured to stain the
cytoplasm of the staining targets and the second staining reagent
configured to stain the nucleus of the staining targets; and the
providing of the staining reagent to the reaction region using the
patch includes providing the first staining reagent and the second
staining reagent to the reaction region so that the staining patch
stains both the cytoplasm and the nucleus of the staining
targets.
19. The blood testing method of claim 18, further comprising, after
the providing of the first staining reagent and the second staining
reagent, providing an optimal pH for the reaction region using a
buffer patch configured to contain a buffer solution.
20. A blood test device, which is a blood test device using a
patch, which includes a mesh structural body forming micro-cavities
and is configured to contain a staining reagent for staining
staining targets present in blood in the micro-cavities, to perform
a blood test through staining of the staining target, the blood
test device comprising: a plate supporter configured to support a
plate on which a reaction region is placed and blood is placed in
the reaction region; a patch controller configured to use the
patch, which is configured to contain the staining reagent, and
control a relative position of the patch relative to the reaction
region so that the staining reagent is provided to the reaction
region; and a reaction detector configured to detect a result of
staining of the staining target present in the blood to examine the
blood.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a blood staining patch, a
method and device for a blood test using the same, and more
particularly, to a patch configured to contain a staining reagent
for staining blood and an economical method and device for testing
blood using the same.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Due to a rapidly aging society and increasing need for
quality of life, the diagnostics market which aims at early
diagnosis and early treatment is growing every year in the world,
including South Korea, and quick and easy diagnosis is becoming an
important issue. In particular, forms of diagnosis are being
transitioned into forms in which diagnosis can be performed without
using large diagnostic equipment, such as in-vitro diagnosis (IVD)
or point-of-care testing (POCT) which is immediately performed next
to a patient. Blood testing, which is one specific diagnostic field
for performing IVD, is one diagnostic method that accounts for a
large portion in the IVD field and is widely used.
[0003] Blood testing belongs in a field of hematology. Blood
testing is used to diagnose a patient's health condition, illness,
or disease by examining for the presence of bacteria in blood or
blood cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and
platelets.
[0004] Conventionally, blood tests may be broadly classified into
direct testing methods in which a tester observes blood directly
through visual inspection using a microscope and indirect testing
methods, of which typical examples are flow cytometry and an
electrical impedance measurement method.
[0005] The direct testing methods are performed mostly by staining
blood which is smeared on a slide glass using a staining solution
and then observing staining results through a microscope. In the
conventional direct testing methods, a process of smearing blood, a
process of staining the smeared blood, and a process of observing
the stained blood through visual inspection using a microscope
depends entirely on work manually performed by a tester. Therefore,
due to requiring not only a skilled tester but also a large amount
of time for testing, the conventional direct testing methods are
not able to be performed outside laboratory units.
[0006] On the other hand, in indirect testing methods,
characteristics of blood are examined through light dispersed as a
result of irradiating a laser on blood while blood passing through
a micro-fluidic channel, or a change in impedance as a result of
applying a current to a blood sample. The indirect testing methods
are relatively automated and used in large hospitals due to the
above-mentioned characteristics. However, since blood is not
directly observed, and it is difficult to perform a precise blood
test with the indirect testing methods due to the indirect
technical limitations.
SUMMARY
[0007] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a patch
capable of storing a substance.
[0008] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a patch
capable of providing a reaction space for a substance.
[0009] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a patch
capable of providing a substance.
[0010] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a patch
capable of absorbing a substance.
[0011] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a patch
capable of providing an environment.
[0012] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a patch
capable of storing a staining reagent for staining blood.
[0013] An aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a blood
testing method using a patch.
[0014] Aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to those
mentioned above, and unmentioned aspects will be clearly understood
by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present
disclosure pertains from the present specification and the
accompanying drawings.
[0015] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a staining patch including a staining reagent configured
to stain staining targets present in blood, and a mesh structural
body provided in a mesh structure forming micro-cavities in which
the staining reagent is contained that is configured to come into
contact with a reaction region in which the blood is placed and
deliver a portion of the contained staining reagent to the reaction
region.
[0016] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a blood testing method in which a patch, which includes
a mesh structural body forming micro-cavities and is configured to
contain a staining reagent for staining staining targets present in
blood in the micro-cavities, is used to perform a blood test
through staining of the staining target, the blood testing method
including placing blood in a reaction region and providing the
staining reagent to the reaction region using the patch configured
to contain the staining reagent.
[0017] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a blood test device using a patch, which includes
a mesh structural body forming micro-cavities and is configured to
contain a staining reagent for staining staining targets present in
blood in the micro-cavities, to perform a blood test through
staining of the staining target, the blood test device including a
plate supporter configured to support a plate on which a reaction
region is placed and blood is placed in the reaction region, a
patch controller configured to use the patch, which is configured
to contain the staining reagent, and control a relative position of
the patch relative to the reaction region so that the staining
reagent is provided to the reaction region, and a reaction detector
configured to detect a result of staining of the staining target
present in the blood to examine the blood.
[0018] Solutions of the present disclosure are not limited to those
mentioned above, and unmentioned solutions should be clearly
understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the
present disclosure pertains from the present specification and the
accompanying drawings.
[0019] According to the present disclosure, containing, providing,
and absorption of a substance can be easily performed.
[0020] According to the present disclosure, a reaction region for a
substance can be provided or a predetermined environment can be
provided to a target region.
[0021] According to the present disclosure, a blood test can be
more conveniently performed, and a test result can be promptly
obtained.
[0022] According to the present disclosure, a diagnosis result with
sufficient validity can be obtained using a small amount of
blood.
[0023] According to the present disclosure, providing and
absorption of a substance can be properly adjusted using a path,
and an amount of a staining reagent consumed for diagnosis can be
significantly reduced.
[0024] According to the present disclosure, diagnosis can be
performed by detecting a plurality of targets simultaneously, and
patient-specific diagnosis can be performed as a result.
[0025] Advantageous effects of the present disclosure are not
limited to those mentioned above, and unmentioned advantageous
effects should be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in
the art to which the present disclosure pertains from the present
specification and the accompanying drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0026] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a patch in detail according
to the present application.
[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a patch in detail according
to the present application.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates providing of a reaction space as an
example of a function of a patch according to the present
application.
[0029] FIG. 4 illustrates providing of a reaction space as an
example of a function of a patch according to the present
application.
[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates providing of a substance as an example of
a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0031] FIG. 6 illustrates providing of a substance as an example of
a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0032] FIG. 7 illustrates providing of a substance as an example of
a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0033] FIG. 8 illustrates providing of a substance as an example of
a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0034] FIG. 9 illustrates providing of a substance as an example of
a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates providing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0036] FIG. 11 illustrates providing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0037] FIG. 12 illustrates providing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0038] FIG. 13 illustrates providing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0039] FIG. 14 illustrates absorbing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0040] FIG. 15 illustrates absorbing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0041] FIG. 16 illustrates absorbing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0042] FIG. 17 illustrates absorbing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0043] FIG. 18 illustrates absorbing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0044] FIG. 19 illustrates absorbing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0045] FIG. 20 illustrates absorbing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0046] FIG. 21 illustrates absorbing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0047] FIG. 22 illustrates absorbing of a substance as an example
of a function of a patch according to the present application.
[0048] FIG. 23 illustrates providing of an environment as an
example of a function of a patch according to the present
application.
[0049] FIG. 24 illustrates providing of an environment as an
example of a function of a patch according to the present
application.
[0050] FIG. 25 illustrates providing of an environment as an
example of a function of a patch according to the present
application.
[0051] FIG. 26 illustrates performance of absorbing and providing
of a substance as an embodiment of a patch according to the present
application.
[0052] FIG. 27 illustrates performance of absorbing and providing
of a substance as an embodiment of a patch according to the present
application.
[0053] FIG. 28 illustrates performance of absorbing and providing
of a substance as an embodiment of a patch according to the present
application.
[0054] FIG. 29 illustrates performance of absorbing and providing
of a substance as an embodiment of a patch according to the present
application.
[0055] FIG. 30 illustrates performance of absorbing and providing
of a substance as an embodiment of a patch according to the present
application.
[0056] FIG. 31 illustrates performance of absorbing and providing
of a substance and providing of an environment as an embodiment of
a patch according to the present application.
[0057] FIG. 32 illustrates performance of absorbing and providing
of a substance and providing of an environment as an embodiment of
a patch according to the present application.
[0058] FIG. 33 illustrates an implementation of a plurality of
patches as an embodiment of a patch according to the present
application.
[0059] FIG. 34 illustrates an implementation of a plurality of
patches and a plate having a plurality of target regions as an
embodiment of a patch according to the present application.
[0060] FIGS. 35 and 36 are views illustrating an example of a blood
smear method according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0061] FIG. 37 is a view illustrating another example of a blood
smear method according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0062] FIGS. 38 and 39 are views illustrating acquiring an image of
stained blood according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0063] FIG. 40 illustrates a flowchart for describing an example of
a blood testing method according to the present application.
[0064] FIG. 41 illustrates a flowchart for describing an example of
providing a staining reagent to a reaction region in the blood
testing method according to an embodiment of the present
application.
[0065] FIG. 42 illustrates a flowchart for describing another
example of providing a staining reagent to a reaction region in the
blood testing method according to an embodiment of the present
application.
[0066] FIG. 43 illustrates a flowchart for describing another
example of a blood testing method according to the present
application.
[0067] FIG. 44 illustrates a flowchart for describing an example of
removing a foreign substance from a reaction region in the blood
testing method according to the embodiment of the present
application.
[0068] FIG. 45 illustrates a flowchart for describing yet another
example of a blood testing method according to the present
application.
[0069] FIG. 46 illustrates a flowchart for describing an example of
providing a predetermined environment to a reaction region in the
blood testing method according to another embodiment of the present
application.
[0070] FIG. 47 illustrates a flowchart for describing still another
example of a blood testing method according to the present
application.
[0071] FIG. 48 illustrates a flowchart for describing a blood
testing method using a simple stain as an example of a blood
testing method according to the present application.
[0072] FIG. 49 is a view illustrating a process in which a staining
reagent is provided in the blood testing method using a simple
stain according to the present application.
[0073] FIGS. 50 to 53 are views of images acquired in the blood
testing method using a simple stain according to the present
application.
[0074] FIG. 54 illustrates a flowchart for describing a blood
testing method using a Romanowsky stain as another example of a
blood testing method according to the present application.
[0075] FIG. 55 is a view illustrating a process in which a first
staining reagent is provided in the blood testing method using a
Romanowsky stain according to the present application.
[0076] FIG. 56 is a view illustrating a process in which a second
staining reagent is provided in the blood stain method using a
Romanowsky stain according to the present application.
[0077] FIGS. 57 and 58 are views of images acquired in the blood
testing method using a Romanowsky stain according to the present
application.
[0078] FIG. 59 is a view illustrating a process in which a first
staining reagent and a second staining reagent are provided
together in the blood testing method using a Romanowsky stain
according to the present application.
[0079] FIG. 60 is a flowchart for describing a blood testing method
using a Gram stain as still another example of a blood testing
method according to the present application.
[0080] FIGS. 61 to 63 are views illustrating main staining,
mordanting, decolorizing, and contrast staining processes in the
blood testing method using a Romanowsky stain according to the
present application.
[0081] FIG. 64 illustrates an embodiment of a blood test device
according to the present application.
[0082] FIG. 65 illustrates an example of a patch controller in the
embodiment of the blood test device according to the present
application.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0083] Since embodiments described herein are for clearly
describing the spirit of the present disclosure to those of
ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains,
the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described
herein, and the scope of the present disclosure should be construed
as including revised examples or modified examples not departing
from the spirit of the present disclosure.
[0084] General terms currently being used as widely as possible
have been selected as terms used herein in consideration of
functions in the present disclosure, but the terms may be changed
according to intentions and practices of those of ordinary skill in
the art to which the present disclosure pertains or the advent of
new technologies, etc. However, instead, when a particular term is
defined as a certain meaning and used, the meaning of the term will
be separately described. Consequently, the terms used herein should
be construed on the basis of substantial meanings of the terms and
content throughout the present specification instead of simply on
the basis of names of the terms.
[0085] The accompanying drawings herein are for easily describing
the present disclosure. Since shapes illustrated in the drawings
may have been exaggeratedly depicted as much as necessary to assist
in understating the present disclosure, the present disclosure is
not limited by the drawings.
[0086] When detailed description of a known configuration or
function related to the present disclosure is deemed to obscure the
gist of the present disclosure in the present specification, the
detailed description related thereto will be omitted as
necessary.
[0087] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a staining patch including a staining reagent configured
to stain staining targets present in blood, and a mesh structural
body provided in a mesh structure forming micro-cavities in which
the staining reagent is contained that is configured to come into
contact with a reaction region in which the blood is placed and
provide a portion of the contained staining reagent to the reaction
region.
[0088] The staining reagent configured to stain the staining target
may include at least one of an acidic staining reagent, a basic
staining reagent, and a neutral staining reagent.
[0089] The staining reagent may include a fluorescent staining
reagent configured to allow the staining target develop fluorescent
color.
[0090] The staining target may include at least one of blood cells,
bacteria, and parasites present in the blood, and the staining
reagent may stain at least one of a cytoplasm, a nucleus, and a
granule of the staining target.
[0091] There may be a plurality of staining targets, and the
staining reagent may include a first staining reagent configured to
stain a first staining target in the staining targets and a second
staining reagent configured to stain a second staining target in
the staining targets.
[0092] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a blood testing method, in which a patch, which
includes a mesh structural body forming micro-cavities and is
configured to contain a staining reagent for staining staining
targets present in blood in the micro-cavities, is used to perform
a blood test through staining of the staining target, the blood
testing method including placing blood in a reaction region and
providing the staining reagent to the reaction region using the
patch configured to contain the staining reagent.
[0093] The blood testing method may further include acquiring an
image of the blood stained by the provided staining reagent.
[0094] The staining targets may be blood cells in the blood, and
the blood testing method may further include acquiring at least one
of a type information of the blood cells, a count information of
the blood cells, and a morphological information of the blood cells
on the basis of the image.
[0095] The blood testing method may further include performing a
complete blood cell count (CBC) on the basis of the acquired
information.
[0096] The staining targets may be parasites or bacteria in the
blood, and the blood testing method may further include acquiring
at least one of information related to presence of the parasites or
bacteria, an information related to a type of the parasites or
bacteria, information related to the parasites or bacteria, and a
morphological information on the parasites or bacteria.
[0097] The blood testing method may further include performing a
peripheral blood smear examination (CBC) on the basis of the
acquired information.
[0098] The placing of the blood may be performed by any one of a
method of fixing the blood to a plate, a method of smearing a
sample on a plate, or a method of smearing a sample on a plate and
fixing the sample to the plate.
[0099] The providing of the staining reagent to the reaction region
using the patch may include bringing the patch into contact with
the reaction region so that the staining reagent is movable to the
reaction region, and separating the patch from the reaction region,
and when the patch is separated from the reaction region, an
residual staining reagent that has not reacted with the staining
targets may be removed from the reaction region.
[0100] The blood testing method may further include absorbing the
residual staining reagent and a foreign substance remaining in the
reaction region from the reaction region using a washing patch
configured to contain a washing liquid.
[0101] The providing of the staining reagent to the reaction region
using the patch may include using a first patch configured to
contain a first staining reagent for staining any one of a
cytoplasm and a nucleus from among staining targets and providing
the first staining reagent to the reaction region, and using a
second patch configured to contain a second staining reagent for
staining the other one of the cytoplasm and the nucleus from among
the staining targets and providing the second staining reagent to
the reaction region.
[0102] The blood testing method may further include providing an
optimal pH for the reaction region using a first buffer patch
configured to contain a buffer solution.
[0103] The providing of the optimal pH may be performed during at
least one time point from among a time point between the providing
of the first staining reagent and the providing of the second
staining reagent and a time point after the providing of the second
staining reagent.
[0104] The staining patch may contain the first staining reagent
configured to stain the cytoplasm from among the staining targets
and the second staining reagent configured to stain the nucleus
from among the staining targets, and the providing of the staining
reagent to the reaction region using the patch may include
providing the first staining reagent and the second staining
reagent to the reaction region so that the staining patch stains
both the cytoplasm and the nucleus from among the staining
targets.
[0105] After the providing of the first staining reagent and the
second staining reagent, the blood testing method may further
include providing an optimal pH for the reaction region using a
buffer patch configured to contain a buffer solution.
[0106] According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a blood test device, which is a blood test device
using a patch, which includes a mesh structural body forming
micro-cavities and is configured to contain a staining reagent for
staining staining targets present in blood in the micro-cavities,
to perform a blood test through staining of the staining target,
the blood test device including a plate supporter configured to
support a plate on which a reaction region is placed and blood is
placed in the reaction region, a patch controller configured to use
the patch, which is configured to contain the staining reagent, and
control a relative position of the patch relative to the reaction
region so that the staining reagent is provided to the reaction
region, and a reaction detector configured to detect a result of
staining of the staining target present in the blood in order to
examine the blood.
[0107] 1. Patch
[0108] 1.1 Meaning of Patch
[0109] In the present application, a patch for managing a liquid
substance is disclosed.
[0110] The liquid substance may mean a substance which is in a
liquid state and can flow.
[0111] The liquid substance may be a substance formed of a single
component having fluidity. Alternatively, the liquid substance may
be a mixture that includes a substance formed of a plurality of
components.
[0112] When the liquid substance is a substance formed of a single
component, the liquid substance may be a substance formed of a
single chemical element or a compound including a plurality of
chemical elements.
[0113] When the liquid substance is a mixture, a portion of the
substance formed of a plurality of components may serve as a
solvent, and the other portion may serve as a solute. That is, the
mixture may be a solution.
[0114] A plurality of components constituting the mixture which
forms the substance may be uniformly distributed. Alternatively,
the mixture including the substance formed of a plurality of
components may be a uniformly mixed mixture.
[0115] The substance formed of a plurality of components may
include a solvent and a substance that is not dissolved in the
solvent and is uniformly distributed.
[0116] A portion of the substance formed of a plurality of
components may be non-uniformly distributed. The non-uniformly
distributed substance may include non-uniformly distributed
particle components in the solvent. In this case, the non-uniformly
distributed particle components may be in a solid phase.
[0117] For example, a substance that may be managed using the patch
may be in a state of 1) a liquid formed of a single component, 2) a
solution, or 3) a colloid, or according to circumstances, may be in
a state in which 4) solid particles are non-uniformly distributed
within another liquid substance.
[0118] Hereinafter, the patch according to the present application
will be described in more detail.
[0119] 1.2 General Nature of Patch
[0120] 1.2.1 Configuration
[0121] FIGS. 1 and 2 are views illustrating an example of a patch
according to the present application. The patch according to the
present application will be described below with reference to FIGS.
1 and 2.
[0122] Referring to FIG. 1, a patch PA according to the present
application may include a mesh structural body NS and a liquid
substance.
[0123] As the liquid substance, a base substance BS and an additive
substance AS may be taken into consideration separately.
[0124] The patch PA may be in a gel state (gel type). The patch PA
may be implemented as a gel-type structural body in which colloidal
molecules are bound and mesh tissues are formed.
[0125] The patch PA according to the present application is a
structure for managing a liquid substance SB, and may include a
three-dimensional mesh (net-like) structural body NS. The mesh
structural body NS may be a continuously distributed solid
structure. The mesh structural body NS may have a mesh structure in
which a plurality of micro-threads are intertwined. However, the
mesh structural body NS is not limited to the mesh form in which
the plurality of micro-threads are intertwined, and may also be
implemented in the form of an arbitrary three-dimensional matrix
that is formed by connection of a plurality of micro-structures.
For example, the mesh structural body NS may be a frame structural
body that includes a plurality of micro-cavities. In other words,
the mesh structural body NS may form a plurality of micro-cavities
MC.
[0126] FIG. 2 illustrates a structure of a patch according to an
embodiment of the present application. Referring to FIG. 2, the
mesh structural body of the patch PA may have a sponge structure
SS. The mesh structural body of the sponge structure SS may include
a plurality of micro-holes MH. Hereinafter, the terms micro-holes
MH and the micro-cavities MC may be used interchangeably, and
unless particularly mentioned otherwise, the term micro-cavities MC
is defined as encompassing the concept of the micro-holes MH.
[0127] The mesh structural body NS may have a regular or irregular
pattern. Furthermore, the mesh structural body NS may include both
a region having a regular pattern and a region having an irregular
pattern.
[0128] A density of the mesh structural body NS may have a value
within a predetermined range. Preferably, the predetermined range
may be set within a limit in which the form of the liquid substance
SB captured in the patch PA is maintained in a form that
corresponds to the patch PA. The density may be defined as a degree
to which the mesh structural body NS is dense or a mass ratio, a
volume ratio, or the like that the mesh structural body NS occupies
in the patch.
[0129] The patch according to the present application may manage
the liquid substance SB by having a three-dimensional mesh
structure.
[0130] The patch PA according to the present application may
include the liquid substance SB, and the fluidity of the liquid
substance SB included in the patch PA may be limited by the form of
the mesh structural body NS of the patch PA.
[0131] The liquid substance SB may freely flow within the mesh
structural body NS. In other words, the liquid substance SB is
placed in the plurality of micro-cavities formed by the mesh
structural body NS. An exchange of liquid substance SB may occur
between neighboring micro-cavities. In this case, the liquid
substance SB may be present in a state in which the liquid
substance SB permeating into a frame structural body that forms the
mesh tissues. In such a case, nano-sized pores into which the
liquid substances SB may permeate may be formed in the frame
structural body.
[0132] Further, whether to the liquid substance SB is filled in the
frame structural body of the mesh structure may be determined
depending on a molecular weight or a particle size of the liquid
substance SB to be captured in the patch PA. A substance having a
relatively large molecular weight may be captured in the
micro-cavities, and a substance having a relatively small molecular
weight may be captured by the frame structural body and filled in
the micro-cavities and/or the frame structural body of the mesh
structural body NS.
[0133] In the present specification, the term "capture" may be
defined as a state in which the liquid substance SB is placed in
the plurality of micro-cavities and/or nano-sized holes formed by
the mesh structural body NS. As described above, the state in which
the liquid substance SB is captured in the patch PA is defined as
including a state in which the liquid substance SB may flow between
the micro-cavities and/or the nano-sized holes.
[0134] As in the following, the base substance BS and the additive
substance AS may be taken into consideration separately as the
liquid substance SB.
[0135] The base substance BS may be a liquid substance SB having
fluidity.
[0136] The additive substance AS may be a substance that is mixed
with the base substance BS and has fluidity. In other words, the
base substance BS may be a solvent. The additive substance AS may
be a solute that is dissolved in the solvent or may be particles
that are not melted in the solvent.
[0137] The base substance BS may be a substance capable of flowing
inside a matrix formed by the mesh structural body NS. The base
substance BS may be uniformly distributed in the mesh structural
body NS or may be distributed only in a partial region of the mesh
structural body NS. The base substance BS may be a liquid having a
single component.
[0138] The additive substance AS may be a substance that is mixed
with the base substance BS or dissolved in the base substance BS.
For example, the additive substance AS may serve as a solute while
the base substance BS is a solvent. The additive substance AS may
be uniformly distributed in the base substance BS.
[0139] The additive substance AS may be fine particles that are not
dissolved in the base substance BS. For example, the additive
substance AS may include colloidal molecules and fine particles
such as microorganisms.
[0140] The additive substance AS may include particles larger than
the micro-cavities formed by the mesh structural body NS. When the
size of the micro-cavities is smaller than the size of the
particles included in the additive substance AS, fluidity of the
additive substance AS may be limited.
[0141] According to an embodiment, the additive substance AS may
include a component that is selectively included in the patch
PA.
[0142] The additive substance AS does not necessarily refer to a
substance that is lower in quantity or inferior in function in
comparison to the above-described base substance BS.
[0143] Hereinafter, characteristics of the liquid substance SB
captured in the patch PA may be presumed as characteristics of the
patch PA. That is, the characteristics of the patch PA may depend
on characteristics of a substance captured in the patch PA.
[0144] 1.2.2 Characteristics
[0145] As described above, the patch PA according to the present
application may include the mesh structural body NS. The patch PA
may manage the liquid substance SB through the mesh structural body
NS. The patch PA may allow the liquid substance SB captured in the
patch PA to maintain at least some of its unique
characteristics.
[0146] For example, diffusion of a substance may occur in a region
of the patch PA in which the liquid substance SB is distributed,
and a force such as surface tension may come into action.
[0147] The patch PA may provide a liquid environment in which
diffusion of a target substance is caused due to thermal motion of
a substance or a difference in density or concentration thereof.
Generally, "diffusion" refers to a phenomenon in which particles
that constitute a substance are spread from a side at which
concentration is high to a side at which a concentration is low due
to a difference in concentration. Such a diffusion phenomenon may
be basically understood as a phenomenon that occurs due to motion
of molecules (translational motion in a gas or liquid, vibrational
motion in a solid, and the like). In the present application, in
addition to referring to the phenomenon in which particles are
spread from a side at which a concentration is high toward a side
at which a concentration is low due to a difference in
concentration or density, "diffusion" also refers to a phenomenon
in which particles move due to irregular motion of molecules that
occurs even when a concentration is uniform. The expression
"irregular motion" may also have the same meaning as "diffusion"
unless particularly mentioned otherwise. The diffused substance may
be a solute that is dissolved in the liquid substance SB, and the
diffused substance may be provided in a solid, liquid, or gas
state.
[0148] More specifically, a non-uniformly-distributed substance in
the liquid substance SB captured by the patch PA may be diffused in
a space provided by the patch PA. In other words, the additive
substance AS may be diffused in a space defined by the patch
PA.
[0149] The non-uniformly-distributed substance or the additive
substance AS in the liquid substance SB managed by the patch PA may
be diffused within the micro-cavities provided by the mesh
structural body NS of the patch PA. A region in which the
non-uniformly-distributed substance or the additive substance AS
may be diffused may be changed by the patch PA being connected or
coming into contact with another substance.
[0150] Even when, after the concentration of the substance or the
additive substance AS has become uniform, as a result of diffusion
of the non-uniformly-distributed substance or the additive
substance AS within the patch PA or within an external region
connected to the patch PA, the substance or the additive substance
AS may continuously move due to irregular motion of molecules
inside the patch PA and/or within the external region connected to
the patch PA.
[0151] The patch PA may be implemented to exhibit a hydrophilic or
hydrophobic property. In other words, the mesh structural body NS
of the patch PA may have a hydrophilic or hydrophobic property.
[0152] When properties of the mesh structural body NS and the
liquid substance SB are similar, the mesh structural body NS may be
able to manage the liquid substance SB more effectively.
[0153] The base substance BS may be a polar hydrophilic substance
or a nonpolar hydrophobic substance. The additive substance AS may
exhibit a hydrophilic or hydrophobic property.
[0154] The properties of the liquid substance SB may be related to
the base substance BS and/or the additive substance AS. For
example, when both the base substance BS and the additive substance
AS are hydrophilic, the liquid substance SB may be hydrophilic, and
when both the base substance BS and the additive substance AS are
hydrophobic, the liquid substance SB may be hydrophobic. When
polarities of the base substance BS and the additive substance AS
are different, the liquid substance SB may be hydrophilic or
hydrophobic.
[0155] When polarities of both the mesh structural body NS and the
liquid substance SB are hydrophilic or hydrophobic, an attractive
force may come into action between the mesh structural body NS and
the liquid substance SB. When polarities of the mesh structural
body NS and the liquid substance SB are opposite, e.g., when the
polarity of the mesh structural body NS is hydrophobic and the
polarity of the liquid substance SB is hydrophilic, a repulsive
force may act between the mesh structural body NS and the liquid
substance SB.
[0156] On the basis of the above-described properties, the patch PA
may be solely used, a plurality of patches PA may be used, or the
patch PA may be used with another medium to induce a desired
reaction. Hereinafter, functional aspects of the patch PA will be
described.
[0157] However, hereinafter, for convenience of description, the
patch PA is assumed as being a gel type that may include a
hydrophilic solution. In other words, unless particularly mentioned
otherwise, the mesh structural body NS of the patch PA is assumed
to have a hydrophilic property.
[0158] However, the scope of the present application should not be
interpreted as being limited to the gel-type patch PA having a
hydrophilic property. In addition to a gel-type patch PA that
includes a solution exhibiting a hydrophobic property, a gel-type
patch PA from which a solvent is removed and even a sol-type patch
PA, as long as it is capable of implementing functions according to
the present application, may belong to the scope of the present
application.
[0159] 2. Functions of Patch
[0160] Due to the above-described characteristics, the patch
according to the present application may have some useful
functions. In other words, by capturing the liquid substance SB,
the patch may become involved in behavior of the liquid substance
SB.
[0161] Accordingly, hereinafter, in accordance with forms of
behavior of the substance with respect to the patch PA, a reservoir
function in which a state of the substance is defined in a
predetermined region formed by the patch PA and a channeling
function in which a state of the substance is defined in a region
including an external region of the patch PA will be separately
described.
[0162] 2.1 Reservoir
[0163] 2.1.1 Meaning
[0164] As described above, the patch PA according to the present
application may capture the liquid substance SB. In other words,
the patch PA may perform a function as a reservoir.
[0165] The patch PA may capture the liquid substance SB in the
plurality of micro-cavities formed in the mesh structural body NS
using the mesh structural body NS. The liquid substance SB may
occupy at least a portion of the fine micro-cavities formed by the
three-dimensional mesh structural body NS of the patch PA or be
penetrated in the nano-sized pores formed in the mesh structural
body NS.
[0166] The liquid substance SB placed in the patch PA does not lose
properties of a liquid even when the liquid substance SB is
distributed in the plurality of micro-cavities. That is, the liquid
substance SB has fluidity even in the patch PA, and diffusion of a
substance may occur in the liquid substance SB distributed in the
patch PA, and an appropriate solute may be dissolved in the
substance.
[0167] The reservoir function of the patch PA will be described
below in more detail.
[0168] 2.1.2 Containing
[0169] In the present application, the patch PA may capture a
target substance due to the above-described characteristics. The
patch PA may have resistance to a change in an external environment
within a predetermined range. In this way, the patch PA may
maintain a state in which the substance is captured therein. The
liquid substance SB, which is a target to be captured, may occupy
the three-dimensional mesh structural body NS.
[0170] Hereinafter, for convenience, the above-described function
of the patch PA will be referred to as "containing."
[0171] However, "the patch PA containing the liquid substance" is
defined to encompass a case in which the liquid substance is
contained in a space formed by the mesh structure and/or a case in
which the liquid substance is contained in the frame structural
body constituting the mesh structural body NS.
[0172] The patch PA may contain the liquid substance SB. For
example, the patch PA may contain the liquid substance SB, due to
an attractive force that acts between the mesh structural body NS
of the patch PA and the liquid substance SB. The liquid substance
SB may be bound to the mesh structural body NS with an attractive
force of a predetermined strength or higher and contained in the
patch PA.
[0173] Properties of the liquid substance SB contained in the patch
PA may be classified in accordance with properties of the patch PA.
More specifically, when the patch PA exhibits a hydrophilic
property, the patch PA may be bound to a hydrophilic liquid
substance SB which is polar in general and contain the hydrophilic
liquid substance SB in the three-dimensional micro-cavities.
Alternatively, when the patch PA exhibits a hydrophobic property,
the hydrophobic liquid substance SB may be contained in the
micro-cavities of the three-dimensional mesh structural body
NS.
[0174] The amount of substance that may be contained in the patch
PA may be proportional to a volume of the patch PA. In other words,
the amount of substance contained in the patch PA may be
proportional to an amount of three-dimensional mesh structural body
NS that serves as a support body that contributes to the form of
the patch PA. However, there is no constant proportional factor
between the amount of substance that may be contained in the patch
PA and the volume of the patch PA, and thus the relationship
between the amount of substance that may be contained in the patch
PA and the volume of the patch PA may be changed in accordance with
the design or manufacturing method of the mesh structure.
[0175] The amount of substance contained in the patch PA may be
reduced due to evaporation, loss, etc. with time. The substance may
be additionally injected into the patch PA to increase or maintain
the content of the substance contained in the patch PA. For
example, a moisture keeping agent for suppressing evaporation of
moisture may be added to the patch PA.
[0176] The patch PA may be implemented in a form in which it is
easy to store the liquid substance SB. This signifies that, when
the substance is affected by environmental factors such as humidity
level, amount of light, and temperature, the patch PA may be
implemented to minimize denaturalization of the substance. For
example, to prevent the patch PA from being denaturalized due to
external factors such as bacteria, the patch PA may be treated with
a bacteria inhibitor.
[0177] A liquid substance SB having a plurality of components may
be contained in the patch PA. In this case, the substance formed of
a plurality of components may be placed together in the patch PA
before a reference time point, or a primarily-injected substance
may be first contained in the patch PA and then a secondary
substance may be contained in the patch PA after a predetermined
amount of time. For example, when a liquid substance SB formed of
two components is contained in the patch PA, the two components may
be contained in the patch PA upon manufacturing the patch PA, only
one component may be contained in the patch PA upon manufacturing
the patch PA and the other component may be contained therein
later, or the two components may be sequentially contained in the
patch PA after the patch PA is manufactured.
[0178] As described above, the substance contained in the patch may
exhibit fluidity, and the substance may move irregularly or be
diffused due to molecular motion in the patch PA.
[0179] 2.1.3 Providing of Reaction Space
[0180] FIGS. 3 and 4 are views illustrating providing a reaction
space as an example of a function of the patch according to the
present application.
[0181] As illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, the patch PA according to
the present application may perform a function of providing a
space. In other words, the patch PA may provide a space in which
the liquid substance SB may move through a space formed by the mesh
structural body NS and/or a space constituting the mesh structural
body NS.
[0182] The patch PA may provide a space for activity other than
diffusion of particles and/or irregular motion of particles
(hereinafter referred to as activity other than diffusion). The
activity other than diffusion may refer to a chemical reaction, but
is not limited thereto, and may also refer to a physical state
change. More specifically, the activity other than diffusion may
include a chemical reaction in which a chemical composition of the
substance changes after the activity, a specific binding reaction
between components included in the substance, homogenization of
solutes or particles included in the substance and non-uniformly
distributed therein, condensation of some components included in
the substance, or a biological activity of a portion of the
substance.
[0183] When a plurality of substances become involved in the
activity, the plurality of substances may be placed together in the
patch PA before a reference time point. The plurality of substances
may be sequentially inserted into the patch PA.
[0184] By changing environmental conditions of the patch PA,
efficiency of the function of providing a space for activities
other than diffusion in the patch PA may be enhanced. For example,
the activity may be promoted or a start of the activity may be
induced by changing a temperature condition of the patch PA or
adding an electrical condition thereto.
[0185] According to FIGS. 3 and 4, a first substance SB1 and a
second substance SB2 placed in the patch PA may react inside the
patch PA and be deformed into a third substance SB3 or generate the
third substance SB3.
[0186] 2.2 Channel
[0187] 2.2.1 Meaning
[0188] Movement of a substance may occur between the patch PA and
an external region. The substance may be moved from the patch PA to
the external region of the patch PA or may be moved from the
external region to the patch PA.
[0189] The patch PA may form a substance movement path or get
involved in movement of the substance. More specifically, the patch
PA may become involved in movement of the liquid substance SB
captured in the patch PA or become involved in movement of an
external substance through the liquid substance SB captured in the
patch PA. The base substance BS or the additive substance AS may
move out from the patch PA, or an external substance may be
introduced from an external region to the patch PA.
[0190] The patch PA may provide a substance movement path. That is,
the patch PA may become involved in movement of the substance and
provide a substance movement channel. The patch PA may provide a
substance movement channel based on unique properties of the liquid
substance SB.
[0191] In accordance with whether the patch PA is connected to the
external region, the patch PA may be in a state in which the liquid
substance SB is movable between the patch PA and the external
region or a state in which the liquid substance SB is immovable
between the patch PA and the external region. When channeling
between the patch PA and the external region begins, the patch PA
may have unique functions.
[0192] Hereinafter, the state in which the substance is movable and
the state in which the substance is immovable will be described
first, and the unique functions of the patch PA will be described
in detail in connection with whether the patch PA and the external
region are connected.
[0193] Basically, irregular motion and/or diffusion of the
substance are fundamental causes of movement of the liquid
substance SB between the patch PA and the external region. However,
controlling an external environmental factor (e.g., controlling a
temperature condition, controlling an electrical condition, or the
like) in order to control movement of a substance between the patch
PA and the external region has already been described.
[0194] 2.2.2 Movable State
[0195] In the state in which the substance is movable, a flow may
occur between the liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA
and/or the substance placed in the external region. In the state in
which the substance is movable, substance movement may occur
between the liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA and the
external region.
[0196] For example, in the state in which the substance is movable,
the liquid substance SB or some components of the liquid substance
SB may be diffused to the external region or moved due to irregular
motion. Alternatively, in the state in which the substance is
movable, an external substance placed in the external region or
some components of the external substance may be diffused to the
liquid substance SB in the patch PA or moved due to irregular
motion.
[0197] The state in which the substance is movable may be caused by
contact. The contact may refer to connection between the liquid
substance SB captured in the patch PA and the external region.
Contact may refer to at least a partial overlap between a flow
region of the liquid substance SB and the external region. The
contact may refer to the external substance being connected to at
least a portion of the patch PA. It may be understood that the
range in which the captured liquid substance SB may flow is
expanded in the state in which the substance is movable.
[0198] In other words, in the state in which the substance is
movable, the range in which the liquid substance SB may flow may be
expanded to include at least a portion of the external region of
the captured liquid substance SB. For example, when the liquid
substance SB is in contact with the external region, the range in
which the captured liquid substance SB may flow may be expanded to
include at least a portion of the external region in contact. More
specifically, when the external region is an external plate, the
region in which the liquid substance SB may flow may be expanded to
include a region of the external plate in contact with the liquid
substance SB.
[0199] 2.2.3 Immovable State
[0200] In the state in which the substance is immovable, substance
movement may not occur between the liquid substance SB captured in
the patch PA and the external region. However, substance movement
may respectively occur in the liquid substance SB captured in the
patch PA and in external substance placed in the external
region.
[0201] The state in which the substance is immovable may be a state
in which the contact is released. In other words, in the state in
which contact between the patch PA and the external region is
released, substance movement is not possible between the liquid
substance SB remaining in the patch PA and the external region or
the external substance.
[0202] More specifically, the state in which the contact is
released may refer to a state in which the liquid substance SB
captured in the patch PA is not connected to the external region.
The state in which the contact is released may refer to a state in
which the liquid substance SB is not connected to an external
substance placed in the external region. For example, the state in
which movement of the substance is impossible may be caused by
separation between the patch PA and the external region.
[0203] In the present specification, although "movable state" has a
meaning differentiated from that of "immovable state," a transition
may occur between the states due to an elapse of time, an
environmental change, and the like. In other words, the patch PA
may be in the immovable state after being in the movable state, in
the movable state after being in the immovable state, or may be in
the movable state again, after being in the immovable state after
being in the movable state.
[0204] 2.2.4 Differentiation of Functions
[0205] 2.2.4.1 Delivery
[0206] In the present application, due to the above-described
characteristics, the patch PA may deliver at least a portion of the
liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA to a desired external
region. The delivery of the substance may refer to separation of a
portion of the liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA from
the patch PA due to a predetermined condition being satisfied. The
separation of the portion of the liquid substance SB may refer to
the portion of the substance being extracted, emitted, or released
from a region that is affected by the patch PA. This is a concept
subordinate to the above-described channeling function of the patch
PA, and may be understood as defining transfer (delivery) of the
substance placed in the patch PA to the outside of the patch
PA.
[0207] The desired external region may be another patch PA, a dried
region, or a liquid region.
[0208] The predetermined condition for the delivery to occur may be
set as an environmental condition such as a temperature change, a
pressure change, a change in an electrical characteristic, and a
change in a physical state. For example, when the patch PA is in
contact with an object whose force of binding to the liquid
substance SB is larger than a force of binding to the mesh
structural body NS of the patch PA, the liquid substance SB may be
chemically bound with the object in contact, and as a result, at
least a portion of the liquid substance SB may be provided to the
object.
[0209] Hereinafter, for convenience, the above-described function
of the patch PA will be referred to as "delivery."
[0210] The delivery may occur between the patch PA and the external
region, via the state in which the liquid substance SB is movable
and the state in which the liquid substance SB is immovable between
the patch PA and the external region.
[0211] More specifically, when the liquid substance SB is in the
movable state, the liquid substance SB may be diffused between the
patch PA and the external region or may be moved to the external
region due to irregular motion. In other words, the base solution
and/or the additive substance AS included in the liquid substance
SB may be moved from the patch PA to the external region. In the
state in which the liquid substance SB is immovable, the liquid
substance SB is unable to move between the patch PA and the
external region. In other words, due to a transition from the
movable state to the immovable state, a portion of the substance
that has moved from the patch PA to the external region due to
diffusion and/or irregular motion of the liquid substance SB become
unable to move back to the patch PA. Thus, a portion of the liquid
substance SB may be provided to the external region.
[0212] The delivery may be performed due to a difference between an
attractive force between the liquid substance SB and the mesh
structural body NS and an attractive force between the liquid
substance SB and the external region or the external substance. The
attractive force may be caused by similarity between polarities or
a specific binding relationship.
[0213] More specifically, when the liquid substance SB is
hydrophilic and the external region or the external substance is
more hydrophilic than the mesh structural body NS, at least a
portion of the liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA may be
provided to the external region via the movable state and the
immovable state.
[0214] The delivery of the liquid substance SB may also be
performed selectively. For example, when a specific binding
relationship exists between some components included in the liquid
substance SB and the external substance, some of the ingredients
may be selectively delivered via the state in which the substance
is movable and the state in which the substance is immovable.
[0215] More specifically, when it is assumed that the patch PA
provides a substance to an external plate PL, which is in a form of
a flat plate, a substance that binds specifically to a portion of
the liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA (e.g., a portion
of a solute) may be applied on the external plate PL. In this case,
the patch PA may selectively deliver a portion of the solute that
binds specifically to the substance applied on the external plate
PL from the patch PA to the plate PL via the movable state and the
immovable state.
[0216] The delivery as a function of the patch PA will be described
below according to a few examples of different regions to which the
substance is moved. However, in giving the detailed description,
the concepts of "release" of the liquid substance SB and "delivery"
of the liquid substance SB may be interchangeably used.
[0217] Here, a case in which the liquid substance SB is provided
from the patch PA to a separate external plate PL will be
described. For example, a case in which the substance is moved from
the patch PA to a plate PL, such as a slide glass, may be taken
into consideration.
[0218] As the patch PA and the plate PL come into contact, at least
a portion of the liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA is
diffused to the plate PL or moved due to irregular motion. When the
contact between the patch PA and the plate PL is released, the
portion of the substance that has been moved from the patch PA to
the plate PL (that is, the portion of the liquid substance SB)
become unable to move back to the patch PA. As a result, the
portion of the substance may be provided from the patch PA to the
plate PL. In this case, the portion of the substance being provided
may be the additive substance AS. For a substance in the patch PA
to be "provided" by the contact and separation, an attractive force
and/or binding force that acts between the substance and the plate
PL should be present, and the attractive force and/or the binding
force should be larger than the attractive force acting between the
substance and the patch PA. Therefore, if the above-described
"delivery condition" is not satisfied, delivery of a substance may
not occur between the patch PA and the plate PL.
[0219] The delivery of a substance may be controlled by providing a
temperature condition or an electrical condition to the patch
PA.
[0220] The movement of a substance from the patch PA to the plate
PL may depend on an extent of a contact area between the patch PA
and the plate PL. For example, the substance movement efficiency
between the patch PA and the plate PL may be increased or decreased
in accordance with an extent of an area in which the patch PA and
the plate PL come into contact.
[0221] When the patch PA includes a plurality of components, only
some of the components may be selectively moved to the external
plate PL. More specifically, a substance that binds specifically to
some of the plurality of components may be fixed to the external
plate PL. In this case, the substance fixed to the external plate
PL may be in a liquid or solid state, or may be fixed to a
different region. In this case, a portion of the substance of the
plurality of components moves to the plate PL and binds
specifically to the plate PL due to contact between the patch PA
and the different region, and when the patch PA is separated from
the plate PL, only some of the components may be selectively
released to the plate PL.
[0222] FIGS. 5 to 7 illustrate delivery of a substance from the
patch PA to the external plate PL as an example of delivery of a
substance from among the functions of the patch PA according to the
present application. According to FIGS. 5 to 7, by the patch PA
coming into contact with the external plate PL, a portion of a
substance contained in the patch PA may be provided to the plate
PL. In this case, providing of the substance may become possible by
the patch PA coming into contact with the plate so that the
substance is movable. In this case, a water film WF may be formed
in the vicinity of a contact surface at which the plate and the
patch PA come into contact, and the substance may be movable
through the formed water film WF.
[0223] Here, a case in which the liquid substance SB is provided
from the patch PA to a substance having fluidity SL will be
described. The substance having fluidity SL may be a liquid
substance that is held in other containing space or that is
flowing.
[0224] As the patch PA and the substance having fluidity come into
contact (for example, the patch PA is put into a solution), at
least a portion of the liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA
may be diffused or moved due to irregular motion to the substance
having fluidity SL. When the patch PA and the substance having
fluidity SL are separated, a portion of the liquid substance SB
that has been moved from the patch PA to the substance having
fluidity become unable to move back to the patch PA so that a
portion of the substance in the patch PA may be provided to the
substance having fluidity.
[0225] The substance movement between the patch PA and the
substance having fluidity SL may depend on an extent of a contact
area between the patch PA and the substance having fluidity SL. For
example, the substance movement efficiency between the patch PA and
the substance having fluidity SL may be increased or decreased in
accordance with an extent of an area at which the patch PA and the
substance having fluidity SL come into contact (for example, a
depth at which the patch PA is immersed into a solution or the
like).
[0226] The substance movement between the patch PA and the
substance having fluidity SL may be controlled through physical
separation between the patch PA and the substance having
fluidity.
[0227] A partial concentration of the additive substance AS in the
liquid substance SB and a partial concentration of the additive
substance AS in the substance having fluidity may be different, and
the additive substance AS may be provided from the patch PA to the
substance having fluidity.
[0228] However, in the patch PA providing the liquid substance SB
to the substance having fluidity SL, the physical separation
between the patch PA and the substance having fluidity SL is not
essential. For example, when a force (driving force/casual force)
that causes a substance to move from the patch PA to a liquid
having fluidity disappears or is decreased to a reference value or
lower, the movement of the substance may be stopped.
[0229] In "delivery" between the patch PA and the substance having
fluidity SL, the above-described "delivery condition" between the
patch PA and the substance having fluidity SL may not be required.
It may be understood that substances that have already moved to the
substance having fluidity SL are diffused and/or moved due to
irregular motion in the substance having fluidity SL, and the
substance has been provided to the substance having fluidity SL
when a distance between the moved substance and the patch PA become
larger a predetermined distance. Since, while in the case of the
plate PL, a movable range expanded due to the contact is extremely
limited, and thus the attractive force between the patch PA and the
substances that have moved to the plate PL may be significant, in
the relationship between the patch PA and the substance having
fluidity, a movable range expanded due to contact between the patch
PA and the plate PL is relatively much wider, and thus the
attractive force between the patch PA and the substances that have
moved to the substance having fluidity SL is insignificant.
[0230] FIGS. 8 to 10 illustrate delivery of a substance from the
patch PA to the substance having fluidity as an example of delivery
of a substance from among the functions of the patch PA according
to the present application. According to FIGS. 8 to 10, the patch
PA may deliver a portion of a substance contained in the patch PA
to an external substance having fluidity. The delivery of the
portion of the contained substance may be performed by the patch PA
being inserted into or coming into contact with the substance
having fluidity so that substance movement is possible between the
liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA and the substance
having fluidity.
[0231] Here, it is assumed that a substance is moved from the patch
PA to another patch PA. In a contact region in which the patch PA
and the other patch PA are in contact, at least a portion of the
liquid substance B provided in the patch PA may be moved to the
other patch PA.
[0232] In the contact region, the liquid substance SB provided in
each patch PA may be diffused and moved to the other patch PA. In
this case, due to the movement of the substance, a concentration of
the liquid substance SB provided in each patch PA may be changed.
Also in the present embodiment, as described above, the patch PA
and the other patch PA may be separated, and a portion of the
liquid substance SB in the patch PA may be provided to the other
patch PA. The substance movement between the patch PA and the other
patch PA may be performed through a change in an environmental
condition including a change in a physical state.
[0233] The substance movement between the patch PA and another
patch PA may depend on an extent of a contact area between the
patch PA and the other patch PA. For example, the substance
movement efficiency between the patch PA and the other patch PA may
be increased or decreased in accordance with an extent of an area
where the patch PA comes into contact with the other patch PA.
[0234] FIGS. 11 to 13 illustrate delivery of a substance from a
patch PA1 to another patch PA2 as an example of delivery of a
substance among the functions of the patch PA according to the
present application. According to FIGS. 11 to 13, the patch PA1 may
deliver a portion of a substance contained in the patch PA1 to the
other patch PA2. The delivery of the portion of the substance may
be performed by the patch PA1 coming into contact with the other
patch PA2 and becoming a state in which a liquid substance SB
captured in the patch PA1 and a substance captured in the other
patch PA2 are exchangeable.
[0235] 2.2.4.2 Absorption
[0236] Prior to description, it should be noted that, among the
functions of the patch PA according to the present application,
"absorption" may be managed similarly as the above-described
"delivery" in some embodiments. For example, in a case in which a
substance moves due to a concentration differences between
substances, the "absorption" may be similar to the "delivery" in
that a concentration of the liquid substance SB, particularly, a
concentration of the additive substance AS, may be changed to
control a direction in which the substance is moved. The
"absorption" may also be similar to "delivery" in terms of
controlling movement and selective absorption of a substance
through a release of physical contact with the patch PA, and this
may be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to
which the present application pertains.
[0237] Due to the above-described characteristics, the patch PA
according to the present application may capture an external
substance. The patch PA may pull in an external substance present
outside a region defined by the patch PA toward a region affected
by the patch PA. The pulled external substance may be captured
along with the liquid substance SB of the patch PA. The pulling of
the external substance may be caused by an attractive force between
the external substance and the liquid substance SB already captured
in the patch PA. Alternatively, the pulling of the external
substance may be caused by an attractive force between the external
substance and a region of the mesh structural body NS not occupied
by the liquid substance SB. The pulling of the external substance
may be caused by a force of surface tension.
[0238] Hereinafter, for convenience, the above-described function
of the patch PA will be referred to as "absorption." Absorption may
be understood as a concept subordinate to the above-described
channeling function of the patch PA, the concept defining movement
of an external substance to the patch PA.
[0239] The absorption may occur by the patch PA via a state in
which the substance is movable and a state in which the substance
is immovable.
[0240] A substance that is absorbable by the patch PA may be in a
liquid or solid state. For example, when the patch PA comes into
contact with an external substance including a solid state
substance, absorption of the substance may be performed due to an
attractive force between the solid state substance included in the
external substance and the liquid substance SB placed in the patch
PA. As another example, when the patch PA comes into contact with a
liquid external substance, the absorption may be performed due to
binding between the liquid external substance and the liquid
substance SB placed in the patch PA.
[0241] The external substance absorbed into the patch PA may be
moved to the inside of the patch PA through the micro-cavities of
the mesh structural body NS forming the patch PA or may be
distributed on a surface of the patch PA. Positions at which the
external substance is distributed may be set on the basis of a
molecular weight or a particle size of the external substance.
[0242] While the absorption is performed, the form of the patch PA
may be changed. For example, the volume, color, and the like of the
patch PA may be changed. While the absorption into the patch PA is
being performed, the absorption into the patch PA may be activated
or delayed by adding external conditions such as a temperature
change and a physical state change to an absorption environment of
the patch PA.
[0243] The absorption will be described below as a function of the
patch PA according to some examples of an external region that
provides a substance to be absorbed into the patch PA when the
absorption occurs.
[0244] Hereinafter, it will be assumed that the patch PA absorbs an
external substance from a external plate PL. An example of the
external plate may include a plate PL in which the external
substance may be placed while the external substance is not
absorbed thereinto.
[0245] A substance may be applied on the external plate PL.
Particularly, a substance may be applied in a form of powder on the
plate PL. The substance applied on the plate PL may be a single
component or a mixture of a plurality of components.
[0246] The plate PL may have the shape of a flat plate. The shape
of the plate PL may be deformed for improvement in ability to
contain the substance or the like. For example, a well may be
formed to improve the ability to contain the substance, a surface
of the plate PL may be deformed by engraving or embossing, or a
patterned plate PL may be used to improve contact with the patch
PA.
[0247] The absorption of a substance from the plate PL by the patch
PA according to the present application may be performed through
contact between the plate PL and the patch PA. In this case, in a
contact region in the vicinity of a contact surface between the
plate PL and the patch PA, a water film WF may be formed due to the
liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA and/or the substance
applied on the plate PL. When the water film (aquaplane,
hydroplane) WF is formed in the contact region, the substance
applied on the plate PL may be captured by the water film WF. The
substance captured in the water film WF may freely flow within the
patch PA.
[0248] When the patch PA is spaced a predetermined distance or more
apart and separated from the plate PL, the water film WF may be
moved along with the patch PA, and the substance applied on the
plate PL may be absorbed into the patch PA. The substance applied
on the plate PL may be absorbed into the patch PA as the patch PA
is separated a predetermined distance or more apart from the plate
PL. When the patch PA and the plate PL are spaced apart and
separated, the liquid substance SB provided to the patch PA may not
be moved to the plate PL, or only an insignificant amount thereof
may be absorbed into the patch PA.
[0249] A portion of or the entire substance applied on the plate PL
may react specifically with a portion of or the entire substance
captured in the patch PA. In this respect, absorption of a
substance from the plate PL by the patch PA may be selectively
performed. Particularly, the absorption may be performed
selectively when the patch PA has a stronger attractive force than
the plate PL with respect to a portion of the substance captured in
the patch PA.
[0250] As an example, a portion of the substance may be fixed to
the plate PL. In other words, a portion of the substance may be
fixed to the plate PL while another portion of the substance is
applied to have fluidity or not be fixed. In this case, when the
patch PA and the plate PL are brought into contact and separated,
the substance, excluding the portion of the substance fixed to the
plate PL of the substance applied on the plate PL, may be
selectively absorbed into the patch PA. Instead, the selective
absorption may also occur due to polarities of a substance placed
on the plate PL and a substance captured in the patch PA regardless
of whether the substance is fixed.
[0251] As another example, when the liquid substance SB captured in
the patch PA is bound specifically to at least a portion of a
substance applied on the plate PL, only the portion of the
substance applied on the plate PL bound specifically to the liquid
substance SB may be absorbed into the patch PA when the patch PA is
brought into contact with and then separated from the substance
applied on the plate PL.
[0252] As yet another example, a portion of the substance applied
on the plate PL may react specifically with a substance fixed to
the plate PL in advance. In this case, only a remaining substance,
excluding the substance that reacts specifically with the substance
fixed to the plate PL in advance of the substance being applied to
the plate PL, may be absorbed into the patch PA.
[0253] FIGS. 14 to 16 illustrate absorption of a substance from an
external plate PL by the patch PA as an example of absorption of a
substance from among the functions of the patch PA according to the
present application. According to FIGS. 14 to 16, the patch PA may
absorb a portion of a substance placed on the external plate PL
from the external plate PL. The absorption of the substance may be
performed by the patch PA coming into contact with the external
plate PL, the water film WF being formed in the vicinity of a
contact region between the external plate PL and the patch PA, and
the substance being movable to the patch PA through the water film
WF.
[0254] Here, it will be assumed that a substance is absorbed into
the patch PA from the substance having fluidity SL. The substance
having fluidity SL may refer to a liquid external substance that is
held in other containing space or that is flowing. More
specifically, by having an environment in which the substance
having fluidity SL and the liquid substance SB captured in the
patch PA may flow to and from each other, a portion of or the
entire substance having fluidity SL may be absorbed into the patch
PA. In this case, the environment in which the substance having
fluidity SL and the liquid substance SB may flow to and from each
other may be formed by the patch PA coming into contact with at
least a portion of the substance having fluidity SL.
[0255] When the patch PA comes into contact with the substance
having fluidity SL, the patch PA may be in a state in which a
substance is movable from the substance having fluidity SL. When
the patch PA is separated from the substance having fluidity SL, at
least a portion of the substance having fluidity SL may be absorbed
into the patch PA.
[0256] The absorption of a substance into the patch PA from the
substance having fluidity SL may depend on a concentration
difference between the substance captured in the patch PA and the
substance having fluidity SL. In other words, when the
concentration of the liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA
with respect to a predetermined additive substance AS is lower than
the concentration of the substance having fluidity SL with respect
to the predetermined additive substance AS, the predetermined
additive substance AS may be absorbed into the patch PA.
[0257] When a substance is absorbed into the patch PA from the
substance having fluidity SL, in addition to the absorption
depending on the concentration difference while the patch PA and
the substance having fluidity SL are in contact as described above,
the absorption into the patch PA may also be controlled by adding
an electrical factor or changing a physical condition. Further,
without direct contact between the substance captured in the patch
PA and a substance to be absorbed, the absorption of a substance
may also be performed through indirect contact therebetween via a
medium.
[0258] FIGS. 17 to 19 illustrate absorption of a substance from the
substance having fluidity SL by the patch PA as an example of
absorption of a substance from among the functions of the patch PA
according to the present application. According to FIGS. 17 to 19,
the patch PA may absorb a portion of the substance having fluidity
SL. The absorption of a substance may be performed by the patch PA
being immersed into the substance having fluidity SL or coming into
contact with the substance having fluidity SL so that the liquid
substance SB captured in the patch PA and the substance having
fluidity SL are movable to and from each other.
[0259] Here, it will be assumed that the patch PA absorbs an
external substance from another patch PA.
[0260] The absorption of an external substance from another patch
PA by the patch PA may be performed due to a difference in binding
force between the absorbed external substance and the substance
already captured in the patch PA and between the absorbed external
substance and the external substance not absorbed into the patch
PA. For example, when the absorbed substance exhibits hydrophilic
property, the patch PA exhibits hydrophilic property, and an
attractive force between the absorbed substance and the patch PA is
stronger than an attractive force between the other patch PA and
the absorbed substance (that is, when the patch PA is more
hydrophilic than the other patch PA), at least a portion of the
external substance may be absorbed into the patch PA when the patch
PA and the other patch PA are separated after being brought into
contact.
[0261] FIGS. 20 to 22 illustrate absorption of a substance from
another patch PA4 by a patch PA3 as an example of absorption of a
substance among the functions of the patch PA according to the
present application. According to FIGS. 20 to 22, the patch PA3 may
absorb a portion of a substance placed in the other patch PA4. The
absorption of the substance may be performed by the patch PA3
coming into contact with the other patch PA4 so that a liquid
substance SB captured in the patch PA3 and a liquid substance SB
captured in the other patch PA4 are exchangeable.
[0262] A binding force of the patch PA to the external substance
absorbed thereinto may be changed in accordance with a proportion
of a frame structural body of the three-dimensional mesh structural
body NS constituting the patch PA with respect to the total volume
of the patch PA. For example, as the proportion of a volume
occupied by the frame structural body in the entire patch PA
increases, the amount of substance captured in the structural body
may be reduced. In this case, a binding force between the patch PA
and a target substance may be reduced due to a reason such as
reduction in a contact area between the target substance and the
substance captured in the patch PA.
[0263] In relation to this, ratios of materials that constitutes
the mesh structural body NS may be adjusted during manufacturing
process of the patch PA so that polarity of the patch PA is
controlled. For example, in the case of a patch PA manufactured
using agarose, a concentration of the agarose may be controlled to
adjust a degree of the absorption.
[0264] When the certain region has a weaker binding force than the
patch PA with respect to a substance provided from the patch PA,
and the patch PA and another patch PA are brought into contact and
then separated, the absorbed external substance may be separated
from the other patch PA along with the patch PA.
[0265] 2.2.4.3 Providing of Environment
[0266] Due to the above-described characteristics, the patch PA
according to the present application may perform a function of
adjusting an environmental condition of a desired region. The patch
PA may provide an environment due to the patch PA to the desired
region.
[0267] The environmental condition due to the patch PA may depend
on the liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA. The patch PA
may create a desired environment in a substance placed in an
external region on the basis of characteristics of a substance
accommodated in the patch PA or for a purpose of making the
environment correspond to characteristics of the substance
accommodated in the patch PA.
[0268] The adjustment of the environment may be understood as
changing an environmental condition of the desired region. The
changing of the environmental condition of the desired region may
be implemented in a form in which a region affected by the patch PA
is expanded to include at least a portion of the desired region or
a form in which an environment of the patch PA is shared with the
desired region.
[0269] Hereinafter, for convenience, the above-described function
of the patch PA will be referred to as "providing of an
environment."
[0270] The providing of an environment by the patch PA may be
performed in a state in which a substance is movable between the
patch PA and an external region subject to provide the environment.
The providing of an environment by the patch PA may be performed
through contact. For example, when the patch PA comes into contact
with a desired region (for example, an external substance, a plate
PL, or the like), a specific environment may be provided to the
desired region by the patch PA.
[0271] The patch PA may adjust an environment of a target region TA
by providing an environment with an appropriate pH, osmotic
pressure, humidity level, concentration, temperature, and the like.
For example, the patch PA may provide fluidity (liquidity) to the
target region TA or a target substance. Such providing of fluidity
may occur due to movement of a portion of a substance captured in
the patch PA. A moist environment may be provided to the target
region TA through the liquid substance SB or the base substance BS
captured in the patch PA.
[0272] The environmental factors provided by the patch PA may be
constantly maintained in accordance with a purpose. For example,
the patch PA may provide homeostasis to the desired region. As
another example, as a result of providing an environment, the
substance captured in the patch PA may be adapted to an
environmental condition of the desired region
[0273] The providing of an environment by the patch PA may result
from diffusion of the liquid substance SB included in the patch PA.
That is, when the patch PA and the desired region come into
contact, a substance may be movable through a contact region that
is formed due to contact between the patch PA and the desired
region. In relation to this, an environmental change due to an
osmotic pressure, an environmental change due to a change in ionic
concentration, providing of a moist environment, and a change in a
pH level may be implemented in accordance with a direction in which
the substance is diffused.
[0274] FIGS. 23 to 25 illustrate providing of a predetermined
environment to an external plate PL by the patch PA as an example
of providing of an environment among the functions of the patch PA
according to the present application. According to FIGS. 23 to 25,
the patch PA may provide a predetermined environment to an external
plate PL on which a fourth substance SB4 and a fifth substance SB5
are placed. For example, the patch PA may provide a predetermined
environment to the plate PL for the fourth substance SB4 and the
fifth substance SB5 to react and form a sixth substance SB6. The
providing of the environment may be performed by the patch PA
coming into contact with the plate PL so that a water film WF is
formed in the vicinity of a contact region and the fourth substance
SB4 and the fifth substance SB5 are captured in the water film
WF.
[0275] 3. Application of Patch
[0276] The patch PA according to the present application may be
implemented to perform various functions by suitably applying the
above-described functions of the patch PA.
[0277] The technical spirit of the present application will be
described below by disclosing some embodiments. However, the
technical scope to which functions of the patch PA disclosed by the
present application are applied may be interpreted in a broad sense
within the scope that may be easily derived by those of ordinary
skill in the art, and the scope of the present application should
not be interpreted as being limited by the embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0278] 3.1. In-Patch
[0279] The patch PA may provide a reaction region for a substance.
In other words, a reaction of a substance may occur in at least a
portion of a spatial region affected by the patch PA. In this case,
the reaction of a substance may be a reaction between liquid
substances SB captured in the patch PA and/or a reaction between
the captured liquid substance SB and a substance provided from the
outside of the patch PA. The providing of a reaction region for a
substance may activate or promote a reaction of a substance.
[0280] In this case, the liquid substance SB captured in the patch
PA may include at least one of a substance added upon manufacturing
the patch PA, a substance additive into the patch PA after the
manufacturing of the patch PA and contained in the patch PA, and a
substance temporarily captured in the patch PA. In other words,
regardless of a form in which a substance is captured in the patch
PA, any substance captured in the patch PA at a time point at which
a reaction in the patch PA is activated may react in the patch PA.
Further, a substance injected after the manufacturing of the patch
PA may also act as a reaction initiator.
[0281] The providing of a reaction region for a reaction related to
the liquid substance SB captured in the patch PA may be a concept
subordinate, in terms of embodiment, to the above-described Section
2.1.3 (that is, providing of reaction space). Alternatively, the
providing of a reaction region for a reaction related to the liquid
substance SB captured in the patch PA may consist of multiple
concepts that perform combined functions of the above-described
Section 2.1.3 and Section 2.2.4.2 (that is, absorption). The
providing of a reaction region for a reaction related to the liquid
substance SB captured in the patch PA is not limited thereto and
may be implemented in the form in which two or more functions are
combined.
3.1.1 First Embodiment
[0282] Hereinafter, description will be given by assuming that the
function of absorption into the patch PA and the function of
providing of a reaction space (hereinafter referred to as
"providing function") are performed by a single patch PA. In this
case, the absorption function and the providing function may be
simultaneously-performed functions, functions performed at
different time points, or functions sequentially performed to
perform another function. The patch PA further including other
functions in addition to the absorption and providing functions may
also be considered as belonging to the present embodiment.
[0283] As described above, the patch PA may perform a function of
capturing a substance, and the substance may have fluidity even
when the substance is captured. When some components of the liquid
substance SB are non-uniformly distributed, the non-uniform
components may be diffused. Even when components of the liquid
substance SB are uniformly distributed, the liquid substance SB may
have a predetermined level of mobility due to irregular motion of
particles. In this case, a reaction between substances, for
example, specific binding between substances, may occur inside the
patch PA.
[0284] For example, in the patch PA, in addition to a reaction
between captured substances, a reaction in a form in which a
substance having fluidity that is newly captured in the patch PA
and the substance that has been captured in the patch PA bind
specifically to each other may also be possible.
[0285] The reaction between the substance having fluidity and the
substance that has been captured in the patch PA may also occur
after the substance patch being separated from an space that has
been provided. For example, after the patch PA absorbs the
substance having fluidity from an arbitrary space, the patch PA may
be separated from the arbitrary space, and a reaction between the
absorbed substance and the substance that has been captured in the
patch PA may occur in the patch PA.
[0286] In addition, the patch PA may allow a reaction of a
substance captured therein to occur by performing the absorption
function with respect to a substance having fluidity. In other
words, the absorption of the substance having fluidity by the patch
PA may act as a trigger for a reaction between the absorbed
substance and the substance that has been captured in the patch PA.
The reaction may occur inside a space defined by the patch PA.
[0287] A composition of the liquid substance SB captured in the
patch PA may be changed due to the reaction occurring inside the
patch PA. When, particularly, a substance captured inside the patch
PA is a compound, a chemical composition thereof may be changed
before and after a reaction. Alternatively, a composition
distribution of a substance may be changed in accordance with a
position of the substance in the patch PA. For example, this may be
due to diffusion or particles having an attractive force specific
to another substance.
[0288] When the composition of the liquid substance SB is changed
due to a reaction inside the patch PA, a portion of the substance
may be absorbed into the patch PA due to a concentration difference
between the patch PA and a substance outside the patch PA (when a
substance in contact with the patch PA is present, the
corresponding substance), or the substance may be released from the
patch PA to the substance outside the patch PA.
3.1.2 Second Embodiment
[0289] Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the containing function
of the patch PA and the function of providing of a reaction space
for a substance are performed together for at least a predetermined
amount of time will be described. More specifically, the patch PA
may perform a function of providing a space for at least a portion
of the liquid substance SB contained in the patch PA to react.
[0290] The patch PA may contain a substance and provide a reaction
space for the contained substance. In this case, the reaction space
provided by the patch PA may be the micro-cavities formed by the
mesh structural body NS of the patch PA or a surface region of the
patch PA. Particularly, when a substance contained in the patch PA
and a substance applied on a surface of the patch PA react, the
reaction space may be the surface region of the patch PA.
[0291] The reaction space provided by the patch PA may serve to
provide a specific environmental condition. While a reaction occurs
in the liquid substance SB placed in the patch PA, an environmental
condition of the reaction may be adjusted by the patch PA. For
example, the patch PA may serve as a buffer solution.
[0292] By containing a substance through a mesh structure, the
patch PA does not require a container, separately. When the
reaction space of the patch PA is a surface of the patch PA, a
reaction may be easily observed through the surface of the patch
PA. For this, the shape of the patch PA may be deformed into a
shape that facilitates the observation.
[0293] The liquid substance SB contained in the patch PA may be
denaturalized or react with a different type of substance. The
composition of the liquid substance SB contained in the patch PA
may be changed with time.
[0294] The reaction may refer to a chemical reaction in which a
chemical formula is changed, a physical state change, or a
biological reaction. In this case, the liquid substance SB
contained in the patch PA may be a substance formed of a single
component or a mixture including a plurality of components.
[0295] 3.2 Providing of Movement Path (Channeling)
[0296] Hereinafter, the patch PA that performs a function of
providing a substance movement path will be described. More
specifically, as described above, the patch PA may capture, absorb,
release, and/or contain a substance having fluidity. Various
embodiments of the patch PA that performs the function of providing
a substance movement path may be implemented by each of the
above-described functions of the patch PA or a combination thereof.
However, a few embodiments will be disclosed for a better
understanding.
3.2.1 Third Embodiment
[0297] The patch PA may be implemented to perform functions
described in Section 2.2.4.1 (that is, the section related to
delivery) and Section 2.2.4.2 (that is, the section related to
absorption) among the above-described functions of the patch PA. In
this case, the absorption function and the delivery function may be
provided together or sequentially provided.
[0298] The patch PA may perform the absorption and delivery
functions together to provide a substance movement path.
Particularly, the patch PA may absorb an external substance and
provide the absorbed external substance to an external region,
thereby providing a movement path to the external substance.
[0299] The providing of the movement path of the external substance
by the patch PA may be performed by absorbing the external
substance and releasing the external substance. More specifically,
the patch PA may come into contact with the external substance,
absorb the external substance, come into contact with the external
region, and deliver the external substance to the external region.
In this case, the capturing of the external substance and the
delivery of the captured external substance to the external region
by the patch PA may be performed through a process similar to those
of the above-described absorption and delivery.
[0300] The external substance absorbed into the patch PA and
provided may be in a liquid phase or a solid phase.
[0301] In this way, the patch PA may allow a portion of the
external substance to be provided to another external substance.
The external substance and the other external substance may
simultaneously come into contact with the patch PA. The external
substance and the other external substance may come into contact
with the patch PA at different time points.
[0302] The external substance and the other external substance may
come into contact with the patch PA at different time points. When
the external substances come into contact with the patch PA at
different time points, the external substance may come into contact
with the patch PA first, and after the external substance and the
patch PA are separated, the patch PA and the other external
substance may come into contact. In this case, the patch PA may
temporarily contain a substance captured from the external
substance.
[0303] The patch PA may simultaneously provide a substance movement
path and additionally provide a time delay. The patch PA may
perform a function of suitably adjusting an amount of substance
provided to another external substance and a speed of such
providing.
[0304] Such a series of processes may be carried out in one
direction with respect to the patch PA. As a specific example,
absorption of a substance may be performed through a surface of the
patch PA, an environment may be provided in an inner space of the
patch PA, and the substance may be released through another surface
facing the surface.
3.2.2 Fourth Embodiment
[0305] The patch PA may perform the absorbing and releasing of a
substance among the above-described functions of the patch PA and
the providing of a reaction space for the substance simultaneously.
In this case, the absorption and release of the substance and the
providing of the reaction space may be performed simultaneously or
sequentially.
[0306] According to an embodiment, in performing the processes of
absorbing and releasing an external substance, the patch PA may
provide a reaction space to the absorbed external substance for at
least a predetermined amount of time. The patch PA may provide a
specific environment for at least some time to the liquid substance
SB captured in the patch PA, including the absorbed external
substance.
[0307] The liquid substance SB that has been captured in the patch
PA and the external substance captured in the patch PA may react
inside the patch PA. The external substance absorbed into the patch
PA may be affected by an environment provided by the patch PA. The
substance released from the patch PA may include at least a portion
of a substance generated through the reaction. The external
substance may be released from the patch PA after the composition,
characteristics, and the like of the external substance are
changed.
[0308] The absorbed substance may be released from the patch PA.
The external substance being absorbed into the patch PA and being
released from the patch PA may be understood as the external
substance passing through the patch PA. The external substance that
has passed through the patch PA may lose integrity due to a
reaction inside the patch PA or an influence of an environment
provided by the patch PA.
[0309] The above-described processes of absorption of an external
substance, reaction of a substance, and providing of the substance
may be carried out in one direction. In other words, the absorption
of a substance may be performed at one position of the patch PA,
the providing of an environment may be performed at another
position of the patch PA, and the release of the substance may be
performed at yet another position of the patch PA.
[0310] FIGS. 26 to 28 illustrate providing of a substance movement
path between two plates PL as an embodiment of the patch PA
according to the present application. According to FIGS. 26 to 28,
the patch PA may provide a substance movement path between a plate
PL1 on which a seventh substance SB7 is applied and a plate PL2 on
which an eighth substance SB8 is applied. As a specific example,
when the seventh substance SB7 is capable of binding to the eighth
substance, and the eighth substance is fixed to the plate PL2, the
patch PA may come into contact with the plates PL1 and PL2 so that
the seventh substance SB7 is moved through the patch PA and bound
to the eighth substance SB8. The seventh substance SB7 and the
eighth substance SB8 may be connected to the patch PA through a
water film WF formed by the patch PA coming into contact with the
plates PL1 and PL2.
[0311] FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate providing of a substance movement
path between two patches as an embodiment of the patch PA according
to the present application. According to FIGS. 29 and 30, a patch
PA6 configured to provide the movement path may be in contact with
a patch PA5 configured to contain a substance to be moved, and a
patch PA7 configured to receive the substance to be moved. The
patch PA6 configured to provide the movement path may come into
contact with the patch PA5 configured to contain the substance to
be moved and the patch PA7 configured to receive the substance to
be moved, and the substance to be moved may be moved to the patch
PA7 configured to receive the substance to be moved. The movement
of the substance between the patches may be performed by a water
film WF formed in the vicinity of a contact region between the
patches.
[0312] FIGS. 31 and 32 illustrate providing of a substance movement
path between two patches as an embodiment of the patch according to
the present application. According to FIGS. 29 and 30, a patch PA9
configured to provide the movement path may be in contact with a
patch PA8 configured to contain a ninth substance SB9 and a patch
PA10 configured to receive a substance. The patch PA9 providing the
movement path may come into contact with the patch PA8 configured
to contain the ninth substance SB9 to absorb the ninth substance
SB9. The absorbed ninth substance SB9 may react with a tenth
substance SB10 contained in the patch PA9, which is configured to
provide the movement path, and generate an eleventh substance. An
eleventh substance SB11 may be provided from the patch PA9
configured to provide the movement path to the patch PA10
configured to receive the substance. The movement of a substance
between the patches PA may be performed through a water film WF
formed in the vicinity of a contact region between the patches
PA.
[0313] 3.3 Multi-Patch
[0314] A patch PA may be solely used, or a plurality of patches PA
may be used together. In this case, the plurality of patches PA
being able to be used together includes a case in which the
plurality of patches PA are sequentially used as well as a case in
which the plurality of patches PA are used simultaneously.
[0315] When the plurality of patches PA are used simultaneously,
the patches PA may perform different functions. Although each patch
PA of the plurality of patches PA may contain the same substance,
the plurality of patches PA may also contain different
substances.
[0316] When the plurality of patches PA are used simultaneously,
the patches PA may not come into contact with each other such that
substance movement does not occur between the patches PA, or a
desired function may be performed in a state in which substances
contained in the patches PA are exchangeable.
[0317] Although the plurality of patches PA used together may be
manufactured in shapes similar to each other or in the same size,
the plurality of patches PA may be used together even when the
plurality of patches PA have different shapes. Each patch PA
constituting the plurality of patches PA may be manufactured such
that densities of the mesh structural bodies NS are different or
components constituting the mesh structural bodies NS are
different.
[0318] 3.3.1 Contact with Plurality of Patches
[0319] When a plurality of patches PA are used, the plurality of
patches PA may come into contact with a single target region TA.
The plurality of patches PA may come into contact with the single
target region TA and perform a desired function.
[0320] When a plurality of target regions TA are present, the
plurality of patches PA may come into contact with different target
regions TA. When the plurality of target regions TA are present,
the plurality of patches PA may respectively come into contact with
corresponding target regions TA and perform a desired function.
[0321] The plurality of patches PA may come into contact with a
substance applied on the target region TA. In this case, the
substance applied on the target region TA may be fixed or have
fluidity.
[0322] The desired function may be a function of providing or
absorbing the substance. However, each patch PA does not
necessarily provide the same substance or absorb the same
substance, and the patches PA may provide different substances to
the target region TA or absorb different components from a
substance placed in the target region TA.
[0323] The desired function may be different for each patch PA
constituting the plurality of patches PA. For example, one patch PA
may perform the function of providing a substance to the target
region TA, and another patch PA may perform the function of
absorbing the substance from the target region TA.
[0324] The plurality of patches PA may include different
substances, and the different substances may be provided to a
single target region TA and used to induce a desired reaction. When
a plurality of components of a substance is required for the
desired reaction to occur, the plurality of components may be
contained in a plurality of patches PA respectively and provided to
the target region TA. Such use of the plurality of patches PA may
be particularly useful when properties of substances required for a
desired reaction are lost or altered when the substances required
for the reaction being mixed for reasons such as being contained in
a single patch PA.
[0325] According to an embodiment, when the plurality of patches PA
include substances formed of different components, and the
substances formed of different components have different specific
binding relationships, the substances formed of different
components may be provided to the target region TA. The plurality
of patches PA may be used to detect a plurality of specific
bindings from the substances applied on the target region TA, by
providing the substances including different components.
[0326] According to another embodiment, the plurality of patches PA
may include substances formed of the same component, but each patch
PA may have a different concentration with respect to the substance
formed of the same component. The plurality of patches PA including
the substances formed of the same component may come into contact
with the target region TA and be used to determine an influence in
accordance with a concentration of the substance included in the
plurality of patches PA.
[0327] When the plurality of patches PA are used as described
above, the patches PA may be grouped into more efficient forms and
used. In other words, the configuration of the plurality of patches
PA being used may be changed every time the plurality of patches PA
are used. The plurality of patches PA may be manufactured in the
form of a cartridge and used. In this case, the form of each patch
PA being used may be suitably standardized and manufactured.
[0328] The plurality of patches PA in the form of a cartridge may
be suitable when patches PA configured to contain a plurality of
types of substances are manufactured to be used by being chosen as
necessary.
[0329] Particularly, when attempting to detect a specific reaction
of each substance from the target region TA using a plurality of
types of substances, a combination of specific reactions to be
detected may be changed every time the detection is performed.
[0330] FIG. 33 illustrates a case in which the plurality of patches
PA are used together as an embodiment of the patch PA according to
the present application. According to FIG. 33, the plurality of
patches PA according to an embodiment of the present application
may simultaneously come into contact with a target region TA placed
on a plate PL. The patches PA constituting the plurality of patches
PA may have a standardized form. The plurality of patches PA may
include a first patch and a second patch, and a substance contained
in the first patch may be different from a substance contained in
the second patch.
[0331] FIG. 34 illustrates a case in which the plurality of patches
PA are used and the plate PL includes a plurality of target regions
TA. According to FIG. 34, the plurality of patches PA according to
an embodiment of the present application may simultaneously come
into contact with the plurality of target regions TA placed on the
plate PL. The plurality of patches PA may include a first patch PA
and a second patch PA, the plurality of target regions TA may
include a first target region and a second target region, and the
first patch may come into contact with the first target region and
the second patch may come into contact with the second target
region.
3.3.2 Fifth Embodiment
[0332] The plurality of patches PA may perform a plurality of
functions. As described above, the patches PA may simultaneously
perform a plurality of functions, and the patches PA may also
simultaneously perform different functions. However, embodiments
are not limited to the above, and the functions may also be
combined and performed in the plurality of patches PA.
[0333] First, in the case in which the patches PA simultaneously
perform the plurality of functions, the patches PA may perform both
containing and release of a substance. For example, the patches PA
may contain different substances and release substances contained
in the target regions TA. In this case, the contained substances
may be simultaneously or sequentially released.
[0334] Next, in the case in which the patches PA simultaneously
perform different functions, the patches PA may separately perform
containing and release of a substance. In this case, only some of
the patches PA may come into contact with a target region TA and
release a substance to the target region TA.
3.3.3 Sixth Embodiment
[0335] When a plurality of patches PA are used, as described above,
the plurality of patches PA may perform a plurality of functions.
First, the patches PA may simultaneously perform containing,
releasing, and absorbing of substances. Alternatively, the patches
PA may also separately perform the containing, releasing, and
absorbing of the substances. However, embodiments are not limited
thereto, and the functions may also be combined and performed in
the plurality of patches PA.
[0336] For example, at least some of the plurality of patches PA
may contain a substance and release the contained substance to the
target region TA. In this case, at least a remainder of the
plurality of patches PA may absorb a substance from the target
region TA. Some of the plurality of patches PA may release a
substance that binds specifically to a substance placed in the
target region TA. In this case, specific binding may be detected by
absorption of a substance that has not formed specific binding from
the substance placed in the target region TA using another patch
PA.
3.3.4 Seventh Embodiment
[0337] When a plurality of patches PA are used, the patches PA may
simultaneously perform containing and release of a substance and
providing of an environment. Alternatively, the patches PA may
separately perform the containing and release of a substance and
providing of an environment. However, embodiments are not limited
thereto, and the functions may also be performed in combination in
the plurality of patches PA.
[0338] For example, a patch PA among the plurality of patches PA
may release a substance contained therein to the target region TA.
In this case, another patch PA may provide an environment to the
target region TA. Here, the providing of an environment may be
implemented in the form in which an environmental condition of a
substance contained in the other patch PA is provided to the target
region TA. More specifically, a reacting substance may be provided
to the target region TA by the patch PA, and the other patch PA may
come into contact with the target region TA and provide a buffering
environment.
[0339] As another example, the plurality of patches PA may be in
contact with each other. In this case, at least one patch PA may
contain a substance and release the substance contained therein to
another patch PA configured to provide an environment. In the
present embodiment, the patch PA configured to provide an
environment may release a substance, come into contact with at
least one other patch PA that is not in contact with the patch PA
configured to provide an environment, and absorb a substance from
the patch PA.
[0340] 4. Blood Test (Hematologic Diagnosis)
[0341] 4.1 Meaning
[0342] The patch of the present application may be used in a blood
test. Blood test refers to an examination for blood in accordance
with a hematologic technique for diagnosing a testee's health
condition, presence of illness or disease, progress thereof and the
like.
[0343] The patch of the present application may be used in various
blood testing methods of obtaining numerical and morphological
information of blood. Hereinafter, a few typical blood tests using
the patch of the present application will be mentioned. However, it
should be noted that the blood test is not limited to the examples
which will be described below in the present application.
[0344] In applying the patch of the present application to a blood
test, the above-described base substance BS and the additive
substance AS may be properly changed in accordance with a site to
which the patch is applied.
[0345] 4.2 Typical Examples of Blood Test
[0346] 4.2.1 Complete Blood Cell Count (CBC)
[0347] A typical example of a blood test may include a CBC(Complete
Blood cell Count). The CBC is one of the most fundamental blood
tests that uses numerical information or morphological information
on blood cells, i.e., red blood cells, white blood cells, and
platelets and has various clinical indications including diagnosis,
treatment, and monitoring of a disease.
[0348] 4.2.2 Peripheral Blood Smear Examination
[0349] Another typical example of a blood test may include a
peripheral blood smear examination. The peripheral blood smear
examination is an examination in which collected blood is smeared
on a slide glass and then stained to examine numerical or
morphological information of blood cells or discover bacteria or
parasites in blood through a microscope. For example, red blood
cells may be used in distinguishing anemia and determining a cause
thereof, and white blood cells may be helpful in determining
myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia, a cause of infection or
inflammation, and megaloblastic anemia. Also, platelets are helpful
in determining a myeloproliferative disorder, platelet satellitism,
and the like. In addition, platelets may also be used for detecting
bacterial pathogens such as tubercule bacillus or various parasites
including bacteria present in blood.
[0350] 4.3 Examples of Staining Techniques
[0351] In the present application, a blood test may be performed
mostly by smearing blood on a plate PL such as a slide glass,
staining the blood, and then observing the stained blood. Here,
various staining techniques may be used as necessary. For example,
Romanowsky staining techniques such as a Giemsa staining technique,
a Wright staining technique, and a Giemsa-Wright staining technique
may be used in staining blood. In addition, staining techniques
such as a simple staining technique, a Gram staining technique, or
an AFB [Ziehl-Neelsen] staining technique accompanied by a
bacteriological examination, and a Papanicolaou staining technique
mostly used in cervical cancer examination may be used in a blood
test of the present application.
[0352] 4.4 Performance of Blood Test
[0353] 4.4.1 Preparation of Sample
[0354] Here, preparation of a sample used in a blood test, i.e.,
blood, will be described.
[0355] A sample may be prepared on a plate PL to examine for blood
using the patch PA of the present application.
[0356] Here, the plate PL may refer to a solid plate such as a
general slide glass and a plate manufactured with polystyrene,
polypropylene, or the like. A plate having a different form of
bottom or different transparency may be used as the plate PL in
accordance with a detection method. The plate PL may include a
reaction region that may come into contact with the patch PA or in
which a desired reaction may occur.
[0357] 4.4.2 Preparation of Patch
[0358] In performing a blood test in the present application, the
above-described patch PA may be used.
[0359] The patch PA may contain a staining reagent and deliver the
staining reagent to the plate PL. Here, the staining reagent may be
changed in various ways in accordance with a purpose of a blood
test or a staining technique for performing the blood test. Typical
examples of a staining reagent include staining solutions which are
used in Romanowsky staining techniques such as acetocarmine,
methylene blue, eosin, acid fuchsin, safranin, Janus Green B,
hematoxylin, Giemsa solution, Wright solution, and Wright-Giemsa
solution, Leishman staining solution, Gram staining solution,
carbol-fuchsin, and Ziehl-Neelsen solution. Of course, the staining
reagent in the present disclosure is not limited to the
above-mentioned examples, and various other substances for staining
blood may also be used as a staining reagent as necessary.
[0360] Only a single staining reagent may be contained in the patch
PA. For example, when attempting to perform a staining technique
using only one type of staining reagent such as the simple staining
technique, the patch PA may contain only one type of staining
reagent among methylene blue, crystal violet, safranin, etc. which
are used in the simple staining technique.
[0361] Here, two or more staining reagents may also be contained
together in the patch PA. For example, when attempting to perform a
staining technique using two or more staining reagents together
such as the Giemsa staining technique, two staining reagents such
as eosin, which stains cytoplasm red, and methylene blue, which
stains a nucleus violet, may be simultaneously contained in the
patch PA.
[0362] Of course, even when attempting to perform a staining
technique in which two or more staining reagents are used together,
it is not always necessary for the patch PA to contain all staining
reagents used in the staining technique as described above. That
is, the patch PA may contain only some of a plurality of staining
reagents used in a staining technique. For example, the Giemsa
staining technique may also be performed by simultaneously using a
patch PA that only contains eosin as a single staining reagent and
a patch PA that only contains methylene blue or azure blue as a
single reagent.
[0363] In addition to including substances for directly staining
cells as staining reagents, the patch PA may also include
substances for decolorizing or mordanting. For example, when
attempting to perform the Gram staining technique, a patch PA that
contains crystal violet, which is a main staining agent, a patch PA
that contains safranin, which is a contrast staining agent, a patch
PA that contains iodine, which is a mordanting agent, and a patch
PA that contains alcohol, which is a decolorizing agent, may be
prepared.
[0364] The patch PA may contain a fixing solution and fix smeared
blood on the plate PL. Alcohol such as methanol or ethanol or
formaldehyde may be used as the fixing solution.
[0365] When a substance contained in the patch PA is hydrophobic,
the patch PA may also be prepared to have hydrophilic property. For
example, this applies to a patch PA including alcohol, which is a
fixing solution or a decolorizing agent. A polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS) gel, a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) gel, a silicone gel, or
the like may be used as a material of the hydrophobic patch PA.
[0366] Alternatively, in a patch PA that contains a fixing agent or
a decolorizing agent, the fixing agent or the decolorizing agent
may be replaced with a solid substance which is a solidified
substance of the fixing agent or the decolorizing agent. An example
thereof may include solidified methanol or the like.
[0367] The patch PA may contain a washing solution and absorb
residue from the plate PL. By the patch PA containing the washing
solution and being brought into contact with the patch PA and then
separated therefrom, the patch PA may absorb and remove impurities
or the like from the plate PL. The washing solution used above may
be a tris buffered saline (TBS) or phosphate buffered saline (PBS)
with Tween 20.
[0368] The patch PA may contain a buffer solution and provide an
environment for the plate PL. In this case, the buffer solution may
facilitate each step of the blood test performed properly.
Therefore, a buffer solution used in each step may contain
different components. A solution having an optimal pH for each
staining technique may be used as the buffer solution.
[0369] The above-described patches PA may be separately used or
used in combination. For example, the patch PA may contain a
staining reagent and a buffer solution together.
[0370] The performance of the blood test using the patch PA will be
described in detail below.
[0371] 4.4.3 Blood Testing Method
[0372] Here, a few typical examples of a method of performing a
blood test using the above-described patch PA and plate PL of the
present application will be described.
[0373] However, the blood testing method of the present disclosure
is not limited to examples which will be described below, and since
a plurality of modified detection methods may be present, the
methods may be applied throughout the blood testing method
performed using the patch PA.
[0374] A blood test may be performed using the patch PA and the
plate PL of the present application.
[0375] The blood test using the patch PA and the plate PL may be
performed by smearing a sample placed on the plate PL, bringing the
patch PA into contact with the smeared sample to stain the sample,
and detecting a staining result.
[0376] 4.4.3.1 Smearing of Blood
[0377] Smearing of blood on the plate PL may be performed through
various methods. Here, blood may be smeared in a monolayer or in a
multi-layer as necessary.
[0378] FIGS. 35 and 36 are views related to an example of a blood
smearing method according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0379] According to an example, smearing a sample on a plate PL may
include dropping a blood drop on the plate PL and then smearing
blood on the plate PL using a smearing member (another slide glass,
a smearing film, or the like).
[0380] Referring to FIG. 35, by sliding a smearing member SM in one
direction passing through the blood drop dropped on the slide
glass, blood may be smeared on the slide glass. In this case, blood
may be spread on the slide glass as a result of being physically
pushed by the smearing member.
[0381] Alternatively, referring to FIG. 36, blood may be smeared on
a slide glass by sliding the smearing member SM in one direction up
to a point at which the smearing member SM is in contact with the
blood drop dropped on the slide glass and then sliding the smearing
member SM in the opposite direction. In this case, due to the
capillary action that occurs between the smearing member and the
slide glass, blood may be spread on the slide glass by following
the smearing member in the opposite direction.
[0382] FIG. 37 is a view related to another example of a blood
smearing method according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0383] According to another example, smearing a sample on a plate
PL may include smearing blood on the plate PL by moving a smearing
nozzle configured to spray blood in a monolayer on the plate PL.
Here, the smearing nozzle may spray inserted blood in a monolayer
using a micro-fluidic channel
[0384] Referring to FIG. 37, by a smearing nozzle SN spraying blood
while moving along a predetermined path on a slide glass, blood may
be smeared on the slide glass.
[0385] 4.4.3.2 Staining of Blood
[0386] Staining of blood may be performed by bringing a patch PA
including a staining reagent in contact with blood smeared on a
plate PL. When the smeared blood and the patch PA are brought into
contact, the staining reagent included in the patch PA may move to
the blood and stain a granule present inside a cytoplasm, a
nucleus, a white blood cell, or the like in blood.
[0387] A patch PA that includes a nucleus staining reagent may
stain a nucleus in blood. A basic staining reagent is mostly used
as a nucleus staining reagent, and typical examples of the basic
staining reagent include methylene blue, toluidine blue, and
hematoxylin. Since the basic staining reagent is negatively
charged, when the patch PA comes into contact with blood, the basic
staining reagent may move from the patch PA to blood and be bound
to a positively-charged nucleus in the blood to stain the
nucleus.
[0388] A patch PA that includes a cytoplasm staining reagent may
stain a cytoplasm or an extracellular structure in blood. An acidic
staining reagent is mostly used as a cytoplasm staining reagent,
and typical examples of the acidic staining reagent include eosin,
acid fuchsin, and orange G. Since the acidic staining reagent is
positively charged, when the patch PA comes into contact with
blood, the acidic staining reagent may move from the patch PA to
blood and be bound to a negatively charged cytoplasm or
extracellular portion in the blood to stain the cytoplasm or the
extracellular portion.
[0389] A granule may be stained with appropriate color by a basic
staining reagent and an acidic staining reagent. For example, a
granule may be stained violet by methylene blue and eosin.
[0390] Of course, blood staining is not always necessarily
performed using the above-described staining reagents.
[0391] For example, the patch PA may contain a neutral staining
reagent that simultaneously includes a positively-charged portion
and a negatively-charged portion. When the patch PA that contains
the neutral staining reagent comes into contact with blood, the
negatively-charged portion of the staining reagent may be bound to
a positively-charged portion (e.g., a cytoplasm) in blood and stain
the positively-charged portion with a predetermined color, and the
positively-charged portion of the staining reagent may be bound to
a negatively-charged portion (e.g., a nuclei) in blood and stain
the negatively-charged portion with a color that is different from
the predetermined color. A typical example of a neutral staining
reagent may include a Wright staining reagent.
[0392] In the above description, staining process for color
developing of an actual staining target has been mainly described,
unlike this, a fluorescent substance that allows a staining target
to be fluorescent color developed may also be used in place of a
staining reagent. For example, when attempting to observe a
nucleus, a nucleus may be allowed to develop fluorescent color by a
method of adding a fluorescent substance to a substance bound to
the nucleus.
[0393] 4.4.3.3 Examination for Blood
[0394] An examination for blood may be performed by acquiring an
image related to stained blood and analyzing the acquired
image.
[0395] Here, the image acquisition may be performed using an
optical device. Any device capable of acquiring an image of stained
blood in a magnification appropriate for detecting blood cells such
as red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets stained in
blood or pathogens such as bacteria in blood may be used as the
optical device. For example, an optical device may include an
optical sensor configured with a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a
complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS), a lens barrel
configured to provide an optical path, a lens configured to adjust
a magnification or a focal length, and a memory configured to store
an image acquired by the CCD or CMOS.
[0396] FIGS. 38 and 39 are views related to acquiring an image of
stained blood according to an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0397] Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, an optical device OD may
directly acquire an image while blood stained using the patch PA is
smeared on a plate PL. Here, the optical device OD may receive
light that has been irradiated from a light source LS and passed
through the plate PL on which the stained blood is smeared and
acquire an image of the stained blood.
[0398] As an example, referring to FIG. 38, the optical device OD
may be disposed on a surface of a slide glass on which blood is
smeared (hereinafter referred to as a "front surface"), and the
light source LS may be disposed at a surface opposite the front
surface, i.e., a rear surface, of the slide glass. Due to such an
arrangement, the optical device OD may receive light that has been
irradiated from the light source LS at the rear side of the slide
glass and has passed through the slide glass, and acquire an image
of the stained blood.
[0399] As another example, referring to FIG. 39, the optical device
OD may be disposed on a rear surface of the slide glass, and the
light source LS may be disposed on a front surface of the slide
glass. Due to such arrangement, the optical device OD may receive
light that has been irradiated from the light source LS at the
front side of the slide glass and has passed through the slide
glass, and acquire an image of the stained blood.
[0400] Here, preferably, the plate PL may be prepared with a
material through which light output from the light source
transmitted easily as possible. The light source may output white
light or a wavelength in a specific wavelength band.
[0401] However, when an image needs to be checked with a high
magnification, it may be preferable to perform observation without
light being transmitted through the plate PL or the patch PA.
[0402] A blood test may be performed by acquiring various pieces of
information from an acquired image.
[0403] As an example, the image may be provided to a tester through
a computer or a monitor of medical equipment. The tester may
identify the number of blood cells, the morphology of the blood
cells, a presence of bacteria, the number, morphology, or the like
of the bacteria, and determine a testee's health condition or a
state of a disease on the basis of the identified results.
[0404] As another example, an electronic device in which an image
analysis program is installed may acquire an image from an optical
device, and pieces of information on the number or the morphology
of blood cells or a presence, the number, or the morphology of
bacteria may be generated from the image. The generated information
may be provided to the tester through the computer or the monitor
of the medical equipment. The tester may determine the testee's
health condition or state of the disease on the basis of the
received pieces of information.
[0405] As yet another example, the information generated by the
electronic device in which an image analysis program is installed
may be provided to an electronic device in which a blood test
program is installed, and the electronic device in which the blood
test program is installed may determine the testee's health
condition or state of disease on the basis of the pieces of
provided information. Here, a single electronic device in which
both an image analysis program and a blood test program are
installed may also perform both an image analysis operation and a
blood test operation.
[0406] The image analysis program may analyze an acquired image.
Specifically, the image analysis program may acquire numerical
information and morphological information of blood cells or
bacteria in blood from an acquired image.
[0407] The image analysis program may determine a type of blood
cells from the acquired image. The types of blood cells include
white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets, and more
specifically, may also include types of white blood cells. The
image analysis program may also determine whether blood cells are
abnormal. Here, the image analysis program may determine the type
or abnormality of the blood on the basis of the size or morphology
of blood cells in the image.
[0408] The image analysis program may determine a presence of
bacteria in blood.
[0409] The image analysis program may count the number of different
types of blood cells, the number of abnormal blood cells, or the
number of bacteria.
[0410] The blood test program may determine the testee's health
condition, presence of a disease, progress of disease or the like
on the basis of numerical information related to blood cells or
bacteria (for example, the number of each type of blood cells, the
number of abnormal blood cells, the number of bacteria, or the
like) and morphological information (the morphology of blood cells
or the morphology of bacteria).
[0411] At least one of the above-described image analysis program
and blood test program may perform the above-described
determination process in accordance with a preset algorithm or in
accordance with an algorithm formed through mechanical learning
such as deep learning.
[0412] 4.5 Embodiments of Blood Test
[0413] FIG. 40 illustrates a flowchart for describing an example of
a blood testing method according to the present application.
[0414] The blood testing method according to an embodiment of the
present application may include placing blood, which is a target to
be tested, in a reaction region (S200), and using a patch PA that
contains a staining reagent for staining the blood and providing
the staining reagent to the reaction region (S300).
[0415] The placing of the blood, which is the target to be tested
(S200) may be performed by the above-described method of smearing a
sample on the plate PL.
[0416] FIG. 41 illustrates a flowchart for describing an example of
the providing of the staining reagent to the reaction region in the
blood testing method according to an embodiment of the present
application.
[0417] Referring to FIG. 41, the providing of the staining reagent
to the reaction region (S300) may include contacting the patch with
the reaction region so that the staining reagent is movable to the
reaction region (S310) and separating the patch PA from the
reaction region.
[0418] When the patch PA containing the staining reagent comes into
contact with blood (S310), the staining reagent in the patch PA may
move to the reaction region and stain the blood. For example, when
a patch PA that contains a basic staining reagent comes into
contact with blood, the basic staining reagent may move to the
reaction region and stain a nucleus of white blood cells from among
blood cells or a nucleus of bacteria present in blood. As another
example, when a patch PA that contains an acidic staining reagent
comes into contact with blood, the acidic staining reagent may move
to the reaction region and stain a cytoplasm or an extracellular
structure of blood cells or bacteria.
[0419] The patch PA is separated from the reaction region (S320).
When a duration for maintaining a contact between the patch PA and
the reaction region is extremely short, it is difficult to perform
sufficient staining. Conversely, when a duration for maintaining
the contact is extremely long, not only the time taken for the
overall blood test is increased, an excessive amount of staining
reagent may be moved to blood and staining quality may be degraded.
Therefore, the patch PA is separated from a contact region after a
certain amount of time passes after the patch PA has been moved to
the reaction region. The duration for maintaining a contact may be
properly set in consideration of a concentration of the staining
reagent of the patch PA, a density of the gel-type structure, and
external conditions such as a temperature condition.
[0420] FIG. 42 illustrates a flowchart for describing another
example of the providing of the staining reagent to the reaction
region in the blood testing method according to an embodiment of
the present application.
[0421] Referring to FIG. 42, the providing of the staining reagent
to the reaction region (S300) may include contacting a first patch
PA with the reaction region so that a first staining reagent is
movable to the reaction region (S330), separating the first patch
PA from the reaction region (S340), contacting a second patch PA
with the reaction region so that a second staining reagent is
movable to the reaction region (S350), and separating the first
patch PA from the reaction region (S360).
[0422] Here, the first patch PA and the second patch PA are patches
PA that respectively contain the first staining reagent and the
second staining reagent for staining different components of blood.
For example, the first staining reagent may be any one of a basic
staining reagent and an acidic reagent, and the second staining
reagent may be the other one of the basic staining reagent and the
acidic staining reagent. Accordingly, one of the first patch PA and
the second staining patch PA may stain a cytoplasm or extracellular
structure of blood cells or a cytoplasm or extracellular structure
of bacteria in blood, and the other one may stain a nucleus of
blood cells or a nucleus of bacteria in blood.
[0423] When three or more staining reagents (for example, a main
staining agent, a contrast staining agent, a mordanting agent, and
the like) are required to be used in staining blood, as many
staining patches PA may be added as needed, and the contacting of a
staining patch with the reaction region and the separating of the
staining patch from the reaction region may be performed for each
added staining patch PA.
[0424] FIG. 43 illustrates a flowchart for describing another
example of a blood testing method according to the present
application.
[0425] Referring to FIG. 43, the blood testing method may further
include absorbing a foreign substance from the reaction region
using a washing patch PA to (S600), in addition to the placing of
the sample (S200) and the providing of the staining reagent to the
reaction region (S300). Here, the washing patch PA may be a patch
PA that contains a washing solution.
[0426] FIG. 44 illustrates a flowchart for describing an example of
the removing of the foreign substance from the reaction region in
the blood testing method according to another embodiment of the
present application.
[0427] Referring to FIG. 44, the absorbing of the foreign substance
from the reaction region using the washing patch PA (S600) may
include contacting the patch PA with the reaction region so that
the foreign substance is movable from the reaction region to the
washing patch PA (S610) and separating the patch PA from the
reaction region (S620).
[0428] When the patch PA that contains the washing solution comes
into contact with blood (S610), the foreign substance remaining in
the reaction region may be absorbed into the patch PA during the
staining process. Then, when the washing patch PA is separated from
the reaction region (S620), the patch PA may absorb a foreign
substance in the water film WF while absorbing a water film formed
between the plate PL and the patch PA.
[0429] FIG. 45 illustrates a flowchart for describing yet another
example of a blood testing method according to the present
application.
[0430] Referring to FIG. 45, the blood testing method may further
include providing a predetermined environment to the reaction
region using buffer patch PA and (S800), in addition to the placing
of the sample (S200) and the providing of the staining reagent to
the reaction region (S300). Here, the buffer patch PA may be a
patch PA that contains a buffer solution.
[0431] FIG. 46 illustrates a flowchart for describing an example of
the providing of the predetermined environment to the reaction
region in the blood testing method according to another embodiment
of the present application.
[0432] Referring to FIG. 46, the providing of the predetermined
environment to the reaction region using the buffer patch PA (S800)
may include contacting the buffer patch PA with the reaction region
so that the predetermined environment is provided to the reaction
region (S810) and separating the buffer patch PA from the reaction
region (S820).
[0433] When the patch PA containing the buffer solution comes into
contact with the reaction region (S810), a predetermined condition
required for the staining reagent to stain blood may be made in the
reaction region. For example, when the buffer patch PA comes into
contact with the reaction region, acidity of the water film WF
between the buffer patch PA and the plate PL may reach an optimal
pH for staining due to the buffer solution, and accordingly,
staining quality may be improved. When an excessive amount of
staining reagent is moved from the staining patch PA to blood and
blood cells or bacteria are overstained, or when blood is stained
with two or more staining reagents using a first staining patch PA
and a second staining patch PA in order to use a plurality of
staining reagents, the buffer patch PA may create an appropriate
environment for staining in the reaction region, and staining
quality may be improved.
[0434] When the buffer patch PA is separated from the reaction
region (S820), the water film WF may be absorbed into the buffer
patch PA, and a remaining staining reagent that has not been bound
to blood may be absorbed into the buffer patch PA together with the
water film WF. Accordingly, even when an excessive amount of
staining reagent is applied into blood, degradation of staining
quality may be prevented when the buffer patch PA is brought into
contact with the reaction region and then separated therefrom.
[0435] FIG. 47 illustrates a flowchart for describing still another
example of a blood testing method according to the present
application.
[0436] Referring to FIG. 47, a method of performing a blood test of
the present application may further include smearing blood on the
plate PL (S100) and fixing the smeared blood (S120).
[0437] The applying of the blood on the plate PL (S100) may include
smearing the blood in a monolayer or in a thin layer similar to the
monolayer.
[0438] When diagnosis is performed with the blood which is smeared
in the shape similar to the monolayer, as described above, an
effective surface area between the blood smeared on the plate PL
and the patches PA coming into contact with the plate PL may be
maximized. In other words, by smearing blood and contacting the
patch PA with the blood so that a target is detected, an effective
result may be acquired even with a small amount of blood. The
reaction region may be very simply implemented in comparison to
conventional blood testing methods in which a region in which blood
is distributed is complexly designed for an expansion of the
effective surface area and diagnosis is performed.
[0439] Further, when blood is smeared in a thin layer, there is an
advantage in that qualitative analysis is possible when carrying
out a disease examination or the CBC through image analysis.
[0440] The blood may also be smeared in a thick layer having a
predetermined thickness instead of being smeared in a thin layer as
necessary.
[0441] The fixing of the blood to the plate PL (S120) may include
smearing the blood in a monolayer or in a thin layer similar to the
monolayer and fixing the blood.
[0442] The absorbing of the foreign substance from the reaction
region using the washing patch PA (S600) and the providing of the
predetermined environment to the reaction region using the buffer
patch PA (S800) described above may be performed during at least
one time point of time points before and after the staining reagent
is provided to the blood using the patch PA containing the staining
reagent. However, it may be preferable to perform Step S600 or S800
after the providing of the staining reagent for the final staining
quality to be improved.
[0443] When a plurality of patches PA that contain different
staining reagents are brought into contact with blood and separated
therefrom, each of Steps S600 and S800 may be performed during at
least one time point of time points before the plurality of patches
PA come into contact with blood, after the contact, and between
time points during which the plurality of patches come into contact
with blood. However, it may be preferable to perform Steps S600 and
S800 after the delivery of the staining regent for the final
staining quality to be improved.
[0444] Since the buffer patch PA may also serve as the washing
patch PA, Step S600 may also be performed using the buffer patch
PA. Correspondingly, since the buffer patch PA performs a washing
function as well as a buffering function upon coming into contact
with blood, Step S800 may be performed together in a process in
which Step S800 is performed by the buffer patch PA.
[0445] Likewise, since the washing patch PA may also serve as the
buffer patch PA, Step S800 may also be performed using the washing
patch PA. According to this, since the washing patch PA performs
the buffering function as well as the washing function upon coming
into contact with blood, Step S600 may be performed together in a
process in which Step S600 is performed by the washing patch
PA.
[0446] When the patch PA containing a staining reagent uses a
buffer solution as a solvent, the patch PA containing the staining
reagent may also serve as the buffer patch PA. According to this,
since the staining patch PA performs the buffering function as well
as the staining function upon coming into contact with blood, Step
S800 may be performed together in a process in which Step S200 is
performed by the staining patch PA.
[0447] When the patch PA containing the staining reagent uses a
washing solution as a solvent, the patch PA containing the staining
reagent may also serve as the washing patch PA. According to this,
since the staining patch PA performs the washing function as well
as the staining function upon coming into contact with blood, Step
S600 may be performed together in a process in which Step S200 is
performed by the staining patch PA.
[0448] When the patch PA containing the staining reagent uses the
washing solution or the buffer solution as an internal solvent, the
patch PA containing the staining reagent may also serve as the
washing patch PA and the buffer patch PA. According to this, since
the staining patch PA performs the washing function and the
buffering function as well as the staining function upon coming
into contact with blood, Steps S600 and S800 may be performed
together in a process in which Step S200 is performed by the
staining patch PA.
[0449] Hereinafter, a specific way of performing a blood test using
the patch PA and the plate PL will be described using a few
embodiments.
4.5.1 Reference Embodiment 1-Simple Stain
[0450] A blood test according to an embodiment of the present
application may be performed by the simple staining technique using
the plate PL and the patch PA.
[0451] FIG. 48 illustrates a flowchart for describing a blood
testing method by simple staining as an example of a blood testing
method according to the present application.
[0452] The blood testing method by simple staining according to an
embodiment of the present application may include placing blood in
a reaction region (S200), providing staining reagent to the
reaction region (S300), acquiring an image related to a staining
result (S400), and analyzing the image and performing a blood test
(S500).
[0453] The providing of the staining reagent (S300) in the blood
test by simple staining includes providing a single staining
reagent to blood. In the present embodiment, this may be performed
mostly using a single staining patch that contains a single
staining reagent.
[0454] The providing of the staining reagent (S300) may include
first contacting a staining patch PA that contains the staining
reagent with the reaction region on a plate PL such as a slide
glass (S310) and separating the staining patch PA from the plate
PL.
[0455] FIG. 49 is a view illustrating a process in which a staining
reagent is provided in the blood testing method by simple staining
according to the present application.
[0456] Referring to FIG. 49, the staining patch PA may contain a
staining reagent and provide the staining reagent to blood placed
on the plate PL (S310). The providing of the staining reagent to
the plate PL by the patch PA may be performed by the patch PA
contacting with the plate PL so that the staining reagent is
movable to the plate PL or the reaction region on the plate PL
through a water film WF formed in the vicinity of a contact
region.
[0457] The providing of the staining reagent to the plate PL may be
due to a reaction between the staining reagent and the blood,
particularly, a nucleus, a cytoplasm, an extracellular structure,
and the like of blood cells or bacteria included in the blood. In
other words, when the staining patch PA comes into contact with the
reaction region, the staining reagent may be moved from the
staining patch PA to the blood which is smeared and fixed in the
reaction region, and the moved staining reagent may be bound to a
target substance in blood and stain the target substance.
[0458] Here, when a buffer solution is used as a solvent in the
staining patch PA, staining may be facilitated. Of course, a buffer
patch may be used to implement a predetermined environment that is
appropriate for a staining reaction.
[0459] When the staining reagent is sufficiently provided to the
blood, the staining patch PA is separated from the reaction region
(S320). In this case, the staining reagent that has reacted with
the target substance in the blood may remain in the reaction region
while being bound to the target substance, and a residual staining
reagent that has not been bound to the target substance may be
re-absorbed into the staining patch PA.
[0460] Specifically, as the patch PA containing the staining
reagent is separated from the plate PL, the staining reagent that
has been moved to the plate PL without being bound to the blood may
be absorbed into the staining patch PA and removed from the plate
PL. Here, the absorption of the residual staining reagent into the
staining patch PA may be performed through the residual staining
reagent remaining in the water film WF that has been formed by
contact between the staining patch PA and the plate PL and through
the water film WF being moved along with the staining patch PA when
the staining patch PA is separated from the plate PL.
[0461] In this process, at least a part of staining reagent may
remain in the blood without being absorbed into the staining patch
PA. The remaining staining reagent may be removed from the reaction
region by the buffer patch or the washing patch being brought into
contact with the remaining staining reagent and being separated
therefrom.
[0462] Of course, since the residual staining reagent is removed
from the plate PL just by separation of the staining patch PA, the
washing process and the buffering process which are essentially
required in performing staining for a conventional blood test may
also be omitted. In other words, according to the present
embodiment, a washing process for removing the remaining staining
reagent from the plate PL using the washing solution may be
omitted.
[0463] When staining is completed, an image of the reaction region
of the plate PL may be acquired to acquire a staining image (S400),
and the acquired image may be analyzed to perform a blood test
(S500).
[0464] The blood testing method by simple staining according to an
embodiment of the present application may further include at least
one of the smearing of the blood on the plate PL (S100), the fixing
of the smeared blood (S120), the washing of the reaction region
using the washing patch PA (S600), and the providing of the
predetermined environment to the reaction region using the buffer
patch PA (S800) described above. Here, Steps S100 and S120 may be
performed before Step S200. In addition, Steps S600 and S800 may be
performed one or more times between Steps S200 and S400.
[0465] The washing of the reaction region using the washing patch
PA (S600) may include the washing patch PA coming into contact with
the plate PL and absorbing a residue. The absorption of the residue
using the washing patch PA may include the washing patch PA coming
into contact with the plate PL and absorbing a staining reagent
that has not reacted with at least a portion of the fixed blood or
various foreign substances present in the reaction region.
[0466] Therefore, the washing (S600) may be performed after blood
is fixed to the plate PL as described above, before or after the
providing of the staining reagent to the reaction region (S300), or
both before and after the providing of the staining reagent to the
reaction region (S300). Alternatively, the washing (S600) may also
be performed before or after the image acquisition (S400) or both
before and after the image acquisition (S400).
[0467] The providing of the predetermined environment to the
reaction region using the buffer patch PA (S800) may include the
buffer patch PA coming into contact with the plate PL and
facilitating a reaction between the staining reagent and a target
substance in the blood. The buffer patch PA may be used after the
providing of the staining reagent (S300), and when the buffer patch
PA comes into contact with the reaction region, a water film WF
that has the buffer solution contained in the buffer patch PA as a
main component may be formed on the plate PL and the patch PA, the
water film may provide an optimal pH for the reaction between the
staining reagent and the target substance, and the staining reagent
and the target substance may react under the optimal pH condition
in the water film. Accordingly, staining of the target substance by
the staining reagent may be facilitated.
[0468] Here, although the buffering (S800) and the washing (S600)
have been described as being separately performed by the buffer
patch PA and the washing patch PA above, the two steps may also be
performed together with a single patch PA having the washing
function and the buffering function.
[0469] According to the present embodiment, the staining of blood,
the washing of the reaction region, the providing of a
predetermined environment to the reaction region, and the like may
not necessarily be performed using the patch PA. In other words,
some of the processes may be performed using a solution required
for a corresponding process instead of using the patch PA. For
example, the washing of the reaction region may be performed by
spraying a washing solution on the reaction region instead of
contacting the washing patch PA with the reaction region.
[0470] In the present embodiment, when the staining of blood, the
washing of the reaction region, the providing of a predetermined
environment to the reaction region, and the like are performed by
contacting the patch PA with the blood, the corresponding processes
may be completed with a smaller amount of solution or reagent in
comparison to when performing the corresponding processes by
directly spraying the solution and an economical advantage may be
obtained. Also, since, according to the present embodiment, it is
easier to control a degree of staining reaction, a degree of
washing, and a degree of buffering in comparison to directly
spraying various solutions contained in the patch PA to the plate
PL and an over-reaction may be prevented, the corresponding
processes may be more precisely performed, and staining quality may
be improved as a result.
[0471] FIGS. 50 to 52 are views related to images acquired in the
blood testing method by simple staining according to the present
application.
[0472] The above-described simple staining may be generally used to
detect bacteria in blood or check a degree of bacterial infection,
a degree of bacterial growth, and the like. Referring to FIG. 50,
when crystal violet is used as a staining reagent, colon bacillus
in blood may be stained. Referring to FIG. 51, when methylene blue
is used as a staining reagent, corynebacterium diphtheriae in blood
may be stained. In order to detect bacteria as above, a basic
staining reagent for staining a nucleus may be used mostly to
distinguish between bacteria and red blood cells in blood. However,
embodiments are not necessarily limited thereto, and an acidic
staining reagent or a neutral staining reagent may also be used in
accordance with a staining target.
[0473] In addition, the above-described simple staining may also be
used for the CBC. Referring to FIG. 52, when methylene blue is used
as a staining reagent, white blood cells in blood may be stained.
In this way, the number of white blood cells in blood may be
quantified. Referring to FIG. 53, when eosin is used as a staining
reagent, blood cells in blood may be stained. In this case,
cytoplasm of red blood cells or platelets, as well as white blood
cells, are all stained, and different blood cells may be
distinguished through an image analysis on the basis of
morphologies or sizes of blood cells. When different blood cells
are distinguished, each type of blood cells in blood may be
quantified. Accordingly, the CBC may be completed.
[0474] Embodiments of patches PA that may be used in a blood test
according to the present embodiment will be described below. Each
patch PA will be described as containing a few components, and each
component may be understood as the above-described base substance
BS or additive substance AS. However, the components which will be
described as being able to be contained in each patch PA do not
represent all components contained in each patch PA, and each patch
PA may also contain other unmentioned components.
[0475] 4.5.1.1 Staining Patch
[0476] A blood test of the present application may be performed
using a staining patch PA that contains a staining reagent. In
other words, the patch PA may contain a staining reagent that
reacts with a target substance in blood and stains the target
substance and may deliver the staining reagent to the plate PL.
[0477] The staining reagent may be the additive substance AS
contained in the patch PA. In other words, the patch PA may contain
a solution including the staining reagent. The patch PA in which
the staining reagent is contained may also contain, in addition to
the staining reagent or a solution containing the staining reagent,
a base substance BS or additive substance AS that allows the
staining reagent to easily bind to a target substance in blood.
[0478] The staining reagent may be a substance that mostly
electrochemically binds to the target substance and develops color.
Examples of the staining reagent include a basic staining reagent,
a neutral staining reagent, and an acidic staining reagent. Since
the examples have been described in detail above, the detailed
description thereof will be omitted.
[0479] When, as in the present embodiment, the staining reagent is
contained in the patch PA and provided to the plate PL, a portion
of the staining reagent that has not reacted with blood fixed to
the plate PL may be re-absorbed into the patch PA. Accordingly, the
washing process may be omitted, the patch PA may be reused in some
cases, and prompt and efficient diagnosis may be realized.
[0480] The patch PA according to an embodiment of the present
application may be a staining reagent containing patch PA that
includes a staining reagent configured to react with a target
substance and a mesh structural body NS that is provided in a mesh
structure forming micro-cavities in which the staining reagent is
contained and configured to come into contact with a reaction
region in which blood is placed so that a portion of the contained
staining reagent is provided to the reaction region.
[0481] 4.5.1.2 Washing Patch
[0482] A blood testing method according to the present embodiment
may be performed using a washing patch PA configured to absorb a
residue. In other words, in the blood testing method according to
the present embodiment, the residue may be absorbed by the washing
patch PA being brought into contact with the plate PL and being
separated therefrom. The residue may refer to a residue that is not
absorbed into each patch PA and removed when the above-described
staining patch PA is brought into contact with the plate PL and
then separated therefrom.
[0483] The washing patch PA may contain a washing solution. The
washing solution may include a TBS or PBS with Tween 20 added to a
portion thereof. The washing solution may be provided as a solution
in which the residue may be dissolved in accordance with a residue
to be absorbed. The patch PA containing the washing solution may
further contain the base substance BS or additive substance AS that
assists in the washing.
[0484] By the patch PA containing the washing solution and being
brought into contact with the plate PL and then separated
therefrom, impurities or residue on the plate PL, for example, a
staining reagent that has not been bound or other foreign
substances may be absorbed into the washing patch PA and
removed.
[0485] In the absorption of the residue into the washing patch PA,
the washing patch PA may come into contact with the plate PL, that
is, the plate PL region on which blood is placed, so that the water
film WF is formed, and the residue may be dissolved in the water
film WF. The residue dissolved in the water film WF may be absorbed
into the washing patch PA when water film WF is separated from the
plate PL and moved along with the washing patch PA.4.5.1.3 Buffer
patch
[0486] A blood testing method according to the present embodiment
may be performed using a buffer patch. In other words, the buffer
patch PA may contain a buffer solution and provide a predetermined
environment to the plate PL. The buffer patch PA may contain a
buffer solution that facilitates each step of the blood test. The
buffer solution may mostly be a buffer solution having an optimal
pH required for a desired basic reaction.
4.5.2 Reference Embodiment 2-Romanowsky Stain
[0487] A blood test according to an embodiment of the present
application may be performed by a Romanowsky staining technique
using the plate PL and the patch PA.
[0488] FIG. 54 illustrates a flowchart for describing a blood
testing method by Romanowsky staining as another example of a blood
testing method according to the present application.
[0489] The blood testing method by Romanowsky staining according to
an embodiment of the present application may include placing blood
in a reaction region (S200), providing a staining reagent to the
reaction region (S300), acquiring an image related to a staining
result (S400), and analyzing the image to perform a blood test
(S500).
[0490] The providing of the staining reagent (S300) in the blood
test by Romanowsky staining includes providing at least two or more
staining reagents to the blood. In the present embodiment, this may
be performed mostly using a plurality of staining patches PA that
each contain one of a plurality of staining reagents. However, for
convenience of description, description will be given below on the
basis of using two staining patches PA, i.e., a first staining
patch PA and a second staining patch PA, to stain the blood using
two staining reagents. However, in the present embodiment, the
number of staining patches PA is not limited to two, and three or
more staining patches PA may also be used. In the following
description, since a modified example in which three or more
staining patches PA are used may be applied without inventiveness
of those of ordinary skill in the art, the modified example should
be understood as belonging to the present embodiment.
[0491] The providing of the staining reagent (S300) may include
first bringing a first staining patch PA that contains the staining
reagent into contact with the reaction region on a plate PL such as
a slide glass (S330), bringing a second patch PA into contact with
the reaction region so that a second staining reagent is movable to
the reaction region (S350), and separating the first patch PA from
the reaction region (S360).
[0492] FIG. 55 is a view illustrating a process in which a first
staining reagent is provided in the blood testing method by
Romanowsky staining according to the present application, and FIG.
56 is a view illustrating a process in which a second staining
reagent is provided in the blood testing method by Romanowsky
staining according to the present application.
[0493] Referring to FIGS. 55 and 56, a first staining patch PA
contains a first staining reagent and provides the staining reagent
to blood placed on the plate PL (S330). Then, when the first
staining reagent is sufficiently provided to the blood, the first
staining patch PA is separated from the reaction region (S340).
Next, the second staining patch PA contains a second staining
reagent and provides the staining reagent to the blood placed on
the plate PL (S350). Then, when the second staining reagent is
sufficiently provided to the blood, the second staining patch PA is
separated from the reaction region (S360).
[0494] Here, the first staining reagent and the second staining
reagent may stain different target substances in blood. For
example, the first staining reagent may be any one of a basic
staining reagent that stains a nucleus and an acidic staining
reagent that stains a cytoplasm, and the second staining reagent
may be the other, or vice versa. Specifically, the first staining
reagent may be methylene blue, and the second staining reagent may
be eosin. Of course, it should be noted that the types of the first
staining reagent and the second staining reagent are not limited to
the above-mentioned examples.
[0495] Referring again to FIG. 55, when the first staining patch PA
comes into contact with the reaction region, the first staining
reagent may stain a first target substance. Referring again to FIG.
56, when the second staining patch PA comes into contact with the
reaction region, the second staining reagent may stain a second
target substance. Here, the first target substance may be any one
of a nucleus and a cytoplasm, and the second target substance may
be the other one of the nucleus and the cytoplasm.
[0496] Since the process in which the staining reagent stains a
target substance has already been described with respect to Step
S310, detailed description thereof will be omitted.
[0497] Referring again to FIGS. 55 and 56, in a process in which
each of the first staining patch PA and the second staining patch
PA is separated from the reaction region, a water film WF formed in
the vicinity of a contact region is absorbed into the staining
patch PA. In this case, the residual staining reagent that remains
in the blood without reacting may also be absorbed into the
staining patch PA. Since the absorption of the remaining staining
reagent by the staining patch PA has already been described above
with respect to Step S320, the detailed description thereof will be
omitted.
[0498] When staining is completed, an image of the reaction region
of the plate PL is acquired to acquire a staining image (S400), and
the acquired image is analyzed to perform a blood test (S500).
[0499] The blood testing method by simple staining according to an
embodiment of the present application may further include at least
one of the smearing of the blood on the plate PL (S100), the fixing
of the smeared blood (S120), the washing of the reaction region
using the washing patch PA (S600), and the providing of the
predetermined environment to the reaction region using the buffer
patch PA (S800) described above. Here, Steps S100 and S120 may be
performed before Step S200. In addition, Steps S600 and S800 may be
performed one or more times between Steps S200 and S400.
[0500] The washing of the reaction region using the washing patch
PA (S600) may include contacting the washing patch PA with the
plate PL and absorbing a residue. This step has already been
described with respect to the blood testing method by simple
staining according to the present disclosure. However, in the
present embodiment, the washing (S600) may be performed between the
separating of the first staining patch PA from the reaction region
(S340) and the contacting of the second staining patch PA with the
reaction region (S350), after the separating of the second staining
patch PA from the reaction region (S360), or at both time
points.
[0501] The providing of the predetermined environment to the
reaction region using the buffer patch PA (S800) may include
contacting the buffer patch PA with the plate PL and facilitating a
reaction between the staining reagent and a target substance in the
blood.
[0502] The present Step S800 may be performed using two patches PA,
a first buffer patch PA that contains a first buffer solution
having an optimal pH for a staining reaction of the first staining
reagent and a second buffer patch PA that contains a second buffer
solution having an optimal pH for a staining reaction of the second
staining reagent. That is, Step S800 may include providing a first
environment for first staining by the first staining reagent using
the first buffer patch PA (S810) and providing a second environment
for second staining by the second staining reagent using the second
buffer patch PA (S820). Here, the first buffer step (S810) and the
second buffer step (S820) may be performed respectively after the
separation of the first staining patch PA (S340) and the separation
of the second staining patch (S360).
[0503] Alternatively, the present Step S800 may also be performed
through a single buffer patch PA. In this case, the buffering (800)
may be performed during at least one time point of time points
after Steps S340 and S360.
[0504] Here, although the buffering (S800) and the washing (S600)
have been described as being separately performed by the buffer
patch PA and the washing patch PA, respectively, the two steps may
also be performed together with a single patch PA having the
washing function and the buffer function.
[0505] FIGS. 57 and 58 are views related to images acquired in the
blood testing method by Romanowsky staining according to the
present application.
[0506] Comparing FIGS. 57 and 58, FIG. 57 relates to a result of
staining performed without the buffering (S800), and FIG. 58
relates to a result of staining performed with the buffering (S800)
after Step S360. Since blood staining quality may be degraded due
to precipitation between staining reagents when two staining
reagents are used, it may be preferable for the buffering (S800) to
be performed after Step S360 in which two or more staining reagents
are present in the reaction region.
[0507] FIG. 59 is a view illustrating a process in which a first
staining reagent and a second staining reagent are provided
together in the blood testing method by Romanowsky staining
according to the present application.
[0508] It has been described above that the blood test is performed
using a plurality of staining patches PA, each including one of a
plurality of staining reagents. However, only a single staining
patch PA may be used even when staining of blood requires a
plurality of staining reagents, as shown in FIG. 59.
[0509] For example, although a first staining patch PA that
contains methylene blue and a second staining patch PA that
contains eosin may be used as in the present embodiment to perform
Romanowsky staining using methylene blue and eosin, instead, a
Giemsa solution, a Wright solution, or the like in which methylene
blue and eosin are mixed may be contained in a single staining
patch PA, and then blood may be stained similarly as simple
staining.
[0510] However, in such a case, since precipitation may occur
between staining reagents contained in the patch PA upon staining,
it may be preferable for buffering process to be performed after
staining.
[0511] Although it has been described above that the plurality of
patches PA each contain only a single staining substance, unlike
this, at least one of the plurality of patches PA may contain a
plurality of staining substances. For example, a Wright solution
may be contained in the first staining patch and a Giemsa solution
may be contained in the second staining patch to perform
Wright-Giemsa staining, and the Wright-Giemsa staining may be
performed by each step according to the present embodiment being
performed.
[0512] Although the present embodiment has been described above on
the basis of the Romanowsky staining technique, it should be noted
that the present embodiment may be universally used for a staining
technique in which at least two or more staining substances are
used.
[0513] In the present embodiment, it is not always necessary for
the staining of blood, the washing of the reaction region, the
providing of a predetermined environment to the reaction region,
and the like to be performed using patches PA. In other words, some
of the processes may be performed using solutions required for the
corresponding processes instead of using the patches PA. For
example, the first staining may be performed using a staining
solution that accommodates the first staining reagent, and the
second staining may be performed using the second staining patch
PA.
[0514] In the present embodiment, when the staining of blood, the
washing of the reaction region, the providing of a predetermined
environment to the reaction region, and the like are performed by
bringing the patch PA into contact, since the corresponding
processes may be completed with a smaller amount of solution or
reagent in comparison to when performing the corresponding
processes by directly spraying the solution, the present embodiment
may be more economical. Also, since, according to the present
embodiment, it is easier to control a degree of staining reaction,
a degree of washing, and a degree of buffering in comparison to
directly spraying various solutions contained in the patch PA on
the plate PL and thus an over-reaction may be prevented, the
corresponding processes may be more precisely performed, and
staining quality may be improved as a result.
4.5.3 Reference Embodiment 3-Gram Stain
[0515] A blood test according to an embodiment of the present
application may be performed by a Gram staining technique using a
plate PL and a patch PA.
[0516] FIG. 60 is a flowchart for describing a blood testing method
by Gram staining as yet another example of a blood testing method
according to the present application.
[0517] The blood testing method by Gram staining according to an
embodiment of the present application may include placing blood in
a reaction region (S200), providing a staining reagent to the
reaction region (S300'), acquiring an image related to a staining
result (S400), and analyzing the image to perform a blood test
(S500).
[0518] The providing of the staining reagent (S300') in the blood
test by Gram staining may include providing a main staining
reagent, a mordanting reagent, a decolorizing reagent, and a
contrast staining reagent to the blood. In the present embodiment,
this may be performed mostly using a plurality of patches PA that
each contain at least one of the main staining reagent, the
mordanting reagent, the decolorizing reagent, and the contrast
staining reagent.
[0519] Here, the plurality of patches PA may each contain a single
reagent related to Gram staining. For example, the patches PA may
include a main staining patch PA that contains the main staining
reagent, a mordanting patch PA that contains the mordanting
reagent, a decolorizing patch PA that contains the decolorizing
reagent, and a contrast staining patch PA that contains the
contrast staining reagent.
[0520] Here, some of the reagents related to Gram staining may be
provided to the reaction region in forms in which solutions are
directly sprayed instead of being provided on the reaction region
in forms of being contained in the patches PA. For example, the
decolorizing process may be performed by spraying a decolorizing
agent on blood instead of bringing a patch PA that contains the
decolorizing agent in contact with the reaction region. When the
staining process is carried out by spraying a solution instead of
bringing the patch PA into contact, some specific steps of Step
S300 which will be described below may be changed into a solution
spraying step.
[0521] Here, at least some of the plurality of patches PA may
contain a plurality of reagents related to Gram staining. However,
the Gram staining should be performed in the order of main
staining, mordanting, decolorizing, and contrast staining, wherein
mordanting and decolorizing should be performed sequentially. In
consideration of the above, for example, the main staining reagent
and the mordanting reagent may be contained together in a single
patch PA.
[0522] However, for convenience of description, description will be
given below on the basis of a case in which the plurality of
patches PA each include a single reagent related to Gram
staining.
[0523] In relation to the Gram staining, the providing of the
staining reagent (S300') may include first contacting a main
staining patch PA t with a reaction region on a plate PL such as a
slide glass (S310'), separating the main staining patch PA from the
reaction region (S320'), bringing a mordanting patch PA into
contact with the reaction region (S330'), separating the mordanting
patch PA from the reaction region (S340'), bringing a decolorizing
patch PA into contact with the reaction region (S350'), separating
the decolorizing patch PA from the reaction region (S360'),
bringing a contrast staining patch PA into contact with the
reaction region (S370'), and separating the contrast staining patch
PA from the reaction region (S380').
[0524] FIGS. 61 to 63 are views illustrating main staining,
mordanting, decolorizing, and contrast staining processes in the
blood testing method by Romanowsky staining according to the
present application.
[0525] Referring to FIG. 61, the main staining patch PA is brought
into contact with the reaction region (S310'), a main staining
reagent is provided to the blood, and the main staining patch PA is
separated from the reaction region (S310'). The main staining
reagent provided to the blood through a water film WF between the
reaction region and the patch PA may stain substances which are
both positive and negative to the main staining reagent. For
example, the main staining agent of Gram staining may stain
Gram-positive bacteria and Gram-negative bacteria violet.
[0526] The mordanting patch PA is brought into contact with the
reaction region (S330'), a mordanting reagent is provided to the
blood, and the mordanting patch PA is separated from the reaction
region (S340'). The mordanting reagent provided to the blood
through a water film WF between the reaction region and the patch
PA may strengthen binding between the main staining reagent and a
substance positive to the main staining reagent or, conversely,
weaken binding between the main staining reagent and a substance
negative to the main staining reagent. For example, in Gram
staining, the mordanting agent may strength binding between a Gram
main staining agent and Gram-positive bacteria. Since there is a
case in which a positive substance is not decolorized due to a
decolorizing reagent, even when the positive substance is not
mordanted in accordance with a type of staining technique, Steps
S330' and S340' are not essential.
[0527] Referring to FIG. 62, the decolorizing patch PA is brought
into contact with the reaction region (S350'), a decolorizing
reagent is provided to the blood, and the decolorizing patch PA is
separated from the reaction region (S360'). The decolorizing
reagent provided to the blood through a water film WF between the
reaction region and the patch PA decolorizes a substance negative
to the main staining reagent. That is, the decolorizing reagent may
separate the main staining agent from a substance negative to the
main staining agent.
[0528] Referring to FIG. 63, the contrast staining patch PA is
brought into contact with the reaction region (S370'), a contrast
staining reagent is provided to the blood, and the contrast
staining patch PA is separated from the reaction region (S380').
The contrast staining reagent provided to the blood through a water
film WF between the reaction region and the patch PA binds to a
substance negative to the main staining reagent and stains the
negative substance. For example, a Gram contrast staining reagent
may stain Gram-negative bacteria red. Since there is a case in
which only substances positive to main staining are attempted to be
observed in accordance with a type of staining technique, Steps
S370' and S380' are not essential.
[0529] When staining is completed, an image of the reaction region
of the plate PL may be acquired to acquire a staining image (S400),
and the acquired image may be analyzed to perform a blood test
(S500).
[0530] The blood testing method by simple staining according to an
embodiment of the present application may further include at least
one of the smearing of the blood on the plate PL (S100), the fixing
of the smeared blood (S120), the washing of the reaction region
using the washing patch PA (S600), and the providing of the
predetermined environment to the reaction region using the buffer
patch PA (S800) described above.
[0531] Here, Steps S600 and S800 may be performed after Step S300.
More specifically, Steps S600 and S800 may be performed during at
least one time point of time points between Steps S310' and S380'
and after Step S380'.
[0532] 4.6 Embodiment of Blood Test Device
[0533] A blood test of the present application may be performed
using a blood test device.
[0534] FIG. 64 illustrates a blood test device 10 according to an
embodiment of the present application.
[0535] The blood test device according to an embodiment of the
present application may include a plate supporter 200, a patch
controller 300, and an imaging device 400. The blood test device
according to the present embodiment may include a mesh structural
body NS forming micro-cavities, and using a patch in which a liquid
substance SB may be contained in the micro-cavities, blood may be
stained and a staining image may be acquired.
[0536] The plate supporter 200 may support a plate PL on which a
sample SM to be diagnosed is placed on a reaction region.
[0537] The patch controller 300 may use at least one or more of the
above-described patches PA used in the blood testing method
according to an embodiment of the present disclosure and control
positions of the patches PA relative to the reaction region so that
a staining reagent is provided to the reaction region.
[0538] The imaging device 400 may acquire an image of the reaction
region and acquire an image related to stained blood.
[0539] Specifically, the imaging device 400 may include an image
acquisition module. Here, the image acquisition module may include
a camera module.
[0540] Accordingly, the imaging device 400 may acquire partial
images of the reaction region, respectively. Also, the imaging
device 400 may combine the partial images.
[0541] The blood test device may further include a controller
100.
[0542] At least one of an image analysis program and a blood test
program may be installed in the controller 100, and by operating a
program installed therein, the controller 100 may determine a type
of blood cells, presence of bacteria, and the like from an image of
stained blood, count the number of blood cells and bacteria,
generate numerical or morphological information on the blood cells
or information on the presence of bacteria and numerical or
morphological information on the bacteria on the basis of
determined results, and finally determine a testee's health
condition, presence of illness, progress of disease, or the
like.
[0543] FIG. 65 illustrates an example of the patch controller 300
in an embodiment of the blood test device 10 according to the
present application.
[0544] In the blood test device 10 according to an embodiment of
the present application, the patch controller 300 may include a
patch selection module 310 and a contact control module 330.
[0545] The patch selection module 310 may select a patch PA to be
controlled. The selection of the patch PA to be controlled by the
patch selector may include selecting one or more staining patches
PA that contain a staining reagent or various patches PA that
contain a fixing solution, a washing solution, a decolorizing
agent, a mordanting agent, or a buffer solution.
[0546] The contact control module 330 may control a state of
contact between a selected patch PA and the reaction region. The
controlling of the contact state may include controlling a position
of the patch PA relative to the reaction region.
[0547] The above description is merely illustrative of the
technical spirit of the present disclosure, and those of ordinary
skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains should be
able to make various modifications and changes within a scope not
departing from essential characteristics of the present disclosure.
Therefore, the above-described embodiments of the present
disclosure may also be implemented separately or in
combination.
[0548] The embodiments disclosed herein are for describing the
technical spirit of the present disclosure instead of limiting the
same, and the scope of the technical spirit of the present
disclosure is not limited by such embodiments. The scope of the
present disclosure should be interpreted on the basis of the claims
below, and all technical spirits within the equivalent scope should
be interpreted as belonging to the scope of the present
disclosure.
* * * * *