Sample solution concentration method and sample solution examination method

Abstract

There are provided a sample solution concentration method that makes it possible to obtain a sample solution concentrated solution having a desired concentration fold ratio and a sample solution examination method using the sample solution concentration method. The sample solution concentration method includes, in the following order, a sample solution injection step of injecting a sample solution, which is an aqueous solution containing a high-molecular-weight molecule, into a cylinder accommodating a particulate super absorbent polymer, a water absorption step in which water contained in the sample solution injected into the cylinder is absorbed by the super absorbent polymer accommodated in the cylinder to generate a sample solution concentrate which is a concentrate of the sample solution, in the cylinder, a liquid addition step of adding a liquid having an amount smaller than an amount of the sample solution injected into the cylinder in the sample solution injection step, to the sample solution concentrate, and a taking-out step of inserting, into the cylinder, a piston insertable into the cylinder, the piston including a tip part having holes smaller than a particle diameter of the super absorbent polymer after water absorption, to take out a sample solution concentrated solution, which is a concentrated solution of the sample solution, through the holes in the tip part of the piston.