JP6401630B2 - Sample test automation system and sample check method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample test automation system and a sample check method, and more specifically to a sample test automation system and a sample check method provided with a liquid amount measurement unit for checking a sample liquid amount.

  Some sample test automation systems incorporate a liquid volume measurement unit for the purpose of measuring the liquid volume of a sample contained in a container.

  This liquid volume measurement unit originally centrifuges the blood in a centrifuge outside the sample test automation system, and confirms the lack of serum / plasma volume in the sample test automation system. It is a unit for automating. As a result, for example, if the amount of serum / plasma obtained by centrifuging blood is not sufficient for the requested test item, the transportation of the sample to the automatic analyzer will be canceled, It is now possible to narrow down the items and analyze only the amount of liquid collected.

  As an operation means of a system in which a liquid amount measurement unit is incorporated, there is a technique as described in Patent Document 1.

  In Patent Document 1, even if the amount of a sample (serum or the like) used for analysis is insufficient as compared with a necessary amount for an analysis item to be examined, a sample that has already been collected can be quickly processed without human intervention. In order to be able to perform analysis automatically, the priority for the test item for each sample is registered in advance, and the serum volume required for the test is compared with the serum volume measured by the liquid volume measurement unit, If the amount of serum is insufficient, an alarm is generated for items that cannot be analyzed (dispensed), starting with dispensing for high-priority test items, and an operator is alerted, and the rack stops based on the dispensing results. The destination is controlled.

JP 2003-315348 A

  The automation system described in Patent Document 1 described above contributes to the prevention of errors due to insufficient liquid volume and the shortening of TAT (Turn Around Time).

  Here, the number of specimens carried to the laboratory greatly varies depending on the time zone.

  For example, in the time zone from morning to evening when containers containing blood from hospitalized patients collected the day before or in the morning, or containers containing blood collected from patients who visited the hospital on the same day, are brought to the laboratory one after another. A large amount of specimens must be processed. In addition, in the outpatient, since the examination results are obtained, the system is required to promptly report the results in order to receive a doctor's examination. Therefore, many inspection engineers are working in the laboratory during the same time period, and many inspection engineers are accustomed to handling errors that occur in the apparatus.

  On the other hand, from the time when the outpatient reception is completed and the blood collection of all patients who have come to the hospital on the day is completed, only the patients who have visited the clinic for overtime are available. For this reason, the number of specimens brought to the laboratory is significantly reduced. In addition, for patients who come outside the office, the examination based on the test result may be performed on the next day, and the system is less likely to promptly report the result than in the daytime. On the other hand, the number of laboratory technicians in the laboratory is small during these times, and some of them are unfamiliar with the operation of the device and need support when dealing with errors. For this reason, accuracy and certainty are required for the work.

  In such a laboratory situation, by measuring the amount of liquid contained in the container, it is possible to discriminate the sample with insufficient liquid volume and prevent errors that may occur due to insufficient liquid volume in advance. The featured specimen test automation system equipped with a liquid volume measurement unit is considered useful. Since this automated system can notify the user of a lack of liquid volume before analysis, blood can be collected again quickly, contributing to a reduction in TAT.

  However, in a conventional sample test automation system that incorporates a liquid volume measurement unit, either all the samples are brought to the liquid volume measurement unit uniformly, or all the samples are dropped to the liquid volume measurement unit uniformly. There is only a method in which the operator selectively adopts either one of the methods or not.

  Like the former, the method of stopping all specimens at the liquid volume measurement unit can perform accurate liquid volume checks on all specimens, so system errors caused by insufficient liquid volume can be confirmed in advance and reliably. Can be prevented. For this reason, it is suitable for the operation outside the time when accuracy and certainty are required. However, in daytime operations where a large amount of samples must be processed quickly, there is a possibility that TAT may be delayed.

  Hereinafter, a sample test automation system including a sample input unit, a centrifuge unit, a liquid amount measurement unit, an opening unit, a child sample test tube preparation unit, and a dispensing unit will be described as an example. The processing time in each unit is T1 (processing time required in the specimen loading unit), T2 (processing time required in the centrifuge unit), T3 (processing time required in the liquid volume measurement unit), T4 (processing time required in the capping unit) , T5 (processing time required for the child sample test tube preparation unit), T6 (processing time required for the dispensing unit), analysis by the automatic analyzer, and T7 as the time until the result is reported, It can be said that TAT is T1 + T2 + T3 + T4 + T5 + T6 + T7. However, when a large number of samples are continuously input into the system in units of several hundred units, the waiting time in each unit is added to the TAT in addition to the processing time, and the TAT is delayed. In addition, since it takes time to accurately measure the amount of liquid, it is difficult to increase the speed of T3. For this reason, the number of samples waiting for measurement processing increases in the liquid volume measurement unit installed near the sample input unit via the centrifuge unit, and the sample supply to the system does not remain if the waiting samples are connected on the transport line. I was worried that it would be delayed.

  In this way, the liquid volume measurement unit that was introduced in order to prevent errors and shorten TAT by checking the liquid volume shortage of the sample before dispensing and analysis is different from the conventional system. However, there is a possibility that TAT is delayed when a large amount of samples are continuously added.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and in a sample test automation system equipped with a liquid volume measurement unit, a sample test can be automatically performed without delaying TAT even when a large amount of sample has to be processed. An object of the present invention is to provide a specimen test automation system and a specimen check method that can be performed in the above.

In order to solve the above problems, for example, the configuration described in the claims is adopted.
The present invention includes a plurality of means for solving the above-mentioned problems. For example, a sample test automation system for checking a liquid sample contained in a container, which is contained in the container. A first liquid volume acquisition unit for acquiring the liquid volume of the sample to be obtained by the first method; and a second liquid volume acquisition unit for acquiring the liquid volume of the sample contained in the container by the second method; A calculation unit that calculates the amount of liquid required for the inspection requested for the specimen contained in the container, the liquid amount acquired by the first liquid amount acquisition unit, and the inspection calculated by the calculation unit Based on the comparison result of the liquid volume comparison unit that compares the required liquid volume and the liquid volume comparison unit, it is determined whether or not the container containing the sample is to be transported to the second liquid volume acquisition unit And a container in which the sample is stored based on the determination result of the determination unit. A transfer instruction section for outputting a conveyance instruction or not transported to the second liquid quantity acquisition unit conveyance instruction transports the acquisition unit, characterized by comprising a.

  According to the present invention, in a sample test automation system equipped with a liquid amount measurement unit, it is possible to automatically test a sample without delaying TAT even when a large amount of sample has to be processed.

It is a figure which shows an example of the external appearance of the sample test automation system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the sample insertion unit provided with the weight measurement part of the container in the sample test automation system in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example in the preparation process of the data table 1 utilized with the sample test automation system in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the processing flow for converting into a liquid quantity from the measured weight in the sample test automation system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the data table 2 utilized with the sample test automation system in 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the data table 1 utilized with the sample test automation system in 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of a sample process flow in the sample test automation system in the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows an example of the sample processing flow which considered the sample characteristic information in the sample test automation system in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows an example of the sample insertion unit provided with the weight measurement part of the container in the sample test automation system in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the fluctuation | variation of the processing capability regarding a sample insertion unit in the sample test automation system in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure explaining an example of the flow of an operation switching process of the sample insertion unit in the sample test automation system in a 3rd embodiment of the present invention. . It is a flowchart figure explaining another example of the flow of operation change processing of a sample loading unit in the sample test automation system in a 3rd embodiment of the present invention.

  Embodiments of a sample test automation system and a sample check method according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the sample test automation system and sample check method of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of the appearance of a sample test automation system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  In FIG. 1, a sample test automation system 100 in which a liquid volume measuring unit for measuring the liquid volume of a sample contained in a container is incorporated from a left side to a right side in FIG. A plurality of basic elements including an empty holder stacker 104, a sample input unit 105, a centrifuge unit 106, a liquid amount measuring unit 107, an opening unit 108, a child sample test tube preparation unit 109, a dispensing unit 110, and a transfer unit 111. The unit includes an operation control unit 101 that controls operations of the plurality of units.

  An automatic analyzer 112 for performing qualitative and quantitative analysis of the components of the sample is connected as a transfer destination of the sample processed by the sample test automation system 100.

  The operation control unit 101 is connected to a clinical examination system 113 having examination request item information for each specimen. In the clinical test system 113, is it determined that the liquid amount is insufficient by the liquid amount measurement by the liquid amount measuring unit 107a of the liquid amount measuring unit 107 described later, or is it determined that the liquid amount is insufficient by the liquid amount determination by the liquid amount comparing unit 101c? Are displayed.

  The sample loading unit 105 is a unit for loading a container containing a sample into the sample test automation system 100, and details will be described later. The centrifuge unit 106 is a unit for centrifuging the charged container. The liquid amount measuring unit 107 will be described later. The opening unit 108 is a unit for opening the stopper of the charged container. The child sample tube preparation unit 109 is a unit that performs preparations necessary for dispensing the sample contained in the charged container in the next dispensing unit 110. The dispensing unit 110 is a unit that performs subdivision to analyze the centrifuged specimen with the automatic analyzer 112 and the like, and affixes a barcode or the like to the subdivided container or child container. The transfer unit 111 is a unit that classifies the dispensed child containers and prepares for transfer to the automatic analyzer 112. The capping unit 102 is a unit for capping a plug in a container or a child container. The sample storage unit 103 is a unit for storing a closed container. The operation control unit 101 controls the operations of the units in the sample test automation system 100 and the mechanisms in each unit, and exchanges requested test item information with the clinical test system 113 through communication.

  Next, configurations related to the sample insertion unit 105, the liquid amount measurement unit 107, and the operation control unit 101 in the sample test automation system 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the sample insertion unit 105 includes a weight measuring unit 1, a sample scanner 2, a sample attribute information / transport path information receiving unit 3, a main line 5a, an overtaking line 5b, and a bypass line 5c. Yes. The sample insertion unit 105 is connected to the operation control unit 101 so as to be communicable.

  The weight measuring unit 1 measures the weight of the container that holds the sample put in the sample putting unit 105. The sample scanner 2 is a camera for reading the sample barcode attached to the container loaded in the sample loading unit 105 and imaging the appearance of the container. The main line 5a is a line for transporting the container to the centrifuge unit 106, the overtaking line 5b is a line for passing the container without being transported to the centrifuge unit 106, and the bypass line 5c is connected to the main line 5a. This is a line connecting the overtaking line 5b.

  The liquid volume measuring unit 107 includes a liquid volume measuring unit 107a that measures the volume of serum / plasma in the container carried out of the centrifuge unit 106 after the end of the centrifugation and the whole blood volume of the uncentrifuged specimen. Furthermore, a main line 6a, an overtaking line 6b, and a bypass line 6c are further provided. The main line 6a is a line for transporting the container to the liquid amount measuring unit 107a of the liquid amount measuring unit 107, and the overtaking line 6b is a line for passing the container without passing it to the liquid amount measuring unit 107a. The bypass line 6c connects the main line 6a and the overtaking line 6b.

  The liquid volume measuring unit 107a is a mechanism that employs various known techniques capable of accurately measuring the liquid volume of the specimen in the container, and is accommodated in the container by an imaging device such as a camera. It may be a method of calculating an accurate liquid volume by imaging a sample and performing image processing, or calculating the liquid volume by detecting transmitted light or reflected light when laser light or white light is irradiated. May be. Further, the liquid level position may be detected accurately by measuring the capacitance, and any means can be used as long as it can detect the interface position of the specimen contained in the container. In the present invention, the interface position means the liquid surface height position of the specimen, or the layer boundary when the specimen is separated into multiple layers.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the operation control unit 101 includes a conversion unit 101a, a calculation unit 101b, a liquid amount comparison unit 101c, a determination unit 101d, a conveyance instruction unit 101e, and a container specifying unit 101f.

  The container specifying unit 101 f of the operation control unit 101 is a block that specifies the type of container put into the sample test automation system 100 based on the appearance of the container imaged by the sample scanner 2.

  The conversion unit 101a is a block that specifies the weight of the container in an empty state that does not contain the sample of the container that has been input based on the container type specified by the container specifying unit 101f. The conversion unit 101a is a block that obtains the weight of the sample by subtracting the previously identified container weight from the weight of the container containing the sample measured by the weight measurement unit 1. Furthermore, the conversion unit 101a is a block that converts the amount of the sample liquid from the weight of the sample stored in the container.

  The calculation unit 101b is a block that calculates the amount of liquid required for the examination requested for the sample contained in the container.

  The liquid amount comparison unit 101c is a block that compares the converted liquid amount converted by the conversion unit 101a with the inspection required liquid amount calculated by the calculation unit 101b.

  The discriminating unit 101d is a block that discriminates whether or not to transport the container containing the sample to the liquid amount measuring unit 107a of the liquid amount measuring unit 107 based on the comparison result in the liquid amount comparing unit 101c.

  The transport instruction unit 101e is a transport instruction for transporting the container containing the sample to the liquid amount measuring unit 107a of the liquid amount measuring unit 107 through the main line 6a based on the determination result in the determining unit 101d. Alternatively, this is a block for outputting a conveyance instruction not to be conveyed to the liquid amount measuring unit 107a of the liquid amount measuring unit 107 to the sample attribute information / conveyance path information receiving unit 3 through the overtaking line 6b.

  The operation control unit 101 further includes a weight information storage unit 101h that stores the weight of the container containing the sample measured by the weight measurement unit 1, and a first liquid amount information storage unit 101i that stores the converted liquid amount obtained by the conversion unit 101a. The second liquid amount information storage unit 101j that stores the required liquid amount for inspection obtained by the calculation unit 101b, the liquid amount comparison result storage unit 101k that stores the comparison result in the liquid amount comparison unit 101c, and the determination in the determination unit 101d A discrimination information storage unit 101l for storing the results is provided.

  Among these, the weight information storage unit 101h and the first liquid amount information storage unit 101i store the data table 1 (see FIG. 6 and the like) having the sample ID, container information, weight information, and conversion result.

  Next, a processing procedure for a sample input to the sample test automation system 100 of the present embodiment will be described.

  When a container is set on one of the trays 4 installed on the sample input unit 105, the sample input unit 105 carries the container to the main line 5a. For the container carried to the main line 5a, the weight measurement unit 1 in the main line 5a measures the weight of the container put in, and the sample scanner 2 reads the barcode and images the appearance of the container. Executed.

  Thereafter, the operation control unit 101 stores the sample ID obtained from the sample scanner 2, the container information, and the measured weight information in the data table 1 of the operation control unit 101. The stored data table 1 is a table as shown in FIG. When reading of the barcode, imaging of the container, and measurement of the weight of the container are finished, the sample attribute information / transport path information receiving unit 3 waits for a transport instruction from the transport instruction unit 101e of the operation control unit 101.

  After inputting an instruction from the transport instruction unit 101e, a container that needs to be centrifuged stops at the centrifuge unit 106 by the main line 5a, is subjected to a centrifugal separation process, and is then transported to the liquid amount measuring unit 107. Containers that do not need to be centrifuged are directly conveyed to the liquid quantity measurement unit 107 by the overtaking line 5b via the bypass line 5c.

  The container transported to the liquid volume measuring unit 107 is transported to the liquid volume measuring section 107a by the main line 6a based on the previously input instruction from the transport instruction section 101e, or the liquid volume measuring section by the overtaking line 6b. Next, it is transported to the unit without being transported to 107a.

  The container for which the volume measurement in the liquid volume measuring unit 107a of the liquid volume measuring unit 107 has been completed or the container for which the volume measurement has been skipped is conveyed to the opening unit 108, and the opening process is performed. Preparation of the subdivision container based on the schedule planned for the sample is performed by the child sample test tube preparation unit 109, and then the actual subdivision is performed by the dispensing unit 110. Thereafter, depending on the application, the sample is transported to the automatic analyzer 112 and closed by the closing unit 102 to be classified by the transfer unit 111 or stored in the sample storage unit 103.

  Next, details of the conversion process from the weight to the liquid amount in the operation control unit 101 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As a premise, the operation control unit 101 relates to a container that is allowed to be loaded into the sample test automation system 100, and uses the information regarding the weight of the container when the sample is not stored as a parameter as a data table 2 (see FIG. 5). keeping.

  First, the operation control unit 101 receives from the sample insertion unit 105 the measurement result information of the container weight by the weight measurement unit 1 and the data of barcode reading by the sample scanner 2 and imaging of the appearance of the container, and the container specifying unit 101f The sample ID information and the container information of the input sample are specified (step S200).

  Next, the operation control unit 101 stores the sample ID, container information, and weight information (weight 1) specified in the previous step S200 in the data table 1 that is the weight information storage unit 101h (step S201).

  Next, the operation control unit 101 searches the matching unit information from the data table 2 as shown in FIG. 5 using the container information previously stored in the data table 1 as a key in the conversion unit 101a (step S202).

  Next, the operation control unit 101 determines in the conversion unit 101a whether there is matching container information in the search key in the previous step S202 (step S203). If it is determined that there is matching container information, the process proceeds to step S204. If it is not determined that there is container information, the process proceeds to step S209.

  Next, the operation control unit 101 uses the conversion unit 101a to acquire the matched container weight information from the data table 2 (step S204).

  On the other hand, when there is no matching container information, the conversion process could not be executed because there is not enough information from the weight measurement in the weight measurement unit 1 to perform the conversion process from the weight to the liquid amount. In the conversion unit 101a, the operation control unit 101 adds a conversion process failure flag (for example, “2”) from the weight to the liquid amount to the result column of the data table 1 (step S209), and ends the process. .

  Next, the operation control unit 101 uses the conversion unit 101a to obtain the weight information of only the container acquired from the data table 2 acquired in the previous step S204 from the weight of the container + sample stored in the data table 1 in the previous step S201. The weight of only the amount of liquid contained in the container is obtained and stored in the column of weight 3 in the data table 1 (see FIG. 6) (step S205).

  Next, in the conversion unit 101a, the operation control unit 101 considers the specific gravity and converts the liquid amount / weight obtained in the previous step SS205 into a liquid amount (step S206). Thereafter, the calculated conversion result of the liquid amount is stored in the data table 1 which is the first liquid amount information storage unit 101i (step S207). Further, 1 is assigned to the data table 1 as a conversion processing success flag from the weight to the liquid amount (step S208). By this step S208, the data table 1 becomes a table as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the process ends.

  The operation control unit 101 can update the data table 2 that is performed when the types of containers that can be used in the sample test automation system 100 increase. Furthermore, the specimen test automation system 100 is changed to a mode different from the operation, for example, an adjustment mode, and this container is put into the specimen feeding unit 105 in a state where no specimen is accommodated, and the container information obtained from the specimen scanner. Then, the weight information obtained for the weight measurement is sent to the operation control unit 101, whereby the data table 2 can be updated. The specific gravity used when converting into the liquid amount can also be changed from the operation control unit 101.

  Next, a transport instruction given from the operation control unit 101 to the sample insertion unit 105 will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, the operation control unit 101 notifies the clinical test system 113 of a communication message including this sample ID in order to notify the clinical test system 113 that a container has been input from the sample input unit 105 into the sample test automation system 100. The data is transmitted (step S300).

  The clinical test system 113 transmits a communication message including requested test item information for the sample as a response to the communication message from the sample input unit 105. The operation control unit 101 receives a communication message including requested examination item information for the sample (step S301).

  Thereafter, the operation control unit 101 refers to the flag given in the previous step S208 or the flag in the data table 1 given in step S209, and determines whether or not the conversion process from the weight to the liquid amount has succeeded. Determination is made (step S302). When it is determined that the liquid volume has been converted from the weight, the process proceeds to step S303. When it is determined that the liquid volume has not been converted, the process proceeds to step S309.

  When it is determined that the conversion can be performed in the previous step S302, the operation control unit 101 causes the calculation unit 101b to perform a sample necessary for testing this sample based on the requested test item information acquired in the previous step S301. The liquid amount is calculated (step S303).

  Next, the operation control unit 101 searches the data table 1 using the sample ID as a key (step S304), and determines whether there is a matching sample ID in the data table 1 (step S305). If it is determined that there is a sample ID that matches the search key information, the process proceeds to step S306. If it is determined that there is no sample ID, the process proceeds to step S309.

  Next, the operation control unit 101 acquires the converted liquid amount information of the sample corresponding to the matched sample ID from the data table 1 (step S306). Thereafter, the operation control unit 101 determines in the liquid amount comparison unit 101c whether or not the converted sample liquid amount acquired from the data table 1 is larger than the calculated required liquid amount required for the requested test item (step S307). ). When it is determined that the converted sample liquid amount is larger than the test necessary liquid amount, the process proceeds to step S308, and when the converted sample liquid amount is not determined to be equal to or smaller than the test necessary liquid quantity, the process proceeds to step S309.

  Next, the operation control unit 101 creates a transport path that does not stop at the liquid amount measurement unit 107 in the determination unit 101d, and instructs the transport path that does not stop at the liquid amount measurement unit 107 in the transport instruction unit 101e ( Step S308).

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the conversion cannot be performed, or when it is determined that the obtained converted sample liquid amount is smaller, the operation control unit 101 transports to the liquid measurement unit 107 in the determination unit 101d. A path is created, and the transport instruction unit 101e instructs the transport path to stop at the liquid amount measuring unit 107 (step S309).

  As described above, when the conversion from the weight to the liquid amount fails in step S302, or when the sample ID is not found in the data table 1 in step S305, the transport path that stops at the liquid amount measuring unit 107 is set as the sample input unit. 105 is instructed. However, in the case of instructing the transport path to stop in step S309, in some cases, an error transport path may be instructed, such as transporting to a reset lane or an error tray instead of the liquid amount measurement unit 107. For example, there may be a case where the amount of liquid is too short (such as when the sample is not contained in the container). Alternatively, after stopping at the liquid amount measuring unit 107a of the liquid amount measuring unit 107, it may be carried out to a reset lane or an error tray.

  In addition, it may be possible to instruct from the operation control unit 101 or the clinical examination system 113 whether or not to directly stop at the liquid volume measuring unit 107 for a specific specimen.

  As a result of stopping at the liquid volume measuring unit 107, the sample that is determined to be short of the liquid volume and carried out to the reset lane or the error tray and the specimen that has been carried out due to insufficient liquid volume without stopping at the liquid volume measuring unit 107. It is desirable to be able to distinguish.

  For example, it is desirable to add a flag indicating the processing status of the input sample or the processing result on the screen displaying the list of samples input to the sample test automation system 100 so that the sample can be identified. Further, there may be a screen or a form for displaying a list of samples whose liquid volume has been measured by the liquid volume measuring unit 107.

  As another means, it is possible to make a distinction by sorting the sample storage trays installed in the sample storage unit 103. In this case, it is desirable that the specimen determined to be insufficient in liquid volume as a result of the stoppage at the liquid quantity measurement unit 107 and the specimen determined to be insufficient in liquid volume without stopping at the liquid quantity measurement unit 107 are stored in different storage trays. . Further, when the inside of the same tray is logically divided and used, it may be identified by the storage position of the same tray. The operator can discriminate whether or not the sample has stopped at the liquid volume measuring unit 107 according to the screen, the form, or the tray in which the sample is stored, or the storage position on the tray. Request and manual dispensing) can help.

  Next, the effect of this embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment of the specimen test automation system and specimen check method of the present invention described above, the upstream side of the liquid quantity measuring unit 107a of the liquid quantity measurement unit 107 in the units constituting the specimen test automation system 100. The weight measurement unit 1 of the sample input unit 105 located at the position of the container measures the weight of the container and the sample, obtains the sample weight, converts it to the sample liquid amount, and compares it with the liquid amount necessary for the test, thereby controlling the operation. The unit 101 screens whether or not the sample requires liquid volume measurement. As a result, the specimen that has been determined that the liquid volume is sufficient without performing accurate liquid volume measurement does not stop at the liquid volume measuring unit 107a of the liquid volume measuring unit 107, and the number of samples that stop by the liquid volume measuring unit 107a. Will decrease absolutely. For this reason, in the sample test automation system 100 provided with the liquid amount measuring unit 107, even if a large amount of samples are continuously input, it is possible to operate without causing a TAT delay. That is, in the sample test automation system 100 including the liquid volume measuring unit 107, an accurate liquid volume check can be realized, and a TAT delay is caused even during the daytime when a large amount of samples are constantly carried. A sample processing flow without any problem is realized.

  The unit provided with the weight measuring unit 1 for measuring the weight of the container containing the sample is not limited to the sample loading unit 105. For example, the minimum necessary unit in the sample test automation system 100, for example, the liquid amount measuring unit 107 may be replaced with the weight measuring unit 1 upstream of the liquid amount measuring unit 107a. If the sample input unit 105 includes the weight measuring unit 1 for measuring the weight of the sample and the liquid amount measuring unit 107a in addition to the input means for inputting the sample to the sample test automation system 100, the sample input unit 105 Yes, it can also be said to be a liquid quantity measurement unit.

  Even in such a case, the weight measured in the weight measuring unit 1 by the operation control unit 101 is converted into a liquid amount, and after receiving a test request for this sample, it is determined whether or not the liquid amount is sufficient for performing the test. If it is possible, sample screening becomes possible. Based on the results of screening, if a sample that does not require liquid volume determination is prevented from stopping at the liquid volume measurement unit, a large amount of sample was continuously added to the sample test automation system that introduced the liquid volume measurement unit. However, the automation system can be operated without delaying TAT.

<Second Embodiment>
A second embodiment of the sample test automation system and sample check method of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted. The same applies to the following embodiments.

  The sample test automation system according to the present embodiment is characterized in that, when determining whether or not a sample is to stop at the liquid volume measurement unit 107, the determination is made by taking into account sample characteristic information added to the sample. Is. The rest of the configuration is the same as the sample test automation system of the first embodiment, and details thereof are omitted.

  The determination unit 101d further determines whether or not the specified sample characteristic flag is added to the sample when determining whether or not to transport the container containing the sample to the liquid amount measurement unit 107. This specimen characteristic flag is used to indicate that the specimen has a factor that causes the serum or plasma to be less than the desired amount even after centrifugation. For example, it is added to the specimen of a patient with a high hematocrit value. To do. The operation control unit 101 has the table 3 in which the sample characteristic flag is stored, and the operation control unit 101 registers and deletes the sample characteristic flag. The means for adding the specimen characteristic flag to the specimen is an input from the first terminal system in which the doctor requests a test item for the specimen, and an input from the second terminal system in the blood collection room. Also, it may be an input from the operation control unit 101. The specimen characteristic flag information input from the first terminal system or the second terminal system is sent to the clinical examination system 113 via the hospital network and received as a communication message including the requested examination item and the specimen characteristic flag. . The operation control unit 101 can set whether or not to perform screening in consideration of the specimen characteristic information.

  Next, a conveyance instruction given from the operation control unit 101 to the sample insertion unit 105 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The processing from step S300 to step S306 is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

  The operation control unit 101 determines in the liquid volume comparison unit 101c whether or not the converted sample liquid volume acquired from the data table 1 is larger than the calculated required liquid volume required for the requested test item (step S307). When it is determined that the converted sample liquid amount is larger than the test necessary liquid amount, the process proceeds to step S310. When it is determined that the converted sample liquid amount is equal to or smaller than the test necessary liquid amount, the process proceeds to step S309.

  Next, the operation control unit 101 determines in the determination unit 101d whether or not the specified sample characteristic flag is added to the sample (step S310). If it is determined that the sample characteristic flag is not added, a conveyance path that does not stop at the liquid amount measurement unit 107 is instructed (step S308). On the other hand, when it is determined that the sample characteristic flag is added, even if it is determined that the amount of liquid in the previous step SS307 is sufficient, it is necessary to instruct a conveyance path that stops at the liquid amount measuring unit. Then, the process proceeds to step S309. The processing in step S309 is the same as the processing shown in FIG.

  In the second embodiment of the sample test automation system and the sample check method of the present invention, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment of the sample test automation system and the sample check method described above can be obtained.

  In addition, by adding the specimen characteristic information as a condition for checking whether or not to stop at the liquid volume measuring unit, more accurate screening according to the assumed specimen state can be performed.

<Third Embodiment>
A third embodiment of the sample test automation system and sample check method of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The number of specimens carried to the laboratory has a peak in the time period from morning to daytime when a large quantity of specimens are continuously carried, and then tends to decrease gradually. When the peak has passed and there are few specimens to be put into the specimen test automation system 100, and when the feeding interval becomes intermittent, even if the liquid quantity measurement unit 107 measures the liquid quantity of all the specimens, It can be considered that processing can be performed without causing a waiting time that causes a delay in TAT.

  In a sample test automation system equipped with a liquid volume measurement unit, the operation of liquid volume measurement with screening is effective when the number of samples is at the peak, and the volume of all samples is liquid when the time is not at the peak. It has already been mentioned that there is no problem in the measurement operation. However, it is thought that it is troublesome for the user to switch the operation while paying attention to the number of samples put into the sample test automation system.

  Therefore, when a large amount of samples must be continuously processed on the basis of fluctuations in sample processing capacity in the sample input unit 105, a liquid with screening as described in the first embodiment or the second embodiment. When the volume measurement operation is performed and, on the other hand, the peak of the number of samples has passed and the input interval has become intermittent, the liquid volume measurement unit 107 automatically switches to the operation of measuring the liquid volume of all the samples. Is desirable. The sample test automation system of this embodiment has such an automatic switching function of the liquid amount measurement operation.

  In the sample test automation system according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the operation control unit 101 includes a conversion unit 101a, a calculation unit 101b, a liquid amount comparison unit 101c, a determination unit 101d, a transport instruction unit 101e, and a container specifying unit 101f. In addition, a switching control unit 101g is provided.

  The switching control unit 101g includes a first operation mode that uses liquid amount conversion by the weight measuring unit 1 and liquid amount measurement by the liquid amount measuring unit 107a of the liquid amount measuring unit 107, and a liquid amount measuring unit 107a of the liquid amount measuring unit 107. Switching processing to the second operation mode that uses only the liquid amount measurement according to the above. The switching control unit 101g performs a switching process between the first operation mode and the second operation mode based on whether or not the number of samples input to the sample test automation system 100 per unit time is a predetermined reference number. . The switching control unit 101g repeatedly executes processing such as a flow shown in FIG. 11 described later at predetermined timings.

  For example, the switching control unit 101g performs fixed-point observation of the processing capacity at intervals of T minutes in the sample loading unit 105 that allows loading of X samples in one hour.

  In this case, more specifically, when the number of samples processed during T minutes is equal to or greater than (X × (T / 60)) × Ratio, a large amount of samples are continuously input into the sample test automation system 100. The sample to be put into the sample test automation system 100 when the liquid quantity measurement operation (first operation mode) with screening is performed and the value falls below (X × (T / 60)) × Ratio It is determined that the number has decreased and the input interval is intermittent, and the operation is automatically switched to the operation (second operation mode) in which the liquid volume measuring unit 107 measures the liquid volume of all the samples.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 10, the processing capacity straight line 400 is the one at the maximum processing capacity, and the actual processing capacity straight lines 401, 402, 403 (the processing capacity straight line 401 when a large amount of samples are continuously added). , The processing capability line 402 when the sample is sparsely added, and the processing capability line 403 when the sample is not added are compared with the processing capability line 400 from ((X × (T / 60)) × Ratio) 404 Whether or not they are separated from each other is a reference for switching operation by measuring the liquid amount.

  In FIG. 10, the processing capability line 401 at the time from the business start time T0 to T1 is smaller than ((X × (T / 60)) × Ratio) 404 with respect to the processing capability line 400, so a large amount of samples. Are continuously input to the specimen test automation system 100, and the first operation mode with screening is taken. On the other hand, the processing capability straight line 402 at the time from the time T1 to the time T2 and the processing capability straight line 403 at the time from the time T2 to the time T3 with respect to the processing capability straight line 400 ((X × (T / 60)) × Ratio) Since the difference of 404 or more is observed, it is determined that the number of samples to be input to the sample test automation system 100 is reduced and the input interval is intermittent, and the liquid amount measuring unit 107 To automatically switch to the second operation mode for measuring the liquid volume of all samples.

  Since the configuration other than the above-described configuration is the same as that of the sample test automation system of the first embodiment, details are omitted.

  Next, the flow of the switching determination process in the switching control unit 101g will be described below with reference to FIG.

  First, the switching control unit 101g executes t = t + 1 (step S400).

  Next, the switching control unit 101g determines whether or not t ≧ n (n is an arbitrarily set time) (step S401). When it is determined that t ≧ n, the process proceeds to step S402, and when it is determined that t ≧ n, the process returns to step S400.

  Next, the switching control unit 101g determines whether or not a condition of (maximum processing capacity straight line) − (current processing capacity straight line) ≧ (X × (T / 60)) × Ratio is satisfied (step S402). If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S403; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S405.

  Next, the switching control unit 101g determines whether or not the current operation mode is the second operation mode (step S403). When it is determined that the mode is the second operation mode, the process proceeds to step S409. When it is determined that the mode is not the second operation mode, the process proceeds to step S404. Next, the switching control unit 101g performs a switching process to the second operation mode (step S404). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S409.

  If it is determined in step S402 that (maximum processing capacity line) − (current processing capacity line) ≧ (X × (T / 60)) × Ratio, the switching control unit 101g determines that the current operation mode is the first. It is determined whether or not the operation mode is set (step S405). If it is determined that the mode is the first operation mode, the process proceeds to step S409. If it is determined that the mode is not the first operation mode, the process proceeds to step S406. Next, the switching control unit 101g performs a switching process to the first operation mode (step S406). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S409.

  Next, the switching control unit 101g resets t to 0 (step S409). Thereafter, the process ends.

  In the third embodiment of the sample test automation system and the sample check method of the present invention, substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment of the sample test automation system and the sample check method described above can be obtained.

  Furthermore, it is possible to provide a convenient sample test automation system that does not bother the user by automatically switching the operation of measuring the liquid volume based on the change in the processing capacity of the sample loading unit 105 and the designated date and time. .

  Note that the mode switching control in the sample test automation system of the present embodiment is not limited to this. Hereinafter, another aspect of the switching process will be described with reference to FIG.

  The switching control unit 101g according to another aspect of the present embodiment performs switching processing between the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode that uses only the liquid amount conversion by the weight measurement unit 1. Switching processing between the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode is performed based on whether or not the number of samples input to the sample test automation system 100 per unit time is a predetermined reference number.

  In FIG. 12, step S400 and step S401 are substantially the same.

  Next, the switching control unit 101g determines whether or not a condition of (maximum processing capacity straight line) − (current processing capacity straight line) ≧ (X × (T / 60)) × Ratio is satisfied (step S402). If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S403, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S402A.

  Next, the switching control unit 101g determines whether or not the current operation mode is the second operation mode (step S403). When it is determined that the mode is the second operation mode, the process proceeds to step S409. When it is determined that the mode is not the second operation mode, the process proceeds to step S404. Next, the switching control unit 101g performs a switching process to the second operation mode (step S404). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S409.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S402 that the condition (maximum processing capacity straight line) − (current processing capacity straight line) ≧ (X × (T / 60)) × Ratio is not satisfied, the switching control unit 101g , (Maximum processing capacity line) − (current processing capacity line) ≧ (X × (T / 60)) × Ratio ′ (Ratio ′ <Ratio) is determined (step S402A). If it is determined that the condition is satisfied, the process proceeds to step S405, and otherwise, the process proceeds to step S407.

  When it is determined in step S402A that the condition is satisfied, the switching control unit 101g then determines whether or not the current operation mode is the first operation mode (step S405). If it is determined that the operation mode is the first operation mode, the process proceeds to step S409; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S406. Next, the switching control unit 101g performs a switching process to the first operation mode (step S406). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step S409.

  On the other hand, when it is determined in step S402A that the condition is not satisfied, the switching control unit 101g determines whether or not the current operation mode is the third operation mode (step S407). If it is determined that the operation mode is the third operation mode, the process proceeds to step S409; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S408. Next, the switching control unit 101g performs switching processing to the third operation mode (step S408), and then advances the processing to step S409.

  Next, the switching control unit 101g resets t to 0 (step S409). Thereafter, the process ends.

  By performing the processing as shown in FIG. 12, it is possible to provide a flexible sample test automation system according to the amount of sample input and the processing capability without bothering the user.

  In addition, the switching control unit 101g included in the sample test automation system according to the present embodiment switches the operation mode based on whether or not the number of samples input per unit time to the sample test automation system 100 is a predetermined reference number. However, the switching process can be performed based on other conditions.

  For example, the fixed point observation time interval T and the ratio Ratio to the maximum processing capacity may be changeable by the operation control unit 101. In addition, the trigger for switching the operation may be a parameter such as a designated date and time as well as a change in the processing capacity of the sample insertion unit 105. Further, the switching of the operation may be performed manually by the user. For example, it is possible to perform manual switching by the user by allowing the sample test automation system to recognize whether a button provided on the screen, a dedicated empty holder that has been inserted, whether or not a predetermined holder has been inserted, and a simulated sample are recognized. be able to.

  Furthermore, in the sample test automation system of this embodiment, the sample input unit 105 may include a display unit that indicates whether or not screening is performed on the sample input into the system. This display means may be an LED indicator provided in any of the units constituting the sample test automation system 100, or a status display indicating the operating status of the constituent units displayed on the operation control unit 101. You may display on the display part 113a of the clinical test system 113. FIG.

<Others>
In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment, Various modifications are included. The above-described embodiment has been described in detail for easy understanding of the present invention, and is not necessarily limited to the one having all the configurations described. Further, a part of the configuration of an embodiment can be replaced with the configuration of another embodiment, and the configuration of another embodiment can be added to the configuration of an embodiment. Moreover, it is also possible to add, delete, and replace other configurations for a part of the configuration of each embodiment.

1 ... weight measuring unit,
2 ... Sample scanner,
3 ... Specimen attribute information / transport route information receiving unit,
4 ... Tray,
5a ... main line,
5b ... Overtaking line,
5c ... bypass line,
6a ... main line (first conveyance path),
6b ... Overtaking line (second transport path),
6c ... bypass line,
100 ... specimen test automation system,
101 ... operation control unit,
101a ... conversion unit,
101b ... calculation part,
101c ... Liquid amount comparison part,
101d: discriminating unit,
101e ... a conveyance instruction unit,
101f ... Container identification part,
101g ... switching control unit,
101h ... weight information storage unit,
101i ... Liquid quantity information storage unit,
101j ... Liquid quantity information storage unit,
101k ... Liquid amount comparison result storage unit,
101l ... discrimination information storage unit,
102 ... Capping unit,
103 ... Sample storage unit,
104 ... Empty holder stocker unit,
105 ... Sample input unit,
106 ... centrifuge unit,
107: Liquid quantity measuring unit,
107a: Liquid amount measuring unit,
108 ... Opening unit,
109 ... Child specimen test tube preparation unit,
110 ... dispensing unit,
111 ... Transfer unit,
112 ... Automatic analyzer ,
113 ... Clinical laboratory system,
401... Processing capacity straight line of the sample input unit when the input processing capacity is maximum,
401... Processing capacity straight line of the specimen loading unit when a large number of specimens are continuously fed,
402: A processing capability straight line of the specimen loading unit when specimens are sparsely loaded,
403 ... Sample processing unit's processing capacity straight line when no sample is input,
404: An index for automatically switching the operation based on the liquid amount measurement.

Claims (11)

A sample test automation system for checking a liquid sample contained in a container,
A first liquid amount acquisition unit for acquiring a liquid amount of a specimen contained in the container by a first method;
A second liquid volume acquisition unit for acquiring the liquid volume of the specimen contained in the container by a second method;
A calculation unit for calculating the amount of liquid required for the requested test for the specimen contained in the container;
A liquid amount comparison unit that compares the liquid amount acquired by the first liquid amount acquisition unit with the liquid amount required for inspection calculated by the calculation unit;
Based on the comparison result in the liquid amount comparison unit, a determination unit that determines whether or not to transport the container in which the sample is stored in the second liquid amount acquisition unit;
A transport instruction that outputs a transport instruction for transporting the container in which the sample is stored to the second liquid amount acquisition unit or a transport instruction for not transporting the container to the second liquid amount acquisition unit based on the determination result of the determination unit. A specimen test automation system characterized by comprising: The specimen test automation system according to claim 1,
The first liquid amount acquisition unit includes a weight measurement unit that measures the weight of the container, and a conversion unit that converts the liquid amount of the sample in the container from the weight of the container measured by the weight measurement unit,
The sample liquid automation system, wherein the second liquid volume acquisition unit includes a liquid volume measuring unit that measures a liquid volume based on interface information of the specimen in the container. In the specimen test automation system according to claim 2,
A first operation mode that uses liquid amount conversion by the weight measurement unit and liquid amount measurement by the liquid amount measurement unit; and a second operation mode that uses only liquid amount measurement by the liquid amount measurement unit ;
A specimen test automation system, further comprising: a switching control unit that performs switching processing between the first operation mode and the second operation mode. In the specimen test automation system according to claim 3,
A third operation mode that uses only liquid amount conversion by the weight measuring unit;
The sample switching automation system, wherein the switching control unit performs a switching process between the first operation mode, the second operation mode, and the third operation mode. In the specimen test automation system according to claim 3,
The switching control unit is configured to determine whether or not the number of samples put into the sample test automation system per unit time is a predetermined reference number, whether or not a specified date / time has been reached, whether or not a changeover switch has been pressed, A specimen test automation system, wherein a switching process is performed based on any of the conditions of whether or not the holder is inserted. In the specimen test automation system according to claim 2,
A first conveyance path for conveying the container to the liquid amount measurement unit ;
A second transport path for passing the container without transporting it to the liquid quantity measuring unit ,
The transport instruction unit outputs a transport instruction as to which of the first transport path and the second transport path the container containing the sample is transported based on the determination result of the determination unit. Specialized specimen test automation system. In the specimen test automation system according to claim 2,
It further comprises a display unit for displaying whether the liquid amount is determined to be insufficient by the liquid amount measurement by the liquid amount measurement unit , or whether the liquid amount is determined to be insufficient by the liquid amount determination by the liquid amount comparison unit. Sample testing automation system. In the specimen test automation system according to claim 2,
A container specifying unit for specifying the type of container put into the specimen test automation system;
The conversion unit specifies the container weight based on the container type specified by the container specifying unit, and subtracts the specified container weight from the weight of the container containing the sample measured by the weight measuring unit. A sample test automation system characterized by obtaining the weight of the sample and converting the amount of the sample liquid. In the specimen test automation system according to claim 2,
The determination unit determines whether or not to transport a container containing the sample to the liquid amount measurement unit , also using sample characteristic information given to the sample. . In the specimen test automation system according to claim 2,
A weight information storage unit that stores the weight measured by the weight measurement unit, a first liquid amount information storage unit that stores the converted liquid amount obtained by the conversion unit, and a first liquid amount information storage unit that stores the liquid amount required for inspection obtained by the calculation unit. The apparatus further comprises: a two liquid amount information storage unit; a liquid amount comparison result storage unit that stores a comparison result in the liquid amount comparison unit; and a discrimination information storage unit that stores a discrimination result in the discrimination unit. Sample testing automation system. A method for checking a sample contained in a container,
A first liquid volume acquisition step of acquiring the liquid volume of the specimen contained in the container by a first method;
A second liquid volume acquisition step of acquiring the liquid volume of the specimen contained in the container by a second method;
A calculation step for calculating the amount of liquid required for the requested test for the specimen contained in the container;
A liquid volume comparison process for comparing the acquired liquid volume acquired in the first liquid volume acquisition process with the liquid volume required for inspection calculated in the calculation process;
A discrimination step for discriminating whether or not to implement the second liquid amount acquisition step based on the comparison result in the liquid amount comparison step;
A transporting step for transporting the container in which the sample is stored to either the unit for performing the second liquid amount acquiring step or the other unit based on the determination result in the determining step; A method for checking a specimen characterized by comprising:

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