JP2010121936A - Specimen processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a specimen processing system capable of reducing a burden on a user involved in the measurement of an accuracy control specimen. <P>SOLUTION: The specimen processing system is provided with a system control device 8. When the expiration date of the accuracy control specimen stored in an accuracy control specimen housing unit 61 is expired, the system control device 8 informs an information processing unit 52 accordingly, and the information processing unit 52 displays a warning screen. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sample processing system that transports a sample to a plurality of measurement units that measure the sample.

Conventionally, a sample processing system that automatically transports a sample to a measurement unit is known. The measurement unit of such a sample processing system needs to periodically measure the quality control sample and confirm that the measurement result can be obtained correctly. As a technique for reducing the burden of measuring the quality control sample by the user of the sample processing system, a blood sample transport analysis system described in Patent Document 1 is also known. The blood sample transport analysis system described in Patent Document 1 is provided with a cold storage for storing quality control samples, and the quality control samples are automatically transported from the cool storage to the analyzer via a transport path. Measured. This reduces the burden on the user to measure the quality control sample.
JP 2005-274289 A

A quality control sample used in the sample processing system as described above has an expiration date. However, in the blood sample transport analysis system of Patent Document 1 described above, the expiration date of the quality control sample is not considered at all, and the system user is prevented from measuring the quality control sample that has expired. However, it was necessary to periodically check the expiration date of quality control samples, and the burden on the user was not sufficiently reduced.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sample processing system capable of reducing the burden on the user accompanying measurement of a quality control sample.

  In order to achieve the above object, a sample processing system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a measurement unit that measures a sample, a conveyance unit that conveys the sample to the measurement unit, and a predetermined component measured by the measurement unit. A cooling unit that stores and cools a quality control sample including a predetermined amount, and a transfer unit that transfers the quality control sample from the cooling unit to the transport unit and also transfers the quality control sample from the transport unit to the cooling unit And an expiration date storage means for storing the expiration date of the quality control sample, and a warning is output when the expiration date of the quality control sample has expired based on the expiration date stored by the expiration date storage means Warning output means.

  In this aspect, it is preferable to further include a measurement prohibiting unit that prohibits measurement of the quality control sample by the measurement unit when the quality control sample has expired.

  Further, in the above aspect, when the quality control sample has expired, the transfer control means for controlling the transfer unit to automatically transfer the quality control sample from the cooling unit to the transport unit is further provided. It is preferable to provide.

  Further, in the above aspect, when the sample storage unit connected to the transport unit and stores the sample measured by the measurement unit and the quality control sample has expired, the transfer unit removes the sample from the cooling unit. It is preferable to further include a transport control unit that controls the transport unit so that the quality control sample transferred to the transport unit is transported to the storage unit.

  In the above aspect, the identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying the quality control specimen, and the validity period for acquiring the expiration date of the quality control specimen based on the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition means It is preferable to further include a term acquisition means.

  In the above aspect, the expiration date acquisition unit transmits the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit to a server computer via a network, and acquires the expiration date of the quality control sample from the server computer. It is preferable to do.

  Moreover, in the said aspect, it is preferable to further provide the shutdown means which selectively performs the 1st shutdown which shuts down the whole system, and the 2nd shutdown which shuts down the whole system except the said cooling part.

  In the above aspect, the cooling unit includes a quality control sample storage unit that stores the quality control sample, and a sample storage unit that stores the sample measured by the measurement unit, and the quality control sample is It is preferable to further include a transfer control means for controlling the transfer unit so that the sample is transferred to the quality control sample storage unit and the sample measured by the measurement unit is transferred to the sample storage unit.

  Further, in the above aspect, the receiving unit that receives the input of the quality control sample, the quality control sample received by the receiving unit is transferred to the measurement unit, and the measured quality control sample is transferred to the cooling unit. Transfer control means for controlling the transfer section, and transfer control means for controlling the transfer section so as to transfer the quality control specimen transferred to the cooling section by the transfer section to the cooling section. It is preferable to further provide.

  According to the sample processing system of the present invention, it is possible to reduce the burden on the user associated with the measurement of the quality control sample as compared with the related art.

  Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiment is a sample processing system that acquires an expiration date of a quality control sample and outputs a warning when an expired quality control sample is accommodated in a cooling unit based on the acquired expiration date.

(First embodiment)
[Configuration of specimen processing system]
FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the overall configuration of the sample processing system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the sample processing system 1 includes a sample input device 2, a sample transport device 3, 301, a sample storage device 4, a blood cell analyzer 5, a cooling unit 6, and a system control device 8. I have. The sample processing system 1 according to the present embodiment is communicably connected to the server computer 9 via a communication network NW (Internet NW).

<Configuration of specimen loading apparatus 2>
The sample input device 2 includes two sample output units 21a and 21b, and a barcode reading unit 22 disposed between the two sample output units 21a and 21b. The sample delivery units 21a and 21b of the sample loading apparatus 2 are configured to be able to place a sample rack containing a plurality of sample containers. The sample racks placed on the sample delivery unit 21a are sequentially sent to the barcode reading unit 22, and the barcode ID is read from the barcode on the barcode label attached to the sample rack by the barcode reading unit 22, The sample ID is read from the barcode on the barcode label attached to the sample container. The control unit of the sample loading device 2 is communicably connected to the system control device 8 via the LAN, and the rack ID and sample ID read as described above are transmitted to the system control device 8. The sample rack whose barcode has been read is transported to the sample delivery unit 21b, and sent from the sample delivery unit 21b to the sample transport device 3.

  FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the sample container, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the sample rack. As shown in FIG. 2, the sample container T has a tubular shape, and an upper end is opened. A blood sample collected from the patient is housed inside, and the opening at the upper end is sealed by a lid CP. The specimen container T is made of translucent glass or synthetic resin, and an internal blood specimen can be visually recognized. A barcode label BL1 is attached to the side surface of the sample container T. A barcode indicating the sample ID is printed on the barcode label BL1. The sample rack L can hold ten sample containers T side by side. In the sample rack L, each sample container T is held in a vertical state (standing position). A barcode label BL2 is attached to the side surface of the sample rack L. A barcode indicating the rack ID is printed on the barcode label BL2.

  Further, the quality control sample is accommodated in a container having the same shape as the sample container T, and is sealed by a lid CP. The quality control sample includes predetermined components such as red blood cells and white blood cells measured by the blood cell analyzer 5 in a predetermined amount. A barcode indicating the sample ID is printed on the barcode label BL1 attached to the sample container that stores the quality control sample, and this sample ID includes a code indicating that the quality control sample is used. Yes. Thereby, it is possible to identify whether the sample contained in the sample container is the blood sample of the subject or the quality control sample by the sample ID.

<Configuration of specimen transport device 3>
Next, the configuration of the sample transport device 3 will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the sample processing system 1 includes three sample transport apparatuses 3. In front of the three measurement units 51, 51, 51 of the blood cell analyzer 5, sample transport devices 3, 3, 3 are arranged separately. Adjacent sample transport apparatuses 3 and 3 are connected to each other, and the sample rack L can be delivered. Further, the rightmost sample transport device 3 is connected to the sample loading device 2 described above, and the sample rack L carried out from the sample loading device 2 can be introduced. The leftmost sample transport device 3 is connected to the sample transport device 301, and the sample rack L can be transported to the sample transport device 301.

  FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the configuration of the sample transport device 3. As shown in FIG. 4, the sample transport apparatus 3 includes a transport mechanism 31 that transports a sample, and a control unit 32 that controls the transport mechanism 31. The transport mechanism 31 includes a pre-analysis rack holding unit 33 that can temporarily hold a plurality of sample racks L that hold a sample container T that holds a sample before analysis, and a measurement unit 51 to store the sample. The post-analysis rack holder 34 that can temporarily hold a plurality of sample racks L holding the aspirated specimen container T, and the sample rack L in the figure in order to supply the specimen to the measurement unit 51 A rack transfer unit 35 that moves the sample rack L received from the pre-analysis rack holding unit 33 to the post-analysis rack holding unit 34 and a device upstream of the transfer (the sample input device 2 or the sample transfer). The sample rack L is carried in from the apparatus 3), and the sample stored in the sample rack L is not supplied to the measurement unit 51, and the apparatus on the downstream side of the conveyance (sample conveyance apparatus 3). And a rack transport section 321 for unloading into the specimen transport apparatus 301) the sample rack L.

  The pre-analysis rack holding unit 33 has a quadrangular shape in plan view, and its width is slightly larger than the width of the sample rack L. The pre-analysis rack holder 33 is formed one step lower than the surrounding surface, and the pre-analysis sample rack L is placed on the upper surface thereof. The pre-analysis rack holding unit 33 is connected to the rack transport unit 321, and the sample rack L is sent from the rack transport unit 321 by a rack delivery unit 322 described later. A rack sensor 37 is attached in the vicinity of the pre-analysis rack holding portion 33, and a rack detection position 33 a at which the sample rack L is detected by the rack sensor 37 is provided on the pre-analysis rack holding portion 33. . The rack sensor 37 is an optical sensor and includes a light emitting unit 37a and a light receiving unit 37b. The light emitting unit 37a is provided on the side of the rack detection position 33a, and the light receiving unit 37b is provided in front of the rack detection position 33a. The light emitting unit 37a is arranged to emit light obliquely forward, and the light receiving unit 37b is arranged to receive this light. Therefore, the sample rack L sent from the rack transport unit 321 is located at the rack detection position 33a, whereby the light emitted from the light emitting unit 37a is blocked by the sample rack L, and the light receiving level of the light receiving unit 37b is lowered. Thus, the sample rack L is detected by the rack sensor 37. Further, from both side surfaces of the pre-analysis rack holding portion 33, rack feeding portions 33b are provided so as to protrude inward. When the sample rack L is detected by the rack sensor 37, the rack feeding portion 33b protrudes to engage with the sample rack L, and in this state, moves backward (in the direction close to the rack transport portion 35). As a result, the sample rack L is transferred backward. The rack feeding unit 33b is configured to be driven by a stepping motor 33c provided below the pre-analysis rack holding unit 33.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the rack transport unit 35 can transport the sample rack L transferred by the pre-analysis rack holding unit 33 in the X direction. On the transport path of the sample rack L by the rack transport unit 35, a sample container detection position 35a where the sample container is detected by the sample container sensor 38, and a sample for supplying the sample to the measurement unit 51 of the blood cell analyzer 5 A supply position 35c exists. The rack transport unit 35 is configured to be able to transport the sample rack L so that the sample is transported to the sample supply position 35c via the sample container detection position 35a. The sample supply position 35c is a position downstream from the sample container detection position 35a by one sample in the transport direction. When the sample is transported to the sample supply position 35c by the rack transport unit 35, a blood cell analyzer described later The sample unit is supplied to the measurement unit 51 by gripping the sample container T of the sample, taking out the sample container T from the sample rack L, and sucking the sample from the sample container T. . After the sample container is transported to the sample supply position 35c, the rack transport unit 35 waits for the sample rack L to be transported until the sample supply is completed and the sample container T is returned to the sample rack L.

  Further, the rack transport unit 35 has two belts, a first belt 351 and a second belt 352, which can be operated independently. Further, the widths b1 and b2 of the first belt 351 and the second belt 352 in the arrow Y direction are each half or less the width B of the sample rack L in the arrow Y direction. The first belt 351 and the second belt 352 are arranged in parallel so as not to protrude from the width B of the sample rack L when the rack transport unit 35 transports the sample rack L. FIG. 5 is a front view showing the configuration of the first belt 351, and FIG. 6 is a front view showing the configuration of the second belt 352. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the first belt 351 and the second belt 352 are each formed in an annular shape, and the first belt 351 is disposed so as to surround the rollers 351a to 351c, and the second belt 352 is It arrange | positions so that roller 352a-352c may be surrounded. In addition, on the outer peripheral portion of the first belt 351, two projecting pieces 351d are provided so as to have an inner width w1 slightly larger (for example, 1 mm) than the width W in the X direction of the sample rack L. Similarly, On the outer periphery of the second belt 352, two protruding pieces 352d are provided so as to have an inner width w2 that is approximately the same as the inner width w1. The first belt 351 moves the outer periphery of the rollers 351a to 351c by the stepping motor 351e (see FIG. 4) while holding the sample rack L inside the two protruding pieces 351d, thereby moving the sample rack L to the arrow. It is configured to move in the X direction. The second belt 352 moves the outer periphery of the rollers 352a to 352c by the stepping motor 352e (see FIG. 4) in a state where the sample rack L is held inside the two protruding pieces 352d. It is configured to move in the X direction. Further, the first belt 351 and the second belt 352 are configured to be able to transfer the sample rack L independently of each other.

  The sample container sensor 38 is a contact-type sensor, and includes a goodwill-shaped contact piece, a light emitting element that emits light, and a light receiving element (not shown). The specimen container sensor is configured such that the contact piece is bent by abutting against the detection target object, and as a result, the light emitted from the light emitting element is reflected by the contact piece and enters the light receiving element. . As a result, when the sample container T to be detected housed in the sample rack L passes below the sample container sensor 38, the contact piece is bent by the sample container T, and the sample container T can be detected. .

  A rack delivery unit 39 is disposed so as to face a post-analysis rack holding unit 34 to be described later with the rack transport unit 35 interposed therebetween. The rack delivery unit 39 is configured to linearly move horizontally in the direction of arrow Y by the driving force of the stepping motor 39a. As a result, when the sample rack L is transported to a position 391 (hereinafter referred to as “post-analysis rack delivery position”) between the post-analysis rack holding unit 34 and the rack delivery unit 39, the rack delivery unit 39 is analyzed. By moving to the rear rack holding unit 34 side, the sample rack L can be pushed and moved into the post-analysis rack holding unit 34. In this way, the sample rack L that has been analyzed is sent from the rack transport section 35 to the post-analysis rack holding section 34.

  The rack transporter 321 extends in the direction of arrow X in the figure, and can move the sample rack L linearly in the direction of arrow X horizontally. The rack transport unit 321 includes an annular belt 321a and a stepping motor 321b, and is configured to rotate the belt 321a in the arrow X direction by the driving force of the stepping motor 321b. As a result, the sample rack L placed on the belt 321a can be moved in the X direction. Further, on the front side of the pre-analysis rack holding unit 33, a rack sending unit 322 is disposed so as to face the pre-analysis rack holding unit 321 with the rack transport unit 321 interposed therebetween. The rack delivery unit 322 is configured to move linearly in the arrow Y direction by the driving force of the stepping motor 322a. As a result, when the sample rack L is transported to a position 323 (hereinafter referred to as “pre-analysis rack delivery position”) between the pre-analysis rack holding unit 33 and the rack delivery unit 322, the rack delivery unit 322 is analyzed. By moving to the front rack holding unit 33 side, the sample rack L can be pushed and moved to the rack detection position 33 a in the pre-analysis rack holding unit 33.

  The post-analysis rack holding unit 34 has a quadrangular shape in plan view, and its width is slightly larger than the width of the sample rack L. The post-analysis rack holder 34 is formed one step lower than the surrounding surface, and the sample rack L that has been analyzed is placed on the upper surface thereof. The post-analysis rack holding section 34 is connected to the rack transport section 35, and the sample rack L is sent from the rack transport section 35 by the rack delivery section 39 as described above. From both side surfaces of the post-analysis rack holding portion 34, a rack feeding portion 34b is provided so as to protrude inward. When the sample rack L is carried in by the rack sending section 39, the rack feeding section 34b projects to engage with the sample rack L, and in this state, moves forward (in a direction close to the rack transport section 321). By doing so, the sample rack L is transferred forward. The rack feeding section 34b is configured to be driven by a stepping motor 34c provided below the post-analysis rack holding section 34.

  With this configuration, the transport mechanism 31 receives the measurement line L1 that is the transport line of the sample rack L that passes through the sample supply position 35c and the sample rack L that has been transported without passing through the sample supply position 35c. A skip line L2, which is a transfer line for carrying out to the downstream apparatus, is formed.

  The transport mechanism 31 configured as described above is controlled by the control unit 32. The control unit 32 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown). The control program for the transport mechanism 31 stored in the ROM can be executed by the CPU. Further, the control unit 32 includes an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, and is communicably connected to the information processing unit 52 and the system control device 8 via a LAN.

  With the above-described configuration, the sample transport device 3 transports the sample rack L transported from the sample loading device 2 to the pre-analysis rack transport position 323 by the rack transport unit 321 and analyzes by the rack transport unit 322. The sample rack L is transferred to the front rack holding unit 33, the sample rack L is sent from the pre-analysis rack holding unit 33 to the rack transport unit 35, and further transported by the rack transport unit 35, whereby the sample is measured in the blood cell analyzer 5. 51 can be supplied. In addition, the sample rack L containing the sample that has been aspirated is transferred to the post-analysis rack delivery position 391 by the rack transport unit 35 and sent to the post-analysis rack holding unit 34 by the rack delivery unit 39. The sample rack L held by the post-analysis rack holding unit 34 is transferred to the rack transport unit 321 and is transported to the subsequent apparatus (the sample transport apparatus 3 or 301) by the rack transport unit 321. When the sample transport apparatus 3 receives a sample rack L containing a sample to be processed by the measurement unit 51 on the downstream side of the transport or a sample that has been analyzed, the sample transport rack 321 causes the sample rack L to be received. Is transported in the direction of arrow X and is transported to the subsequent sample transport apparatus 3 or 301 as it is.

<Configuration of Sample Transport Device 301>
As shown in FIG. 1, a sample transport device 301 is disposed on the front side of the cooling unit 6. The right side end of the sample transport apparatus 301 is connected to the sample transport apparatus 3 located on the most downstream side (left side in the drawing) of the three sample transport apparatuses 3, 3, and 3, and the left end thereof. Are connected to the specimen storage device 4.

  The sample transport device 301 includes a conveyor 302 and a rack slider 303. The conveyor 302 is provided with two rack transport paths 302a and 302b that extend in the left-right direction. The rack transport path 302 a adjacent to the cooling unit 6 is a measurement line for transporting the sample rack L that contains the specimen to be supplied to the cooling unit 6. On the other hand, the rack transport path 302b away from the cooling unit 6 is a skip line for transporting the sample rack L that does not contain the sample to be supplied to the cooling unit 6. Moreover, the conveyor 302 is provided with CPU and memory, and is provided with the control part (not shown) which controls each operation | movement mechanism.

  The rack slider 303 is disposed on the right side of the conveyor 302, and sorts and loads the sample rack L to the measurement line 302a and the skip line 302b of the conveyor 302.

<Configuration of specimen storage device 4>
The sample storage device 4 is configured so that a plurality of sample racks L can be placed thereon. The sample storage device 4 receives the sample rack L that has been analyzed from the sample transport device 301 and stores it.

<Configuration of blood cell analyzer 5>
The blood cell analyzer 5 is an optical flow cytometry type multi-item blood cell analyzer, which acquires side scattered light intensity, fluorescence intensity, etc. with respect to blood cells contained in the blood sample, and is included in the sample based on these. The blood cells are classified, the number of blood cells is counted for each type, and a scattergram in which the blood cells thus classified are color-coded for each type is created and displayed. The blood cell analyzer 5 includes a measurement unit 51 that measures a blood sample, and an information processing unit 52 that processes the measurement data output from the measurement unit 51 and displays the analysis result of the blood sample.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the blood cell analyzer 5 includes three measurement units 51, 51, 51 and one information processing unit 52. The information processing unit 52 is communicably connected to the three measurement units 51, 51, 51, and can control the operations of these three measurement units 51, 51, 51, respectively. The information processing unit 52 is also communicably connected to the three sample transport devices 3, 3, and 3 disposed on the front side of the three measurement units 51, 51, 51, respectively.

  The three measurement units 51, 51, 51 have the same configuration. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the measurement unit 51. As shown in FIG. 7, the measurement unit 51 prepares a measurement sample to be used for measurement from a sample suction unit 511 that sucks blood, which is a sample, from a sample container (collection tube) T, and blood sucked by the sample suction unit 511. A sample preparation unit 512 for detecting the blood cells from the measurement sample prepared by the sample preparation unit 512. In addition, the measurement unit 51 includes an intake port (not shown) for taking the sample container T accommodated in the sample rack L conveyed by the rack conveyance unit 35 of the sample conveyance device 3 into the measurement unit 51; It further includes a sample container transport unit 515 that takes the sample container T from the sample rack L into the measurement unit 51 and transports the sample container T to the suction position by the sample suction unit 511.

  A suction tube (not shown) is provided at the distal end of the sample suction unit 511. The sample aspirating unit 511 is movable in the vertical direction, and when moved downward, the aspirating tube penetrates the lid CP of the sample container T conveyed to the aspirating position, and aspirates blood inside. Is configured to do.

  The sample preparation unit 512 is connected to a reagent container 512a containing a staining reagent, a reagent container 512b containing a hemolytic agent, and a reagent container 512c containing a diluent via a tube. Further, the sample preparation unit 512 is connected to a compressor (not shown), and each reagent can be separated from the reagent containers 512a, 512b, and 512c by the pressure generated by the compressor. Each of these reagent containers 512a, 512b, and 512c has a bar code label attached thereto, and reagent type (reagent name), lot number, date of manufacture, and expiration date are recorded as bar codes on these bar code labels. Has been.

  The measurement unit 51 is provided with a reagent barcode reading unit 517. The reagent barcode reader 517 is a handy barcode reader, and when reading the reagent barcode, the operator holds the barcode reading unit 517 and reads the barcodes of the reagent containers 512a, 512b, and 512c. The reagent type, lot number, manufacturing date, and expiration date information read in this way are transmitted to the information processing unit 52.

  The detection unit 513 can perform RBC (red blood cell) detection and PLT (platelet) detection by a sheath flow DC detection method. In the detection of RBC and PLT by the sheath flow DC detection method, a measurement sample in which a specimen and a diluent contained in a reagent container 512c are mixed is measured, and the measurement data obtained thereby is used as an information processing unit. The RBC and the PLT are measured by the analysis processing by 52. The detection unit 513 can perform HGB (hemoglobin) detection by the SLS-hemoglobin method. WBC (leukocyte), NEUT (neutrophil), LYMPH (lymphocyte), EO (eosinophil), BASO (basophil) and MONO (monocyte) can be detected by a flow cytometry method using a semiconductor laser. In this detection unit 513, detection of WBC without detection of five classifications of white blood cells, that is, detection of WBC without detection of NEUT, LYMPH, EO, BASO, and MONO, and detection of WBC with five classifications of white blood cells Then, the detection method is different. In detection of WBC without white blood cell classification, a measurement sample in which a specimen, a hemolytic agent contained in a reagent container 512b, and a diluent contained in a reagent container 512c are mixed is measured, and thus obtained. The WBC is measured by the information processing unit 52 analyzing the measured data. On the other hand, in the detection of WBC accompanied by leukocyte 5 classification, a measurement sample in which a staining reagent accommodated in the reagent container 512a, a hemolytic agent accommodated in the reagent container 512b, and a diluent contained in the reagent container 512c are mixed. The information processing unit 52 performs analysis processing on the measurement data obtained in this manner, whereby NEUT, LYMPH, EO, BASO, MONO, and WBC are measured.

  The sample container transport unit 515 includes a hand unit 515a that can hold the sample container T. The hand portion 515a includes a pair of gripping members disposed so as to face each other, and the gripping members can be moved toward and away from each other. The specimen container T can be gripped by bringing the gripping members close together with the specimen container T sandwiched therebetween. Further, the sample container transport unit 515 can move the hand unit 515a in the vertical direction and the front-rear direction (Y direction), and can swing the hand unit 515a. Thereby, the sample container T accommodated in the sample rack L and positioned at the supply position 35c is gripped by the hand unit 515a, and the sample container T is extracted from the sample rack L by moving the hand unit 515a upward in this state. The sample in the sample container T can be agitated by swinging the hand unit 515a.

  The sample container transport unit 515 includes a sample container setting unit 515b having a hole part into which the sample container T can be inserted. The sample container T gripped by the hand unit 515a is moved after the stirring is completed, and the gripped sample container T is inserted into the hole of the sample container setting unit 515b. Thereafter, by separating the gripping member, the sample container T is released from the hand unit 515a, and the sample container T is set in the sample container setting unit 515b. The sample container setting unit 515b can be moved horizontally in the Y direction by the power of a stepping motor (not shown). Inside the measurement unit 51, a barcode reading unit 516 is provided. The sample container setting unit 515b is movable to a barcode reading position 516a in the vicinity of the barcode reading unit 516 and a suction position 511a by the sample suction unit 511. When the sample container setting unit 515b moves to the barcode reading position 516a, the set sample container T is horizontally rotated by a rotation mechanism (not shown), and the sample barcode is read by the barcode reading unit 516. Thereby, even when the barcode label BL1 of the sample container T is located on the opposite side to the barcode reading unit 516, the barcode label BL1 is directed to the barcode reading unit 516 by rotating the sample container T. It is possible to cause the barcode reading unit 516 to read the sample barcode. When the sample container setting unit 515b moves to the aspiration position 511a, the sample is aspirated from the set sample container T by the sample aspiration unit 511.

  Next, the configuration of the information processing unit 52 will be described. The information processing unit 52 is configured by a computer. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the information processing unit 52. The information processing unit 52 is realized by a computer 52a. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the computer 52 a includes a main body 521, an image display unit 522, and an input unit 523. The main body 521 includes a CPU 521a, ROM 521b, RAM 521c, hard disk 521d, reading device 521e, input / output interface 521f, communication interface 521g, and image output interface 521h. The CPU 521a, ROM 521b, RAM 521c, hard disk 521d, reading device 521e, input The output interface 521f, the communication interface 521g, and the image output interface 521h are connected by a bus 521j.

  The CPU 521a can execute a computer program loaded in the RAM 521c. The computer 52a functions as the information processing unit 52 when the CPU 521a executes a computer program 524a for sample analysis and control of the measurement unit 51 and the transport mechanism 31, which will be described later.

  The ROM 521b is configured by a mask ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or the like, and stores a computer program executed by the CPU 521a, data used for the same, and the like.

  The RAM 521c is configured by SRAM, DRAM, or the like. The RAM 521c is used for reading the computer program 524a recorded on the hard disk 521d. Further, when the CPU 521a executes a computer program, it is used as a work area of the CPU 521a.

  In the hard disk 521d, various computer programs to be executed by the CPU 521a, such as an operating system and application programs, and data used for executing the computer programs are installed. A computer program 524a described later is also installed in the hard disk 521d.

  The reading device 521e is configured by a flexible disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, or the like, and can read a computer program or data recorded on a portable recording medium 524. The portable recording medium 524 stores a computer program 524a for causing the computer to function as the information processing unit 52. The computer 52a reads the computer program 524a from the portable recording medium 524, and the computer program 524a. Can be installed on the hard disk 521d.

  Note that the computer program 524a is not only provided by the portable recording medium 524, but also from an external device communicatively connected to the computer 52a via an electric communication line (whether wired or wireless). It is also possible to provide through. For example, the computer program 524a is stored in the hard disk of a server computer on the Internet. The computer 52a can access the server computer, download the computer program, and install it on the hard disk 521d. is there.

  The hard disk 521d is installed with a multitask operating system such as Windows (registered trademark) manufactured and sold by Microsoft Corporation. In the following description, it is assumed that the computer program 524a according to the present embodiment operates on the operating system.

  The input / output interface 521f is, for example, a serial interface such as USB, IEEE1394, or RS-232C, a parallel interface such as SCSI, IDE, or IEEE1284, and an analog interface including a D / A converter, an A / D converter, and the like. It is configured. An input unit 523 including a keyboard and a mouse is connected to the input / output interface 521f, and the user can input data to the computer 52a by using the input unit 523. The input / output interface 521f is connected to the three measurement units 51, 51, 51. As a result, data can be transmitted / received to / from each of the three measurement units 51, 51, 51.

  The communication interface 521g is an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface. The communication interface 521g is connected to the system controller 8 via a LAN. The computer 52a can transmit and receive data to and from the system control apparatus 8 connected to the LAN using a predetermined communication protocol by the communication interface 521g. The communication interface 521g is communicably connected to the host computer 9 and the sample transport apparatuses 3, 3, and 3 via the LAN.

  The image output interface 521h is connected to an image display unit 522 configured by an LCD, a CRT, or the like, and outputs a video signal corresponding to image data given from the CPU 521a to the image display unit 522. The image display unit 522 displays an image (screen) according to the input video signal.

<Configuration of cooling unit 6>
The cooling unit 6 extracts the sample container from the sample rack L transported to the rack transport path 302a of the conveyor 302, transfers it to the inside, and cools and stores it.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cooling unit 6 includes an accuracy control sample storage unit 61 for cooling and storing the accuracy control sample, and a blood sample for cooling and storing a blood sample of the subject that needs to be cooled and stored. The storage unit 62, the quality control sample and the blood sample are transferred from the sample rack L on the rack transport path 302a to the quality control sample storage unit 61 or the blood sample storage unit 62, and the quality control sample storage unit 61 or the blood sample storage A transfer mechanism unit 63 for transferring from the unit 62 to the sample rack L on the rack conveyance path 302a, and a barcode reading unit for reading the barcodes of the sample containers stored in the quality control sample storage unit 61 and the blood sample storage unit 62 64 and a control unit 65.

  The quality control sample storage unit 61 has a box 61a capable of storing a sample container therein, and the box 61a is provided with two openable / closable openings 61c for taking in and out the sample container T storing the quality control sample. It has been. A transparent window is provided on the side wall of the box 61a on the barcode reading unit 64 side so that the barcode of the sample container T in the box 61a can be read by the barcode reading unit 64. A cooling mechanism 61b for cooling the inside of the box 61a is provided at the bottom of the box 61a. Further, a transport mechanism (not shown) for reciprocally transporting the sample container T along the transport path provided along the arrow A is provided at the bottom of the box 61a. The transport mechanism is also configured to reciprocate and transport the sample container T on a transport path provided along the arrow D. This makes it possible to take out an arbitrary sample container T from the box 61a. The sample container T transported to the transport path 302a is gripped by the transport mechanism 63, transported into the box 61a through the left opening 61c, and set inside the box 61a. The sample container T set inside is transported to a position 61d by the transport mechanism, and the barcode is read by the barcode reading unit 64 at this position. The sample container T transferred to the sample rack L on the transfer path 302a is transferred to the lower side of the right opening 61c, and transferred from this position to the sample rack L by the transfer mechanism 63. Since the blood sample storage unit 62 has the same configuration as the quality control sample storage unit 61, the detailed description thereof is omitted. The transfer mechanism 63 includes a hand portion (not shown) that can hold the sample container T, and is configured to move the sample container by moving the hand portion in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction. Yes. The barcode reading unit 64 is configured to be movable in the cooling unit 6 so that the barcodes of the sample containers stored in the quality control sample storage unit 61 and the blood sample storage unit 62 can be read. The control unit 65 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like (not shown), and the CPU can execute a control program for the cooling unit 6 stored in the ROM. The control unit 65 includes an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface, and is communicably connected to the information processing unit 52 and the system control unit 8 via a LAN. The control unit 65 controls the cooling of the sample by the quality control sample storage unit 61 and the blood sample storage unit 62, the transfer of the sample container by the transfer mechanism unit 63, and the reading of the barcode by the barcode reading unit 64.

<Configuration of System Controller 8>
The system control device 8 is configured by a computer and controls the entire sample processing system 1. The system control device 8 receives the number of the sample rack L from the sample loading device 2 and determines the transport destination of the sample rack L.

  The system control device 8 is realized by a computer 8a. As shown in FIG. 8, the computer 8 a includes a main body 81, an image display unit 82, and an input unit 83. The main body 81 includes a CPU 81a, ROM 81b, RAM 81c, hard disk 81d, reading device 81e, input / output interface 81f, communication interface 81g, and image output interface 81h. The CPU 81a, ROM 81b, RAM 81c, hard disk 81d, reading device 81e The output interface 81f, the communication interface 81g, and the image output interface 81h are connected by a bus 81j.

  The hard disk 81d is installed with various computer programs to be executed by the CPU 81a, such as an operating system and application programs, and data used for executing the computer programs. A system control program 84a described later is also installed in the hard disk 81d.

  The reading device 81e is configured by a flexible disk drive, a CD-ROM drive, a DVD-ROM drive, or the like, and can read a computer program or data recorded on the portable recording medium 84. The portable recording medium 84 stores a system control program 84a for causing the computer to function as the system control device 8. The computer 8a reads the system control program 84a from the portable recording medium 84, and the system The control program 84a can be installed in the hard disk 81d.

  The input / output interface 81f is, for example, a serial interface such as USB, IEEE1394, or RS-232C, a parallel interface such as SCSI, IDE, or IEEE1284, and an analog interface including a D / A converter, an A / D converter, and the like. It is configured. An input unit 83 including a keyboard and a mouse is connected to the input / output interface 81f, and the user can input data to the computer 52a by using the input unit 83.

  The communication interface 81g is an Ethernet (registered trademark) interface. The communication interface 81g is connected to the sample input device 2, the sample transport device 3, the sample storage device 4, the information processing unit 52, and the host computer 9 via the LAN. The computer 8a can send and receive data to and from each device connected to the LAN using a predetermined communication protocol by the communication interface 81g.

  Since the other configuration of the system control device 8 is the same as the configuration of the information processing unit 52 described above, the description thereof is omitted.

<Configuration of server computer 9>
The server computer 9 is disposed in a facility that supplies the sample processing system 1 and is connected to the sample processing system 1 via the Internet NW. The server computer 9 is configured by a computer and includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a hard disk, a communication interface, and the like. The communication interface is connected to the Internet NW, and can communicate with the system control device 8, the information processing unit 52 of the blood cell analyzer 5, the sample input device 2, the sample transport device 3, and the sample storage device 4. . In addition, the lot number and expiration date of the quality control sample are stored in the hard disk in association with the sample ID of the quality control sample. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a configuration of the expiration date table 90 stored in the hard disk of the server computer 9. As shown in this figure, in the expiration date table 90, a sample ID area I for storing the sample ID of the quality control sample, and a lot for storing the lot number of the quality control sample in association with the sample ID. A number region J and an expiration date region K for storing the expiration date of the quality control sample in association with the sample ID and the lot number are provided. In the specimen ID area I, the lot number area J, and the expiration date area K, each time a quality control specimen having a new lot number is manufactured, the person in charge of the supplier of the specimen system 1 inputs the input section of the server computer 9. Register information via. When the server computer 9 receives the sample ID of the quality control sample from another device, the server computer 9 reads the lot number and expiration date corresponding to the sample ID from the hard disk and transmits them to the requesting device. In addition, since the configuration of the host computer 9 is the same as the configuration of the other computers described above, the description thereof is omitted.

Hereinafter, the operation of the sample processing system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.
[Accuracy control sample measurement operation 1]
First, the accuracy control sample measurement operation for automatically measuring the quality control sample stored in the quality control sample storage unit 61 of the cooling unit 6 will be described. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the system control apparatus 8 in the quality control sample measurement operation. Prior to the examination, the user of the sample processing system 1 sets the time for measuring the quality control sample in the system control device 8 in advance. This time is generally set before the start of the routine inspection and after the end.

First, in step S1, the CPU 81a executes a process of waiting until a time preset by the user is reached. The computer program executed by the CPU 81a of the system control device is an event-driven program. In the CPU 81a, the processing in step S2 is called when the set time is reached.
In step S <b> 2, the CPU 81 a executes a process of reading the barcode of the quality control sample stored in the quality control sample storage unit 61 by the barcode reading unit 64. By this processing, the control unit 65 of the cooling unit 6 controls the barcode reading unit 64, reads all the barcodes of the quality control sample stored in the quality control sample storage unit 61, and sets the read sample ID as the system control device 8. Send to.

In step S3, the CPU 81a executes a process of inquiring the server computer 9 about the lot number and expiration date of each quality control sample using the sample ID transmitted from the control unit 65 in step S2 as a key. Upon receiving the inquiry from the system control device 8, the server computer 9 reads the lot number and the expiration date corresponding to the received sample ID from the expiration date table 90 of the hard disk, and transmits the read information to the system control unit 8. Then, the CPU 81a of the system control unit 8 that has received the lot number and the expiration date stores the information in the RAM 81c in association with the sample ID.
In step S4, the CPU 81a compares the expiration date received from the server computer in step S3 with the current date for all quality control samples stored in the quality control sample storage unit 61, and the expiration date for each quality control sample. And whether or not all the quality control samples in the quality control sample storage unit 61 are within the expiration date.
When all the quality control samples are within the expiration date (Yes in step S4), in step S5, the CPU 81a executes a process of determining a quality control sample to be used for measurement from a plurality of stored quality control samples. . This process will be described in detail later.

  In step S6, the CPU 81a performs a process of transferring the quality control sample determined to be used for measurement in step S5 from the quality control sample storage unit 61 to the sample rack L on the rack transport path 302a of the conveyor 302 by the transfer mechanism unit 63. To do. By this processing, the sample rack L that does not contain the sample container is transported from the sample loading apparatus 2 to the rack transport path 302a, and the control unit 65 of the cooling unit 6 controls the transfer mechanism unit 63, and in step S5 The determined quality control sample is transferred from the quality control sample storage unit 61 to the sample rack L on the rack transport path 302a.

In step S <b> 7, the CPU 81 a performs a process of transporting the quality control sample accommodated in the sample rack L to one of the three measurement units 51 in step S <b> 6. By this processing, the quality control sample accommodated in the sample rack L is transported to the front of the measurement unit 51. The measurement unit 51 holds the quality control sample by gripping the quality control sample with the hand unit 515a, and sucks and measures the quality control sample.
In step S8, the CPU 81a executes processing for returning the quality control sample taken into the measurement unit 51 in step S7 from the measurement unit 51 to the sample rack L.

In step S9, if the quality control sample taken into the measurement unit 51 in step S7 is an unused sample, the CPU 81a changes the usage state from unused to used and stores it in the hard disk 81d.
In step S10, the CPU 81a decrements the remaining measurable number of times of the quality control sample taken into the measurement unit 51 in step S7 and stores it in the hard disk 81d. The remaining number of measurements of the quality control sample is stored in advance in the hard disk 81d.

In step S11, the CPU 81a determines whether or not the measurement of the quality control sample has been completed for all the three measurement units 51.
When the measurement for all the measurement units 51 has been completed (Yes in step S11), in step S12, the CPU 81a executes a process of transporting the sample rack L containing the quality control sample to the front of the cooling unit 6.

In step S <b> 13, the CPU 81 a performs processing for taking out the quality control sample measured by the transfer mechanism 63 from the sample rack L transported to the front of the cooling unit 6 in step S <b> 12 and transferring it to the quality control sample storage unit 61. To do.
If the measurement for all the measurement units 51 has not been completed (No in step S11), the CPU 81a executes the processing from steps S7 to S11 again.
If it is determined in step S4 that there is an expired sample in the quality control sample stored in the quality control sample storage unit 61 (No in step S4), the CPU 81a warns that the expiration date has expired in step S14. Is output to the information processing unit 52. As a result, a screen including a warning that the expiration date has expired is displayed on the image display unit 522 of the information processing unit 52. More specifically, in step S14, the CPU 81a reads the sample ID, lot number, and expiration date for all quality control samples determined to have expired in step S4 from the RAM 81c, together with a warning screen display instruction. It transmits to the information processing unit 52. Upon receiving this instruction, the information processing unit 52 displays a warning screen on the image display unit 522 based on the received sample ID, lot number, and expiration date. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a warning screen displayed on the image display unit 522. As shown in this figure, the warning screen 91 displays a warning display unit 92 for warning that the quality control sample has expired and the sample IDs of all the quality control samples that have expired. Corresponding to the specimen ID displayed on the specimen ID display section 93, the lot number display section 94 for displaying the lot number corresponding to the specimen ID displayed on the specimen ID display section 93, and the specimen ID displayed on the specimen ID display section 93. An expiration date display unit 95 for displaying the expiration date is provided. The sample ID display unit 93, the lot number display unit 94, and the expiration date display unit 95 display the above-described sample ID, lot number, and expiration date received from the system control device 8, respectively.

  In step S <b> 15, the CPU 81 a executes processing for discharging all the quality control samples determined to have expired from the quality control sample storage unit 61 by the transfer mechanism unit 63. By this processing, the sample rack L that does not contain the sample container is transported from the sample loading device 2 to the rack transport path 302a, and the control unit 65 of the cooling unit 6 controls the transfer mechanism unit 63 so that the expiration date has expired. All quality control samples determined to be present are transferred from the quality control sample storage unit 61 to the sample rack L on the rack transport path 302a. When all the quality control samples determined to have expired cannot be accommodated in one sample rack, a plurality of sample racks L are transported from the sample loading device 2 to the rack transport path 302a.

In step S <b> 16, the CPU 81 a executes a process of transporting the sample rack L containing all quality control samples determined to have expired to the sample storage unit 4.
In step S <b> 17, the CPU 81 a determines whether or not a quality control sample is stored in the quality control sample storage unit 61. Then, if there is a stored quality control sample (Yes in step S17), the CPU 81a proceeds to step S5. If there is no stored quality control sample (No in step S17), the quality control sample measurement is performed. End the operation.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing details of step S5 of the quality control sample measurement operation.
In step S51, the CPU 81a selects a sample having the shortest period from the quality control sample stored in the quality control sample storage unit 61 to the expiration date, and uses the selected quality control sample as a quality control sample used for measurement. decide. In this way, by preferentially using the sample having the shortest period until the expiration date, it is possible to prevent the quality control sample from being wasted due to the expiration date.

In step S52, the CPU 81a determines whether or not only one quality control sample is to be used. If only one is determined (Yes in step S52), the CPU 81a ends the process of step S5.
On the other hand, when it is not determined to be only one (No in step S52), in step S53, the CPU 81a determines the quality control sample being used as the quality control sample used for measurement. It is preferable to use the quality control sample once it has been used from the viewpoint of the reliability of the measurement value, so the reliability of the measurement value is improved by preferentially using the quality control sample in use. Can be made. Information indicating whether the quality control sample is in use or not used is stored in the hard disk 81d in step S9.

In step S54, the CPU 81a determines whether or not only one quality control sample is to be used. If only one is determined (Yes in step S54), the CPU 81a ends the process of step S5.
On the other hand, when it is not determined to be only one (No in step S54), in step S55, the CPU 81a determines the quality control sample with the smallest remaining number of measurements as the quality control sample used for measurement.

In step S56, the CPU 81a determines whether or not only one quality control sample is to be used. If only one is determined (Yes in step S56), the CPU 81a ends the process of step S5.
On the other hand, when it is not determined to be only one (No in step S56), in step S57, the CPU 81a measures the quality control sample stored in the position closest to the transport path 302a in the quality control sample storage unit 61. To be used as a quality control sample. Thereby, the transfer time by the transfer mechanism part 6 can be shortened.

[Accuracy control sample measurement operation 2]
Next, the quality control sample measurement operation when the quality control sample is set in the sample loading device 2 by the user of the sample processing system 1 will be described.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the system control apparatus 8 in the quality control sample measurement operation in this case.
The user of the sample processing system 1 can also measure the quality control sample by setting the quality control sample in the sample input device 2 and instructing the start of measurement from a measurement start button (not shown) provided in the sample input device 2. is there.

First, in step S21, the CPU 81a executes a process of waiting for a measurement start instruction from the user. The computer program executed by the CPU 81a of the system control device is an event-driven program. When the CPU 81a is instructed to start measurement, the process of step S22 is called.
In step S <b> 22, the CPU 81 a performs a process of reading the barcode of the sample set on the sample input device 2 by the user by the barcode reading unit 22 of the sample input device 2. By this processing, a control unit (not shown) of the sample loading apparatus 2 controls the barcode reading unit 22, reads the barcode of the sample conveyed before the barcode reading unit 22, and uses the read barcode as the system control unit 8. Send to.

In step S23, the CPU 81a determines whether or not the bar code received from the control unit of the sample input device 2 in step S22 includes a code indicating that it is a quality control sample, that is, the sample set by the user is accurate. It is determined whether the sample is a control sample or a blood sample of the subject.
If the sample is a quality control sample (quality control sample in step S23), in step S24, the CPU 81a executes processing for transporting the quality control sample to one of the three measurement units 51. By this processing, the quality control sample accommodated in the sample rack L is transported to the front of the measurement unit 51. The measurement unit 51 holds the quality control sample by gripping the quality control sample with the hand unit 515a, and sucks and measures the quality control sample.

In step S25, the CPU 81a executes a process for returning the quality control sample taken into the measurement unit 51 in step S24 from the measurement unit 51 to the sample rack L.
In step S26, the CPU 81a determines whether or not the measurement of the quality control sample has been completed for all the three measurement units 51.
When the measurement for all the measurement units 51 has been completed (Yes in step S26), in step S27, the CPU 81a executes a process of transporting the sample rack L containing the quality control sample to the front of the cooling unit 6.

In step S <b> 28, the CPU 81 a performs processing for taking out the quality control sample measured by the transfer mechanism unit 63 from the sample rack L transported to the front of the cooling unit 6 in step S <b> 27 and transferring it to the quality control sample storage unit 61. To do.
If the measurement for all the measurement units 51 has not been completed (No in step S26), the CPU 81a executes the processes from step S24 to S26 again.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S23 that it is a blood sample of the subject (blood sample in step S23), in step S29, the CPU 81a sets the blood sample transport destination to one of the three measurement units 51 based on the measurement order. The process to select from is executed.

In step S30, the CPU 81a executes a process of transporting the blood sample to the measurement unit 51 determined in step S29, as in step S24.
In step S31, the CPU 81a executes a process for returning the blood sample from the measurement unit 51 to the sample rack L, as in step S25.
In step S32, the CPU 81a determines whether or not the blood sample received from the measurement unit 51 in step S31 needs to be cooled and stored. Whether or not the blood sample needs to be cooled and stored is determined by comparing the measurement result by the measurement unit 51 with a preset condition for determining whether or not the cold storage is required.
When it is determined that the cold storage is necessary (Yes in Step S32), in Step S33, the CPU 81a executes a process of transporting the sample rack L containing the blood sample to the front of the cooling unit 6.

In step S <b> 34, the CPU 81 a executes a process of taking the blood sample measured by the transfer mechanism 63 from the sample rack L transported to the front of the cooling unit 6 in step S <b> 33 and transferring it into the blood sample storage unit 62.
On the other hand, if it is determined that cooling storage is not required (No in step S32), in step S35, the CPU 81a executes a process of transporting the measured blood sample to the sample storage device 4 via the transport path 302b.

[Shutdown operation]
Next, a process for shutting down the sample processing system 1 will be described. The sample processing system 1 is shut down by operating the information processing unit 52.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the flow of processing of the information processing unit 52 in the shutdown operation.
First, in step S71, the CPU 521a executes a process of waiting until a shutdown is instructed from the shutdown instruction screen displayed on the image display unit 522. The computer program executed by the CPU 521a of the information processing unit 52 is an event-driven program. When the CPU 521a is instructed to shut down, the process of step S72 is called. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a shutdown instruction screen 71 displayed on the image display unit 522. As shown in FIG. 13, on the shutdown instruction screen 71, the entire system shutdown button 72 used when the entire sample processing system 1 including the cooling unit 6 is shut down and the cooling function of the cooling unit 6 are maintained. A shutdown button 73 other than the cooling unit that is used when the processing system 1 is shut down, and a cancel button 74 that is used to move to another process without starting the execution of the shutdown are displayed.

In step S72, the CPU 521a determines whether the shutdown instruction received in step S71 is from the whole system shutdown button 72 or from the shutdown button 73 other than the cooling unit.
When the operation is based on the entire system shutdown button 72 (the entire system in step S72), the CPU 521a shuts down the entire sample processing system 1 including the cooling unit 6 in step S73. Thereby, the power supply of all the apparatuses of the sample processing system 1 is turned off.

When the shutdown button is other than the cooling unit 73 (except for the cooling unit in step S72), in step S74, the CPU 521a shuts down the sample processing system 1 while the cooling function of the cooling unit 6 is continued. Thereby, the power supply of all the apparatuses of the sample processing system 1 except the cooling unit 6 is turned off.
In this way, by shutting down the sample processing system 1 while the cooling function of the cooling unit 6 is continued, it is possible to suppress unnecessary power consumption while continuing to cool the quality control sample and the blood sample.

(Second Embodiment)
In the first embodiment, in the quality control sample measurement operation, the server computer 9 is inquired of the expiration date every time the barcode of the quality control sample in the cooling unit 6 is read. In the second embodiment, the first time barcode is used. An inquiry about the expiration date is made only at the time of reading, and thereafter, it is determined whether or not the expiration date is based on the expiration date stored in the transport control device 8. Since other points are common to the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
As shown in FIG. 16, in the quality control sample measurement operation for measuring the quality control sample set in the sample storage device 2, the CPU 81a continues to step S22, and in step S41, the server computer uses the read sample ID as a key. 9 is inquired about the lot number and the expiration date, and receives the information from the server computer 9. In step S42, the CPU 81a stores the received lot number and expiration date in the hard disk 81d in association with the sample ID. Then, the CPU 81a advances the process to step S23.
As shown in FIG. 17, in the quality control sample measurement operation for measuring the quality control sample in the cooling unit 6, the CPU 81a follows the step S2 and the lot number corresponding to the sample ID read from the hard disk 81d in the step S2. And the expiration date is read (step S81). Then, the CPU 81a advances the process to step S4.
In the second embodiment, with the above-described configuration, if an expiration date inquiry is executed only at the time of the first barcode reading, it is not necessary to execute an inquiry to the server computer 9 at the subsequent barcode reading. .
Further, with the first and second embodiments configured as described above, a warning is output when the expiration date of the quality control sample stored in the quality control sample storage unit 61 has expired. Therefore, the burden on the user accompanying the measurement of the quality control sample can be reduced as compared with the conventional case.
In addition, the sample processing system 1 according to the present embodiment is configured not to measure the quality control sample determined to have expired in step S4. Therefore, by measuring the quality control sample that has expired, It is possible to prevent the execution of precision management with low reliability. In addition, it is possible to prevent the reagent from being wasted due to measurement of an expired quality control sample.

In the sample processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the quality control sample determined to have expired in step S4 is automatically transported to the sample storage device 4 by the processing in steps S15 and S16. The user does not have to take out the quality control sample from the quality control sample storage unit 61.
Further, in the sample processing system 1 according to the present embodiment, the quality control sample input to the sample input device 2 is automatically stored in the quality control sample storage unit 61 after the measurement. There is no need to store the sample in the quality control sample storage unit 61.

(Other embodiments)
In the above-described embodiment, the transfer from the cooling unit 6 to the conveyance path 302a and the transfer from the conveyance path 302a to the cooling unit 6 are performed by the single transfer mechanism unit 6. These transfers may be performed by separate transfer mechanisms.
In the embodiment described above, the expiration date of the quality control sample is acquired by making an inquiry to the server computer 9, but information indicating the expiration date may be included in the barcode of the quality control sample. Alternatively, the expiration date may be input to the system control device 8 or the information processing unit 52 in advance. When information indicating the expiration date is included in the barcode of the quality control sample, for example, in the first embodiment, the expiration date is indicated from the barcode information read in step S2 instead of the inquiry to the server computer 9 in step S3. A process of extracting data and storing it in the hard disk 81d in association with the sample ID is executed. Further, when the expiration date is input in advance to the system control device 8 or the information processing unit 52, for example, in the first embodiment, instead of making an inquiry to the server computer 9 in step S3, the sample ID is used as a key, A process of reading the expiration date input to the control device 8 or the information processing unit 52 and stored in the hard disk 81d is executed.

In the above-described embodiment, the warning indicating that the quality control sample has expired is configured to be displayed on the image display unit 522 of the information processing unit 52. You may display on the image display part 82, and you may comprise so that a user may be notified by a buzzer or a sound.
In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the sample processing system 1 includes the blood cell analyzer 5 that classifies blood cells included in the sample and counts blood cells for each blood cell type is described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto. It is not something. The sample processing system includes a plurality of measurement units of a sample analyzer other than a blood cell analyzer, such as an immune analyzer, a blood coagulation analyzer, a biochemical analyzer, a urine analyzer, and the like. It may be configured to transport a urine sample.

In the above-described embodiment, three measurement units 51 are provided. However, the number of measurement units 51 may be one, two, or four or more. Also, different types of measurement units may be mixed.
In the above-described embodiment, the system control device 8 and the information processing unit 52 are provided. However, these functions may be integrated into one computer, or similar processing is distributed to a plurality of computers. It is also possible to provide a distributed system that executes the above.

1 is a schematic plan view showing an overall configuration of a sample processing system according to an embodiment. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a sample container. The perspective view which shows the external appearance of a sample rack. The top view which shows the structure of the sample conveyance apparatus which concerns on embodiment. The front view which shows the structure of the 1st belt with which a conveyance mechanism is provided. The front view which shows the structure of the 2nd belt with which a conveyance mechanism is provided. The block diagram which shows the structure of the measurement unit of the blood cell analyzer which concerns on embodiment. The block diagram which shows the structure of the information processing unit of the blood cell analyzer which concerns on embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the system control apparatus 8 in quality control sample measurement operation | movement. The flowchart which shows the detail of step S5 of quality control sample measurement operation | movement. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the system control apparatus 8 in quality control sample measurement operation | movement. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the information processing apparatus 52 in shutdown operation | movement. The figure which shows the shutdown instruction | indication screen 71 displayed on the image display part 522. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structure of the expiration date table 90 memorize | stored in the hard disk of the server computer 9. FIG. It is a figure which shows the warning screen displayed on the image display part 522. FIG. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the system control apparatus 8 in the quality control sample measurement operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the system control apparatus 8 in the quality control sample measurement operation | movement of 2nd Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Specimen processing system 2 Specimen input apparatus 3,301 Specimen transport apparatus 4 Specimen storage apparatus 5 Blood cell analyzer 6 Cooling unit

Claims (9)

A measurement unit for measuring a specimen;
A transport unit for transporting the sample to the measurement unit;
A cooling unit that houses and cools a quality control sample including a predetermined amount of a predetermined component measured by the measurement unit;
A transfer unit that transfers the quality control sample from the transfer unit to the cooling unit, and transfers the quality control sample from the cooling unit to the transfer unit;
An expiration date storage means for storing an expiration date of the quality control sample;
A sample processing system comprising: a warning output unit that outputs a warning when the expiration date of the quality control sample expires based on the expiration date stored by the expiration date storage unit. The sample processing system according to claim 1, further comprising measurement prohibiting means for prohibiting measurement of the quality control sample by the measurement unit when the quality control sample has expired. The transfer control means for controlling the transfer unit so as to automatically transfer the quality control sample from the cooling unit to the transfer unit when the quality control sample has expired. Specimen processing system. A sample storage unit connected to the transport unit and configured to store a sample measured by the measurement unit;
A transport control unit that controls the transport unit so that the quality control sample transferred from the cooling unit to the transport unit by the transport unit is transported to the storage unit when the quality control sample has expired; The sample processing system according to claim 3, further comprising: Identification information acquisition means for acquiring identification information for identifying the quality control sample;
The sample processing system according to claim 1, further comprising an expiration date acquisition unit that acquires an expiration date of the quality control sample based on the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit. The expiration date acquisition unit transmits the identification information acquired by the identification information acquisition unit to a server computer via a network, and acquires the expiration date of the quality control sample from the server computer. Sample processing system. The sample processing system according to claim 1, further comprising: a shutdown unit that selectively executes a first shutdown that shuts down the entire system and a second shutdown that shuts down the entire system excluding the cooling unit. The cooling unit includes a quality control sample storage unit that stores the quality control sample, and a sample storage unit that stores a sample measured by the measurement unit,
The transfer control unit according to claim 1, further comprising a transfer control unit configured to control the transfer unit so as to transfer the quality control sample to the quality control sample storage unit and to transfer the sample measured by the measurement unit to the sample storage unit. Sample processing system. A receiving unit for receiving the input of the quality control sample;
Transport control means for controlling the transport unit to transport the quality control sample received by the receiving unit to the measurement unit and transport the measured quality control sample to the cooling unit;
The sample processing system according to claim 1, further comprising transfer control means for controlling the transfer unit so as to transfer the quality control sample transferred to the cooling unit by the transfer unit to the cooling unit.

Images