FR2527337A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR LOADING AND IDENTIFYING A SAMPLE - Google Patents

Abstract

THE PRESENT INVENTION RELATES TO A PROCESS FOR LOADING AND IDENTIFYING A SAMPLE. THIS PROCESS IS CHARACTERIZED IN THAT THE BASE SAMPLE TUBE 1 IS INSERTED IN A SAMPLE TUBE HOLDER 2, AT THE SAME TIME AS THE IDENTIFICATION DATA AND THE TEST SPECIFICATIONS ARE ENTERED IN THE APPARATUS, AFTER WHAT, A SAMPLE TRANSFER ARM 4 TAKES THE DESIRED QUANTITY OF THE SAMPLE AND TRANSFERS IT TO A SAMPLE REGISTER 5, AT THE LOCATION WHICH IS DETERMINED BY A COMPUTER 6 AND RETAINED IN MEMORY DURING ALL THE PROCESSING.

Description

The present invention relates to a method and a device for

  loading and identification of samples, in which the samples, together with their test specifications, are introduced or loaded one by one into the apparatus performing the analysis. The principle is common to pre-dispense (or decant) the sample-into a beaker or sample vessel that fits into the analyzer, from the base sample tube into which the sample is brought to laboratory to be used optionally for a plurality of different analyzes, or in a plurality of analyzers The following operation is to load the sample cups into an equivalent disk or frame and to input the information into the analyzer by means of a keyboard, or using another element

  equivalent of a control equipment.

  There is a risk of mixing or confusing the sample tubes The tubes of blood and samples can already be very easily confused at the decantation stage and the same danger also exists at the sample loading stage because the tube can be inserted

  in the sample register in any position.

  The present invention aims to avoid the risk of mixing laboratory samples, during their pre-treatment and their insertion for analysis in a laboratory.

laboratory analyzer.

  In order to achieve this objective, the method according to the invention is characterized in that the base sample tube is placed in a sample tube holder, together with the identification and specification information of the sample tube. test are loaded into the apparatus, after which a sample transfer arm takes the desired amount of the sample and transfers it to the sample register at the location determined by the computer

  and remains in memory throughout the treatment.

  The process according to the invention is also characterized

  characterized in that the non-decanted base sample tube is used as a sample tube for insertion into the sample transfer device This allows, for example, to transfer the sample tube to another point

  analysis, at the end of loading and predistribution.

  Thus, the overall functioning of the laboratory is rendered

more efficient.

  The apparatus for carrying out the process according to the invention is characterized in that it comprises a sample transfer arm comprising a liquid level detector and a support for the sample tubes.

  which can accommodate sample tubes of different sizes

annuities.

  The apparatus according to the invention is also characterized

  in that the support for the sample tube is

  a conical seat equipped with springs.

  The analyzer usually has only one location.

  in which a single sample tube can be placed at a time. This prevents a sample which has been correctly presented from being placed in the wrong position. Predistribution eliminates the need for an excess sample volume since the calculates the quantity required

  for the analyzes that are requested Like the test tube

  The initial sample is not stored in the analyzers, a large number of samples can be received in a minimal space, which has the effect that in normal operation

  no change of sample register is necessary.

during the day.

  In addition to the foregoing, the invention also includes other arrangements which will be apparent from

the following description.

  The invention is described below with the aid of an example, with reference to the appended drawing, which illustrates the

  sample-taking arm and its mode of operation.

  It should be understood, however, that this drawing and the corresponding descriptive parts are

  given only as an illustration of the purpose of the in-

  which they do not constitute in any way a limitation. The basic blood tube is placed in a guide 2

  of the sample transfer device The identification data

  Patient's tification is read by an optical code reader, on a label 3 attached to the side of the tube The data goes to the analyzer's memory bank Next, an arm

  4 of the sample transfer device takes the quantity

  desired sample size, by means of its end

  suction, and transfers it to a sample register.

  At a location 6 selected by the apparatus computer A separate sample delivery system then transfers the exactly dosed amount of sample into the sample cup for analysis. This results in an absolutely positive retention of the sample. 'identification

of the sample.

  It is clear to those skilled in the art that the invention

  The invention is not limited to the example described above and may be modified within the scope of the claimed invention. For example, the method is applicable to any field of chemistry in which a plurality of samples are loaded.

  at the same time in an analyzer or

  the identification to be kept during the treatment. The identification of the sample can be read automatically, for example by means of an optical or magnetic code reader, or it can be introduced by a

keyboard with keys.

Claims (4)

  1 Method for loading and identifying samples, wherein the samples as well as the   test specifications are loaded one by one into the   which performs the analysis, characterized in that the base sample tube (1) is inserted into a holder (2)   sample tube, together with the identification data   The sample transfer arm (4) is then loaded into the apparatus, after which a sample transfer arm (4) takes the desired amount of the sample and transfers it to a sample register (5). location that is determined by a computer (6) and   kept in memory during all the treatment.   Process according to Claim 1, characterized in that the non-decanted base sample tube is used as a sample tube (1) for setting up   in the sample transfer device.   Apparatus for carrying out the process according to claim 1 or 2, which comprises an analyzer   and a register (5) of samples serving as an exchange magazine.   characterized in that the apparatus comprises a sample transfer arm (4), provided with a liquid level detector, and a sample tube holder (2) into which tubes sample of   different sizes can be received.   4 Apparatus for carrying out the following method   Claim 1, characterized in that the sample tube holder (2) is a conical seat equipped with springs.