JP2010281634A - Dispensation planning method and device of specimen processing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To generate automatically a dispensation plan for obtaining a high throughput or a high turnaround time, in a specimen processing system wherein a dispensation module is connected to an analysis module. <P>SOLUTION: This dispensation planning system has: a dispensation rule setting means registering a plurality of dispensation rules for selecting an assembly of empty specimen containers into which the specimen is to be dispensed based on a request item which is an inspection item requested to the specimen; and a dispensation planning means for planning an empty specimen container into which the specimen is to be dispensed based on the dispensation rules, a load of a conveyance module, and a load of the analysis module. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a specimen dispensing planning method and specimen dispensing planning apparatus in a specimen processing system that performs preprocessing (for example, centrifugal separation processing and dispensing processing) on specimens such as blood and urine and analysis processing on specimens. About.

  Patent Literature 1 and Patent Literature are literatures related to a specimen transport system in which a dispensing device that dispenses a specimen (blood, urine, etc.) into a plurality of empty specimen containers and a plurality of automatic analyzers that analyze the components of the specimen. 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4.

  Patent Document 1 describes controlling the order in which samples are carried into the dispensing device based on information such as the urgency level of the sample, the type of sample, and requested items. Patent Document 2 describes a technique for controlling the timing of supplying a sample to an automatic analyzer based on the prediction of the processing time of the automatic analyzer. Patent Document 3 describes control for distributing samples so as to equalize the load of the automatic analyzer. Patent Document 4 describes a technique for controlling the sample transport order so as to average the load on the analyzer.

JP-A-9-43246 JP-A-2-64463 JP-A-10-90276 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2000-88860

  In the sample processing system, a dispensing module that dispenses a sample (blood, urine, etc.) into a plurality of empty sample containers and a plurality of analysis modules that analyze the components of the sample are connected by a transport module that transports the sample. . Conventionally, this type of sample processing system employs a dispensing planning technique that determines the number of samples to be generated by the dispensing module in accordance with rules preset by an operator.

  For this reason, in the conventional dispensing plan, the number of samples generated by the dispensing module may increase depending on the sample request item, and the time load of the transport process for transporting the sample to the analysis module increases. There were cases where the transport module was congested. This congestion reduces the analysis module processing performance (throughput: TP) and specimen processing time (turnaround time: TAT).

  An object of this invention is to provide the dispensing planning method which can eliminate the congestion of a conveyance module and can implement | achieve high throughput and high turnaround time.

  In order to solve this object, the present invention provides a dispensing method capable of registering a plurality of dispensing rules for selecting a set of empty sample containers for dispensing a sample based on a requested item which is a requested item for a sample. A rule setting means (process); and a dispensing plan means (process) for planning an empty sample container for dispensing a sample based on the dispensing rule, the load on the transport module, and the load on the analysis module.

  According to the present invention, the number of samples can be adjusted so that the load on the transport module does not become excessive, and congestion of the transport module can be avoided. Further, the waiting time for transporting the sample is reduced by avoiding the congestion of the transport module, and the throughput (TP) of the analysis module and the turnaround time (TAT) of the sample can be improved.

The figure which shows the structure of the sample processing system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. The sequence which shows the conveyance control procedure of a rack. The figure which shows the example of a display screen provided through a dispensing rule setting means. The figure which shows the example of a display screen provided through a dispensing rule application condition setting means. The flowchart which shows the example of a process sequence performed with a dispensing plan means. The figure which shows the example of application of a dispensing plan means. The figure which shows the example of application of a dispensing plan means. The figure which shows the example of application of a dispensing plan means. The figure which shows the effect by a dispensing rule setting means. The figure which shows the effect by a dispensing plan means. The figure which shows the effect by a dispensing plan means. The figure which shows the example of an allocation process sequence of a child sample container. The figure which shows the example of allocation application with respect to a child sample container. The figure which shows the effect of the allocation process with respect to a child sample container. The figure which shows the example of an allocation processing procedure of the child sample container of an emergency sample. The figure which shows the example of allocation application of the child sample container of an emergency sample. The figure which shows the effect of the allocation process with respect to the child sample container of an emergency sample.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the content of the apparatus configuration and processing operation to be described later is merely an example, and other embodiments can be realized by combining or replacing the embodiments with known techniques.

(A) Embodiment 1
(A-1) System Configuration Example In the following, a sample processing system having a dispensing module capable of dispensing a sample into a plurality of empty sample containers and a different kind of analysis module (for example, a biochemical analyzer or an immunoanalyzer) is provided. A target embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a sample processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The sample processing system includes a transport module 101, a dispensing module 103, an analysis module 105, a rack loading unit 106, a rack collection unit 107, a child sample rack loading unit 108, a control unit 111, a display device 112, an input device 113, a network 114, and the like. Consists of.

  Here, the transport module 101 is a module that transports the rack from the rack loading unit 106 to a module described later. In the case of this embodiment, for example, a rack that can simultaneously mount five specimens is used. The rack loading unit 106 is an area in which an operator loads a rack on which a sample is mounted. The rack collection unit 107 is an area where the operator takes out the rack to the outside. The child sample rack loading unit 108 is an area where an operator loads a rack (hereinafter referred to as “child sample rack”) on which an empty sample container (hereinafter referred to as “child sample container”) is mounted.

  The dispensing module 103 is a module for dispensing the sample loaded from the rack loading unit 106 into the child sample container. Hereinafter, the sample loaded from the “rack loading unit” 106 is referred to as “parent sample”, and the rack on which the parent sample is mounted is referred to as “parent sample rack”. A sample in a child sample container dispensed from a parent sample is referred to as a “child sample”.

  The analysis module 105 is a module that analyzes the components of the specimen. The display device 112 is, for example, a liquid crystal display, a plasma display, or other display. The input device 113 is, for example, a mouse, a keyboard, a pointing device, or the like. The network 114 is a LAN or the like that connects the control unit 111 and each module (the conveyance module 101, the dispensing module 103, and the analysis module 105).

  The control unit 111 includes a memory, a hard disk, a CPU, and the like. For example, a control program for the sample transport system is stored in a memory or a hard disk. The CPU reads the control program from these storage areas and executes it.

  In the case of this embodiment, the functions provided by the control unit 111 are dispensing rule setting means 121, dispensing rule application condition setting means 122, dispensing planning means 123, dispensing rule DB (Data Base) 124, dispensing. It is composed of a rule application condition DB (Data Base) 125. The processing function of the control unit 111 corresponds to the “dispensing planning device” in the claims.

  The dispensing rule setting means 121 provides a function for setting a dispensing rule (a rule for determining a set of child sample containers into which a parent sample is dispensed), which will be described later. The dispensing rule application condition setting means 122 provides a function for setting a dispensing rule application condition (a condition for determining a dispensing rule to be applied based on date and time information), which will be described later. The dispensing rule DB (Data Base) 124 is a database that stores dispensing rules. The dispensing rule application condition DB (Data Base) 125 is a database that stores the dispensing rule application conditions. The dispensing planning unit 123 provides a function of determining a child sample container into which a parent sample is to be dispensed by a dispensing planning method described later using the dispensing rule DB 124 and the dispensing rule application condition DB 125.

  Here, the dispensing rule setting unit 121, the dispensing rule application condition setting unit 122, and the dispensing plan unit 123 are software stored in a memory or a hard disk of the control unit 111, and are read by the CPU as necessary. Executed.

(A-2) Analysis Control Sequence FIG. 2 shows an example of an analysis control sequence in the sample processing system. In FIG. 2, the movement of the rack and the sample is represented by the relationship between the module and the control unit 111.

  The parent sample rack loaded from the rack loading unit 106 is transported to a barcode reading position (not shown) by the transport module 101. At this time, the reading result of the barcode given to the sample is transmitted from the transport module 101 to the control unit 111 (rack loading report 201).

  Based on the barcode information, the control unit 111 confirms the inspection item requested by the sample (hereinafter referred to as “request item”) and the dispensing request (whether or not to dispense the parent sample into the child sample). Then, a request to transport the rack to the dispensing position of the dispensing module 103 is transmitted (rack transportation request 202).

  In the case of this embodiment, there is one transport line for the parent sample rack at the dispensing position, and this is called the parent sample dispensing line.

  When the transport to the parent sample dispensing line is completed, the control unit 111 recognizes that the parent sample rack exists at the dispensing position by the rack transport completion report 203. On the other hand, the child sample rack loaded from the child sample rack loading unit 108 is transported to the barcode reading position inside the dispensing module 103, and the barcode reading result given to the child sample container is sent to the control unit 111. It is transmitted (rack carry-in report 204).

  The control unit 111 confirms the presence or absence of the child sample container, and transmits a request to transport the child sample rack to the dispensing position of the dispensing module 103 (rack transportation request 205). In this embodiment, there are three child sample rack transport lines at the dispensing position, and each of the transport lines includes a child sample dispensing line 1, a child sample dispensing line 2, and a child sample dispensing line 3. Call. The dispensing module 103 automatically selects and conveys a dispensing line having a shortage of racks among these three dispensing lines, and transmits a rack transportation completion report 206 to the control unit 111 when the transportation is completed. .

  By the above control sequence, there are parent sample racks in the parent sample dispensing line, the child sample dispensing line 1, the child sample dispensing line 2, and the child sample dispensing line 3, respectively. There are five parent samples in the parent sample rack, and five child sample containers in the child sample rack of each child sample dispensing line.

  The control unit 111 recognizes the presence of the parent sample rack and the child sample rack, and plans which child sample container on which child sample dispensing line the parent sample is to be dispensed based on the dispensing planning unit 123 described later. .

  The dispensing plan is transmitted to the dispensing module 103 (dispensing request 211), and the parent sample is dispensed into the child sample containers according to the dispensing plan. When the dispensing of the sample is completed, the control unit 111 receives the dispensing completion report 212, has processed the dispensing request for all the parent samples on the parent sample rack, or all the children on the child sample rack. When the parent sample is dispensed into the sample container, an analysis module for analyzing the request item of the parent sample or the child sample is determined. This determination method is, for example, a method in which an analysis module with a small load on the analysis module (scheduled time for performing the dispensing process) is selected with priority.

  The control unit 111 transmits a request for transporting the rack to the corresponding analysis module via the transport module 101 (rack transport request 213).

  When the transfer is completed, a rack transfer completion report 214 is transmitted from each module to the control unit 111. Accordingly, the control unit 111 recognizes that the sample has arrived at the corresponding analysis module, and transmits a request item to be analyzed by the corresponding analysis module (analysis request 215). The analysis module dispenses the sample into the module and starts analysis, and when dispensing is completed, a dispensing completion report 216 is transmitted. Thereby, the control unit 111 recognizes that the dispensing of the analysis module has been completed, and determines the analysis module to be transported next.

  When there is no analysis module to be transported, the control unit 111 requests transport to the rack collection unit 107 (rack transport request 217). On the other hand, the sample dispensed by the analysis module 105 is analyzed for its components by measuring the reaction process of the sample and the reagent and the measurement of the immune antibody reaction. It is transmitted to the control unit 111 (analysis completion report 218). The sample analysis process is completed by the above control sequence.

(A-3) Dispensing Rule Setting Screen Example FIG. 3 shows a setting screen example displayed on the display device 112 through the processing function of the dispensing rule setting means 121. In the case of FIG. 3, the setting screen includes a dispensing rule identification name 301, a dispensing line list 302, an inspection item category selection check list 303, an inspection item list 304, an OK button 311, and a cancel button 312.

  Among these, the dispensing rule identification name 301 is a text box for setting the identification name of the dispensing rule, and an operator can set an arbitrary name. The dispensing line list 302 is an identification name of a line existing at the dispensing position of the dispensing module 103, the parent sample dispensing position is the parent sample dispensing line, and the child sample dispensing position is the child sample dispensing line. 1, a child sample dispensing line 2, and a child sample dispensing line 3.

  The inspection item list 304 is a list of inspection items that can be analyzed by the analysis module 105. The operator can arbitrarily select the inspection item list 304 to be assigned to the sample on the dispensing line selected in the dispensing line list 302. For example, when an AST is assigned to the child sample dispensing line 1, a rule is set for dispensing a parent sample to a child sample container existing in the child sample dispensing line 1 and analyzing the AST using the child sample generated as a result. means. Further, when T3 is assigned to the parent sample dispensing line, it means a rule for analyzing T3 using the parent sample.

  One inspection item can be assigned to a plurality of dispensing lines. For example, when AST is assigned to the child sample dispensing line 1 and the child sample dispensing line 2, the parent sample is dispensed into one of the child sample containers of the child sample dispensing line 1 and the child sample dispensing line 2, It means a rule for analyzing AST using a child sample generated as a result.

  The inspection item category selection check list 303 is a classification for setting a plurality of inspection items. When the operator checks the check box of the inspection item category, the inspection item list 304 included in the inspection item category is automatically selected. For example, when biochemical items are checked, all biochemical items are selected, and when measurement items of the analysis module 1 are checked, all inspection items that can be measured by the analysis module 1 are selected.

  When the operator presses the OK button 311, the contents of the dispensing rule set on the display device 112 are stored in the dispensing rule DB 124. When the operator presses the cancel button 312, the setting content on the screen is discarded.

(A-4) Dispensing Rule Application Condition Setting Screen Example FIG. 4 shows a screen example displayed on the display device 112 through the processing function of the dispensing rule application condition setting unit 122. In the case of FIG. 4, the setting screen includes an application condition list 401, a dispensing rule selection list 402, an add button 403, a priority order 411, a dispensing rule application condition list 412, an up / down button 413, a delete button 414, an OK button 421, It consists of a cancel button 422.

  Among these, the dispensing rule list 402 displays a list of dispensing rules set through the processing function of the dispensing rule setting means 121. The dispensing rules are stored in the dispensing rule DB 124.

  The application condition list 401 displays a list of conditions that must be satisfied when the dispensing rule selection list 402 is applied. As the application condition, for example, a condition relating to the date and time, a condition relating to the operating status of the analysis module 105, a condition relating to the waiting time or urgency of the sample, and the like can be set.

  When the operator presses the add button 403, a set of selected items among the items displayed in the dispensing condition list 401 and the dispensing rule list 402 is added to the end of the dispensing rule application condition list 412. .

  The priority order 411 is a priority order when searching for a suitable dispensing rule application condition, and the smaller the value, the higher the priority. The up / down button 413 is a button for changing the priority order of the item selected on the dispensing rule application condition list 412. For example, when the operator selects an item and presses the up button, the priority order of the selected item increases by one. On the other hand, when the operator presses the down button while selecting an item, the priority order of the selected item is lowered by one.

  When the operator presses the delete button 414, the selected item in the dispensing rule application condition list 412 is deleted from the screen. When the operator presses the OK button 421, the contents of the dispensing rule application conditions set on the screen of the display device 112 are stored in the dispensing rule application condition DB 125. When the operator presses the cancel button 422, the setting contents on the screen are discarded.

(A-5) Example of Processing Procedure by Dispensing Planning Unit FIG. 5 shows an outline of the processing procedure executed through the dispensing planning unit 123. In addition, the production | generation procedure example of a dispensing plan is shown in FIGS. 6 corresponds to step 501 to step 506 in FIG. FIG. 7 corresponds to step 507 in FIG. FIG. 8 corresponds to step 508 to step 509 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the dispensing planning unit 123 first reads the dispensing rule application condition list 412 from the dispensing rule application condition DB 125 and determines whether the application condition list 401 matches in ascending order of the priority order 411 values. Determine. For example, if the application condition list 401 is set to Monday as a condition related to date and time, if the current day is Monday, it is considered to match.

  Next, the settings of the dispensing line list 302 and the inspection item list 304 are read from the dispensing rule DB 124 using the identification name of the matching dispensing rule selection list 402 as a key, and the correspondence between the inspection item name 601 and the dispensing line 602 is determined. (Step 502). 6 to 8, the child sample dispensing line 1 is described as Line1, the child sample dispensing line 2 as Line2, the child sample dispensing line 3 as Line3, and the parent sample dispensing line as Line0.

  Next, an analyzable module 603 capable of analyzing the inspection item name 601 is acquired (step 503). “Analysis is possible” refers to a state in which the inspection item is assigned to the analysis module and there are consumables (reagents, etc.) necessary for the analysis of the inspection item. 6 to 8, AU1, AU2,... Are described in order from the analysis module having a short distance from the dispensing module 103.

  Next, based on the number of requested items for which the dispensing process in the analysis module has been confirmed, the load (time required to complete the dispensing process) 612 of the analysis module 611 is calculated (step 504). The load 612 of the analysis module can be estimated by the following calculation formula.

  L (AUi) = Ni × Ci

  However, in this calculation formula, the load of the analysis module i is L (AUi), the number of requested items for which the dispensing in the analysis module i is estimated is Ni, and the average time required for one dispensing process in the analysis module is Ci. To do. As represented by this calculation formula, the load L (AUi) can vary in real time.

  Next, among the request items 621 set for the parent sample (identified by the parent sample identifier 620), the correspondence between the inspection item name 601 and the dispensing line 602 is uniquely determined. Is assigned (step 505). For example, in the inspection item TP, the dispensing line is uniquely determined as Line1. For this reason, Line 1 is assigned as a dispensing line to the columns corresponding to the request item TP of the parent sample 1 and the request item TP of the parent sample 2. This means that the parent sample is dispensed into the empty sample container on the child sample rack in Line 1 and the requested item TP is analyzed by the generated child sample.

  Next, for the parent sample request item 621 for which the dispensing line could not be uniquely determined in step 505, a list 623 of assignable dispensing lines is created based on the correspondence between the test item name 601 and the dispensing line 602. A dispensing line allocation pattern is generated based on the created pattern (step 506). As a method for generating an allocation pattern, for example, an allocation pattern 624 that minimizes the number of types of dispensing lines that appear and an allocation pattern 625 that maximizes the number of types are generated. It is also possible to generate a pattern that is preferentially assigned to the parent sample dispensing line and a pattern that is preferentially assigned to the child sample dispensing line.

  Next, the load 636 of the transport module is calculated according to the following procedure for the allocation patterns 624 and 625 generated in step 506 (step 507). First, based on the allocation patterns 624 and 625, a request item 632 for a parent sample to be allocated to each dispensing line 631 is determined.

  Next, based on the analyzable module 603 that can analyze the inspection item, the transport schedule analysis module 633 that needs to be transported to analyze the request item 632 is determined. For example, in the case of FIG. 6, the analyzable module of the request item AST assigned to Line 1 of the assignment pattern 1 is AU1 or AU2. However, when the load 612 of the analysis module is compared, it can be estimated that it is scheduled to be transported to AU2 having a small load. Similarly, the transfer scheduled modules for analyzing the request items TP and ALT assigned to Line 1 can be regarded as AU3 and AU1, respectively. As described above, the transport schedule analysis module 633 for analyzing the request item 632 assigned to Line1 is AU1, AU2, and AU3. Since the transport order 634 is predicted to be transported in ascending order of the load 612 of the analysis module, it can be regarded as transport in the order of AU 2 → AU 1 → AU 3.

  Based on this transfer order 634 and the average required transfer time 643 from the transfer source module 641 to the transfer destination module 642, the load of the transfer module is calculated. This load can also vary in real time as given by the calculation formula described below.

  Here, the load of the transport module is L (Line), the average transport time from the dispensing module 103 to the analysis module i is Ti, the number of racks estimated to be transported from the dispensing module to the analysis module i is Ni, and the analysis module Tij is the average transport time from i to the analysis module j, Nij is the number of racks estimated to be transported from the analysis module i to the analysis module j, T0 is the average transport time from the dispensing module 103 to the rack collection unit 107, The number of racks estimated to be transported from the dispensing module 103 to the rack recovery unit 107 is N0, the average transport time from the analysis module i to the rack recovery unit 107 is T9, and the transport from the analysis module i to the rack recovery unit 107 is confirmed. Let N9 be the number of racks in use. At this time, L (Line) can be expressed by the following equation.

  L (Line) = T0 x N0 + T9 x N9 + ΣTi x Ni + ΣTij x Nij

  For example, the transport sequence 634 of child sample racks generated in the dispensing line 1 of the allocation pattern 1 is estimated as AU 2 → AU 1 → AU 3 → collection. For this reason, the transport time 635 of the child sample rack includes an average transport time 8.0 from the dispensing module 103 to AU2, an average transport time 6.0 from AU2 to AU1, an average transport time 8.0 from AU1 to AU3, The average required transport time 10.0 from AU3 to the rack recovery unit 107 can be added to estimate 32.0.

  A similar calculation is performed for the child sample racks of each dispensing line and the racks in the apparatus, and by adding the values, the load 636 of the transport module can be estimated. For example, if the load of the transport module of the rack in the apparatus is 400.0, the load 636 of the transport module of the allocation pattern 1 is 480.0 (= 32.0 + 24.0 + 24.0 + 400.0), and the load of the transport module of the allocation pattern 2 636 becomes 500.0 (= 32.0 + 24.0 + 20.0 + 24.0 + 400.0).

  An appropriate allocation pattern is selected from the allocation patterns 624 and 625 based on the load L (AUi) of the analysis module calculated above and the load L (Line) of the transport line (step 508). An appropriate allocation pattern is selected, for example, from among allocation patterns in which the load of the transport module does not exceed the minimum value of the load 612 of the analysis module, and the load of the transport module is maximum. For example, the minimum value of the load 612 of the analysis module is 500.0, and the allocation pattern 1 that is the load of the transport module not exceeding this is selected. By selecting in this way, it is possible to select an allocation pattern in which the load on the transport module and the load on the analysis module are equalized.

  Finally, the parent sample dispensing destination child sample container 637 is selected from the child sample containers on the child sample rack on the dispensing line 631 (step 509). For example, the first parent sample on the parent sample rack is preferentially assigned to the child sample container close to the first on the child sample rack. Through the above steps, the dispensing plan for the request item 632 of the parent sample is completed.

(A-6) Simulation Result Example (i) Effect Using Dispensing Rule FIG. 9 shows an example of a simulation result for confirming the effect of the dispensing rule 301. The simulation of FIG. 9 is composed of one dispensing module, two biochemical analysis modules (AU1 and AU2), one immune analysis module (AU3), and one ISE analysis module (AU4). Intended for specimen processing systems. In addition, it is assumed that a buffer capable of temporarily holding the rack is connected to each module.

  In this sample processing system, analysis when the dispensing rule 301 is invalid (when a child sample is not generated by the dispensing module) and when the dispensing rule 301 is valid (when the child sample is generated by the dispensing module) The module TP and the sample TAT were compared.

  The sample request items are items that can be analyzed by AU1, AU2, AU3, and AU4 on average 6 items, 1.8 items, 0.5 items, and 3.0 items, respectively. Was assigned to the child sample dispensing line 1, and the immunization item was assigned to the child sample dispensing line 2. In addition, automatic re-examination function (a function that waits in the analysis standby buffer 104 after the sample is dispensed by the analysis module 105) until an analysis result is obtained, and an immune priority analysis function (a function that always analyzes an immune item first) Both were valid. In FIG. 9, the TP transition 801 when the dispensing rule 301 is invalid is shown in a graph format, the analysis module average TP 802 is shown in a table format, the sample TAT 803 is shown in a graph format, and the average TAT and the worst TAT 804 are shown in a table format. When the dispensing rule 301 is valid, the TP transition 811 is shown in a graph format, the average TP 812 of each analysis module is shown in a table format, the sample TAT 813 is shown in a graph format, and the average TAT and the worst TAT 814 are shown in a table format.

  Comparing the average TP 802 and the average TP 812, it can be seen that the TP of all the analysis modules is improved by the setting of the dispensing rule 301. Further, comparing Table 804 and Table 814, it can be seen that the average TAT and the worst TAT of the sample are both improved (shortened) by enabling the dispensing rule 301. As described above, by appropriately setting the dispensing rule 301, both the TP of the analysis module and the TAT of the sample can be improved (shortened).

(Ii) Effect Using Dispensing Rule Application Condition FIG. 10 shows an example of a simulation result for confirming the effect of the dispensing rule application condition list 412. The simulation target is the same as the simulation for confirming the effect of the dispensing rule 301 described above, and the average value of the sample request items is also the same. However, in the case of FIG. 10, a situation is assumed in which there is a bias in the request probability of the licensed item among the samples for each day of the week.

  When the dispensing rule application condition list 412 is validated, the appropriate dispensing rule 301 is a consideration of the bias in the request probability of the waiver item, assigns the biochemical item to the child sample dispensing line 1, and assigns the immunization item. Allocated to the parent sample dispensing line.

  When the dispensing rule application condition list 412 is invalidated, the matching dispensing rule is the same as in the simulation for confirming the effect of the dispensing rule 301 described above. In FIG. 10, when the dispensing rule application condition list 412 is invalidated, the TP transition 901 is displayed in a graph format, the average TP 902 of the analysis module is displayed in a table format, the sample TAT 903 is displayed in a graph format, and the average TAT and the worst TAT 904 are displayed. Shown by format.

  When the dispensing rule application condition list 412 is validated, the TP transition 911 is displayed in a graph format, the average TP 912 of each analysis module is displayed in a table format, the sample TAT 913 is displayed in a graph format, and the average TAT and the worst TAT 914 are displayed in a table format. Indicated by

  Comparing the average TP902 and the average TP912, it can be seen from the dispensing rule application condition list 412 that the TP of three out of four analysis modules has improved. Further, comparing the average TAT, the worst TAT 904, the average TAT, and the worst TAT 914, it can be seen that both the average TAT and the worst TAT of the specimen are improved (shortened) by the dispensing rule application condition list 412. As described above, the TP of the analysis module and the TAT of the sample can be further improved (shortened) by setting the dispensing rule application condition list 412 that matches the characteristics of the request item that changes according to the date and time zone. it can.

(iii) Effect Using Dispensing Planning Unit FIG. 11 shows an example of a simulation result for confirming the effect of the dispensing planning unit 123. The simulation target is a sample processing system consisting of one dispensing module and three biochemical analysis modules (AU1, AU2, AU3), and when the dispensing planning means 123 is effective (when the number of child samples is suppressed) ) And TP of the analysis module and TAT of the specimen when invalid (when the number of child specimens is not suppressed) was compared. The sample request items are 9 items that can be analyzed by AU1, AU2, and AU3.

  When the dispensing planning means 123 is enabled, request items that can be analyzed with AU1 or AU2 are allocated to dispensing line 1 by suppressing the number of child samples generated, and requested items that can be analyzed with AU3 are allocated to dispensing line 2. It was supposed to be.

  When the dispensing planning means 123 is invalid, the number of child samples generated is not suppressed, and the request items that can always be analyzed with AU1 are the dispensing line 1, the request items that can be analyzed with AU2 are the dispensing lines 2, and AU3. Request items that can be analyzed in (1) can be assigned to dispensing line 3.

  In FIG. 11, the TP transition 1001 when the dispensing plan means 123 is invalid is shown in a graph format, the analysis module average TP 1002 is shown in a table format, the sample TAT 1003 is shown in a graph format, and the average TAT and the worst TAT 1004 are shown in a table format. .

  Further, the TP transition 1011 when the dispensing planning means 123 is valid is shown in a graph format, the average TP 1012 of the analysis module is shown in a table format, the TAT 1013 of the sample is shown in a graph format, and the average TAT and the worst TAT 1014 are shown in a table format.

  Comparing the average TP 1002 and the average TP 1012, it can be seen that the TP of all the analysis modules has been improved by the dispensing planning means 123. Further, when the average TAT, the worst TAT 1004, the average TAT, and the worst TAT 1014 were compared, the average TAT decreased, but the worst TAT was improved (shortened). Thus, the reason why the average TAT has a good value when the dispensing plan means 123 does not operate is that the waiting time in the analysis module is reduced as a result of the load of the analysis module being reduced due to the congestion of the transport module 101. is there.

  However, the time required to complete the simulation is about 180 minutes when the dispensing plan unit 123 is invalid, and about 150 minutes when the dispensing plan unit 123 is valid. The TAT until the analysis of all samples is completed is The result that the case where the dispensing plan means 123 is effective is better is obtained.

  As described above, the TP of the analysis module and the TAT of all the samples can be improved by avoiding the congestion of the transport module 101 by the dispensing planning unit 123.

(A-7) Summary As described above, in this embodiment, the control unit 111 sets a set of empty sample containers for dispensing a sample based on a request item that is a test item requested for the sample. Dispensing rule setting means 121 capable of registering a plurality of selected dispensing rules, the load of the transport module, which is the scheduled delivery time of the dispensing rule and the transport module, and the load of the analysis module, which is the scheduled processing time of the analysis module The dispensing planning means 123 plans an empty sample container for dispensing a sample based on the above. Then, the dispensing planning means 123 controls the number of child samples generated so that the transportation required time 635 of the transportation module in the automatic analyzer does not exceed the load 612 of the dispensing module. As a result, congestion of the transport module can be avoided. Further, the waiting time for transporting the sample is reduced by avoiding the congestion of the transport module, and the throughput (TP) of the analysis module and the turnaround time (TAT) of the sample can be improved.

  Further, in this embodiment, the control unit 111 is equipped with the dispensing rule application condition setting means 122 capable of registering a plurality of dispensing rule application conditions for selecting a dispensing rule to be applied based on the current date and time information, It is printed that a plurality of dispensing rule application conditions for selecting a dispensing rule to be applied based on the current date and time information can be registered. Therefore, even in facilities where the pattern of requested items for a sample changes every day of the week or time, it is possible to set the most suitable dispensing rule using date and time conditions, and further improve the TP of the analysis module and the TAT of the sample. it can.

(B) Embodiment 2
In the first embodiment described above, the case where the parent sample located at the top on the parent sample rack is preferentially assigned to the child sample container near the top on the child sample rack in step 509 of the dispensing planning means 123 will be described. did.

  However, the child sample containers can be allocated more appropriately. FIG. 12 shows an example of a flowchart corresponding to the child sample container allocation method, and FIG. 13 shows an application example thereof.

  First, based on the allocation pattern of the request item 632 for the parent sample to the dispensing line 631 determined up to step 508 of the dispensing planning means 123, the maximum analysis required time 1202 for the parent sample is determined (step 1102). For example, the request items 632 (FIG. 13) of the parent sample 3 are TSH and T4. From the correspondence between the test item 1211 and the analysis required time 1212, the required analysis time for each requested item is 18 minutes and 27 minutes. Among them, the maximum analysis time of 27 minutes is the maximum analysis required time 1202 of the parent sample 3.

  Next, based on the correspondence between the inspection item 1211 and the analyzable module 1213 that can analyze it, the transfer schedule analysis module 1203 that needs to be transferred to analyze the request item 632 is acquired (step 1103). Since the method for determining the transfer schedule analysis module 1203 can be performed by the same procedure as step 507 of the dispensing planning unit 123, the details are omitted.

  Next, parent samples having the same maximum analysis required time 1202 are listed (step 1104). For example, since the maximum analysis required time 1202 for parent sample 1 and parent sample 2 is 18 minutes, and the maximum analysis required time 1202 for parent sample 3, parent sample 4, and parent sample 5 is 27 minutes, parent sample 3, parent sample 4, The parent sample 5 is set as one sample list 1221, and the parent sample 1 and the parent sample 2 are set as different sample lists 1222.

  Next, the parent sample list 1221 and the sample 1222 are rearranged by the following method so that the number of discontinuous times of the adjacent parent sample transport schedule analysis module 1203 is minimized (step 1105). For example, the parent sample 3 and the parent sample 4 do not appear AU3 in common in the scheduled transfer analysis module 1203, so the number of discontinuous times is +1, and since AU4 appears in common, the number of discontinuous is +0. When the number of discontinuous times of the parent sample 4 and the parent sample 5 is counted in the same procedure, it becomes +2, and finally the discontinuous number of the sample list 1221 of the parent sample becomes 3. On the other hand, if the sample list 1221 of the parent sample is rearranged like the sample list 1231, the discontinuous number becomes 2, which can be minimized. In a similar procedure, the discontinuous number of the sample list 1222 of the parent sample is minimized, and the sample list 1232 of the parent sample is obtained.

  Finally, the elements are connected in order from the list of parent samples having a long maximum analysis required time 1202 (step 1106). For example, in the sample list 1231 and the sample list 1232, the maximum analysis required time 1202 of the sample list 1231 is longer, and therefore, the sample list 1231 and the sample list 1232 are linked first. Then, the first parent sample in the linked sample list is preferentially allocated to the child sample container close to the head on the child sample rack. By the above procedure, the correspondence 1241 between the parent sample and the child sample container can be obtained.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of a sample processing sequence showing the effect of the child sample container allocation method. In this example, a parent sample 1, a parent sample 2, a parent sample 3, a parent sample 4, and a parent sample 5 are placed in this order on the parent sample rack, and each of the parent sample 1 and the parent sample 2 has an 18-minute reaction immunity. It is assumed that five items are requested, and five immunity items for a 27-minute reaction are requested for parent sample 3, parent sample 4, and parent sample 5, respectively.

  In addition, it is assumed that the time required for transporting the child sample rack generated by the dispensing module 103 to the license analysis module is 100 seconds, and the dispensing time per item of the license analysis module is 21 seconds.

  When the child sample container allocation method is invalid, the parent sample 1 to the parent sample 5 are allocated in order from the first child sample container on the child sample rack, and the child sample 5 is generated from the child sample 1. Processing sequences of the child sample 1 to the child sample 5 are shown as 1301 to 1305.

  When the generation time of the child sample is 0 second, the time at which the child sample rack arrives at the immune analysis module is 100 seconds. Since the immunity analysis module starts dispensing in order from the first child sample on the rack, the dispensing completion times of child sample 1 to child sample 5 are 205 seconds (= 100 + 21 seconds × 5 items) and 310 seconds ( = 205 seconds + 21 seconds x 5 items), 415 seconds (= 310 seconds + 21 seconds x 5 items), 520 seconds (= 415 seconds + 21 seconds x 5 items), 625 seconds (= 520 seconds + 21 seconds x 5 items) .

  After the completion of the dispensing, the analysis is completed for child sample 1 and child sample 2 through a reaction time of 18 minutes, and from child sample 3 to child sample 5 through a reaction time of 27 minutes. Therefore, the analysis completion times of child samples 1 to 5 are 1285 seconds (= 205 seconds + 18 minutes × 60), 1390 seconds (= 310 seconds + 18 minutes × 60), and 2035 seconds (= 415 seconds + 27 minutes × 60), respectively. ), 2140 seconds (= 520 seconds + 27 minutes × 60), 2245 seconds (= 625 seconds + 27 minutes × 60). Therefore, the average TAT and the worst TAT 1306 are 1711 seconds and 2245 seconds, respectively.

  On the other hand, when the child sample container allocation method is valid, the maximum analysis required time 1202 of the requested item is considered, and the parent sample 3, the parent sample 4, the parent sample 5, Parent sample 1 and parent sample 2 are assigned. Processing sequences 1311 to 1315 for child sample 1 to child sample 5 are shown. The dispensing completion time of child sample 1 to child sample 5 is 1600 seconds (= 520 seconds + 18 minutes × 60), 1705 seconds (= 625 seconds + 18 minutes × 60), 1825 seconds (= 205 seconds + 27 minutes × 60), 1930 seconds (= 310 seconds + 27 minutes × 60), and 2035 seconds (= 415 seconds + 27 minutes × 60). Therefore, the average TAT and the worst TAT 1316 are 1711 seconds and 2035 seconds, respectively.

  Comparing the average TAT, the worst TAT 1306, the average TAT, and the worst TAT 1316, it can be seen that although the average TAT is not changed, the variation of the sample TAT is reduced and the worst TAT can be improved. Therefore, the effect of improving the worst TAT can be confirmed by the child sample container allocation method.

  As described above, the dispensing planning unit 123 according to this embodiment performs the processing in step 509 to list the analysis required time, which is the time required for analyzing the sample requested item, and the analysis scheduled module that can analyze the requested item. An empty sample container for dispensing the sample can be planned based on the above. As a result, it is possible to plan to dispense a sample for which a test item having a long analysis time is requested into empty sample containers that can be preferentially analyzed. That is, the analysis start time of a sample for which a test item having a long reaction time is requested can be advanced. Thereby, the variation of the TAT of the specimen is reduced, and the worst TAT can be improved.

  Furthermore, in the case of this embodiment, the dispensing planning means 123 can plan to dispense into the empty sample container so that the samples having the same analysis scheduled module are adjacent to each other by the processing of step 509. Become. Thereby, the conveyance time which replaces | exchanges the sample of a dispensing position in an analysis module can be saved. That is, the dispensing stop time in the analysis module can be reduced, and the TP of the analysis module can be improved.

(C) Embodiment 3
In the above-described embodiment, the case has been described where, in step 509 of the dispensing planning unit 123, allocation to child sample containers is performed without distinguishing general samples and emergency samples.

  However, in the case of an emergency sample, allocation to the child sample container can be determined so as to generate a child sample rack dedicated to the emergency sample. FIG. 15 shows an example of a flowchart of a method for allocating child specimen containers for emergency specimens, and FIG. 16 shows an application example thereof.

  First, a dispensing plan for a general sample that has been dispensed into a child sample container before the emergency sample is carried into the dispensing module 103 is divided into a dispensing line 631, a dispensing child sample container 637, and a parent sample identifier 620 for the general sample. This is shown in the general sample request item 632. Further, the urgent sample dispensing plan determined by using the method up to step 508 of the dispensing planning means 123 described above is shown in the dispensing destination line 1601, the emergency sample parent sample ID 1602, and the urgent sample request item 1603.

  First, in the emergency sample dispensing line, it is determined whether or not there is a child sample rack having a child sample container into which a general sample has been dispensed (step 1502). In the case of the example in FIG. 16, the dispensing destination lines 1601 to which the request items for the emergency sample 1 and the emergency sample 2 are assigned are Line 2 and Line 3. However, the line 2 contains the dispensed general sample in the child sample container 1 and the child sample container 2. Therefore, it can be considered that the line 2 child sample rack has already been dispensed with the general sample and the Line 3 child sample rack has not been dispensed with the general sample.

  Next, if there is a child sample rack in which the general sample has been dispensed, the child sample rack is discharged from the dispensing module 103 (step 1503). For example, the child sample rack of Line 2 is the target for discharge because the general sample has been dispensed, and the child sample rack of Line 3 is not the target for discharge because the general sample has not been dispensed.

  Next, the emergency sample is assigned to the child sample container (step 1504). This method may be the method shown in step 509 or the method shown in FIG. The result of assigning the emergency specimen to the child specimen container by the method shown in step 509 is shown in the assigned parent specimen ID 1612 and the assigned parent specimen request item 1613. Line2 is allocated to newly loaded child sample containers in order to discharge child sample racks into which general samples have been dispensed. On the other hand, since a general sample has not been dispensed in Line 3, it is assigned to a child sample container on the dispensing line.

  Next, it is determined whether the subsequent sample of the emergency sample is an emergency sample (step 1505). If it is not an urgent sample, after completing the dispensing of the urgent sample, a plan for discharging the child sample rack into which the urgent sample has been dispensed is generated, and the priority is treated as urgent (step 1506). For example, if the subsequent sample is not an emergency sample, a plan for discharging the child sample rack of Line 2 and the child sample rack of Line 3 to which the emergency sample has been dispensed is generated. Through the above procedure, a child sample rack dedicated to an emergency sample can be generated.

  FIG. 17 shows an example of a sample processing sequence showing the effect of the method of allocating child sample containers for emergency samples. In this example, a general sample has been dispensed into a child sample rack on a certain dispensing line, a child sample 4 has been generated from child sample 1, and a dispensing plan for generating child sample 5 from an emergency sample is executed. Assume the scene you are trying to do. The child specimen 1 to the child specimen 5 are all requested 27 items of immunity items for the 27-minute reaction, the time required for transport from the dispensing module to the immunity analysis module is 20 seconds, and dispensing per item of the immunity analysis module The required time is assumed to be 21 seconds. The processing sequences 1701 to 1705 for the child sample 1 to the child sample 5 when the method for assigning the child sample container of the emergency sample is invalid are shown. The urgent sample is planned to be dispensed into the child sample container on the dispensed child sample rack, and the child sample rack is transported to the analysis module after the dispensing of the child sample 5 is completed. If the dispensing start time of the child sample 1 is 0 seconds, the dispensing completion time of the child sample 5 is 30 seconds, and the time required for the child sample 1 to be transported from the child sample 1 to the analysis module is 20 seconds. Since the time is 105 seconds (= 21 × 5) and the analysis time is 1620 seconds (= 27 × 60), the analysis completion time of the child sample 1 is 1775 seconds (= 30 + 20 + 105 + 1620). By the same calculation, the analysis completion time of the child sample 2 is 1880 seconds (= 30 + 20 + 105 × 2 + 1620), the analysis completion time of the child sample 3 is 1985 seconds (= 30 + 20 + 105 × 3 + 1620), and the analysis completion time of the child sample 4 is 2090 seconds ( 30 + 20 + 105 × 4 + 1620), the TAT 1706 of the child sample 5 generated from the emergency sample is 2195 seconds (= 30 + 20 + 105 × 5 + 1620).

  Next, processing sequences 1711 to 1715 for the child sample 1 to the child sample 5 when the child sample container allocation method of the emergency sample is effective are shown. The child sample rack into which the general sample has been dispensed is ejected from the dispensing module 103 after dispensing the child sample 4, and the conveyance to the analysis module 105 is started. On the other hand, the urgent sample is dispensed into the child sample container on the newly supplied child sample rack, and the child sample 5 is generated. The child sample rack into which the urgent sample has been dispensed passes the child sample rack into which the general sample has been dispensed in the transport module 101, the analysis module 105, etc., and arrives at the analysis module first. Therefore, the TAT 1716 of the child sample 5 generated from the emergency sample is 1775 seconds (= 30 + 20 + 105 + 1620). Comparing TAT1706 and TAT1716, it can be seen that the dispensing start time is advanced by the child sample rack dispensed with the urgent sample overtaking the child sample rack dispensed with the general sample, and the TAT of the urgent sample was improved.

  As described above, the dispensing planning unit 123 according to this embodiment, in step 509, sets an empty sample container including a sample container into which a general sample has been dispensed when an emergency sample arrives at the dispensing module. Can generate a plan to dispense urgent specimens into another set of empty specimen containers. That is, a child sample rack dedicated to an emergency sample can be generated. As a result, a set of empty sample containers dedicated to the emergency sample is generated, and the emergency sample can be transported without being influenced by the request items for the general sample. In addition, when the transport module 101 or the analysis module 105 having the rack overtaking function is used, it is possible to overtake the child sample rack in which the preceding general sample is dispensed, and advance the dispensing start time of the emergency sample. Can do. That is, it is possible to save the time required to start the analysis. Therefore, the TAT of the emergency sample can be improved.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 101 ... Conveyance module, 103 ... Dispensing module, 105 ... Analysis module, 106 ... Rack input part, 107 ... Rack collection part, 108 ... Child sample rack input part, 111 ... Control part, 112 ... Display device, 113 ... Input device , 114 ... Network, 121 ... Dispensing rule setting means, 122 ... Dispensing rule application condition setting means, 123 ... Dispensing planning means, 124 ... Dispensing rule DB, 125 ... Dispensing rule application condition DB, 201 ... Conveyance module Report of rack loading from 202, Rack transport request to dispensing position of dispensing module, 203 ... Report of rack transportation completion from dispensing module, 204 ... Report of rack transportation from dispensing module, 205 ... of dispensing module Rack transport request to dispensing position, 206 ... Rack transportation completion report from dispensing module to dispensing position, 211 ... Dispensing request based on dispensing plan, 212 ... Sample dispensing completion report, 213 ... Analysis module Or rack transport to the rack recovery unit Request, 214 ... Report of completion of rack transport to analysis module or rack recovery unit, 215 ... Request for analysis to analysis module, 216 ... Report of analysis completion from analysis module, 217 ... Request for transport of rack to rack recovery unit, 218 ... Analysis Completion report, 301 ... Dispensing rule identification name, 302 ... Dispensing line list, 303 ... Inspection item selection check list, 304 ... Inspection item list, 311 ... OK button, 312 ... Cancel button, 401 ... Application condition selection list, 402 ... Dispensing rule selection list, 411 ... Priority, 412 ... Dispensing rule application condition list, 413 ... Up / down button, 414 ... Delete button, 421 ... OK button, 422 ... Cancel button, 501 ... Dispensing planning means Start step, 502 ... Dispensing rule decision step to be applied, 503 ... Analysis module decision step capable of analyzing requested items, 504 ... Analysis module load calculation step, 505 ... Dispensing line uniquely determined Request item assignment determination step, 506 ... assignment pattern generation step, 507 ... transfer module load calculation step, 508 ... assignment pattern determination step, 509 ... parent sample dispensing destination child sample container determination step, 510 ... dispensing planning means 601 ... Examination item name, 602 ... Dispensing line, 603 ... Analysable module, 611 ... Analysis module, 612 ... Analysis module load, 620 ... Parent specimen identifier, 621 ... Parent specimen request item, 622 ... Distribution line assignment results to items for which dispensing lines are uniquely determined, 623 ... Dispensable dispensing lines to items for which dispensing lines are not uniquely determined, 624 ... Assignment patterns 1,625 ... Assignment patterns 2,631 ... Dispensing line, 632 ... Request item assigned to dispensing line, 633 ... Transfer schedule analysis module required for analysis of request item, 634 ... Transfer order of transport schedule analysis module, 641 ... Transfer source module, 642 ... Destination module, 643 ... Average transport time between modules, 635 ... Transport time required for scheduled transport analysis module, 636 ... Transport module load, 637 ... Parent sample dispensing destination child sample container, 801 ... Dispensing rules TP transition when invalid, 802 ... Average TP when dispensing rule is invalid, 803 ... Sample TAT when dispensing rule is invalid, 804 ... Average TAT and worst TAT when dispensing rule is invalid, 811 ... When dispensing rule is valid TP transition, 812 ... Average TP when dispensing rule is valid, 813 ... Sample TAT when dispensing rule is valid, 814 ... Average TAT and worst TAT when dispensing rule is valid, 901 ... When dispensing rule application condition is invalid TP transition, 902 ... Average TP when dispensing rule application condition is invalid, 903 ... Sample TAT when dispensing rule application condition is invalid, 904 ... Average TAT and worst TAT when dispensing rule application condition is invalid, 911 ... Dispensing rule TP transition when application condition is valid, 912 ... Average TP when dispensing rule application condition is valid, 913 ... Sample TAT when dispensing rule application condition is valid, 914 ... Application of dispensing rule Average TAT and worst TAT when the case is valid, 1001 ... TP change when dispensing plan means is invalid, 1002 ... Average TP when dispensing plan means is invalid, 1003 ... Sample TAT when dispensing plan means is invalid, 1004 ... Dispensing Average TAT and worst TAT when planning means are invalid, 1011 ... TP transition when dispensing planning means is valid, 1012 ... Average TP when dispensing planning means is valid, 1013 ... Sample TAT when dispensing planning means is valid, 1014 ... minutes Note: Mean TAT and worst TAT when planning means are valid, 1101 ... Start step of child sample container allocation method, 1102 ... Maximum analysis required time determination step, 1103 ... Transport scheduled analysis module determination step, 1104 ... Sample for each maximum analysis required time Listing step, 1105 ... Minimization step of discontinuous number of scheduled transfer analysis module, 1106 ... Child sample container assignment determination step, 1107 ... Child sample container assignment method end step, 1202 ... Maximum analysis time required, 1203 ... Transfer scheduled analysis Module, 1211 ... Inspection item, 1212 ... Inspection item Analysis time, 1213 ... module that can analyze test items, 1221 ... sample list with maximum analysis time of 27 minutes, 1222 ... sample list with maximum analysis time of 18 minutes, 1231 ... maximum analysis requirement after minimizing discontinuous times Sample list for 27 minutes, 1232 ... Sample list for 18 minutes of maximum analysis time after minimization of discontinuous times, 1241 ... Correspondence between parent sample and dispensing child sample container, 1301 ... When the child sample container allocation method is invalid Processing sequence for child sample 1, 1302 ... Process sequence for child sample 2 when child sample container allocation method is disabled, 1303 ... Process sequence for child sample 3 when child sample container allocation method is disabled, 1304 ... When child sample container allocation method is disabled Processing sequence of child sample 4, 1305 ... Process sequence of child sample 5 when child sample container allocation method is invalid, 1306 ... Average TAT and worst TAT when child sample container allocation method is invalid, 1311 ... When child sample container allocation method is valid Processing sequence of child sample 5, 1312 ... Child test Processing sequence of child sample 3 when body container allocation method is valid, 1313 ... Processing sequence of child sample 4 when child sample container allocation method is enabled, 1314 ... Processing sequence of child sample 1 when child sample container allocation method is enabled, 1315 ... Processing sequence of child sample 2 when child sample container allocation method is effective, 1316 ... Average TAT and worst TAT when child sample container allocation method is effective, 1501 ... Start step of child sample container allocation method for emergency sample, 1502 ... For general sample Step for determining presence / absence of pre-filled child sample rack, 1503 ... Draining step for pre-sampled child sample rack, 1504 ... Step for determining sub-sample container for urgent sample, 1505 ... Sample type determining step for subsequent sample, 1506 ... Emergency sample dispensed child sample rack discharge step, 1507… End step of child sample container assignment method for emergency sample, 1601 ... Emergency sample dispensing destination line, 1602 ... Parent sample ID of emergency sample, 1603 ... Request for emergency sample Item, 1612 Assigned parent sample ID to the dispensing line after the emergency sample dispensing plan, 1613 ... Assigned parent sample request item to the dispensing line after the emergency sample dispensing plan, 1701 ... When the child sample container assignment method of the emergency sample is invalid Child sample 1 processing sequence, 1702 ... Emergency sample child sample container assignment method invalid child sample 2 treatment sequence, 1703 ... Emergency sample child sample container assignment method invalid sample child sample 3 processing sequence, 1704 ... Emergency Processing sequence of child sample 4 when sample child sample container allocation method is invalid, 1705 ... Process sequence of child sample 5 when child sample container allocation method of emergency sample is disabled, 1706 ... When child sample container allocation method of emergency sample is disabled Emergency sample TAT, 1711 ... Child sample 1 processing sequence when emergency sample child sample container allocation method is enabled, 1712 ... Child sample 2 processing sequence when child sample container allocation method for emergency sample is enabled, 1713 ... Emergency sample Child sample 3 when child sample container allocation method is valid Processing sequence of 1714: Child sample 4 processing sequence when emergency sample child sample container allocation method is enabled, 1715 ... Child sample 5 processing sequence when emergency sample child sample container allocation method is enabled, 1716 ... Emergency sample child TAT of emergency sample when sample container allocation method is valid

Claims (10)

A plurality of analysis modules for dispensing a sample and analyzing its components, a transport module for transporting the sample to the analysis module, and a dispensing for dispensing the sample input from the transport module into a plurality of empty sample containers In an apparatus for planning dispensing of a sample processing system having a module,
A dispensing rule setting means capable of registering a plurality of dispensing rules for selecting a set of empty sample containers for dispensing a sample based on a requested item which is a test item requested for a sample;
Dispensing planning device comprising: dispensing planning means for planning an empty sample container for dispensing a sample based on the dispensing rule, the load on the transport module, and the load on the analysis module . The dispensing planning means includes dispensing rule application condition setting means capable of registering a plurality of dispensing rule application conditions for selecting the dispensing rule to be applied based on current date and time information. The dispensing planning device described. The dispensing planning means plans an empty sample container for dispensing a sample based on an analysis required time which is a time required for analyzing a sample requested item and a list of analysis scheduled modules capable of analyzing the requested item. The dispensing planning apparatus according to claim 1 or 2. When the urgent sample arrives at the dispensing module, the dispensing planning means puts the urgent sample into a set of empty sample containers different from the set of empty sample containers including the sample container into which the general sample has already been dispensed. The dispensing plan apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plan to be dispensed is generated. The dispensing load according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the load is updated in real time. A plurality of analysis modules for dispensing a sample and analyzing its components, a transport module for transporting the sample to the analysis module, and a dispensing for dispensing the sample input from the transport module into a plurality of empty sample containers In a dispensing planning method in a sample processing system having a module,
The calculator
A process of determining a dispensing rule based on a predetermined dispensing rule application condition;
Based on the analysis module capable of analyzing the inspection items registered as the dispensing rule, a process of calculating the load of the analysis module according to the number of requested items;
A process of generating an allocation pattern to the dispensing line based on the inspection item registered as the dispensing rule;
Based on the generated allocation pattern, a process for calculating the load of the transport module for each allocation pattern;
A dispensing planning method for a sample processing system, comprising: a process of determining an allocation pattern for using a sample for dispensing into an empty sample container based on a load on the analysis module and a load on the transport module . 7. The dispensing planning method for a specimen processing system according to claim 6, wherein the dispensing rule application condition is defined as a set of date information and a dispensing rule. 8. The dispensing planning method for a sample processing system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein an analysis module and a transport route as analysis destination candidates are assigned to the assignment pattern for each request item. When an urgent sample arrives at the dispensing module, a plan for dispensing the urgent sample into a set of empty sample containers different from the set of empty sample containers including a sample container in which a general sample has already been dispensed is generated. The dispensing planning method for a sample processing system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein The dispensing plan method for a sample processing system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the load is updated in real time.

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