JP2022141190A - Specimen inspection system and specimen inspection method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a specimen inspection system that increases the number of specimens inspected and shortens inspection time.SOLUTION: Provided is a specimen inspection system comprising: a camera 3 for photographing a specimen container 30 from above in a state where a plurality of containers 30 are accommodated, with a two-dimensional code 40 indicating a subject ID printed and the specimen of the corresponding subject accommodated, and acquiring a two-dimensional code group image in which the two-dimensional codes 40 of the plurality of specimen containers 30 are collectively photographed; and an information processing device 1 having an inquiry information database 20 in which the inquiry information of the subject is associated with the subject ID. The information processing device 1 receives a two-dimensional code group image from the camera 3, identifies a corresponding subject ID for each two-dimensional code from inside the two-dimensional code group image, accesses the inquiry information database 20, and assesses, for each subject ID identified from a two-dimensional code, the preliminary positive probability of a subject with the subject ID in accordance with the inquiry information associated with the subject ID.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a sample testing system and a sample testing method.

Conventionally, in laboratory tests such as PCR tests, instead of judging the positive/negative of individual specimens, samples from multiple people (blood, saliva, etc.) are mixed and tested for each group to obtain individual results. A group test is conducted to estimate the

In this group test, for example, a mixed specimen is generated by mixing 5 specimens, a PCR test is performed on the mixed specimen, and when it is determined to be negative, each specimen constituting the mixed specimen is determined to be negative, When tested positive, each sample that makes up the composite sample is retested individually.
This group test is disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, for example.

Rafal Sawicki, 4 others, “Sample pooling as a strategy for community monitoring for SARS-CoV-2”, [online], 2021 February 4, 2021 (published date), [searched March 12, 2021], Internet <URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-82765-5>

By the way, in the above-described group test, when a mixed specimen is determined to be positive, each specimen constituting the mixed specimen needs to be retested, so there is a problem that a large amount of mixed specimen cannot be generated and tested. have. For example, in the current group test, when the positive rate is 10%, there are many cases where a mixed sample is generated by mixing samples from 5 people and a PCR test is performed. A drastic improvement has not yet been achieved in terms of increasing the number of tests and saving reagents used for testing. This is because, with the current method, when a large amount of mixed samples are generated and group tests are performed, the frequency of positive determinations is high, and the tests are rather troublesome and time consuming.

The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to increase the number of specimen tests for determining whether a specimen is positive or negative, shorten the examination time, and To provide a specimen testing system and a specimen testing method that can save

The present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is a specimen testing system used for specimen testing to determine whether a specimen is positive or negative, wherein A plurality of sample containers having a two-dimensional code indicating a patient ID printed thereon and containing samples of the corresponding subject are photographed from above a plurality of the sample containers, and a plurality of the sample containers are photographed. a photographing unit that acquires a two-dimensional code group image in which two-dimensional codes are collectively photographed; and an information processing device having a medical interview information database, wherein the imaging unit transmits the two-dimensional code group image to the information processing device, and the information processing device receives the two-dimensional code transmitted from the imaging unit. receiving a group image, analyzing all two-dimensional codes in the two-dimensional code group image, identifying a subject ID corresponding to each of the two-dimensional codes, accessing the interview information database, For each subject ID specified from the dimension code, prior probability determination for determining the prior positive probability of the specimen of the subject with the subject ID according to the interview information associated with the subject ID It is characterized by having a part.

The reason for adopting the above configuration is as follows.
While the inventor of the present application is conducting research on methods for increasing the number of tests and shortening the test time in sample tests such as PCR tests, after determining the "prior positive probability" based on the interview information of the subject 1) It is based on the idea that if the specimens are divided into groups and group tests are performed, the number of tests can be increased, the test time can be shortened, and the reagents used for the tests can be saved.
Then, the inventor of the present application determined the "preliminary positive probability" based on the interview information of the subject in a situation where the actual positive rate was 10%, and determined that the "preliminary positive probability was low" As a result of the positive/negative test, the result was that out of 1000 samples, 1 sample was positive. In addition, based on the above results, the inventor of the present application believes that the group test that collects and mixes specimens that have been determined to have a "low prior positive probability" based on interview information is better than the conventional technique of "arbitrarily collected specimens." We paid attention to the fact that it can be estimated that the probability of a positive result is remarkably low compared to the mixed group test.

Therefore, the inventor of the present application has proposed a state in which a plurality of sample containers in which a two-dimensional code indicating a subject ID for identifying a subject undergoing a sample test is printed and in which samples of the corresponding subject are stored. A photographing unit composed of a camera or the like for photographing a plurality of sample containers from above and obtaining a two-dimensional code group image in which the two-dimensional codes of the plurality of sample containers are collectively photographed; A configuration of a sample testing system including an information processing device having an interview information database storing interview information of a subject specified by the subject ID in association with each other is adopted.
In addition, the information processing device identifies the subject ID corresponding to each two-dimensional code in the two-dimensional code group image captured by the imaging unit, accesses the interview information database, and identifies from the two-dimensional code. a prior probability determination unit that determines the prior positive probability of the specimen of the subject with the subject ID according to the interview information associated with the subject ID in the interview information database for each subject ID established.

According to this configuration, the user of the specimen testing system can collect only specimens with a low prior positive probability and conduct a group test, and can individually test specimens with a high prior positive probability. That is, according to the present invention, only samples that are judged to have a low probability of being positive can be collected for group testing, so that the percentage of positive judgments in group testing can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of cases of re-examination due to positive results in the group test, thereby shortening the examination time of the sample examination and increasing the number of examinations.
In addition, according to the present invention, the group test is performed by collecting only the samples determined to be positive with a low probability, so the number of samples for the group test to be performed at one time can be increased compared to the group test of the prior art. can be done. As a result, according to the present invention, it is possible to save reagents used for specimen testing.

Further, the information processing device has a display unit for displaying an image, and the prior probability determination unit is specified by the two-dimensional code on each two-dimensional code in the two-dimensional code group image. A prior positivity probability determination image is generated in which a mark indicating the prior positivity probability determined for the specimen with the subject ID is superimposed, and the prior positivity probability determination image is displayed on the display unit. It is desirable that

A user of the specimen testing system of the present invention visually grasps the prior positivity probability of each of the "plurality of specimen containers" of interest captured by the imaging unit by viewing the prior positivity probability determination image displayed on the display unit. can do. Therefore, the user can easily group the "plurality of specimen containers" captured by the imaging unit according to the prior positive probability while viewing the prior positive probability determination image.

In addition, the interview information includes items regarding the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms for each subject who undergoes the sample test, and whether or not there is a patient who is available for the sample test among the subject's cohabitants or neighbors. items to confirm, items to confirm the presence or absence of overseas travel history, and items to confirm the presence or absence of infection history, and obtained from the subject, information indicating that there are no items corresponding to the above items, Alternatively, it is information indicating that there is an item that corresponds to the item, and the prior probability determination unit indicates that there is no interview information associated with the subject ID that corresponds to the item. At the time of information, a prior positive probability indicating that the possibility of positive determination is low is determined for the sample of the subject with the subject ID, and the inquiry information associated with the subject ID is When there is information indicating that there is a subject that corresponds to the above items, a prior positive probability is determined that indicates that there is a high possibility that the specimen of the subject with that subject ID will be determined positive. It is desirable that

The reason for adopting the above configuration is that, according to the above-mentioned test conducted by the inventor of the present application, items related to the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms, the subject's cohabitant, and If you meet each of the items listed above, you will be asked to confirm whether or not there is a patient in your neighborhood who is available for laboratory testing, whether you have a history of overseas travel, and whether you have a history of infection. This is due to the fact that the probability of negative results is extremely high for specimens from subjects for whom information indicating the absence of any substance was obtained. Therefore, by determining the a priori positive probability as described above, it is possible to reduce the percentage of positive determinations in the group test. Also, it is possible to increase the number of specimens for group tests conducted at one time. As a result, it is possible to save the reagents used for specimen testing.

In addition, the interview information includes items regarding the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms for each subject who undergoes the specimen test, and whether or not there is a patient who corresponds to the specimen test among the subject's cohabitants or neighbors. Information obtained from the subject showing that there are no items that correspond to each of the above items Alternatively, the information is information indicating the items that the subject has selected to be present, and the prior probability determination unit determines that the interview information associated with the subject ID does not correspond to each of the items. When the information indicates that, for the specimen of the subject with the subject ID, determine the prior positive probability indicating that the possibility of positive determination is low, and associated with the subject ID When the medical interview information indicates the item selected by the subject, the prior positive probability of the sample of the subject with the subject ID is determined according to the selected item. It is desirable that

The reason for adopting the above configuration is that, according to the above-mentioned test conducted by the inventor of the present application, items related to the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms, the subject's cohabitant, and Those who meet each of the items after conducting a medical interview that presents items to confirm whether there is a patient in the neighborhood who can respond to laboratory tests, items to confirm the presence or absence of overseas travel history, and items to confirm the presence or absence of infection history. This is because it has been found that the probability of the specimen being positive differs depending on the item selected by the subject when information indicating the presence of is obtained. For example, there is a high probability that a subject who selects the item "olfactory disturbance" will be positive, and a subject who selects the item "diarrhea" will have a low probability of being positive. We found that the prior positivity probability can be determined as a numerical value of Bayes probability, such as high, low, or medium (level between high and low), depending on the content of the item selected by the examiner.
According to this configuration, it is possible to determine the prior positive probability according to the actual situation even for the specimen of the subject for whom information indicating that there is a specimen corresponding to the above items is obtained, and as a result, The inspection time for sample inspection can be shortened, and the number of inspections can be increased.

In addition, the present invention is a specimen testing method for determining whether a specimen is positive or negative, and for each subject undergoing specimen testing, items related to the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms, Items to confirm whether there is a patient corresponding to the above-mentioned specimen test in a cohabitant or neighbor of the subject, an item to confirm the presence or absence of overseas travel history, an item to confirm the presence or absence of infection history, and present the subject a step of acquiring interview information indicating that there are no items corresponding to the above items from the subject, or acquiring interview information indicating that there are items corresponding to the above items from the subject; When the medical interview information indicates that there is no item corresponding to the above items, determine the prior positive probability indicating that the possibility of positive determination for the subject's specimen is low, and collect the specimen When the interview information of the subject indicates that there is a subject that corresponds to the above item, determining a prior positive probability indicating that there is a high possibility that the specimen of the subject will be positively determined. Then, the samples with the prior positive probability indicating that the possibility of positive determination is low are classified into the first group, and the samples with the prior positive probability indicating that the possibility of being determined positive is high are classified into the first group. The samples are classified into two groups, and the samples classified into the first group are tested by a group test in which a large number of the samples are mixed, and the samples classified into the second group are individually tested. and performing an inspection.

The present invention also provides a specimen testing method using a specimen testing system for determining whether a specimen is positive or negative, wherein the specimen testing system comprises an imaging unit and a specimen. an information processing apparatus having a medical interview information database that stores medical interview information of a subject identified by the subject ID in association with a subject ID that identifies a collected subject; and a display unit. A state in which the photographing unit stores a plurality of sample containers in which a two-dimensional code indicating the subject ID of the subject who undergoes the sample test is printed and the sample of the corresponding subject is stored. a step of collectively photographing the two-dimensional codes of the plurality of sample containers from above such that the two-dimensional codes of the specimen containers are included in one screen, and transmitting the two-dimensional code group image obtained by collectively photographing to the information processing apparatus; and the information processing device receives the two-dimensional code group image transmitted from the photographing unit, analyzes all the two-dimensional codes in the two-dimensional code group image, and corresponds to each of the two-dimensional codes. Identify the subject ID, access the interview information database, and for each subject ID specified from the two-dimensional code, according to the interview information associated with the subject ID, the subject a step of determining a prior positive probability of the sample of the subject with the person ID; generating a prior positivity probability determination image in which a mark indicating a prior positivity probability determined for a specimen with an individual ID is superimposed, and causing the display unit to display the prior positivity probability determination image; a step of classifying the specimen into a group in which the specimen is subjected to a group test and a group in which the specimen is subjected to an individual specimen examination according to the prior positivity probability of each specimen in the displayed prior positivity probability determination image; characterized by having

According to the present invention, there is provided a specimen testing system and a specimen testing method capable of increasing the number of specimen tests for determining whether a specimen is positive or negative, shortening the examination time, and saving reagents. be able to.

1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a sample testing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data configuration of a medical interview information database that constitutes the sample testing system of the embodiment of the present invention; 4 is a flow chart showing the procedure of sample testing processing performed using the sample testing system of the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a QR code group image obtained by collectively photographing the QR codes (registered trademark) of a plurality of sample containers stored in a rack by the camera of the sample inspection system according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 11 shows a prior positive probability determination image in which a mark corresponding to the prior positive probability determined for each QR code is superimposed on each QR code of the QR code group image acquired by the sample testing system of the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a schematic diagram. FIG. 11 shows a prior positive probability determination image in which a mark corresponding to the prior positive probability determined for each QR code is superimposed on each QR code of the QR code group image acquired by the sample testing system of the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a schematic diagram.

A sample testing system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, the overall configuration of the sample testing system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
Here, FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the sample testing system of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the data structure of the medical interview information database that constitutes the specimen testing system of this embodiment.
In the following embodiments, the sample test is a PCR test. Applies.

The specimen testing system of this embodiment is used for specimen testing to determine whether a specimen is positive or negative.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the specimen testing system W of the present embodiment is printed with a QR code (registered trademark) 40 indicating a subject ID for identifying a subject who undergoes a specimen testing, and a corresponding QR code (registered trademark) 40. A camera (photographing unit) 3 for collectively photographing the QR codes 40 of the plurality of specimen containers 30 from the upper surface of the state in which the plurality of specimen containers 30 containing the specimens of the subject are stored, and the camera 3 collectively photographs. Using the obtained image (QR code group image) and interview information of the subject from whom the specimen 30 was collected, the possibility of positive determination is indicated for each specimen stored in each specimen container 30 and an information processing device 1 for determining a prior positive probability.

In addition, in this embodiment, two levels of prior positive probability, "high (high risk)" and "low (low risk)", are provided as the above prior positive probability, and if there is a high possibility of being positively determined , the "prior positive probability" is judged to be "high (high risk)", and if the possibility of being positive is low, the "prior positive probability" is judged to be "low (low risk)". there is

Further, the sample container 30 can be configured by, for example, a flat-bottomed test tube and a lid covering the upper end of the flat-bottomed test tube. A QR code (two-dimensional code) 40 indicating a subject ID for identifying the subject of the sample contained in the sample container 30 is printed on the upper surface of the lid. Alternatively, a seal printed with a QR code 40 is attached to the upper surface of the lid.

In addition, the rack R is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat box with an open top and a bottom, so that a plurality of specimen containers 40 can be accommodated and set (in the example shown, 50 specimen containers 40 can be set). The sample container 30 can be accommodated and set). Further, the sample container 30 is housed in the rack R so that the QR code 40 printed on the upper surface of the lid faces upward.
In this embodiment, the two-dimensional code is a QR code, but it may be a two-dimensional code other than the QR code (SP code, CP code, stack type two-dimensional code).

The camera 3 is composed of a CCD camera or the like, and collectively captures the QR codes 40 of the plurality of sample containers 30 from above the rack R in which the plurality of sample containers 30 are stored, thereby generating a QR code group image. (See FIG. 4) 100 is acquired.
In addition, the camera 3 is configured to exchange various data with the information processing device 1 by wire or wirelessly. ) 100.
Note that the camera 3 may be a digital camera or a camera built into a smartphone.
Also, in this embodiment, the camera 3 is used as the imaging unit, but instead of the camera 3, a scanner device or a reader device may be used.

The information processing apparatus 1 includes a display unit 10 configured by a liquid crystal display device or the like, a captured image acquisition unit 11, a priori probability determination unit 12, and a storage unit 13 storing an interview information database 20. there is

The hardware configuration of the information processing device 1 is not particularly limited. It is configured by a computer such as a PC provided with. In this case, the auxiliary storage device stores a program for realizing the functions of the captured image acquisition unit 11 and the prior probability determination unit 12 . The functions of the photographed image acquisition unit 11 and the prior probability determination unit 12 are realized by the CPU loading the programs into the main storage device and executing them. Moreover, the storage unit 13 is configured in a predetermined area of the auxiliary storage device.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the medical interview information database 20 provided in the information processing apparatus 1 includes a subject ID, a name of the subject specified by the subject ID, and This is a database that stores medical interview information of specified subjects in association with each other.

Specifically, the interview information database 20 includes a field 20a for registering the subject ID and a field for registering the name of the subject identified by the subject ID registered in the field 20a. 20b and a field 20c for registering interview information of the subject identified by the subject ID registered in the field 20a (consisting of a plurality of records). .

The above subject ID is unique data composed of alphanumeric characters, symbols, etc. assigned to each subject.
In addition, the medical interview information is information indicating the contents of the medical interview check sheet filled out in advance by the subject who is to be examined. In the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the medical inquiry information is information indicating whether or not each item on the medical inquiry check sheet is checked (information indicating the presence or absence of a check).
In other words, this medical interview information is information indicating that there is no item corresponding to each item obtained from each subject by presenting each item on the medical interview check sheet to each subject who undergoes the specimen test. , or information indicating that there is an item corresponding to each item.
In addition, the above items include items related to the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms, items to confirm whether there are patients in the vicinity of each subject, such as living together with each subject, items to confirm the presence or absence of overseas travel history, infection history It includes items for confirming the presence or absence of the item, and a check column is provided for each item.
In addition, as items related to poor physical condition and symptoms, for example, "headache", "fever", "swollen eyes", "fatigue", "joint pain", "dysgeusia""Yes","I have an olfactory disorder", "I have diarrhea", "I have a cough", and "I have a sore throat".

In addition, the interview check sheet is to be filled in by the user of the sample testing system W when the user collects a sample from the subject. The interview check sheet can be filled out by handing the paper interview check sheet to the examinee, or by using the information processing terminal such as a smartphone of the examinee to download the web page where the interview check sheet is presented. The information may be provided, and the subject may input the interview check information on the provided Web page.

Then, if there is a corresponding item among the items presented on the interview check sheet, the subject puts a check mark in the check box of the corresponding item (or blacks out), and enters the sample test system. Submit to the user (operator) of W.
After collecting the medical interview check sheets, the user of the specimen testing system W accesses the medical interview information database 20 of the information processing apparatus 1 to access the "subject" assigned to the subject who wrote the medical interview check sheet. "Information indicating the presence or absence of a check" is associated with "subject ID" and registered in the interview information database 20.

In addition, the display unit 10 provided in the information processing device 1 displays the QR code group image 100 (see FIG. 4) acquired from the camera 3, or displays the prior positive probability of each sample generated by the prior probability determination unit 12. is displayed (see FIG. 5).
Also, the captured image acquisition unit 11 provided in the information processing apparatus 1 receives the QR code group image 100 ( FIG. 4 ) transmitted by the camera 3 .

The prior probability determination unit 12 receives the QR code group image 100 (see FIG. 4) from the captured image acquisition unit 11, analyzes all the QR codes in the QR code group image 100 (see FIG. 4), A subject ID corresponding to each code is specified.

In addition, the prior probability determination unit 12 accesses the interview information database 20, and for each subject ID specified from the QR code 40, determines the subject ID according to the interview information associated with the subject ID. determine the prior positive probability of specimens collected from subjects.
Specifically, the prior probability determination unit 12 accesses the interview information database 20, reads out a record in which the specified subject ID is registered from the QR code 40, and reads "Yes" in the field 20c of the read record. is registered, it is determined that "prior positive probability is high (high risk)", and if "none" is registered in field 20c of the read record, "prior positive probability is low (low risk )”.
The prior probability determination unit 12 determines the prior positive probability (either “high” or “low”) of the sample of the corresponding subject ID for all the QR codes 40 in the QR code group image 100 (see FIG. 4). or).

In addition, the a priori probability determination unit 12 displays the prior probability determined for the sample with the subject ID specified by the QR code 40 on each QR code 40 in the acquired QR code group image 100 (see FIG. 4). A prior positivity probability determination image 101 (see FIG. 5) in which marks 50a and 50b indicating positivity probabilities are superimposed is generated, and the generated prior positivity probability determination image 101 (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the display unit 10. FIG.
In the prior positive probability determination image 101 (see FIG. 5) shown in FIG. 5, a square blue A mark 50a is superimposed and a hexagonal red mark 50b is superimposed and presented on the QR code indicating the ID of the subject judged to have a high prior positive probability (high risk).

Then, the user of the sample testing system W selects the sample container 30 stored in the rack R as having a "low prior positive probability (low risk)" while viewing the prior positive probability determination image 101 (see FIG. 5). and those with a high a priori positive probability (high risk).
After that, the user of the specimen testing system W conducts a specimen examination by a group test in which a large number of specimens are mixed for those with a "low prior positive probability (low risk)". In addition, for those with a "preliminary positive probability (high risk)", individual specimen tests will be conducted instead of group tests.

The reason why the sample testing system W of the present embodiment adopts the above configuration is as follows. In the course of researching methods for increasing the number of tests and shortening the test time in specimen tests such as PCR tests, the present invention determines the "prior positive probability" based on the interview information of the subject, It is based on the idea that if the samples are grouped according to the "prior positive probability" and group tests are performed, the number of tests can be increased, the test time can be shortened, and the reagents used for the test can be saved.

Then, the inventor of the present application determined the "preliminary positive probability" based on the interview information of the subject in a situation where the actual positive rate was 10%, and determined that the "preliminary positive probability was low" As a result of the positive/negative test, the result was that out of 1000 samples, 1 sample was positive.
In addition, in this test, for each subject who undergoes the specimen test, items related to the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms, and whether there is a patient who can respond to the specimen test in the subject's housemate or neighbor Subjects who have obtained information indicating that there are no items that correspond to each item after the above interview that presents items to confirm the presence or absence of overseas travel history, and items to confirm the presence or absence of infection history. Samples are judged to have a "low prior positive probability (low risk)." In addition, samples from subjects for which information was obtained indicating that there was a sample corresponding to each item were determined to have a "preliminary positive probability (high risk)".
In addition, based on the above results, the inventor of the present application believes that the group test that collects and mixes specimens that have been determined to have a "low prior positive probability (low risk)" based on the interview information is better than the conventional technique of "arbitrarily collecting We found that the probability of a positive result was significantly lower than in the group test in which the samples were mixed together.

Therefore, in the specimen testing system W, interview information of the subject examined in advance is registered in the interview information database 20, and the specimen testing system W determines the prior positive probability for each specimen based on the corresponding interview information. Then, the user of the inspection system W is presented with the determination result of the prior positive probability.

According to this configuration, the user of the sample testing system W looks at the prior positive probability determination image 101, collects only samples with a "low" prior positive probability, performs a group test, and performs a group test. ” can be tested individually.
That is, according to the present embodiment, only samples that have been determined to have a low probability of positive determination can be collected for group testing, so that the percentage of positive determinations in the group test can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of cases of re-examination due to positive results in the group test, thereby significantly shortening the examination time of the specimen examination and increasing the number of specimens to be examined. In addition, according to the present embodiment, only samples that have been determined to have a low probability of being positive are collected for group testing, so the number of samples for group testing to be performed at one time can be increased compared to conventional group testing. be able to. Moreover, according to this configuration, it is possible to save the reagents used for the sample test.

Next, the procedure of the sample testing process performed using the sample testing system W of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and FIGS.
Here, FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the procedure of sample testing processing performed using the sample testing system of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a QR code group image obtained by collectively photographing the QR codes of a plurality of sample containers stored in a rack by the camera of the sample inspection system of this embodiment. 5 and 6 show a prior positive probability in which a mark corresponding to the prior positive probability determined for each QR code is superimposed on each QR code of the QR code group image acquired by the sample inspection system of this embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a determination image;
In addition, by pre-processing performed prior to the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. shall be attached and registered.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, first, a user (operator) of the sample testing system W is printed with a QR code 40 indicating a subject ID that identifies a subject who undergoes a sample test, and A plurality of sample containers 30 each containing a corresponding sample of a subject is prepared, and the plurality of sample containers 30 are stored and set in the rack R (S1), and the process proceeds to S2.
In this embodiment, 50 sample containers 30 are accommodated and set in the rack R as an example. At this time, the sample container 30 is housed in the rack R with the QR code 40 printed on the upper surface of the lid facing upward.

In S2, the user (operator) of the sample testing system W operates the camera 3 of the sample testing system W, and from above the rack R in which the 50 sample containers 30 are accommodated and set, "50 samples The QR code 40 of the container 30 is collectively photographed so that it is all within one screen. When the camera 3 collectively captures the QR codes 40 of the 50 sample containers 30, the camera 3 directs the captured image acquisition unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 1 to the collectively captured QR code group image (see FIG. 4) 100. is transmitted, and the process proceeds to S3.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the QR code group image 100, the QR code 40 printed on the upper surface of each of the 50 sample containers stored in the rack R is photographed.

In S<b>3 , the captured image acquisition unit 11 of the information processing device 1 receives the QR code group image (see FIG. 4 ) 100 transmitted from the camera 3 . In addition, the captured image acquisition unit 11 displays a confirmation image including the received QR code group image 100 on the display unit 10 .
Although not shown, the confirmation image includes an approval button for inputting that there is no problem with the captured image, and a recapture button for inputting that there is a problem with the captured image and that the captured image should be captured again. is provided.

Then, when the user (operator) of the sample testing system W sees the QR code group image 100 displayed on the display unit 10 and determines that there is no problem (for example, 50 QR codes 40 are out of focus) If the image can be captured without blurring), an operation unit such as a mouse (not shown) is operated to click an approval button (not shown). In this case, the captured image acquisition unit 11 accepts an input that the captured image has no problem, passes the QR code group image 100 acquired from the camera 3 to the prior probability determination unit 12, and proceeds to the process of S4.
On the other hand, when the user (operator) of the sample testing system W sees the QR code group image 100 displayed on the display unit 10 and determines that there is a problem (for example, all 50 QR codes 40 are not shown), an operation unit such as a mouse (not shown) is operated to click a recapture button (not shown). In this case, the captured image acquiring unit 11 accepts an input indicating that there is a problem with the captured image, deletes the QR code group image 100 acquired from the camera 3, and displays a screen prompting the user to capture the image again on the display unit. display, and return to the processing of S3.

In S4, the prior probability determination unit 12 receives the QR code group image 100 (see FIG. 4) from the captured image acquisition unit 11, and analyzes (recognizes) all the QR codes 40 appearing in the QR code group image 100. , the subject ID corresponding to each QR code 40 is specified.

Further, in S4, the prior probability determination unit 12 accesses the interview information database 20, and for each subject ID specified from the QR code 40, according to the interview information associated with the subject ID, The prior positive probability of the sample collected from the subject with the examiner ID is determined, and the process proceeds to S5.
Specifically, the prior probability determination unit 12 accesses the interview information database 20, reads out a record in which the specified subject ID is registered from the QR code 40, and reads "Yes" in the field 20c of the read record. is registered, it is determined that "prior positive probability is high (high risk)", and if "none" is registered in field 20c of the read record, "prior positive probability is low ( low risk)”.
In this step, the prior probability determination unit 12 determines the prior positive probability (“high” and “low”) of the sample of the corresponding subject ID for all the QR codes 40 in the QR code group image 100. Either) is determined.

In S5, the prior probability determination unit 12 displays the QR code 40 on each QR code 40 in the acquired QR code group image 100 (see FIG. 4). generating a prior positive probability determination image 101 (see FIG. 5) in which marks 50a and 50b indicating the prior positive probability are superimposed and displaying the generated prior positive probability determination image 101 (see FIG. 5) on the display unit 10; Proceed to the processing of S6.
As described above, in the prior positivity probability determination image 101 shown in FIG. A red mark 50b is superimposed on the QR code 40 that is superimposed and indicates the ID of the subject determined to have a high prior positive probability (high risk).

In S6, the user (operator) of the sample testing system W looks at the prior positive probability determination image 101 (see FIG. 5) displayed on the display unit 10, and sees the 50 samples actually stored in the rack R. The sample containers 30 are classified according to the "high" and "low" prior positivity probabilities of the prior positivity probability determination image 101 (see FIG. 5) displayed on the display unit 10. FIG.
In S6, apart from the rack R storing the 50 photographed sample containers 30, a rack storing only the sample containers 30 with a "high" prior positive probability (for convenience of explanation, "high risk rack"). , and a rack that stores only sample containers 30 with a "low" prior positive probability (a "low-risk rack" for convenience of explanation) may be prepared. In this case, sample containers 30 with a "high" prior positive probability are taken out from the 50 sample containers 30 actually stored in the rack R and stored in the high risk rack. Also, sample containers 30 with a prior positive probability of "low" are taken out from the sample containers 30 actually stored in the rack R and stored in the low-risk rack.

In S7, the user (operator) of the sample testing system W operates the camera 3, and the 50 sample containers 30 classified according to the prior positive probability of "high" and "low" by the processing of S6. 'QR codes 40 of 50 sample containers 30' are collectively photographed from the upper side of the rack R in which the samples are accommodated so that all of them are included in one screen. When the camera 3 collectively captures the QR codes 40 of the 50 sample containers 30, the camera 3 directs the captured image acquisition unit 11 of the information processing apparatus 1 to the collectively captured QR code group image (see FIG. 4) 100. is transmitted, and the process proceeds to S8 and S9.

In S8, the same process as in S3 is performed, and the process proceeds to S9.
In S9, the same process as in S4 is performed, and the process proceeds to S10.

In S10, the prior probability determination unit 12 performs the same processing as in S5, and obtains the QR code group image 100 (see FIG. 4 ) are superimposed on each QR code 40 (Fig. 6) is generated, and the generated prior positive probability determination image 103 (see FIG. 5) is displayed on the display unit 10 .
In the prior positive probability determination image 102 shown in FIG. , "low", it can be seen that the sample containers 30 in the rack R shown in the image are classified according to the prior positive probability "high" and "low".

Note that the processes of S7 to S10 are performed to prevent mistakes in grouping performed by the user (operator) of the sample testing system W. Therefore, the processes of S7 to S10 are not performed after S6. , S11 may be performed.

In S11, a group (first group) into which samples with a "preliminary positive probability are low (low risk)" are classified is subjected to a sample test by a group test in which a large number of samples are mixed. In addition, a sample test is individually performed for each sample in a group (second loop) in which samples having a "high prior positive probability (high risk)" are classified.

In addition, the group test for samples with a "low prior positive probability (low risk)" is performed by a mixed sample, for example, a mixed sample of 30 samples. In this case, 30 specimens may be mixed together, but it is desirable to generate mixed specimens, for example, in the following procedure.
Specifically, first, 30 samples with "low prior positive probability (low risk)" are divided into 3 groups of "10 samples" each. Next, mixed specimens (first mixed specimen, second mixed specimen, and third mixed specimen) are generated for each group. Next, by mixing three mixed specimens (first mixed specimen, second mixed specimen, and third mixed specimen), a mixed specimen is generated by mixing 30 specimens. According to this method, when a mixed specimen obtained by mixing 30 specimens is determined to be "positive", the mixed specimen of each group can be tested, so it is possible to test all 30 specimens individually. In comparison, it is possible to prevent an increase in inspection time.

As described above, according to this embodiment, the user of the specimen testing system W collects only specimens with a low prior positive probability and conducts a group test, and individually tests specimens with a high prior positive probability. be able to. That is, according to the present embodiment, only samples that have been determined to have a low probability of positive determination can be collected for group testing, so that the percentage of positive determinations in the group test can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of cases of re-examination due to positive results in the group test, thereby shortening the examination time of the sample examination and increasing the number of examinations.
In addition, according to the present embodiment, only samples that have been determined to have a low probability of being positive are collected for group testing, so the number of samples for group testing to be performed at one time can be increased compared to conventional group testing. be able to. For example, in the prior art, a group test that was performed by mixing about 5 specimens can be performed by mixing 30 specimens, for example.

In addition, the user of the sample testing system W of the present embodiment can see the prior positive probability determination images 101 and 102 displayed on the display unit 10, and can see the target "plurality of sample containers 30" captured by the camera 3. Each prior positive probability can be grasped visually and simply. Therefore, while viewing the prior positivity probability determination images 101 and 102 (FIGS. 5 and 6), the user can easily select the "plurality of specimen containers 30" captured by the camera 3 according to the prior positivity probability. can be grouped by

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the specimen testing system and the specimen can increase the number of specimen tests for determining whether the specimen is positive or negative, shorten the examination time, and save reagents. An inspection method can be provided.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

In the above-described embodiment, the prior positive probability of each subject's sample is set to "high (high risk)" or "low (low risk)" based on the interview information obtained by interviewing each subject who undergoes the sample test. Although the determination is made in two stages, it is not particularly limited to this.

For example, the medical interview information in the medical interview information database 20 includes items related to the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms in the medical interview for each subject who undergoes the sample test, Items to confirm whether or not, items to confirm the presence or absence of overseas travel history, items to confirm the presence or absence of infection history are presented, and based on the interview results obtained from the subject, the prior positive probability of each subject's sample may be information determined in three or more stages.
In this case, the a priori probability determination unit 12, when information indicating that there is no question information corresponding to each item in the medical interview information associated with the subject ID, The prior positive probability of the subject's sample is determined to be "low".
Further, when the interview information associated with the subject ID is "information indicating each item selected by the subject", the prior probability determination unit 12 determines whether the subject is positive in advance according to the selected item. Determine probabilities. For example, when the selected item is "dysolfactory", the prior probability determination unit 12 determines that the prior positive probability of the specimen of the subject with the subject ID is "high", or determines that the selected item is When the item indicates that there is a patient available for sample testing in the subject's housemate or neighbor, the prior positive probability of the subject's sample for that subject ID is set to "medium (low and high)." and intermediate level)”. Further, when the item related to poor physical condition is "has diarrhea", the prior probability determination unit 12 determines the prior positive probability of the specimen of the subject with the subject ID as "low".
In this case, samples with a prior positive probability of "high" will be individually tested, and samples with a prior positive probability of "low" will be tested in a group of 30 samples. Samples whose positive probability is determined to be "medium" may be subjected to a group test in which 10 samples are mixed.

In addition, according to the items selected by the interview, the specimens with a prior positive probability determined to be "high" are further classified into smaller groups, and each classified group is classified into those with a prior positive probability of "low". A group test that mixes a smaller number of specimens, or an individual test may be performed.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the prior positive probability was presented in two stages of "high (high risk)" and "low (low risk)", but numerical values (for example, numerical values in 10 stages from 1 to 10 (numerical values indicates a higher risk)).

W... Specimen test system 1... Information processing device 10... Display unit 11... Photographed image acquisition unit 12... Prior probability determination unit 13... Storage unit 20... Interview information database 3... Camera (imaging unit)

R... Rack 30... Specimen container 40... QR code

The present invention, which has been made to solve the above problems, is a specimen testing system used for specimen testing to determine whether a specimen is positive or negative, wherein A plurality of sample containers having a two-dimensional code indicating a person ID printed thereon and containing samples of the corresponding subject are collectively photographed from above a plurality of sample containers, and a plurality of the sample containers are photographed. and a photographing unit for obtaining a two-dimensional code group image in which the two-dimensional codes are collectively photographed, and the subject ID is associated with interview information of the subject specified by the subject ID and stored. and an information processing device having a medical interview information database, wherein the photographing unit transmits the two-dimensional code group image to the information processing device, and the information processing device transmits the two-dimensional code group image transmitted from the photographing unit. receiving a code group image, analyzing all two-dimensional codes in the two-dimensional code group image, identifying a subject ID corresponding to each of the two-dimensional codes, accessing the interview information database, For each subject ID specified from the two-dimensional code, the prior probability of determining the prior positive probability of the specimen of the subject with the subject ID according to the interview information associated with the subject ID The information processing device has a display unit for displaying an image, and the prior probability determination unit displays the two-dimensional code on each two-dimensional code in the two-dimensional code group image. generating a prior positivity probability determination image in which a mark indicating the prior positivity probability determined for the specimen of the subject ID specified by is superimposed, and displaying the prior positivity probability determination image on the display unit It is characterized in that it is designed to

In addition, the interview information includes items regarding the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms for each subject who undergoes the sample test, and whether or not there is a patient who is available for the sample test among the subject's cohabitants or neighbors. items to confirm, items to confirm the presence or absence of overseas travel history, and items to confirm the presence or absence of infection history, and obtained from the subject, information indicating that there are no items corresponding to the above items, Alternatively, it is information indicating that there is an item that corresponds to the item, and the prior probability determination unit indicates that there is no interview information associated with the subject ID that corresponds to the item. When it is information, it is determined that the sample of the subject with the subject ID is unlikely to be positively determined, and is determined as low prior positive probability, and the interview associated with the subject ID is performed. When the information indicates that there is something that corresponds to the above item, it is judged as high prior positive probability indicating that there is a high possibility that the specimen of the subject with the subject ID will be positive. It is desirable that the

In addition, the interview information includes items regarding the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms for each subject who undergoes the specimen test, and whether or not there is a patient who corresponds to the specimen test among the subject's cohabitants or neighbors. Information obtained from the subject showing that there are no items that correspond to each of the above items Alternatively, the information is information indicating the items that the subject has selected to be present, and the prior probability determination unit determines that the interview information associated with the subject ID does not correspond to each of the items. When the information indicates that the sample of the subject with that subject ID is determined to be a prior positive probability of low, which indicates that the possibility of being positively determined is low, and is associated with the subject ID When the received inquiry information is information indicating the item selected by the subject, the prior positive probability is high indicating that there is a high possibility of being positively determined according to the selected item, or It is desirable that the possibility of being positively determined is determined to be a prior positive probability of intermediate level, which indicates an intermediate level between the prior positive probability of low and the prior positive probability of high .

The present invention also provides a specimen testing method using a specimen testing system for determining whether a specimen is positive or negative, wherein the specimen testing system comprises an imaging unit and a specimen. an information processing apparatus having a medical interview information database that stores medical interview information of a subject identified by the subject ID in association with a subject ID that identifies a collected subject; and a display unit. A state in which the photographing unit stores a plurality of sample containers in which a two-dimensional code indicating the subject ID of the subject who undergoes the sample test is printed and the sample of the corresponding subject is stored. a step of collectively photographing the two-dimensional codes of the plurality of sample containers from above such that the two-dimensional codes of the plurality of specimen containers are included in one screen, and transmitting the collectively photographed two-dimensional code group image to the information processing apparatus; and the information processing device receives the two-dimensional code group image transmitted from the photographing unit, analyzes all the two-dimensional codes in the two-dimensional code group image, and corresponds to each of the two-dimensional codes. Identify the subject ID, access the interview information database, and for each subject ID specified from the two-dimensional code, according to the interview information associated with the subject ID, the subject a step of determining a prior positive probability of the sample of the subject with the person ID; generating a prior positivity probability determination image in which a mark indicating a prior positivity probability determined for a specimen with an individual ID is superimposed, and causing the display unit to display the prior positivity probability determination image; a step of classifying the specimen into a group in which the specimen is subjected to a group test and a group in which the specimen is subjected to an individual specimen examination according to the prior positivity probability of each specimen in the displayed prior positivity probability determination image; characterized by having

Claims (6)

A specimen testing system used for specimen testing to determine whether a specimen is positive or negative,
From above a plurality of sample containers in which a two-dimensional code indicating a subject ID for identifying a subject who undergoes a sample test is printed and in which a corresponding sample of the subject is stored is placed. an imaging unit that captures an image of a sample container and acquires a two-dimensional code group image in which the two-dimensional codes of a plurality of the sample containers are collectively captured;
an information processing device having an interview information database that stores interview information of a subject identified by the subject ID in association with the subject ID;
The imaging unit transmits the two-dimensional code group image to the information processing device,
The information processing device receives the two-dimensional code group image transmitted from the photographing unit, analyzes all the two-dimensional codes in the two-dimensional code group image, and analyzes each of the two-dimensional code group images. Identify the examinee ID, access the interview information database, and for each examinee ID identified from the two-dimensional code, according to the interview information associated with the examinee ID, the examinee A specimen inspection system comprising a prior probability determination unit for determining a prior positive probability of a specimen of an ID subject. The information processing device has a display unit that displays an image,
The a priori probability determination unit indicates the a priori positive probability determined for the specimen of the subject ID specified by the two-dimensional code above each two-dimensional code in the two-dimensional code group image. 2. The specimen inspection system according to claim 1, wherein a prior positivity probability determination image is generated in which marks are superimposed, and the prior positivity probability determination image is displayed on the display unit. The interview information includes items regarding the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms for each subject who undergoes the specimen test, and confirms whether or not there is a patient corresponding to the specimen test among the subject's cohabitants or neighbors. Information obtained from the subject by presenting items to confirm the presence or absence of overseas travel history, items to confirm the presence or absence of infection history, and indicating that there are no items corresponding to the above items, or Information indicating that there is a corresponding item,
The prior probability determination unit is
When the interview information associated with the subject ID indicates that there is no item corresponding to each of the above items, there is a possibility that the specimen of the subject with that subject ID will be positively determined. Determine the prior positive probability that indicates that is low,
When the medical interview information associated with the subject ID indicates that there is a subject corresponding to the above item, there is a possibility that the specimen of the subject with the subject ID will be positively determined. 3. The sample testing system according to claim 1, wherein a prior positive probability indicating high is determined. The medical interview information includes, for each subject who undergoes the sample test, items regarding the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms, and whether or not there is a patient corresponding to the sample test among the subject's cohabitants or neighbors. Information obtained from the subject by presenting the items to be confirmed, the item to confirm the presence or absence of overseas travel history, and the item to confirm the presence or absence of infection history, and indicating that there are no items corresponding to the above items, or , is information indicating the item that the subject has selected as present,
The prior probability determination unit is
When the interview information associated with the subject ID indicates that there is no item corresponding to each of the above items, there is a possibility that the specimen of the subject with that subject ID will be positively determined. Determine the prior positive probability that indicates that is low,
When the inquiry information associated with the subject ID is information indicating the item selected by the subject, the sample of the subject with the subject ID is selected according to the selected item. 3. The sample testing system according to claim 1, wherein the prior positive probability of is determined. A sample test method for determining whether a sample is positive or negative,
Items related to the presence or absence of poor physical condition and symptoms for each subject undergoing laboratory testing, items to confirm whether there is a patient corresponding to the laboratory testing in the subject's housemate or neighbor, overseas travel An item for confirming the presence or absence of a history of infection, an item for confirming the presence or absence of an infection history, and interview information indicating that the subject does not correspond to each of the above items, or A step of acquiring interview information indicating that there is a corresponding one;
When the interview information of the subject who collected the specimen is information indicating that there is no one corresponding to each of the above items, the preliminary positive indicating that the possibility of positive determination for the specimen of the subject is low When the probability is determined and the interview information of the subject who collected the sample indicates that there is something that corresponds to the above item, the possibility that the subject's sample will be positively determined is high. determining a prior positive probability that indicates
Classifying the specimens with the prior positive probability indicating that the possibility of positive determination is low into a first group, and classifying the specimens with the prior positive probability indicating that the possibility of being determined positive is high into a second group For the samples classified into the first group, a group test is performed by mixing a large number of the samples, and for the samples classified into the second group, the samples are individually tested. the steps to take; and
A specimen testing method characterized by comprising: A specimen testing method using a specimen testing system for determining whether a specimen is positive or negative,
The sample inspection system stores an imaging unit, a subject ID that identifies a subject who collected the sample, and medical interview information of the subject identified by the subject ID in association with each other. An information processing device having an interview information database and a display unit,
Above a state in which a plurality of sample containers in which a two-dimensional code indicating the subject ID of a subject who undergoes the sample test is printed and in which the sample of the corresponding subject is stored is stored in the imaging unit a step of collectively photographing from the side such that the two-dimensional codes of the plurality of sample containers are included in one screen, and transmitting the two-dimensional code group image obtained by collectively photographing to the information processing device;
The information processing device receives the two-dimensional code group image transmitted from the photographing unit, analyzes all the two-dimensional codes in the two-dimensional code group image, Identify the examinee ID, access the interview information database, and for each examinee ID identified from the two-dimensional code, according to the interview information associated with the examinee ID, the examinee determining a prior positive probability of a specimen for an ID subject;
The information processing device superimposes a mark indicating the prior positive probability determined for the specimen of the subject ID specified by the two-dimensional code on each two-dimensional code in the two-dimensional code group image. generating the shown prior positive probability determination image, and causing the display unit to display the prior positive probability determination image;
According to the prior positive probability for each sample in the prior positive probability determination image displayed on the display unit, the sample is classified into a group for performing a sample test by a group test and a group for performing an individual sample test. a step;
A specimen testing method characterized by comprising:

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