JP4423274B2 - Analysis equipment - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an analysis system that uses a sample container having an information recording medium for recording information on the sample stored in the sample container that stores a sample for analysis, and more particularly to one sample container. The present invention relates to an analysis system having a mechanism for dispensing a stored sample into a plurality of sample containers.

  Hereinafter, a conventional technique will be described by taking a medical analyzer that handles biological samples such as blood and urine as an example.

  In clinical examinations at hospitals and examination centers, various specimens such as blood examinations, biochemical examinations, and general examinations are performed using biological samples such as blood and urine as specimens. Generally, these analysis apparatuses include a sampler (sample dispensing apparatus) that automatically measures a sample when placed in a sample rack.

  In recent automatic analyzers, a sample storage container that stores samples or samples that hold several sample storage containers together so that an analyzer or an inspector can identify which sample the sample is collected from Each rack is provided with an information recording medium (ID carrier) for recording identification information (sample ID) of a stored sample such as a barcode. The analysis apparatus and the inspector read the sample ID from the ID carrier to determine which patient the sample belongs to and what kind of analysis is necessary.

  When actually performing the analysis process, an appropriate amount necessary for the analysis of the sample (parent sample) stored in the sample storage container is taken out (dispensing), and the sample storage container called a tube or pallet suitable for the analysis process is used. Are often dispensed into a small sample storage container for analysis. In this case, the sample (child sample) separated in the sample storage container for analysis is subjected to processing necessary for analysis, such as mixing with a reagent and reaction, and then subjected to analysis processing to obtain an analysis result. .

  In the conventional analyzer, the ID carrier is provided only in the specimen storage container. This is because the current mainstream ID carrier is a read-only barcode. Since the barcode creation and sticking mechanism requires a corresponding installation area, a dedicated barcode creation and sticking device for the specimen storage container is used. On the other hand, since the dispensing to the analysis sample storage container is performed by the sample dispensing mechanism provided in the analyzer, each analysis is performed in order to create and affix the barcode to the analysis sample storage container. Although it is necessary to provide a barcode creation and pasting mechanism for each device, it was difficult to realize due to cost problems.

  Therefore, the ID of the child sample dispensed from the parent sample is stored in correspondence with the installation position of the (child) sample storage container of each analyzer, and each analyzer combines the stored sample ID and the analysis result. The analysis results were reported to the host computer.

  The configuration of such a conventional analyzer is described in Patent Document 1, for example.

Japanese Patent Publication No.2-16875

  In an analyzer having a mechanism for dispensing a sample contained in one sample container into a plurality of sample containers, the analyzer having no sample identification information holding means for each of the plurality of sample containers, the plurality There is a possibility that the sample identification information stored in the sample container and the sample identification information recognized by the analyzer or the operator of the apparatus may not match. In particular, in an automatic analyzer for clinical tests, there is a concern that the sample ID and the analysis result will not correspond if the arrangement position of the child sample storage container is changed by the operator of the apparatus. Furthermore, in the field of medical analysis, the US FDA (Food and Drug Association) etc. have issued a request (traceability) that allows the analysis steps to be traced in order to guarantee test results. It is difficult to meet demands.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an analysis apparatus having a mechanism for dispensing a sample contained in one sample container into a plurality of sample containers, and to identify samples contained in a plurality of sample containers and identification information of the samples. It is an object of the present invention to provide an analysis system that does not cause inconsistency.

  The configuration of the present invention for achieving the above object is as follows.

  A first sample container for containing a sample, an information recording medium provided in the first sample container for recording information on the sample contained in the first sample container, and accommodated in the first sample container An analyzer comprising: a dispensing mechanism that dispenses the sampled into a plurality of samples; and a second sample container that accommodates the sample dispensed by the dispensing mechanism. The sample container includes an information recording medium for recording information about the sample contained in the second sample container, and the dispensing mechanism distributes the sample from the first sample container to the second sample container. A mechanism for copying at least a part of the information recorded in the information recording medium provided in the first sample container to the information recording medium provided in the second sample container when pouring With analytical equipment.

  The sample is preferably in a liquid or powder form that can be dispensed by a dispensing mechanism such as a pipette. The shape of the information recording medium is not limited, but a sheet is preferable because the occupied volume is reduced. The provision of the information recording medium is not limited to a sheet or box-shaped information recording medium provided directly on the sample container. As long as the identification information about the contents of the sample container can be read and written from the outside of the sample container, any installation method may be used. Various methods are possible in addition to those directly affixed to the surface of the container, such as when affixed to a support base for maintaining the posture of the sample container, or when it is provided in the support base and cannot be seen from the surface. . Similarly, various methods such as a method using light and a method using magnetism can be applied to the reading method.

  After the sample analysis is completed, the sample analysis result is associated with the sample information recorded in the information recording medium provided in the second sample container, the information recording medium, the hard disk, and the electronic memory in the analyzer It is preferable to provide recording means for recording in a magnetic memory or the like. Alternatively, the associated information may be sent to a host computer (host computer) that collects and analyzes the analysis results of the analyzer.

  The dispensing mechanism reads at least a part of the information recorded on the information recording medium provided in the first sample container and writes the read information on the information recording medium provided in the second sample container. A mechanism may be provided, and control means for controlling dispensing control and information recording medium reading and writing operations in synchronization may be provided. Controlling in synchronism means reading and writing information simultaneously with the dispensing operation. Information reading and writing means may be provided in the vicinity of the dispensing probe of the dispensing mechanism, and reading and writing of information may be started when the probe is brought close to the sample container for dispensing.

The sample ID in the analyzer and the sample ID which is the individual identification code of the sample are always in a physically combined state, and even when processing a plurality of samples simultaneously, the reading order of the sample ID and the analysis result It is possible to eliminate the possibility of changing the output order. Furthermore, since the sample ID and the sample (2) are physically combined until the analysis process, the analysis data is output and the sample ID is read from the same container at the same timing. The combination is not in an inappropriate state, and it is possible to improve the identification of the sample. In addition, since the sample ID read at the time of completion of analysis is always the sample ID of the sample that has been analyzed at that time, the software processing is simple, and even if the number of samples to be processed at the same time or the number of samples with different processing increases, complicated control such as prediction control Processing is not necessary.

In addition, a readable / writable ID carrier is provided in each container holding tank for holding a small sample storage container for analysis in order to perform each process of analysis, instead of a readable / writable ID carrier. Thus, in the same manner as when a small sample storage container for analysis is provided with a readable / writable ID carrier, the identification of the sample is improved and a readable / writable ID carrier is provided in the small sample storage container for analysis that is often discarded. The number of readable / writable ID carriers can be reduced by providing a readable / writable ID carrier in each process container holding tank fixed to the analyzer, and a readable / writable ID carrier can be provided in a small sample storage container for analysis. It is possible to make a configuration with reduced cost compared to the case of providing.

  Furthermore, when a wireless ID tag or a two-dimensional code is used as a readable / writable ID carrier, the data storage capacity is larger than that of a bar code. Information (sample collection date, patient name, analysis content necessary for sample, analysis process (recipe) information, analysis result, etc.) can be stored in a readable / writable ID carrier. In the case where only the sample ID is stored in the barcode as in the prior art, it is necessary to inquire the host computer for information necessary for the analysis from the read sample ID. However, in the case of an analyzer that has such information on the sample side and reads the sample ID and the processing information related to the sample from an ID carrier that can be read and written before each processing step as in the present invention, the inquiry to the host computer is It is only necessary at the time of starting and completing the process, and it is possible to perform a self-contained process in each analysis process, the frequency of communication with the host computer is reduced, and the load on the host computer can be reduced.

  In order to understand the present invention, the prior art will be briefly described with reference to FIG. In the case of the conventional specimen ID reading method, when the specimen (2) is stored in the specimen storage container (1), the specimen ID and the specimen (2) are physically constant, but the BCR (5) Since the sample ID is read and the sample (2) is stored in the small sample storage container (4) for analysis, the sample ID and the sample (2) are separated and processed separately. The analysis results need to be merged. For that purpose, prediction control for predicting at which point the analysis result corresponding to the read sample ID is output from the analysis content, the throughput of the analyzer (11), and the correspondence between the sample ID and the sample (2) Complex software processing such as attaching is required.

This problem becomes more apparent in the analyzer (11) that simultaneously processes a plurality of specimens (2). An example is shown in FIG. In this example, the sample ID is read from the barcode (3) provided in the sample storage container (1) (or sample rack (7)) by the sample 1 (2), and the small sample storage container (4) for analysis (tube) Or dispense into pallets). After the processing, the sample 2 (2) is similarly read the sample ID and dispensed into the small sample storage container (4) for analysis. During this time, the sample 1 (2) side continues to perform subsequent processing. The sample 2 (2) also performs the same process as the sample 1 (2) as follow-up. When the analysis contents and analysis time of the sample 1 (2) and the sample 2 (2) are the same, the sample 1 (2) whose sample ID has been read first ends the analysis process, and the sample 1
The analysis result of (2) is output. However, the sample ID table that stores the read sample ID in the analyzer (11) includes the sample ID of the sample 1 (2) and the sample ID of the sample 2 (2). For this reason, in order to normally merge the analysis data 1 and the sample ID 1 corresponding to the analysis data 1, it is necessary to merge the ID reading order and the analysis order unchanged and time-sequentially merge them.

  In FIG. 4, the analysis contents of the plurality of samples (2) and the time required for the analysis process are the same. However, if the analysis contents and analysis times of the plurality of samples (2) are different, further processing is performed. It becomes complicated. First, the sample 1 (2) is read the sample ID and dispensed into the small sample storage container (4) for analysis. After the processing, the sample 2 (2) is similarly read the sample ID and dispensed into the small sample storage container (4) for analysis. During this time, the sample 1 (2) continues the next processing. However, if the reaction time of the sample 1 (2) is longer than that of the sample 2 (2) as shown in FIG. The analysis of sample 2 (2) whose sample ID is read after the analysis completion time of) may be completed first, and the analysis result of sample 2 (2) may be output first. In this case, if the merge of the sample ID and the analysis data is simply processed in time series as shown in FIG. 4, the combination of the sample ID and the analysis result becomes inappropriate. It is necessary to control the combination of the sample ID and the analysis result to be normal by performing predictive control or the like.

  Therefore, in the present invention, the dispensing mechanism is provided in the first sample container when dispensing the sample from the first sample container (specimen storage container) to the second sample container (small analytical storage container for analysis). And a mechanism for copying at least a part of the information recorded on the recorded information recording medium to the information recording medium provided in the second sample container.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention. The movement of the sample (2) from the time the sample (2) is carried into the analyzer (11) until the analysis result is output through each step. FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the flow of data.

In the embodiment, the analyzer (11) is a sample storage container (1) such as a test tube or a sample rack (7) which is a means for storing a sample (2) such as blood or urine collected from a patient as a sample storage means. And a small sample storage container (4) for analysis corresponding to a tube or pallet, which is a means for storing the sample (2) separated for analysis in the analyzer (11). As the main body of the analyzer (11), loading means (6) such as a conveyor and a cylinder for loading the sample storage container (1) storing the sample (2) from the outside, and the sample (2) from the sample storage container (1). Analysis to carry out each analysis step performed by the analyzer (11) on the sample such as pipetting (8) and dispensing, mixing, reaction, and analysis as a means to separate into the small sample storage container (4) for analysis Each process container holding tank (15-18) for holding the small sample storage container (4) and the small sample storage container (4) for analysis are moved to each process container holding tank (15-18). And a conveying means (9) such as a conveyor and a manipulator for controlling the controller unit (not shown). Further, in this embodiment, the sample storage container (1) and the small analysis sample storage container (4) are provided with a readable / writable ID carrier (12) for holding the sample ID of the sample (2) and information relating to the analysis. The main body of the apparatus (11) includes an ID reader / writer (14) that is a means for reading and writing information such as a specimen ID from a readable / writable ID carrier (12).

  A sample storage container (1) serving as a sample storage means in the present embodiment is a container for storing blood or urine collected from a patient, and a test tube as shown in FIG. 1 is generally used. In this test tube, a readable / writable ID carrier (12) such as a barcode (3), a two-dimensional code, a wireless ID tag, etc. is stored in order to store a specimen ID which is an individual identification code of the stored specimen (2). It is attached. The method of attaching the readable / writable ID carrier (12) to the specimen storage container (1) can be directly attached to the specimen storage container (1) if it is a barcode (3) or a two-dimensional code. Further, a wireless ID tag is currently on the market, and if it is used, it can be directly attached to the specimen storage container (1). Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, data can be rewritten with the wireless ID tag attached, and even if the internal information needs to be updated, it can be rewritten, and it needs to be rewritten as in the barcode (3). Therefore, it can be directly embedded in the specimen storage container (1) as shown in FIG. When the wireless ID tag cannot be directly attached to the sample storage container (1) due to problems such as cost, a cover (19) that covers the sample storage container (1) is used to cover the sample storage container (1) and the cover. By inserting a wireless ID tag between (19), even if the wireless ID tag cannot be directly attached to the specimen storage container (1), it is possible to equip the specimen storage container (1) with the wireless ID tag. It is. Furthermore, this method is advantageous in terms of cost and maintenance because the wireless ID tag can be transferred to a new sample storage container (1) even when the sample storage container (1) is damaged.

  Moreover, when it is necessary to carry in a lot of samples (2) to the analyzer (11) at a time, a plurality of sample storage containers (1) may be carried in the sample rack (7) in a lump. In this case, by providing a readable / writable ID carrier (12) on the sample rack (7) side, it is possible to manage the sample (2) as a group and reduce the trouble of reading the ID.

The analytical small sample storage container (4), which is another sample storage means in the present embodiment, is the sample (2) that is carried into the sample storage container (1) from the outside of the analyzer (11). This is a container for storing the separated specimen (2) when an appropriate amount necessary for analysis is separated from the storage container (1). The specimen (2) is mixed with the reagent in the small specimen storage container (4) for analysis, and is analyzed through mixing and reaction. The small sample storage container (4) for analysis is generally a resin or plastic container called a tube or pallet as shown in FIG. 7, and analyzes a large amount of samples (2) in the analyzer (11). Therefore, it is smaller and easier to handle than test tubes. The pallet has a shape in which the recesses for storing the samples (2) are arranged vertically and horizontally so that a large number of samples (2) can be processed simultaneously. In this embodiment, a readable / writable ID carrier for holding a sample ID which is an individual identification code of the sample (2) stored in the small sample storage container (4) as well as the sample storage container (1) ( 12) is attached. As in the case of the specimen storage container (1) shown in FIG. 6, the attaching method is a method by pasting, a method by embedding, a small specimen storage container (4) with a cover (19) and a small specimen storage container for analysis ( 4) It is possible to take a method of inserting a readable / writable ID carrier (12) between the cover (19). Here, unlike the specimen storage container (1), the small specimen storage container (4) for analysis is generally discarded after use, so the pasting method and the embedding method can be read and written simultaneously with the container disposal. It is often disadvantageous in cost because it is necessary to discard the ID carrier (12). In that case, the cover (19) is put on the small sample storage container (4) for analysis, and a readable / writable ID carrier (12) is sandwiched between the small sample storage container (4) and the cover (19). Thus, the readable / writable ID carrier (12) can be reused, which is advantageous in terms of cost. When the analytical small sample storage container (4) is washed and reused without being discarded, it is possible to adopt a method by pasting or a method by embedding.

  The pipette (8) is means for transferring the sample (2) stored in the sample storage container (1) and carried into the analyzer (11) to the small sample storage container (4) for analysis. The pipette (8) is controlled by a controller unit in the analyzer (11) and is read from an ID carrier (12) that can be read and written by an ID reader / writer (14), which will be described later. Based on information relating to analysis such as a flag, an appropriate amount of sample (2) necessary for analysis is sucked from the sample storage container (1), and the sucked sample is released to the small sample storage container (4) for analysis.

  The transport means (9) is a means for moving the analytical small sample storage container (4) to each process container holding tank (15 to 18) described later, and generally uses a conveyor or a manipulator. The transport means (9) is controlled by a controller unit in the analyzer (11) and is read from an ID carrier (12) readable / writable by an ID reader / writer (14) to be described later, analysis contents, analysis process, process Based on the analysis-related information such as the completion flag, the small analytical sample storage container (4) is transferred to the process container holding tank (15-18), which is the work place for the next analysis process.

The ID reader / writer (14) is means for reading and writing information such as the specimen ID from the readable / writable ID carrier (12). When the readable / writable ID carrier (12) is a barcode (3) or a two-dimensional code, the barcode reader (5) is used as the ID reader, but the ID writer is a barcode labeler (13) or a two-dimensional code labeler. Use a printing press called. If the readable / writable ID carrier (12) is a wireless ID tag, the wireless ID tag transmits a radio signal from the ID reader / writer (14) to the internal IC memory as shown in FIG. Since it is a system using radio waves for reading and writing through the antenna in the tag, a printing machine such as a bar code labeler (13) is unnecessary, and the reader and the writer can be shared. In this embodiment, a wireless ID tag is used. In any ID reader (/ writer) (14), the sample ID stored in the readable / writable ID carrier (12) can be obtained by bringing the ID reader / writer (14) closer to the readable / writable ID carrier (12). And information on various analyzes is read and written by non-contact data communication means such as light, magnetism or radio waves.

In this embodiment, the reading and writing of the sample ID from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) is performed when the sample (2) is separated from the sample storage container (1) to the small sample storage container (4) for analysis or analysis. This is performed when the small sample storage container (4) moves to each process container holding tank (15 to 18) to be described later in order to perform each process of analysis. To separate the specimen (2) and move the small specimen storage container (4) for analysis, a pipette (8) or a transport means (9) is required. The pipette (8) needs to approach the specimen storage container (1) when sucking the specimen (2), and to approach the small specimen storage container (4) for analysis when discharging the specimen (2). Also, the transport means (9) needs to contact the small analytical sample storage container (4) in order to transport the small analytical sample storage container (4). Therefore, in this embodiment, by integrating the pipette (8), the transport means (9), and the ID reader / writer (14), control for separating the specimen (2) and control for reading and writing the specimen ID are performed. Alternatively, the movement control of the small specimen storage container (4) for analysis and the control for reading and writing the specimen ID are unified, the control is simplified, and the structure of the analyzer (11) is simplified and the space is saved. be able to.

Each process container holding tank (15-18) stores a small sample for analysis in order to carry out each processing step performed by the analyzer (11) on the sample (2) such as dispensing, mixing, reaction, and analysis. Means for holding the container (4). When each process container holding tank (15 to 18) is provided for each processing process related to analysis such as dispensing, mixing, reaction, and analysis, a plurality of processing processes may be performed in the same tank. In this embodiment, a dispensing container holding tank (15), a mixing container holding tank (16), a reaction container holding tank (17), and an analytical container holding are carried out for each processing step of dispensing, mixing, reaction, and analysis. The structure with a tank (18) is shown. Each container holding tank (15-18) generally has functions such as a temperature management function and a stirring function in addition to the container holding function.

  The carry-in means (6) is a means for carrying in the sample storage container (1) in which the sample (2) is stored from the outside, and generally uses a device such as a conveyor or a cylinder.

  The above is the means necessary for carrying out the present invention.

  Hereinafter, the sample ID delivery method of the analyzer (11) in the present invention will be described.

  In the figure, a specimen (2) such as blood and urine collected from a patient is first stored in a specimen storage container (1) such as a test tube. The specimen storage container (1) includes a readable / writable ID carrier (12), and the individual identification of the specimen (2) stored in the readable / writable ID carrier (12) of the specimen storage container (1). Information related to the patient, such as the specimen ID as a code, analysis information such as test information, test conditions, test process, and process completion flag, and the patient's name in some cases are also stored. These pieces of information are written to the readable / writable ID carrier (12) of the specimen storage container (1) by the ID reader / writer (14) when the specimen (2) is collected from the patient.

  In order to simultaneously transport a plurality of samples (2) to the analyzer (11), a plurality of sample storage containers (1) are mounted on the sample rack (7), and the whole sample rack (7) is carried into the analyzer (11). Cases also exist. In this case, the specimen storage container (1) as shown in FIG. 8 is not provided with the readable / writable ID carrier (12), but the specimen rack (7) is provided with the readable / writable ID carrier (12), and the specimen (2). Are managed in groups for each sample rack (7). The readable / writable ID carrier (12) attached to the sample rack (7) centrally manages which sample (2) is stored in which space of the sample rack (7).

The sample storage container (1) or the sample rack (7) containing the sample storage container (1) is loaded by the loading means (6). When loading the sample storage container (1) such as a test tube, a cylinder is used as the loading means (6), and when loading the sample rack (7), a conveyor is often used.

When the sample storage container (1) or the sample rack (7) containing the sample storage container (1) is carried in, the analyzer (11) starts the analysis process. First, the sample ID of the sample (2) carried in by the ID reader / writer (14) from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) attached to the sample storage container (1) or the sample rack (7), and the test Reading inspection information such as information, inspection conditions, inspection process, and process completion flag, who is the sample (2) that was brought in, what kind of inspection is necessary, and what kind of analysis is necessary for that It is judged whether it is. Based on the information, the controller unit in the analyzer (11) controls the pipette (8), sucks an appropriate amount of the sample (2) in the sample storage container (1), and dispenses the sample in the analyzer (11). The specimen (2) sucked into the small specimen storage container (4) installed in advance in the container holding tank (15) is released.

  When the specimen (2) is discharged into the analytical small specimen storage container (4), the specimen (2) is sucked into the readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in the analytical small specimen storage container (4). The sample ID and analysis information read from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) of the sample storage container (1) are written in the ID reader / writer (14).

In this embodiment, the reading and writing of the sample ID from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) is performed when the sample (2) is separated from the sample storage container (1) to the small sample storage container (4) for analysis. The pipette (8) is used to separate the specimen (2) as described above. When the pipette (8) draws the specimen (2), it approaches the specimen storage container (1) and releases the specimen (2). In addition, it is necessary to approach the small sample storage container (4) for analysis. In addition, reading and writing of the sample ID and analysis information from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) is performed by the ID reader / writer (14). In this case, the ID reader / writer (14) is also connected to the sample storage container (1). ) Or the read / write ID carrier (12) attached to the small sample storage container (4). Therefore, in this embodiment, the pipette (8), the transport means (9) and the ID reader / writer (14) are integrated. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, when the sample (2) is sucked from the sample storage container (1), the pipette (8) is brought close to the ID reader / writer (14) provided in the pipette (8). Reads the sample ID and analysis information from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in the sample storage container (1). Further, the sucked sample (2) is discharged into the analytical small sample storage container (4), and at the same time, the ID reader / writer (14) provided in the pipette (8) with the read sample ID and analysis information is used for the small sample for analysis. Write to a readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in the storage container (4). Control for specimen (2) separation and control for reading and writing specimen ID, or transport means (9) of the small specimen storage container (4) and control for reading and writing specimen ID are unified. While simplifying the control, the structure of the analyzer (11) can be simplified and the space can be saved. In addition, when the different specimen (2) is sucked or released, the ID reader / writer (14) is directed to the specimen storage container (1) or the small specimen storage container (4) to be discharged. Although the sample ID is read, it is possible to eliminate a mistake in reading and writing that the sample ID is actually read from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in the adjacent sample storage container (1).

  In the embodiment of FIG. 1, since the subsequent mixing and reaction processing are performed in the same small sample storage container (4) for analysis, it is not necessary to read the sample ID from the readable / writable ID carrier (12). Analytical data obtained by reading the sample ID and analysis information from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in the small sample storage container (4) again in the analysis process for outputting the final analysis result. And the specimen ID read from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in the analytical small specimen storage container (4) used for the analysis processing are combined and output as an analysis result.

  By taking the above method, the sample (2) in the analyzer (11) and the sample ID which is the individual identification code of the sample (2) are in a state of being physically combined at all times. Even when the processing of 2) is performed simultaneously, there is no possibility that the reading order of the specimen IDs and the output order of the analysis results are switched. Furthermore, since analysis data output and sample ID reading are performed from the same container at the same timing, the combination of sample ID and analysis data will not be in an inappropriate state, and sample identification can be improved. It is. Further, since the sample ID read at the time of completion of analysis is always the sample ID of the sample that has been analyzed at that time, the software processing is simple, and the number of samples (2) to be processed at the same time and samples (2) with different processing increases. However, complicated processing such as predictive control becomes unnecessary.

The embodiment of FIG. 10 is a further extension of the embodiment of FIG. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, instead of having a readable / writable ID carrier (12) in the analytical small sample storage container (4), a dispensing container holding tank (15) provided for each analysis processing step, In this method, a readable / writable ID carrier (12) is provided in each of the mixing container holding tank (16), the reaction container holding tank (17), and the analysis container holding tank (18). The specimen ID delivery method of the analyzer (11) will be described below using FIG.

  In FIG. 10, a specimen (2) such as blood and urine collected from a patient is first stored in a specimen storage container (1) such as a test tube. The sample storage container (1) includes a readable / writable ID carrier (12), and the individual identification of the sample (2) stored in the readable / writable ID carrier (12) of the sample storage container (1). A sample ID, which is a code, analysis information, and the like are stored. These pieces of information are written to the readable / writable ID carrier (12) of the specimen storage container (1) by the ID reader / writer (14) when the specimen (2) is collected from the patient.

The sample storage container (1) or the sample rack (7) containing the sample storage container (1) is loaded by the loading means (6). Similarly to the above-described method, a cylinder is used as the loading means (6) when loading the sample storage container (1) such as a test tube, and a conveyor is used when loading the sample rack (7). Is done.

When the sample storage container (1) or the sample rack (7) containing the sample storage container (1) is carried in, the analyzer (11) starts the analysis process. First, the sample ID of the sample (2) carried in by the ID reader / writer (14) from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) attached to the sample storage container (1) or the sample rack (7), and the test Reading inspection information such as information, inspection conditions, inspection process, and process completion flag, who is the sample (2) that was brought in, what kind of inspection is necessary, and what kind of analysis is necessary for that It is judged whether it is. Based on the information, the controller unit in the analyzer (11) controls the pipette (8), sucks an appropriate amount of the sample (2) in the sample storage container (1), and dispenses the sample in the analyzer (11). The specimen (2) sucked into the small specimen storage container (4) installed in advance in the container holding tank (15) is released.

  When this sample (2) is released to the small sample storage container (4) for analysis, the sample ID and analysis information are written by the ID reader / writer (14) provided in the pipette (8), but the writing destination is released. When the sample (2) is sucked into the readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in the dispensing container holding tank (15) in which the small sample storage container (4) for analysis is held, the sample storage container The sample ID and analysis information read from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) in (1) are written.

Next, in order to perform the mixing process with the reagent, the transporting means (9) is used for the small sample storage container (4) in which the sample (2) to be analyzed is stored in the mixing container holding tank (16). Move. The transport means (9) is a means for moving the analytical small sample storage container (4) to each process container holding tank (15-18), and generally uses a conveyor or a manipulator. The transport means (9) is controlled by a controller unit in the analyzer (11) and is read from an ID carrier (12) readable / writable by the ID reader / writer (14), analysis contents, analysis process, process completion flag. Based on the information relating to the analysis, the small sample storage container (4) for analysis is transported to each process container holding tank (15-18) which is a work place for the next analysis process. In the present embodiment, the ID reader / writer (14) is integrated with the transport means (9) as well as the pipette (8). As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, the transport means (9) approaches the analytical small sample storage container (4) to transport the analytical small sample storage container (4), and at the same time the transport means (9). Dispensing from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in the dispensing container holding tank (15) in which the provided ID reader / writer (14) holds the small sample storage container (4) for analysis The specimen ID and analysis information relating to the specimen (2) stored in the analytical small specimen storage container (4) held in the container holding tank (15) are read. Thereafter, the transport means (9) transports the analytical small sample storage container (4) and approaches the mixing container holding tank (16) which is the next container holding tank, and at the same time, the dispensing container holding tank (15 The sample ID and the analysis information read from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in) are provided in the readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in the mixing container holding tank (16) in the transport means (9). Is written by the ID reader / writer (14). Then, the analytical small sample storage container (4) transported by the transport means (9) is held in the mixing container holding tank (16). Hereinafter, in order to perform mixing, reaction, and analysis, the analytical small sample storage container (4) is analyzed from the mixing container holding tank (16) to the reaction container holding tank (17) and from the reaction container holding tank (17). Similarly, the sample ID and the analysis information are exchanged during the transport to the container holding tank (18). When the analysis is finally completed in the analysis container holding tank (18) and the analysis data is output, an ID reader is provided from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in the analysis container holding tank (18). The sample ID and analysis information are read by the / writer (14), combined with the analysis data, and output as the analysis result. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, since the transport means (9) is provided with an ID reader / writer (14), the analysis small sample storage container (4) is removed from the analysis container holding tank (18) after the analysis is completed. At this time, the sample ID is read from the readable / writable ID carrier (12) provided in the analysis container holding tank (18) by the ID reader / writer (14) provided in the transport means (9), and the read sample ID is read. Becomes the sample ID of the analysis data output at that time. In this method, since the sample ID is read by the ID reader / writer (14) provided in the transport means (9) when the analysis is completed, the ID reader / writer for reading the sample ID when the analysis result is output ( 14) need not be provided separately, so that the number of ID reader / writers (14) used can be minimized.

  By adopting the above method, the sample (2) and the sample ID are always physically combined as in the case where the small sample storage container (4) is provided with the readable / writable ID carrier (12). Therefore, even when analyzing a plurality of samples (2) simultaneously, there is no possibility that the reading order of sample IDs and the output order of analysis results are switched. Furthermore, since analysis data output and sample ID reading are performed from the same container at the same timing, the combination of sample ID and analysis data will not be in an inappropriate state, and sample identification can be improved. It is. Further, since the sample ID read at the time of completion of analysis is always the sample ID of the sample (2) that has been analyzed at that time, the software processing is simple, and the samples (2) to be processed simultaneously and the samples (2) to be processed are different. Even if it increases, complicated processing such as predictive control becomes unnecessary.

The difference from the case where the analytical small sample storage container (4) is provided with a readable / writable ID carrier (12) is that an ID carrier (12) readable / writable to the analytical small sample storage container (4), which is often disposable. ), And the ID container (12) which can be read and written is provided in each process container holding tank (15 to 18) fixed to the analyzer (11), so that the number of ID carriers (12) which can be read and written can be used. It is possible to reduce the cost compared to the case where the small sample storage container (4) for analysis includes a readable / writable ID carrier (12).

As an embodiment of the present invention, in an analyzer equipped with a readable / writable ID carrier in a sample storage container into which a sample is dispensed, the analysis result is output after each sample is loaded into the analyzer. It is the figure which showed typically the motion of the specimen and the flow of data until. In the conventional analyzer, it is the figure which showed typically the motion of the sample from a sample carried in to an analyzer, and an analysis result being output through each process, and the flow of data. In the conventional analyzer, it is a figure which suggested the possibility that the discriminability of a sample may fall when processing a plurality of samples simultaneously. In the conventional analyzer, it is a figure which suggested the possibility that the discriminability of a sample may fall when a plurality of samples are processed simultaneously and the analysis contents of each sample and the time required for the analysis process are different. It is the figure which showed the internal structure of the wireless ID tag, and the data reading / writing method. It is the figure which showed the method of equip | installing the sample storage container or the small sample storage container for analysis with the readable / writable ID carrier. It is a figure showing the tube and pallet generally used as a small sample storage container for analysis. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a sample and sample ID group management method in a sample rack and a readable / writable ID carrier provided in the sample rack. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a method of simultaneously passing a specimen and a specimen ID by a pipette and an ID reader / writer provided in the pipette. In the analyzer having the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and an ID carrier that can read and write in each process container holding tank for holding a small sample storage container for analysis, the sample is carried into the analyzer and passed through each process. It is the figure which showed typically the motion of the sample until an analysis result is output, and the flow of data. It is the figure which showed the simultaneous delivery method of the sample and sample ID by the ID reader / writer with which the conveyance means and the conveyance means were equipped. It is a figure which shows that the load of a host can be reduced by storing the information used as the judgment material of an analysis process in ID carrier.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sample storage container, 2 ... Sample, 3 ... Bar code, 4 ... Small sample storage container for analysis, 5 ... Bar code reader (BCR), 6 ... Loading means, 7 ... Sample rack, 8 ... Pipette, 9 ... Transport Means, 10 ... analyzing means, 11 ... analyzer, 12 ... readable / readable ID carrier, 13 ... barcode labeler, 14 ... ID reader / writer, 15 ... dispensing container holding tank, 16 ... mixing container holding tank, 17 ... Reaction container holding tank, 18 ... Analysis container holding tank, 19 ... Cover, 20 ... PC, 21 ... Host, 22 ... Controller unit.

Claims (3)

A first sample container containing a sample;
An information recording medium that is provided in the first sample container and records information about the sample contained in the first sample container;
A dispensing mechanism for dispensing a sample contained in the first sample container into a second sample container;
A transport mechanism for transporting the second sample container;
A analysis apparatus provided with,
The second sample container is a) provided with an information recording medium capable of reading and writing information in a non-contact manner, and b) placed in a container holding tank for each process fixed to the analyzer.
And, the dispensing mechanism from the first sample container and the second sample container to the sample at the time of dispensing, the first recorded on the information recording medium provided on the sample container of the first A mechanism for copying at least a part of the information about the sample contained in the sample container to a recording medium provided in each of the process container holding tanks on which the second sample container is placed ;
Further, when the transport mechanism transports the second sample container between the process container holding tanks, at least one part of the information related to the sample stored in the second sample container analysis device characterized by having a function of copying between information recording medium provided on the container holding tank for process. In analysis apparatus according to claim 1,
The container holding tank for each process is
Dispensing container holding tank, mixing container holding tank, the reaction vessel holding tank, analysis device characterized in that it comprises at least one of the analysis container holding tank. In analysis apparatus according to claim 2,
It said container holding tank for each step, the temperature management, analysis device you comprising the functionality of any of the stirring function.

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