JP6764277B2 - Specimen test automation system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sample test automation system that performs quantitative and qualitative analysis of specific components contained in a sample such as blood and urine.

In a sample test automation system that performs quantitative and qualitative analysis of specific components contained in biological samples such as blood and urine (hereinafter referred to as samples), pretreatment and pretreatment samples that make the samples analyzable are used. Each process such as the analysis process for analysis, the pretreatment device for pretreatment, and the transfer process for transporting the sample in the analyzer performing the analysis process is automatically performed.

As a technique for transporting such a sample container, for example, in Patent Document 1 (International Publication No. 2013/042549), a plurality of processing units and a holder carrying a sample to be processed in the plurality of processing units are transported. The main transport path, the empty holder transport path for transporting the holder on which the sample is not mounted, and the supply means for supplying the holder on the empty holder transport path to the processing unit or the main transport path are provided, and the transport paths are arranged in a loop. A sample inspection automation system is disclosed in which a plurality of loop transport paths are connected to form an empty holder transport path.

International Publication No. 2013/042549

By the way, in a physical examination automatic system that automatically performs necessary processing such as sample pretreatment, analysis processing, and transport processing as in the above-mentioned conventional technique, a sample container or a processing process in which pretreatment and analysis processing have been completed. The sample container in which an error or the like occurs is transported to a sample storage unit or the like having a storage function of the sample container by a transport process and stored in a corresponding storage destination (for example, a tray). At this time, if the number of trays corresponding to a certain sample container has reached the upper limit in the sample storage unit, the sample container cannot be stored and congestion of the sample container occurs on the transport route. Therefore, there is a concern about delays in pretreatment and analysis processing due to delays in storage and transportation processing of other sample containers.

The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is possible to suppress delays in pretreatment, analysis processing, and transportation processing by suppressing the occurrence of congestion on the transportation path of the sample container due to the state of the sample storage unit. The purpose is to provide an automated sample test system that can be used.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention analyzes a pretreatment device that performs pretreatment for preparing a sample contained in a sample container into an analyzable state, and a sample that has been pretreated by the pretreatment device. The pretreatment device and the sample container transport device for transporting the sample container in the analyzer, and at least one loop formed as a transport path for transporting the sample container in the sample container transport device. A sample container storage unit that is arranged in a similar transport path and that stores the sample container to be stored that has been transported to a storage position on the transport path in a storage unit that is previously associated with the plurality of storage units, and the above. When storage in the storage unit associated with the sample container to be stored is restricted, the sample container transport device is controlled so that the sample container to be stored passes through the storage position on the transport path. It shall be equipped with a control unit.

According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress delays in pretreatment, analysis processing, and transportation processing by suppressing the occurrence of congestion on the transportation path of the sample container due to the state of the sample storage unit.

It is a figure which shows outline the whole structure of the sample test automation system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically an example of the sample container and the sample container holder which mounts a sample container. It is a figure which simplifies and shows typically the transport function of a sample container in the sample container transport device shown in FIG. 1. It is a perspective view which shows the whole structure of the sample container storage part. It is a top view which shows the whole structure of the sample container storage part. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the sample container storage part together with the peripheral structure. It is a figure which shows the sample patrol mode setting screen displayed on the display part of a control part. It is a flowchart which shows the process which concerns on the storage of a sample container in a sample container storage part.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing an overall configuration of a sample test automation system according to the present embodiment. Further, FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing an example of a sample container and a sample container holder on which the sample container is mounted.

In FIG. 1, the sample test automation system includes a pretreatment device 100 that performs pretreatment for preparing a biological sample (hereinafter referred to as a sample) such as blood and urine contained in a sample container 40 into an analyzable state, and a pretreatment. The analyzer 11 that performs analysis processing on the sample on which the above was performed, the sample container transport device 13 that transports the sample container 40 in the pretreatment device 100 and the analyzer 11, and the control unit that controls the operation of the entire sample test automation system. It is roughly configured from 12.

The pretreatment device 100 is configured by connecting a plurality of processing units (processing units) having various functions required for pretreatment, and is a sample container in which a sample is stored and sealed by a stopper (not shown). A sample charging unit 1 for charging the 40 into the sample test automation system, a centrifugal separation processing unit 4 for centrifuging the sample of the sample container 40 charged into the sample container 1, and a sample subjected to the centrifugal separation treatment. Bar code 40a (see FIG. 2) and QR as an identifier (individual identification label) based on the sample information of the sample container 40 charged into the sample container 1 and the opening processing unit 5 that opens the container 40. A bar is issued from the sample container 40 (parent sample container) opened by the bar code affixing processing unit 6 attached to the empty sample container 40 and the opening processing unit 5 by issuing a (Quick Response) code (not shown). The code affixing processing unit 6 dispenses the sample into the sample container 40 (child sample container) to which the bar code 40a is attached, and the sample container holder used for transporting the sample container 40 on the pretreatment device 100 side. The transfer processing unit 10 for transferring the sample container 40 between the sample container 30 (see FIG. 2) and the sample container rack (not shown) used for transporting the sample container 40 on the analyzer 11 side, and the dispensing processing unit 7 A transport unit 9 for transporting the sample container 40 between the and the transfer processing unit 10, a plugging processing unit 8 for closing the sample container 40, and a sample container storage unit for storing the sample container 40 that has been closed. 3 and a sample container holder storage unit 2 for storing a sample container holder 30 on which the sample container 40 is not mounted are provided.

Each of the processing units 1 to 10 of the pretreatment device 100 is connected by a plurality of transfer lines (described later) constituting the sample container transfer device 13, and the sample container 40 is connected to each of the processing units 1 to 10 via those transfer lines. It is being transported between 10. The configuration of the processing unit of the pretreatment device 100 of the present embodiment is only an example, and the pretreatment device may be configured by the processing unit having other functions.

As shown in FIG. 2, in the pretreatment device 100, the sample container 40 is transported in a state of being mounted on the sample container holder 30 on which one sample container 40 is mounted. An RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) 30a as an identifier (individual identification mark) is built in the sample container holder 30, and the sample container 40 to which the barcode 40a is attached is inserted and mounted from above. The information recorded in the RFID 30a (identification information and sample information) and the information recorded in the barcode 40a (identification information and sample information) are associated and stored in the storage unit 12a (described later) of the control unit 12. .. Unless it is necessary to distinguish between them, both the parent sample container and the child sample container are referred to as a sample container 40.

FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a simplified sample container transport function in the sample container transport device shown in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the function of the sample container holder storage line 13h is not shown for the sake of simplicity.

In FIGS. 1 and 3, the sample container transport device 13 transports the sample container 40 mounted on the sample container holder 30 in the pretreatment device 100, and each processing unit constituting the pretreatment device 100. The main line 13a (first transport path) for transporting the sample container 40 to 1 to 10 and the sample container 40 that do not need to be processed in each of the processing units 1 to 10 (that is, do not need to pass through the main line 13a). The overtaking line 13e to be transported, the return line 13b (second transport path) for transporting the sample container 40 from the downstream side to the upstream side of at least the sample container storage portion 3 of the main line 13a, and at least the sample container storage of the overtaking line 13e. The loop line 13g for transporting the sample container 40 from the downstream side to the part 3 to the upstream side of the return line 13b and the sample container 40 for transporting the sample container 40 from the downstream side of the return line 13b to at least the upstream side of the overtaking line 13e with respect to the sample container storage portion 3. It is roughly composed of a loop line 13f, a plurality of carry-in lines 13c for transporting the sample container 40 from the overtaking line 13e to the main line 13a, and a carry-out line 13d for transporting the sample container 40 from the main line 13a to the overtaking line 13e. There is. Further, the sample container transport device 13 includes a sample container holder storage line 13h having a function of storing and transporting the sample container holder 30 together with the sample container holder storage unit 2.

Each transport line in the present embodiment transports the sample container holder 30 placed on the upper surface of the belt line by driving the belt line in the transport direction by, for example, a drive mechanism (not shown). The sample container transport device 13 also transports the sample container holder 30 on which the sample container 40 is not mounted.

As shown in FIG. 3, other transport lines (loop lines 13f, 13g, carry-in line 13c, carry-out line 13d, etc.) branch off from each transport line (main line 13a, return line 13b, overtaking line 13e, etc.). Specimen branching mechanisms 130a to 130d (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as a sample branching mechanism 130) for switching the transport direction of the sample container 40 (including the sample container holder 30) are arranged at the positions. The sample branching mechanism 130 can be arranged on each transport line and retracted from the transport line by a drive mechanism (not shown), and each transport line is transported in a state of being retracted from the transport line (not shown). In the state of passing the coming sample container 40 and arranging it on the transport line (the state of FIG. 3), the sample container 40 and the sample container holder 30 that are transported on each transport line are guided and moved to the branch transport line side. Let me.

For example, considering the main line 13a, in a state where the sample branching mechanism 130c is retracted from the main line 13a (not shown), the sample container 40 transported from the upstream side to the downstream side of the main line 13a is a sample. It passes through the position of the branch mechanism 130c and is transported to the downstream side. Further, in the state where the sample branching mechanism 130c is arranged on the transport line (state in FIG. 3), the sample container 40 transported from the upstream side to the downstream side on the main line 13a is at the position of the sample branching mechanism 130c. It is guided and moved to the carry-out line 13d and transported. The same applies to the other sample branching mechanism 130.

Here, the carry-out line 13d, a part of the overtaking line 13e, and the loop line 13g are sample containers from the downstream side of the first transport path (main line 13a) to the upstream side of the second transport path (return line 13b). The loop line 13f, a part of the overtaking line 13e, and the carry-in line 13c form a third transport path for transporting 40, and the first transport path from the downstream side of the second transport path (return line 13b). A fourth transport path for transporting the sample container 40 is formed on the upstream side of (main line 13a), and a loop-shaped transport path is formed by the first to fourth transport paths.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the overall configuration of the sample container storage portion, and FIG. 5 is a top view. Further, FIG. 6 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the sample container storage portion together with the peripheral configuration. In FIG. 6, the sample container holder storage line 13h is not shown for the sake of simplicity.

In FIGS. 4 to 6, the sample container storage unit 3 pulls out the sample container 40 to be stored, which has been conveyed to the storage position 16 set on the main line 13a, from the sample container holder 30, and puts it in the sample container storage unit 3. It is stored in the tray 14a arranged in the storage unit associated in advance among the plurality of storage units provided, and is recorded from the RFID 30a of the sample container holder 30 equipped with the sample container 40 transported to the storage position 16. An RFID reader 16b that reads the information, a stopper mechanism 16a that stops the sample container holder 30 (specimen container 40) transported to the storage position 16 at the storage position 16, and a sample container holder stopped at the storage position 16. The sample holding mechanism 16c having a function of holding and stabilizing the 30 and rotating it in the horizontal direction, the identifier reading mechanism 15 for reading the identifier (bar code 40a) of the sample container 40 stopped at the storage position 16, and the storage position 16 A sample container chuck mechanism 20 for moving the sample container 40 from the stopped sample container holder 30 to the target tray 14a and storing the sample container 40 is provided.

Further, the sample container storage unit 3 stops the RFID reading device 17b that reads the RFID of the sample container holder 30 on the downstream side of the storage position 16 in the main line 13a, and the sample container holder 30 (sample container 40) on the main line 13a. A stopper mechanism 17a for stopping the sample container holder 30 (sample container 40) on the overtaking line 13e, an RFID reader 20b for reading the RFID of the sample container holder 30 on the overtaking line 13e, and a return line 13b. A stopper mechanism 19a for stopping the sample container holder 30 (sample container 40) is provided. Note that FIG. 6 illustrates an RFID reader 18b that reads the RFID of the sample container holder 30 on the loop line 13f and a stopper mechanism 18a that stops the sample container holder 30 (sample container 40) on the loop line 13f. ing.

A plurality of storage units are set in the sample container storage unit 3, and trays 14a for storing the sample container 40 are arranged in each storage unit, and trays arranged in the sample container storage unit 3 are arranged. 14a and the storage unit can be almost synonymous. The type and status (state and status) of the sample to be stored are set and assigned to each storage unit (that is, the tray 14a), and the sample container 40 to be stored transported to the storage position 16 is assigned. It is stored in the corresponding storage unit (tray 14a) by the sample container chuck mechanism 20.

The tray 14a is placed on a pull-out mechanism 14 that can be pulled out to the front side (that is, the front side of the pretreatment device 100) of the sample container storage unit 3, and the tray 14a is pulled out from the sample container 14a. It can be moved to the front of the storage unit 3, and the tray 14a can be replaced.

In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 and the like, an example in which eight trays 14a capable of storing 50 sample containers 40 are arranged is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, 100. A plurality of trays or racks capable of storing the sample containers 40 of books (or 25, 10, 5, etc.) may be arranged.

The sample container chuck mechanism 20 is driven by a drive mechanism (not shown), can grip the sample container 40 from above and transport it in the vertical and horizontal directions, is stopped by the stopper mechanism 16a at the storage position 16, and is a sample. The sample container 40 is taken out from the sample container holder 30 pressed by the pressing mechanism 16c, moved to a tray 14a set in advance corresponding to the sample container 40, and stored.

The control unit 12 controls the operation of the entire sample test automation system, and includes each storage unit (tray 14a) of the sample container storage unit 3 and the type and status (state and status) of the sample stored in the tray 14a. ), And the reading result of the RFID 30a of the sample container holder 30 by the RFID reading device 16b provided at the storage position 16 of the sample container storage unit 3 or the storage unit 12a in which the correspondence (allocation setting) is set and stored. , A specific unit that identifies the tray 14a to be stored in the sample container 40 to be stored based on the reading result of the barcode 40a of the sample container 40 by the identifier reading mechanism 15 and the allocation setting stored in the storage unit 12a. It includes 12b, a display unit 12c for displaying various information and setting screens, and an operation unit 12d for inputting and operating various setting values.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a sample patrol mode setting screen displayed on the display unit of the control unit.

The sample circulation mode setting screen 50 switches between enabling / disabling the sample circulation mode (detailed later), and the setting unit 51 for setting the sample circulation mode to the OFF state (that is, invalid) and the sample circulation mode ON state. It has a setting unit 52 to be set to (that is, valid), an OK button 53 to determine the state set in any of the setting units 51 and 52, and a cancel button 54 to cancel the state set in the setting units 51 and 52. are doing.

Here, the sample patrol mode means that the sample container 40 to be stored is stored in the tray 14a of the storage destination according to the situation of the tray 14a of the storage destination of the sample container 40 stopped at the storage position 16 of the sample container storage unit 3. In this mode, it is determined whether the container is stored in the container or is transported to the downstream side of the storage position 16 via the main line 13a, and the loop-shaped transport path formed by the first to fourth transport paths is circulated.

For example, when the sample circulation mode is OFF (invalid), storage in the tray 14a set in advance in association with the type and status of the sample container 40 stopped at the storage position 16 is restricted ( When the tray 14a is full, when the tray 14a is not installed, etc.), the sample container 40 is stopped at the storage position 16 until the restriction on storage in the storage destination tray 14a is lifted. In addition, the operator is notified by a display on the display unit 12c or a lamp constituting Andon that the storage is restricted. At this time, the other subsequent sample containers 40 transported along the main line 13a will stand side by side on the upstream side of the sample container 40, which may cause congestion in the sample container 40. If there is no restriction on storage in the storage destination tray 14a, the sample container 40 is removed from the sample container holder 30 by the sample container chuck mechanism 20 and stored in the tray 14a.

Further, when the sample circulation mode is ON (valid), storage in the tray 14a set in advance in association with the type and status of the sample container 40 stopped at the storage position 16 is restricted. , The loop-shaped transport path formed by the first to fourth transport paths is transported to the downstream side of the storage position 16 via the main line 13a until the restriction on storage in the storage destination tray 14a is lifted. Patrol. In addition, the operator is notified by a display on the display unit 12c or a lamp constituting Andon that the storage is restricted. At this time, the specific result by the specific unit 12b is stored in the storage unit 12a in association with the sample container 40. If there is no restriction on storage in the storage destination tray 14a, the sample container 40 is removed from the sample container holder 30 by the sample container chuck mechanism 20 and stored in the tray 14a. That is, with respect to the subsequent other sample containers 40 that are transported to the main line 13a, in order to sequentially determine whether to store the sample container 40 to be stored in the tray 14a of the storage destination or to patrol the transport route. No congestion occurs in the sample container 40 at the storage position 16.

The above processing performed in the sample container storage unit 3 when the sample circulation mode is ON and OFF is performed every time the sample container 40 is transported to the storage position 16. The storage of the sample container 40 in each storage unit (each tray 14a) of the sample container storage unit 3 is managed by the control unit 12, and the status of each tray 14a (whether the tray 14a is full or not, the tray). Whether or not 14a is installed, etc.) can be grasped sequentially.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a process related to storage of the sample container in the sample container storage unit.

In FIG. 8, when the sample container 40 is transported to the storage position 16 of the sample container storage unit 3, the identifier reading mechanism 15 reads the barcode 40a of the sample container 40, or the RFID reading device 16b is the sample container holder 30. RFID 30a is read, and the read information is sent to the control unit 12 (step S10). Next, the identification unit 12b of the control unit 12 specifies the storage position on the tray 14a and the tray 14a, which are the storage destinations of the sample container 40, based on the sent information (step S20). Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the storage destination tray 14a has a storage restriction (step S30), and if the determination result is NO, that is, if there is no storage restriction, the sample container 40 is placed in the storage destination tray 14a. It is stored (step S70), and the process is completed. Further, if the determination result in step S30 is YES, that is, if there is a storage restriction, it is determined whether or not the patrol mode is valid (step S40), and if the determination result is YES, the sample container 40 The patrol is performed (step S50), the storage position identification result is stored in the storage unit 12a (step S60), and the process is completed. If the determination result in step S40 is NO, that is, when the sample circulation mode is invalid, the sample container 40 is maintained at the storage position 16 (step S80), and the process is terminated.

The effects of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described.

In a physical examination automatic system that automatically performs necessary processing such as sample pretreatment, analysis processing, and transport processing as in the conventional technology, a sample container that has completed pretreatment and analysis processing, or an error in the processing process, etc. The sample container in which the above is generated is transported to a sample storage unit or the like having a storage function of the sample container by a transport process and stored in a corresponding storage destination (for example, a tray). At this time, if the number of trays corresponding to a certain sample container has reached the upper limit in the sample storage unit, the sample container cannot be stored and congestion of the sample container occurs on the transport route. Therefore, there is a concern about delays in pretreatment and analysis processing due to delays in storage and transportation processing of other sample containers.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the pretreatment device 100 that performs the pretreatment that makes the sample contained in the sample container 40 in an analyzable state and the sample that has been pretreated by the pretreatment device 100 It was formed as an analyzer 11 for performing an analysis process, a sample container transport device 13 for transporting the sample container 40 in the pretreatment device 100 and the analyzer 11, and a transport route for transporting the sample container 40 in the sample container transport device 13. Specimen container storage in which the sample container 40 to be stored, which is arranged in at least one loop-shaped transport path and has been transported to the storage position 16 on the transport path, is stored in the storage section associated in advance among the plurality of storage sections. When the storage in the storage unit associated with the sample container 40 to be stored is restricted, the sample container 40 to be stored passes through the storage position 16 on the transport path. Since it is configured, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of congestion on the transport path of the sample container due to the state of the sample storage unit, and it is possible to suppress delays in pretreatment, analysis processing, and transport processing.

The present invention is not limited to the examples described in the above-described embodiment, and includes various modifications. That is, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not necessarily limited to the one including all the described configurations.

For example, the sample container transport device 13 is provided with a detour transport route for transporting the sample container 40 from the downstream side to the upstream side of the sample container storage unit 3 in a loop-shaped transport path to shorten the transport distance of the sample container 40. It may be configured. That is, it is on the downstream side of the sample container storage portion 3 (that is, the storage position 16) of the first transport path (main line 13a), and is a third transport path (delivery line 13d, a part of the overtaking line 13e, a loop line). A detour transport route for transporting the sample container 40 from the upstream side of 13 g) to the second transport path (return line 13b) may be provided. Then, by transporting the sample container 40 determined to circulate the loop-shaped transport path at the storage position 16 of the sample container storage unit 3 through this detour transport path, the sample container 40 to be stored can be stored in another sample container 40. Since it can be transported at a shorter distance than the sample container 40, the sample container 40 can be efficiently stored.

Further, in the present embodiment, the combination of each processing function unit constituting the sample test automation system is shown as an example, and various changes can be made depending on the scale and the operation method. For example, one sample test. The automation system may be configured to have a plurality of analyzers, or unnecessary processing units may be removed from the configuration.

1 Specimen loading unit 2 Specimen container holder storage unit 3 Specimen container storage unit 4 Centrifugal separation processing unit 5 Opening processing unit 6 Bar code pasting processing unit 7 Dispensing processing unit 8 Closing processing unit 9 Transporting unit 10 Transfer processing unit 11 Analysis Device 12 Control unit 12a Storage unit 12b Specific unit 12c Display unit 12d Operation unit 13 Specimen container transport device 13a Main line 13b Return line 13c Carry-in line 13d Carry-out line 13e Overtaking line 13f, 13g Loop line 13h Specimen container holder storage line 14 Pull-out mechanism 14a Tray 15 Identifier reading mechanism 16 Storage position 16a Stopper mechanism 16b, 17b, 18b, 20b RFID reader 16c Specimen holding mechanism 17a, 18a, 19a, 20a Stopper mechanism 20 Specimen container chuck mechanism 30 Specimen container holder 30a RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) )
40 Specimen container (parent sample container / child sample container)
40a Bar code 50 Specimen patrol mode setting screen 51, 52 Setting unit 53 OK button 54 Cancel button 100 Pretreatment device 130, 130a, 130b, 130c, 130d Specimen branching mechanism

Claims (5)

A pretreatment device that performs pretreatment to make the sample contained in the sample container ready for analysis,
An analyzer that performs analytical processing on a sample that has been pretreated by the pretreatment device,
A sample container transport device that transports the sample container in the pretreatment device and the analyzer,
A plurality of storage units arranged in at least one loop-shaped transport path formed as a transport path for transporting the sample container in the sample container transport device, and trays for storing the sample container are arranged respectively. and a specimen container chuck mechanism for storing and moving the sample container accommodating the object that has been transported to the storage position on the transport path in the housing portion associated with advance of said storage position from said plurality of receiving portions Specimen container storage and
When the tray of the storage unit associated with the sample container to be stored is full, or when the tray is not arranged in the storage unit, the sample container to be stored is on the transport path. A sample test automation system including a control unit that controls the sample container transport device so as to pass through a storage position. In the sample test automation system according to claim 1,
The sample container transport device is provided with a detour transport route for transporting the sample container from the downstream side to the upstream side of the sample container storage portion of the loop-shaped transport path to shorten the transport distance of the sample container. A featured sample test automation system. In the sample test automation system according to claim 1,
The sample container transport device is
A first transport path in which the sample container storage unit is arranged, a second transport path for transporting the sample container from the downstream side to the upstream side of the first transport path, and a downstream of the first transport path. A third transport path for transporting the sample container from the side to the upstream side of the second transport path, and a sample container for transporting the sample container from the downstream side of the second transport path to the upstream side of the first transport path. The loop-shaped transport path is formed with the fourth transport path to be formed.
A detour transport route for transporting the sample container from the downstream side of the sample container storage portion of the first transport path and upstream side of the third transport path to the second transport path is provided. A featured sample test automation system. In the sample test automation system according to claim 1,
An identifier reading device for reading an identifier attached in advance to the sample container is provided on the upstream side of the storage position on the transport path.
The control unit
Based on the reading result of the identifier reading device, a specific unit that identifies a storage unit previously associated with the sample container, and a specific unit.
A sample test automation system including a storage unit specified by the specific unit and a storage unit that stores the sample container in association with each other. In the sample test automation system according to claim 1,
When the tray of the storage unit associated with the sample container to be stored is full, or when the tray is not arranged in the storage unit, the control unit can store the sample container to be stored. It is characterized by including a switching unit for switching between controlling the sample container transport device so as to pass through the storage position on the transport path and controlling the sample container transport device so as to stop at the storage position. Specimen test automation system.

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