JPH0833400B2 - Sample operation device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial field of application] The present invention aims to optimize sample operation in a clinical test automation system that automatically performs a series of operations such as sample sorting, transportation, analysis, and storage. Regarding the sample operation device.

[Conventional technology]

In the conventional clinical laboratory automation system, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-52061
As described in the publication, a sorting machine classifies and stores samples in a sample storage rack for each analyzer according to the type of sample based on the information from the sample information reading device. Are automatically conveyed to each analyzer.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional technique, the next sample storage rack cannot be loaded until the inspection end signal from the analyzer is waited for, and when one sample is analyzed by several kinds of analyzers, the number of times Also has to carry the sample to the sample inlet and change the sorting information each time, which is very troublesome. In addition, there is a problem that the time from the end of the test from each analyzer to the arrival of the sample is wasted, which is not suitable for an emergency.

An object of the present invention is to shorten the operation time of a sample for a plurality of types of analyzers.

[Means for solving the problem]

The above object is to provide a main transport line for transporting a sample via a plurality of analysis means, a forward bypass transport line arranged along the main transport line for transporting the sample in a forward direction, and the forward bypass transport. A reverse bypass transport line that is arranged line-symmetrically with respect to the line and the main transport line and transports the sample in the opposite direction of the main transport line; and the main transport line and the forward bypass transport that are disposed between adjacent analysis means. First to transport the sample bidirectionally between lines
And a second side path that is disposed between adjacent analysis means and that bidirectionally transfers the sample between the main transfer line and the reverse bypass transfer line, the main transfer line, and the forward bypass. Conveyance line, specimen identification means arranged near the connection point between the reverse bypass conveyance line and the first side passage, and the second side passage to identify the passing specimen, and the input instruction and the specimen This is achieved by having control means for controlling the transport of the sample according to the identification information from the identification means.

The above-mentioned objects are: a main transport line for transporting a sample via a plurality of analysis means, a forward bypass transport line arranged along the main transport line for transporting the sample in the forward direction, and a main transport line In a sample operation device having a reverse bypass transfer line for transferring the sample in the reverse direction and a control means for controlling the transfer of the sample, the main transfer line and the forward bypass transfer arranged between adjacent analysis means. A first side path for bidirectionally transporting the sample between the lines, and a second side path disposed between adjacent analysis means for bidirectionally transporting the sample between the main transport line and the reverse bypass transport line. The side passage is disposed in the vicinity of a connection point between the main conveyance line, the forward bypass conveyance line, the reverse bypass conveyance line and the first side passage, and the second side passage, and passes therethrough. A sample identification means for identifying a body provided, is achieved by the means for controlling the conveyance of the specimen by the identification information from the input command and the specimen identification means provided on the control unit.

When sample information is input to the control means so that the sample supplied to a specific analysis means bypasses at least one analysis means and is supplied to another analysis means on the downstream side of the main transport line, The first bypass located at the closest position on the downstream side of the specific analysis means, the forward bypass transport line, the first bypass path located on the upstream side of the other analysis means. It is desirable that the control means be provided with means for performing detour control so as to be supplied to the other analysis means via the main transport line.

When the sample supplied to the specific analysis means is instructed to be re-analyzed by the specific analysis means, the sample is located downstream of the specific analysis means and in the vicinity of the second bypass, The control means is a means for performing circulation control so as to be supplied to the specific analysis means via a reverse bypass transport line, the second bypass located at the closest position upstream of the specific analysis means, and the main transport line. It is desirable to provide it.

[Action]

According to the above configuration, the subsequent sample, which is predetermined so as to be supplied to another analysis means different from the analysis means to which the sample previously mounted on the transfer line is supplied, is provided from the main transfer line to the first side. By transporting via the road, the forward bypass transport line, and the main transport line, the subsequent sample is transported without waiting until the analysis of the preceding sample is completed, and the waiting time of the sample is eliminated The operating time of can be shortened.

When a reanalysis of a sample is instructed, the sample is circulated from the main transport line via the second side path, the reverse bypass transport line, and the main transport line to re-analyze in a minimum time. By transporting to the means, the operation time of the sample as a whole can be shortened.

〔Example〕

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

FIG. 1 shows a flow of a clinical test automation system applied to the sample operating method of the present invention. In step 100, a sample is generated and its request is made, and the sample and the inspection request information are sent to the control device described later, and a file for each sample is created. Next, in step 101, after collecting and arranging the sample, the sample is introduced into the clinical test automation system in step 102. In step 103, the inspection request information is received by matching the information of each sample read by the identification signal reading unit with the sample information stored in the control device. Then, in step 104, it is determined whether the sample centrifugation and sample pretreatment are necessary,
If necessary, centrifugation and sample pretreatment are performed in step 105, and if not necessary, the process goes directly to step 106. step 1
At 06, the sample is automatically analyzed according to the test request information of each sample, and at step 107, the analysis result is printed, while it is communicated / stored in the file of each sample created in the control device. Further, in step 108, each analysis result is checked by the re-examination theory program stored in the control device, and the sample that needs to be re-examined is identified in step
It returns to 106 and is analyzed again. Samples that do not need to be retested are stored and stored in the sample storage unit in step 109,
A series of inspection is completed.

In the above-described clinical test automation system, the feature of the sample operation method of the present invention is that the sample analysis in step 106 is efficiently performed. That is, a program for optimizing the transportation order between the analyzers is incorporated into the control device, and the sample is transported according to the program.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of the automatic analyzer unit that realizes the function in step 106 of FIG. Automatic analyzer unit 10
Before and after 6A, a centrifuge / sample pretreatment unit 105A and a sample storage unit 109A are arranged, and a controller 2 is connected to the automatic analyzer unit 106A. The analyzers 9A to 9H are arranged inside the automatic analyzer unit 106A, and the analyzers 9A to 9H are continuously connected by the main transfer line 13. Further, in parallel to the main transport line 13 is provided a bypass transport line 14 in the forward direction and a bypass transport line 18 in the reverse direction (the flow from the centrifugal separation and sample pretreatment unit 105A to the sample storage unit 109A in the forward direction, Reverse flow is the opposite direction). Between the main transfer line 13 and the bypass transfer line 14, a bypass transfer line side path from the main transfer line 13 to the bypass transfer line 14
15 and a bypass transfer line side path 16 from the bypass transfer line 14 to the main transfer line 13 are provided. Further, between the main transfer line 13 and the bypass transfer line 18, a bypass transfer line side path 19 from the main transfer line 13 to the bypass transfer line 18 and a bypass transfer line side from the bypass transfer line 18 to the main transfer line 13 are provided. Road 20 is provided. In the figure, reference numeral 17 is a bypass conveyance line side path provided between the bypass conveyance lines 14.

The automatic analyzer unit 106A and the control device 2 correspond to the sample operating device of the present invention.

According to the above configuration, the centrifugation and sample pretreatment unit 105A
Or processed by centrifugation and sample pretreatment unit 10
The sample skipping 5A is introduced into the automatic analyzer 106A. Normally, unless otherwise instructed by the control device 2, the samples run on the main transport line 13 in the order of the analysis devices 9A → 9B ... → 9H. However, when there is a command from the control device 2 and the analyzer 9B is skipped in the forward direction, the bypass transport line bypass 15, the bypass transport line 14, the bypass transport line bypass 16 and the sample are transported. Further, when there is a re-inspection command from the control device 2 and the analyzer 9B exits and then returns to the analyzer 9B, the bypass transport line side path 19, the bypass transport line 18, the bypass transport line side path 20 and the sample are transported. .

FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram in which a portion surrounded by a broken line in FIG. 2 is enlarged. Hereinafter, an example of bypass operation of the sample will be described in detail with reference to FIG.

First, in the bypass operation in the forward direction, when the analyzer 9A → the analyzer 9C is taken as an example, the sample analyzed by the analyzer 9A is
According to a command from the control device 2, the sample operation checker 21a identifies it, and the flow of the transfer line is switched, so that the main transfer line 13
Take the bypass conveyance line side road 15 from there. The sample is identified by the sample operation checker 21b on the bypass transport line side path 15, the flow of the transport line is switched, and enters the bypass transport line 14. The sample on the bypass transfer line 14 is identified by the sample operation checker 21c, the flow of the transfer line is switched, and enters the bypass transfer line side path 16. Next, the sample is identified by the sample operation checker 21d, the flow of the transfer line is switched, enters the main transfer line 13, and is transferred to the analyzer 9C. In this way, the sample is analyzed by the analyzer 9B.
Can be skipped.

For bypass operation in the opposite direction, analyzer 9B → analyzer 9B
Taking the retest of as an example, the sample analyzed by the analyzer 9B is
Specimen operation checker by re-inspection command from control device 2
The flow of the transfer line is switched by being identified by 21e, and enters the bypass transfer line side path 19 from the main transfer line 13. The sample is identified by the sample operation checker 21f, the flow of the transfer line is switched, and enters the bypass transfer line 18 in the reverse direction from the bypass transfer line side path 19. Bypass transport line
The sample on 18 is identified by the sample operation checker 21g, the flow of the transfer line is switched, and enters the bypass transfer line side path 20 from the bypass transfer line 18. Next, the sample is
The flow of the transfer line is switched after being identified by the sample operation checker 21h, enters the main transfer line 13, and is transferred to the analyzer 9B. In this way, the sample can be returned from the analyzer 9B to the analyzer 9B.

In short, the present embodiment provides a bypass transport line between a plurality of types of analyzers arranged on the main transport line, and analyzes a series of analysis items sequentially by passing a sample through the plurality of types of analyzers. Compare the number of samples waiting for analysis of the device and the number of samples of each analyzer that should be analyzed preferentially by urgent designation with the processing capacity of each analyzer to minimize the analysis waiting time of each sample. It is to distribute each sample to the main transport line and the bypass transport line.

Further, in this embodiment, a bypass transport line is provided between a plurality of types of analyzers arranged on the main transport line, and when a series of analysis items are sequentially analyzed by passing a sample through the plurality of types of analyzers, each analysis is performed. The number of samples awaiting analysis of the device is compared with the processing capacity of each analyzer, and if there is an analyzer in which the number of samples waiting for analysis exceeds the processing capacity, the sample waiting for analysis is transferred to another device via the bypass transport line. That is, the sample is transported to an analyzer and analyzed by another analyzer before returning the sample to the analyzer that has not passed through.

In this embodiment, a bypass transport line is provided between a plurality of types of analyzers arranged on the main transport line, and when a series of analysis items are sequentially analyzed by passing a sample through the plurality of types of analyzers, each analysis is performed. When there is a sample designated as urgent for the device, the sample is preferentially transported to the analyzer corresponding to the urgency via the bypass transport line.

Further, in this embodiment, a bypass transport line is provided between a plurality of types of analyzers arranged on the main transport line, and a retest is performed when a series of analysis items are sequentially analyzed by passing a sample through the plurality of types of analyzers. Is instructed to re-transport the sample to the analyzer via the bypass transport line.

Moreover, in this embodiment, between a plurality of types of analyzers arranged on the main carrier line, a forward transport line and a reverse bypass transport line are provided, and a series of samples are passed through the plurality of types of analyzers. When sequentially analyzing the analysis items, compare the number of samples waiting for analysis of each analyzer and the number of samples of each analyzer that should be analyzed preferentially by urgent designation, and the processing capacity of each analyzer, That is, each sample is distributed to the main transport line, the forward bypass transport line, and the reverse bypass transport line so that the analysis waiting time of the sample is minimized.

Finally, in this embodiment, a plurality of types of analyzers are continuously arranged on the main carrier line, a bypass carrier line is provided in parallel with the main carrier line, and the main carrier is arranged before and after each analyzer. Bypass bypass line connecting the line and bypass transport line is provided, and data such as the number of samples waiting to be analyzed by each analyzer and the number of samples of each analyzer to be preferentially analyzed by urgent designation are acquired. ,
A controller that controls the switching of the main carrier line, the bypass carrier line, and the bypass carrier line side path by comparing the acquired data with the processing capacity of each of the analyzers to minimize the analysis waiting time of each sample. Is provided.

According to each of the above-mentioned embodiments, when the number of samples waiting to be analyzed by a certain analyzer exceeds the processing capacity of the analyzer, a part of the samples waiting for analysis on the main transport line in front of the analyzer is removed. It is transported to another analyzer via the bypass transport line side path and the bypass transport line. Then, after performing another analysis first by another analysis measure, the sample is again transported to the unanalyzed analyzer via the bypass transport line side path and the bypass transport line. The controller switches the main transport line for guiding the sample to the bypass transport line side path and the bypass transport line.

If there is an urgently designated sample, the sample is preferentially transported to the analyzer corresponding to the urgent designation via the bypass transport line side path and the bypass transport line, as in the above case.

By applying the above to all analyzers included in the automatic analyzer 106A, the information including the re-examination information (emergency designation, analysis order, waiting for analysis of each analyzer) is executed according to the instruction of the controller. Number of samples, processing capacity of each analyzer)
Thus, highly efficient sample transportation and inspection are automatically performed so as to minimize the analysis waiting time.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to transport a subsequent sample which is predetermined to be provided to another analysis means different from the analysis means to which the sample previously mounted on the transport line is provided. The effect of shortening the operation time of the sample as a whole can be obtained without interfering.

Further, when the reanalysis of the sample is instructed, the sample can be circulated and conveyed via the second bypass and the reverse bypass conveyance line so that the sample can be conveyed to the analysis means for reanalysis in a minimum time.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a clinical laboratory automation system to which the sample operating method of the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a functional configuration diagram of the sample operating apparatus of the present invention, and FIG. 3 shows a part in detail in FIG. FIG. 3 is a functional configuration diagram. 13 …… Main transport line, 14,18 …… Bypass transport line, 1
5,16,19,20 …… Bypass transport line side road, 21a-21h ……
Sample operation checker.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A main transport line for transporting a sample via a plurality of analysis means, and a forward bypass transport line arranged along the main transport line for transporting the sample in a forward direction.
A reverse bypass transport line which is arranged in line symmetry with respect to the forward bypass transport line and the main transport line and transports the sample in a direction opposite to the main transport line; and the main transport line which is disposed between adjacent analysis means. A first side path for bidirectionally transporting the sample between the forward bypass transport lines and a bidirectional transport of the sample between the main transport line and the reverse bypass transport line which are arranged between adjacent analysis means. The second bypass to be transported and the main transport line, the forward bypass transport line, the reverse bypass transport line is disposed near the connection point of the first bypass and the second bypass, and passes therethrough. And a control means for controlling the transport of the sample according to the input command and the identification information from the sample identification means. . 2. A main transport line for transporting a sample via a plurality of analysis means, and a forward bypass transport line arranged along the main transport line for transporting the sample in a forward direction.
In a sample operating device having a reverse bypass transport line for transporting the sample in a direction opposite to the main transport line and a control means for controlling the transport of the sample, the main transport line is arranged between adjacent analysis means. A first side path for bidirectionally transporting the sample between the forward bypass transport lines and a bidirectional transport of the sample between the main transport line and the reverse bypass transport line which are arranged between adjacent analysis means. The second bypass to be transported and the main transport line, the forward bypass transport line, the reverse bypass transport line is disposed near the connection point of the first bypass and the second bypass, and passes therethrough. And a means for controlling the transport of the sample according to the input command and the identification information from the sample identifying means, provided in the control means. Sample operation device. 3. Specimen information is input to the control means so that the specimen supplied to a specific analysis means bypasses at least one analysis means and is supplied to another analysis means on the downstream side of the main transport line. The first side path at a position close to the downstream side of the specific analysis means,
The forward bypass transport line, the first bypass located at the upstream side of the other analysis means, and the means for performing detour control so as to serve the other analysis means via the main transport line The sample operating device according to claim 1 or 2, which is provided in the means. 4. The second sample, which is located at the closest position downstream of the specific analysis unit, when the sample provided to the specific analysis unit is instructed to be re-analyzed by the specific analysis unit. Circulation control is performed so as to be supplied to the specific analysis means via the side path, the reverse bypass transfer line, the second bypass located at the closest position upstream of the specific analysis means, and the main transfer line. The sample operating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein means is provided in the control means.